Page 42 of Hot Puck
With another nod, she says, “Let’s sort out today’s problem before we make more for us to work on.”
I know what she says is smart. One step at a time is the way I’ve been doing things since Dad was killed. Except now that I’ve made the decision to enter the NHL, I want to make everything needed for that to happen a priority.
Only I can’t.
I still haven’t talked to my sisters about the Rogues’ offer, and we have to deal with what happened at camp. And I definitely want to follow through on my threat to report Mrs. Bertram to whoever runs the camp.
Trailing after Natalie, my mind is a whirl of all the things I need to do, all the decisions I need to make.
It’s overwhelming but also exciting.
This could be—no, itis—the start of our new lives. It might not be what any of us predicted but with Natalie there with us, I think we can find a way to rise from the ashes of our parents’ deaths.
Nat
I listen as Cassidy tells us about everything the girls have been dealing with at summer camp with barely contained rage.
Nobody has ignited the level of hate I feel right now since before my grandfather died. I’ve never wished ill of anyone other than him either.
But with every word I hear, I want to hunt down Mrs. Bertram and run her over like Chase suggested.
The woman has no place being in charge of so many young minds. Her ideas are antiquated and damaging and when I think about the hormonal teenagers in her care, I can’t imagine the harm she’s done over the years.
Who in their right mind suggests no one talk to two girls whose parents have just died?
I’m on the verge of calling the police when the doorbell rings. I push to my feet. “That will be dinner.”
I need a few minutes to get myself under control. I don’t want either of the girls thinking my anger is aimed at them. They don’t need to deal with my emotions when they’ve got plenty of their own.
The Hawkins siblings continue to talk as I walk away. I know I can’t be involved in everything even if I want to be. I’ve put my hand up to help Chase with his sisters but who am I really?
A woman with a plan to put their brother on the ice for the benefit of her team.
That’s what me being here boils down to.
Except I’d be lying if I said I’m not invested in this family beyond my role as the Rogues’ GM.
I’m going to have to tread carefully for all our sakes. The Hawkins family have suffered enough. I’d hate to add to their situation in a negative way.
My marriage of convenience suggestion might be sound, but is it the best way to give the girls the stability Chase is looking for?
Can we do it another way?
Can I adopt Candace? The twins?
I’d be a single mother, but their brother would be their primary carer. I’d be their…what? What would that make me?
In the eyes of the law I’d be their mother, their guardian. Would Chase remain a guardian too?
I’m so stuck in my thoughts it takes me a minute to realize the person on the doorstep doesn’t have our dinner.
“Hello.” I force a smile. “Can I help you?”
“Yes. I’m Deanne. Melody’s mom.”
The woman’s words shed no light on why she’s standing at the door.
“Mel goes to school with the twins. I was friends with Sienna.”
