Page 45 of Hot Puck
“You did it today. You came here and told us what you knew.”
“I wish I’d done something sooner.”
“Hindsight is always clearer but don’t discount doing what you did. Those girls won’t be back at camp, and I can assure you, we will definitely do something about Mrs. Bertram.”
“If they need anything else, anything at all, please, call me. I’m not sure Chase would have if it wasn’t for the girls’ friendship with Melody.”
“No. I doubt he would have. He’s determined to take care of what’s left of his family.”
“If anyone can do it, it’s Chase. That boy has more determination and courage than most adults.”
“I think we just agreed he’s an adult. One his parents would be extremely proud of.”
“They were proud of him. They bragged about his dedication to hockey and school all the time.” Deanne smiles the first genuine one I’ve seen since I opened the door to her.
“Thanks again for coming over.”
“Oh, don’t thank me. As I said, I should have done something about what I was hearing sooner.”
“Better late than never.”
“I guess.” She frowns. “Can you keep me up to date on what’s happening with camp? I’ve told Melody she isn’t going the rest of the week and depending on what happens, I’ll probably pull her out altogether.”
“Might be for the best.”
“Yes.” She takes a step before saying, “It was nice to meet you even if it’s under these horrible circumstances.”
“Same. And if you’re ever heading to Baton Rouge, shoot me an email and I’ll have tickets to a Rogues’ home game for you.”
“I would love to take you up on that.”
“Be sure you do. And I’ll have Chase let you know what he decides to do about camp.”
I emphasize who the person in control of this situation is because those around Chase need to understand he’s the adult in this family.
With a wave Deanne leaves, and I ponder how involved I’ve become with the Hawkins family.
I know I offered to be the second adult guardian for the girls, but we haven’t discussed it since the night I mentioned it.
Chase needs help, and they all need the security of another adult, but if he signs with the Rogues and they move to Baton Rouge, they’ll have multiple adults available to lend a hand, to support them in whatever way they need.
If he doesn’t mention getting married, I won’t bring it up. Not that I can do anything about it if he does. Johnathon is still dragging his feet, being a prick.
Time to put the screws on that man. I want him gone and I need him to know I’m serious about severing our connection.
Pushing open the door, I head inside. The arguing coming from the kitchen has my pace increasing.
“Say yes so we can move!”
“We hate it here!”
The tearful shouts from the twins echo off the walls and when I reach the kitchen, I glance between the siblings.
It’s two on one. The girls on one side of the island, Chase on the other, the pizza boxes open and spread out in front of them.
They’re in some sort of standoff and while I can guess what kind from their words, I want clarification.
“What’s going on in here?”
