Page 31 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

I tried not to overthink it. We’re friends. Roommates… That do things like that together.

“Tonight, he’s taking Alex and I to a new art gallery exhibit by a local street artist. I think the gallery is at the Chicago Truborn, which Alex has been begging me to take him to so he can check it out. I haven’t told him yet.”

“Ugh,andhe’s great with your kid? Auden Claire, what have you gotten yourself into?”

“Nothing. We’re roommates, Eli. Simple. Lots of people enjoy casual things without strings. That’s it.”

He rolls his eyes, giving me a look that says he doesn’t believe a word coming out of my mouth, but he doesn’t push any farther.

That’s all this can be. Roommates with benefits. I need Asher to be my roommate, and I need to protect, not just my own heart, but Alex’s. I brush my hair out of my face and run my fingers through the curls I just finished curling.

"Listen, the second we get home, we have to have dinner together. I have to meet this guy, and I miss you and Alex.”

“Sounds good. I’ve got to run anyway; I need to find something to wear and make sure Alex is ready to go. Talk soon?”

“You know it, babe. Love you always.”

I blow him a kiss. “Always.”

We end the call, and I go back to figuring out an outfit for tonight when my phone rings again.

My mother’s name flashes across the screen, and my stomach immediately tightens. The same feeling of dread that always overtakes me when I think of her or my father. Why would she possibly be calling? We haven’t spoken since our last disaster of a conversation.

Shakily, I answer the call, “Hello?”

“Auden.”

“Hi, Mama.” I exhale, trying to keep calm, but my hand seems to tremble even harder when I do. I hate that just a phone call from her has so much power over me, both mentally and physically. “H-how are you?”

“Fine. I’m calling because I discussed things with your daddy, and he’s not comfortable with you inviting strange men into your home, Auden, it makes you look promiscuous. You need to figure out another way other than having a complete stranger live with you.”

I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep breath. My fist clenches at my side, my nails making a half-moon cut into my palm as I tightly squeeze it. I don’t want to listen to this. I don’t want to hear about all the things I’m doing wrong and failing as a mother. I asked for help and they wouldn’t dare help; yet, they’re telling me how to live my life and judging every decision I make which they aren’t even present for.

“I’ve got the situation handled, Mama, but thank you both for your concern.”

“Aud-” she starts, but I clear my throat. “I’m sorry, Mama, I have to run. Alex is home from school. Have a good night.”

I press end before I can overthink it, hanging up on my mother for the first time in my life. While it feels…liberating, I also feel guilty.

The same guilt that eats away at me every time I come up short as their daughter.

I hated that I was always a disappointment to them. I wish things could have been different, and Alex could know his grandparents, without there being this giant wedge in our relationship.

“Mom?” Alex’s voice comes from the hallway.

Abandoning my phone, and the thought of my parents, I walk into the kitchen and find him at the kitchen table, eating a peanut and butter jelly sandwich.

“Hey kiddo, how was school today?”

He looks down at his sandwich, avoiding my question.

“Hey, what happened?” I take the seat next to him.

For a moment, he stares at the table, not meeting my eyes, but then he looks up and exhales shakily.

“It was a bad day, Mom.”

My brow furrows, “What happened, baby? Tell me.”

---