Page 106 of Cold As Ice

“Madison,” Harper said as I reached their table again. “This might seem a little strange, and you can totally say no, but we’re heading to a bar after we get done here, and we wondered if you’d like to join us. I feel just awful for what I said earlier, but figured I could apologize properly with a cocktail or two.”

“I… I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. Maybe another time?” She gave me a warm smile. Genuine and full of hope.

“I have a friend at LU, actually,” I said. “I’m due to visit her soon. Maybe next time I do, we can meet up.”

“Oh, that would be great. Here, take my number.” She grabbed a napkin and wrote it down. “Mason, my boyfriend, has a kid brother. Well, Scottie is thirteen, but he has autism, so things can get pretty intense. I volunteer with his group and help out with Mason’s inclusive hockey program at the center over in Rushton.”

“That’s so cool.”

“It doesn’t compare to being a full-time parent, but I love kids, and I know how hard it can be…” She trailed off, the air turning thick between us. “Sorry, I’m overstepping again.”

“Not at all. You’re right. Being a single mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But one of the most rewarding, too.” I smiled, a strange mix of pride and melancholy swirling inside my chest. “Kayleigh is about to bring around the sweet tasters. I’ll collect your feedback sheets as soon as you’re done.”

I went to walk away, but Harper stopped me in my tracks.

“My number.” She held it out for me to take, and I took it, offering her a polite nod.

“Thanks.”

I walked away, wishing I could make use of it and call her.

Harper seemed like the kind of girl I could hang out with. But her boyfriend played hockey with Austin. And that was reason enough for me to drop it in the trash out back.

No good would come from me befriending her, which was unfortunate because I liked Harper. I did.

And something told me we could be good friends.

CHAPTER19

AUSTIN

“You’re quiet,”Rory said as we pulled into our old neighborhood.

“Don’t have much to say.”

“Austin…”

“Just leave it, yeah, Sis.” I turned off the engine to Connor’s truck, whipped off my ball cap, and ran a hand through my hair.

“Six hours, and you’ve barely spoken a word.”

“You slept for half of it,” I pointed out.

We’d left early to get a head start. I wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible.

The season had started but the team had a bye week this weekend, so I’d reluctantly agreed to come with Rory to Syracuse.

I already regretted it.

I’d vowed never to step foot in this place again after I left for college. But I owed it to my sister. And for some unknown reason, she still held onto the hope that our sorry excuse for a mother could somehow be redeemed.

“Austin…”

“Look, I don’t know what you want me to say. I’m here. I came. Isn’t that enough?”

“You didn’t have to come,” she said. “Not if it’s going to cause you so much discomfort.”

---