She blushed. “Sorry, Mom. Just remembering I forgot to get butter at the grocery store.”
“Oh, I thought it might have been thoughts of the new man you’re seeing. The one who thought it appropriate to verbally assault Henry Weathers.”
Marlie froze. “What?”
Mona smirked. “Don’t even try pulling a fast one over on me, missy. I know all about the giant hunk making eyes at my baby girl.”
“Who told?”
“Ah-ha! I knew it.”
Should have denied everything. “He’s in town visiting his parents. We met for lunch. He’s helping the guys out with the hockey game.”
“Oh? And his name might be…? Fill in the blank, honey.”
“Damon Sinclair,” she bit out. “But you knew that.”
“Of course I did. I know everything.”
Marlie snorted.
Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“And what’s this about your brother ‘cock-blocking’ your new man? Are you that close already, considering you just met him?”
“I knew Steve would narc.” Just wait until she got ahold of her mouthy twin.
Her mother’s smug expression warned her to be wary. “I’ll be going to the game tomorrow with your father. We’ll check him out for you.”
“I’ll save you the time. Damon is a younger son. His sister’s in the Marine Corps. His dad and mom live in town. Damon lives in Portland.” I think. “He’s a professional hockey player and a nice guy.” Mostly. “He just looks mean.”
“Jeff said he rescued kittens.”
“You’ve got your hooks into my best friend too?”
“Honey, I’ve had my hooks in that boy since he was seven.”
Marlie grudgingly admitted, “He thinks you’re great.”
“I am great.”
“That ego. Must be where I get my confidence.”
“Exactly.” Her mom grinned. “Now tell me more about Damon.”
“What’s to tell? He’s the goalie for the Portland Ice Raptors.”
“Age?”
“Um, I’m not sure.”
“Single?”
“Yes. He’s here healing a busted knee. He’s not staying. He’s going back to Portland after Christmas.”
“But his family is here.”
