With a pleased smile on her face, she leans over and bumps her shoulder against mine. “I’ll be okay. I’m applying at some local gyms. I coached beginner girls all through high school to pay for my fees and I enjoyed it.”
“I can picture that. Coach Hannah. I like it.”
“Maybe. I’m not sure yet if there’s anything open or that they’ll want someone with my limited availability.”
“They will. The kids would be so lucky to have you.”
“Thanks.”
Laughter on the ice draws our attention. Shep’s the last one not to be caught and all the others are chasing after him. He’s the fastest guy on the team, but D-Low and Nick corner him to end the game.
Wren skates over to us, slumping against the wall and breathing hard. “Can we bake cookies tonight?”
“Yeah, of course,” Hannah says.
“Sugar cookies with cream cheese icing and lots of sprinkles?” Her eyes widen with excitement that makes her seem younger than eighteen. “Ooh, and maybe ginger snaps?”
“Both, definitely. We can grab the supplies on our way to the house.”
“Yes!” Wren beams.
“We should probably get going.” Hannah drops my hand and stands.
“I’m glad you stopped by,” I tell them. “Have fun tonight.”
“You aren’t going to be there?” Wren cocks one hand on her hip. “Cancel your plans, big bro. It’s my last night in town and we have three moreTwilightmovies to watch.”
A rough chuckle escapes me.
“Wren,” Hannah admonishes her but can’t stop herself from laughing either.
“No. No. She’s right. I’ll be there.” I didn’t really have other plans, but I thought they might want a night to themselves.
“We’re going to stop by the store and then pick up dinner. What time are you done?”
“Soon. I won’t be far behind you, but, uh, I was planning to go to the grocery store on my way so I can pick up whatever you need. Text me a list. And dinner’s on me. It’s my little sister’s last night. What are you feeling, Wren?”
Hannah looks at me like a person who is well aware of my motives but can’t deny her sister.
“Pizza. And breadsticks. Ooh, and garlic sauce!”
“Done. I’ll meet you guys at home.”
My phone rings as I’m parking in front of the grocery store. This time when the unknown number flashes on the screen I know exactly who it is, and I have zero interest in answering. Especially today when everything is perfect. If I don’t speak to my parents for the rest of my life, I’ll be okay with that. It’s not what I would have chosen, but I know it’s what’s for the best.
You don’t get to choose your parents or the family you’re born into, but if yours sucks, then you can make a better one. And that’s what I’ve done. My teammates, my friends, Hannah. Wren now too. They’re worth so much more than anything my parents tried to give me. Including the inheritance. I’d trade a lot of things for ten million dollars. Like parents who gave a shit about me. Taking that money feels like giving them a pass somehow or erasing all the hurt they caused.
My thoughts swirl as the phone keeps ringing. It’s just money. That’s what I told Hannah. And it’s true. But that’s because I’ve never had to worry about it. I hit ignore on the phone and then dial another number. It goes to voice mail, and I wait for the beep.
“Hey, Wade. It’s Travis. I’m calling about the inheritance money. I know what I want to do with it.”
28
HANNAH
When I wake up, Wren and Travis are talking quietly. The three of us fell asleep on the couches last night after eating our weight in sugar cookies and watching the lastTwilightmovie.
I’m in that sleepy state, warm and cozy and too lazy to open my eyes just yet.
