Oh, man.
I have no earthly clue how to interpret that statement, but my heart skips anyway.
So their mom is still in their life, but things are strained.
I mean, he has the kids here for fall, which must mean he has primary custody?
Not that I know much about how all that works. But I can’t pass up this opportunity to find out more.
I draw my legs up under me and face her like we’re two besties at a slumber party.
“What’s your mom like, anyway? Apart from the boyfriends, I mean.”
Her face screws up as she thinks, but she doesn’t tense up, which makes me think the question isn’t awful. Hopefully, talking about her mom isn’t a sore spot.
“Dad says she’s not very down-to-earth, and I guess he’s right,” she says eventually. “He needs somebody more grounded.”
Oof.
Let’s steer this conversation away from our dating potential.
“When did they split?”
“Last year. But it wasn’t great for a long time before that.”
“Are you okay? Do you need to talk to someone about it?”
“We did that for a while.” She shakes her head and her glasses slide down her nose. “Actually, it’s better now that we don’t. It’s starting to feel normal again.”
“How do you mean?”
“When Mom and Dad were married, they’d get mad at each other a lot and fight. But now when they talk to each other, they’re just nicer.” She twirls a strand of hair around her fingers.“I can live with that and so can Dan. And I think he’s happier since he left the company too.”
So much to unpack there.
“Company? What company?”
“Uhhh, yeah.” She wrinkles her nose as she thinks and it’s adorable. “I think it was called Opti-something or other. Studios.”
Okay.
I make a mental note to Google it later.
“But I don’t think he ever liked it,” she confides. “He used to come home all grumpy.”
“Huh. Can’t imaginethatwhen he’s a big shiny cinnamon roll.” I only mean it half-sarcastically.
And I can’t help smiling as I think about the Kane I’ve gotten to know.
When he forgets to be all up his own ass and relaxes, he can be fun. Chill. Smiley even.
The rest of the time?
Pure beast.
Her large eyes shine behind her glasses. “He wasn’t as grumpy when he played hockey, though.”
Oh yeah, how could I forget?
