“Back when Elijah and I broke up, someone told Elijah that you had asked his parents for money. Like, blackmail. Something about if they didn’t give you money, you were going to go public with some dirt on him that would ruin his career.”
“What?” I can practically feel the weight of the accusation settling on her shoulders. “Who are you even talking about because you know I’d never do that.”
Rubbing the back of my head, I stare forward. Surely, I can trust my mom. She wants what’s best for us. I just don’t know how everything got so tangled up, and as I unravel the truth, things only get more confusing.
“Sweetheart,” she says gently, “I would never do that. I don’t even have information about Elijah that I could use for blackmail if I wanted. I want nothing but for you guys to be happy. If he makes you happy, then that’s what I want.”
My throat constricts. I believe her. That only means one thing. Elijah’s parents lied, which means exactly what I thought, and they don’t like me. For some reason, they’re trying to keep us apart. I’ve always felt like they blamed me for Elijah not wanting to follow his dad’s footsteps into the family farming business,but that was never my encouragement. I will love Elijah, despite any job he has.
She reaches out and tucks a stray hair behind my ear, the way she used to when I was little. It’s a small gesture, but it unravels something knotted inside me. “Thanks, Mom,” I squeak out, unsure what to do now. I tuck another stem into the vase I’m working on and do my best to ease out of the silence. “So, Granite Ice has a game on Friday.”
She raises her eyebrows knowingly. “It’s the rematch, right?”
“Yeah. Elijah seems calm, but I’m anxious about it. Would you want to come with me for moral support?”
Her face lights up with surprise. “You want me to come to a hockey game?”
I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Well, yeah. I mean, you can watch Jackson too, since apparently we Roberts women like our hockey men.”
She laughs, stepping closer. “Of course, I’ll come. I’m sure we can sit with Kaci and Bella.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say more quietly than usual.
“Ah, sweetie.” She pulls me into a hug, one of those firm ones that says more than words. “You have nothing to stress over. You two are going to make it this time.”
“I think so too,” I whisper.
The bell over the door jingles, and we both turn back to the counter. Another customer, another bouquet, another ordinary moment. But beneath it all, I’m so blissfully happy, doing what is right for me.
twenty-two
Elijah
The country club hasn’t changed. I certainly didn’t miss anything. Same beige leather chairs paired with beige tables. Same hostess who treats my parents like they’re some sort of American royalty. My dad’s chest puffs up noticeably. It all makes sense why they come here so much.
The hostess leads us to our usual table near the back. Neither Mom nor Dad order anything. They just nod and confirm, “The usuals.”
I ask for water. Once the waiter is out of sight, Mom takes her napkin and dabs the corners of her mouth even though she hasn’t taken a bite. Then she looks at me with an angled glance. “You’ve been busy.”
“Always are this time of year,” Dad cuts in, steering the conversation to what I know is on his mind—my business. “Got a big game this week.”
I nod. “Yeah. Practice was hard. I can tell everyone’s already on edge.”
“Did I ever tell you one of the guys I play golf with used to help run Olympic training?”
“Ah, I don’t think you’ve mentioned it.” I stare forward; the Olympics feel far off. Plus, I barely made it to the AHL. All because of my lucky car accident. I’m not saying I haven’t earned my spot. I work as hard, if not harder, than any of the other guys, but luck also helped me get where I am. I look to my mom, waiting for her to bring up Koren. Not even a snootyso how’s your friend?
I won’t let them bully me into staying quiet about the best part of my life. I slide to the edge of my seat. “So, just so you know, I’m really happy.” I bounce my gaze from Mom to Dad. “Getting back together with Koren is the best thing I’ve done.”
Silence. Just long enough to be noticeable. My mom presses her lips into a tight smile, the kind someone makes when they see a dog pooping on their lawn.
“Well, that’s good.” She tips her head away from me. “As long as you’re focusing on hockey first. You don’t want any distractions hurting your career. That should always be your number one priority.”
I let it ride for a beat as I smooth my tongue over my teeth. Nothing about that sits right. I lean in slightly, my voice lower now. “So, I’m going to be blunt. Did either of you have anything to do with the lineup change?”
With perfect synchronization, they both blink.
“What?” Dad speaks first. “Why would we?”
