Yep. That shatters the moment. Silas snorts into his glass of water before slipping the phone out of my hand and turning it away from me to study the screen.
“Are you still with Hannah, or did you go to the rink with Thorn? I can’t tell where you are,” he says.
“At the rink. Can I hit the ice for a little while? My pivots still need work if I’m going to go pro in a few years.”
Were either of us this sure of ourselves when we were nine? I know I wasn’t.
Silas huffs a laugh while rubbing at the spot between his brows then shakes his head. “You’re nine, Aubrey.”
“I know. I need to go ahead and make a name for myself. Prove girls can rule the ice, too.”
My eyes water at the sheer conviction in her tone. Silas owes me the full story of what’s going on, because this girl deservesthe world and more. Unless that woman is doing jail time for something, she’s going to meet my fist. Or at least an open palm. Maybe some hair pulling? Something. I’ll figure out what later.
Silas must note the murderous intent in my eyes and decides it’s best to keep it away from Aubrey, because he pulls the phone further away from me.
“You can skate if the team isn’t practicing. You know I don’t like you on the ice when pucks are flying.”
A male voice drifts through the speaker, and I recognize Thorn Cason’s deep timber. “It’s just speed drills, Harrison.”
Silas rolls his eyes, which causes another giggle from the little one. “Pads and helmet. Have Thorn double-check your laces,” he warns.
“Ugh. You’re so overprotective.”
“I’ve got her, man. We all do.” At Thorn’s confirmation, Silas finally exhales, some of the tension releasing from his shoulders.
“We’ll be there after we finish up here. Love you, kiddo.”
“Love you, Bubba. Love you, Kate.”
When he ends the call, he settles back into his seat, hands clasped in his lap. “Are you okay to hang out for a little while? How’s your pain level?”
“It’s fine,” I start then laugh at the look forming on his face. “Honestly, I’m good. I’d love to watch her skate for a bit if it doesn’t mess up your plans.”
“You mean sitting on the couch while Aubrey paints my nails or tries to braid my hair again?”
“Is it wrong I’m imagining that now?”
“Yes, yes, it is.”
“Might be sexy.”
“Might be embarrassing,” he shoots back, cheeks going pink.
“Awe. I bet if she asked, you’d let her and wear it to the rink.”
He nods while stacking all of our trash and dishes on top of each other. “I would. She’s got me wrapped around her finger,and she knows it.” His voice softens, almost proud. “She’s been begging to join the local youth team, but it’s hard getting her to practices and games during our season. The guys help keep her involved when we’re home.”
Pressing to my feet and grabbing my crutches, I start for the door. “Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s go watch our girl out skate some pros.”
Chapter 12
Silas
Some people find peace near the ocean, in the woods, or on a mountain. For me, it’s the smell of the ice, the sound of blades slashing across a fresh rink, and the sight of my teammates horsing around like brothers. The only difference from a normal practice, aside from not heading to the locker room to gear up, is that instead of the usual punk rock blasting through the speakers, the Disney playlist Aubrey has been obsessed with lately filters through the sound system.
Oakley fails miserably at concealing her laughter, but the real treat is realizing half the O-line is twirling and dancing at the direction of my nine-year-old sister. Aubrey is in the middle of them, purple helmet slightly crooked, cheeks pink, ponytail swinging as she yells at the guys around her. She giggles and dances along as she critiques each man’s form.
The music cuts off, and everyone—my sister included—sprints for the other end of the rink.
