That gets a laugh out of everyone.
“I did notice. It’s adorable.” Everyone agrees. “Jacob actually offered to dog sit tonight. I gave in only on the condition he didn’t feed her treats for the entire evening. It’s a problem.”
“Where’s Damon, Mom?” Lily asks.
“He decided that after everything that’s happened lately, he would travel with the team to their first pre-season game. Not because he doesn’t trust Coach. He wanted to be available just in case. I’m fairly certain he just wanted to watch his new team play their first game, but I didn’t call him on it.” Her smile is full of affection and humor. Lexi snort laughs.
“I totally would have called him on it, because, of course, he had to go to the first game. Have you met my dad?” We all chuckle because no one is the least bit surprised.
“I’m more interested in what’s up with you and Captain Hottie?” Lexi asks, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Inquiring minds need all of the deets.”
My face is suddenly on fire. Not so subtle with my attraction. Or maybe he’s not so subtle?
“I’m not sure where we’re at right now. It’s complicated.” I’m hesitant to define any aspect of our relationship at this point.
“I’m so impressed with what he did for the rookies. At least someone got to punch that jackass Karl Bell. I wish it could have been me. Most of the women in our office refuse to work with him. He’s such a creeper.” Lily sighs.
Wow, did not expect that.
“Yes, he’s been a problem for our team for quite a few years. Honestly, after everything Liam’s gone through with this team, I’m surprised this is was thefirsttime he hit him. I wouldn’t have blamed him for doing it years ago.“ Joslyn shakes her head with a sad smile. “This team was so toxic and it’s been a challenge for Damon to get the ringleaders off the team. Karl was the last of them. Liam’s done a terrific job as captain, despite his past with Karl. We were lucky to keep him, honestly. Seems I’ve discovered the reason he wanted to say.”
“Oh yeah. Captain Hottie’s got it bad!” Lexi giggles, wiggling her eyebrows in my direction.
“What? No, he doesn’t. I mean we only recently started dating.” I say, flustered by the things I’m learning about my guy. Why wasn’t I aware of this? Sure, I knew the team used to be terrible, but now I’m thinking there was so much more to it.
“Yeah, but you’ve known him since high school so...” Lexi pauses.
“He’s clearly one of the good ones.” Lily adds, giving me a piercing glance.
“Ladies, give her a break. You can’t crack all of her secrets in the very first dinner. We’re allowed to keep some things to ourselves.” Joslyn attempts to take the spotlight off me. I give her a grateful smile.
“It’s okay. We’re actually going through a rough patch right now. I don’t even know where we’re at. I hate it.” I confess. Whyis it so scary to trust new friends with parts of yourself? I decide to do it anyway since I’m in desperate need of sound advice.
“Do we need to kick Captain Hottie’s ass across the parking lot?” Lexi narrows her eyes, as if she’s ready to punch poor Liam right now.
“I’m actually starting to suspect I’m the one who screwed up.”
Joslyn gives my arm a comforting pat.
“I’ve always found with a disagreement that both parties have work to do on the relationship. At least with one’s that matter. No one has a relationship in a vacuum.” She tells me, but I’m not so sure.
Relating the challenges in my relationship with my brother proves to be easier than I anticipated. Lily also has a brother who plays hockey, and it’s comforting to have a friend who understands my situation. Discussions regarding my parents’ deaths are much more difficult, and I still have unresolved feelings that I need to deal with, but now isn’t the time, so I get through the explanations as quickly as possible.
They give me their full, undivided attention, and that show of respect tells me more than anything that I’ve chosen to confide in the right people. My heart swells at the possibility of real and lasting friendship with these wonderful women.
As a result, I tell them more than I intended about Liam and our relationship, including the events that led up to our confrontation. It makes me wince, guilt overwhelming me, as I recount every horrible thing I said to him.
“I have no idea of where to go from here. My pride tells me not to pursue him, but yet I can’t help but feel I should be the one to apologize first.” My face heats as I grimace at my shameful behavior.
There’s a few minutes of silence, and the fear of their judgment ramps my anxiety up to insane levels.
“Thank you for sharing your life with us, Madison.” Taking my hand in hers, Joslyn gives it a squeeze, and the warmth of their acceptance is like a benediction. “Please believe that we would never take your trust for granted. I’m so sorry about your parents. I can’t imagine how hard that was for you.”
The compassion in her voice nearly breaks me. Jesus, I would have given anything for my mom to show up for me like this. The hollow sensation in my chest tells me that even if they’d lived, it never would have happened. I fight back the tears, because if I let go now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop.
Joslyn, noticing my struggles, moved the topic away from my parents and back to my relationship issues.
“The first question you need to ask yourself is what do you want? Do you want a real, lasting relationship with Liam? Are you ready for that given your recent split with Kenji? Where are you at, sweetie? And how can we support you?”
