It’s nice to meet you, Joey.Are you really ready to leave?
He looks stunned, as if I’m talking gibberish.It takes him a moment to realize the original reason he came to find his mom.
I mean, yeah.The volunteer portion is over and it’s just a free skate now.Everyone was saying you were leaving after the speech.
That was true.I don’t usually stick around for the free skate, which also includes some drill runs.But today, I could make an exception.It would be nice to get on the ice and burn off some of this energy.It would just be a bonus if it meant I got to spend more time with Eddie and get to know her son.
What position do you play?
I, uh, I’m right wing,he says reverently, like speaking too loudly might spook me.
That so?I grin.You wanna run a few drills with me?I was thinking of sticking around a bit longer.
His face fully transforms.It goes from excited to over the freaking moon.His smile is so wide I fear it may split his face.Holy shit.Yes!
Eddie sputters, trying to look serious but failing spectacularly at her son’s reaction.Joey!Language,she chuckles.
Yes!he shouts again, head bobbing up and down.
Another laugh bursts out of me at his enthusiasm.Cool.Let me grab my skates, and I’ll meet you out on the ice.Tell some friends.
Joey is already halfway down the tunnel, yelling,Oh shit!Oh shit!Guys!You’re never gonna believe this.
A hand on my arm has me turning toward Eddie.
You don’t have to do this,she tells me with a sweet face.
I want to,comes out of my mouth before I even have time to think about a response.And the funny thing is, I do.I haven’t gotten on the ice just to mess around in a long time.I love what I do, and all ice time is good ice time, but that’s mostly in a professional capacity.Today is all about fun.I do,I tell her earnestly.I’ve got no other plans today, and this will be fun.
Eddie and I are just on the cusp of a budding friendship, so I don’t invade her space like I want to.Instead, I extend my hand and give her upper arm a quick squeeze, letting her know silently that everything is okay.
I wish I could lean in and hug her, touch her in some way just to feel that connection again, but I know that will come in time.I want to explore the feelings Eddie was brings out in me, but now isn’t the time.There’s a lot we both have to think about and come to terms with.
See you in a bit,I say.
Then I head toward the ice, following Joey’s excited chatter.
And for the first time in a long time, something in my chest feels light.Electric almost.
Dangerously alive.
CHAPTER SIX
EDDIE
I’ve watched this scenario hundreds of times.
Joey and his teammates being led out for warm-ups, all limbs and laughter, helmets bopping and skates slashing across the ice.Basically, pure chaos on blades.
It’s a scene I love to watch because I know my kid is out there, having fun.Living his best life.Today is hitting differently.I wasn’t prepared for the sight that comes next.
Sidney gracefully glides around the rink, laughing with my son.When he’s on the ice, he just looks so at peace.Like he was made to glide on frozen water.
This isn’t the hospital version of him with messy hair and panic in his eyes.It isn’t the charity-event version in a team jacket, standing a bit too stiff and uncomfortable.This version of Sidney is electric.With his helmet off, gloves on, and confident smile, he is a masterpiece to behold.
When I think of him from this moment forward—because let’s face it, I will be—I’ll think of this version of him.Strong and happy and carefree.Beautiful beyond anything I’ve ever seen.
Graceful isn’t even the right word.The manmoveswith ease, with purpose, with the kind of natural fluidity that makes professional athletes look almost unreal up close.
