The fist around my heart loosens as soon as I walk out of the double doors and see them.
Joey is buzzing like he’d just consumed a pound of sugar, with Eddie standing close behind him, wrapped in a jacket, still looking a little pale but smiling.For an instant, I worry that I dragged her out of the house too soon after being sick, but I shake that concern away when she gives methatlook, as if she could read my mind.Maybe she shouldn’t be out in the cold, but I am damn happy she’s here and celebrating with me.
After being embarrassed by my friends, I reluctantly leave to speak to some media outlets.I feel like I’ve been stuck in that overly bright room for hours when they finally let me go.Looking at my phone, I see it’s only been twenty minutes.Still, a long time to wait.
Hey,I say on a breath of relief when I spot them right where I left them.Thanks for waiting.That went longer than I meant it to.
Joey answers for her.No problem.We couldn’t leave without telling you how awesome you were tonight.Even Mom said so.Eddie groans at her son ratting her out.
I grin.It was a team effort.But I was pretty awesome tonight.
You were amazing,she says, and the sincerity in her voice makes something inside me go hot and stupid.
Thank you.I clear my throat.Do you guys…want to maybe grab something to eat?Nothing fancy.Just—there’s a diner down the street that I go to all the time, so we’ll be able to sit in relative quiet and privacy.
Something had shifted in Eddie’s demeanour earlier.She’d been more affectionate with me, leaning into my touch and sending teasing smiles my way.Even having witnessed that, I’m still surprised when she doesn’t hesitate and agrees.
Joey is equally shocked, staring at his mom for a long second before fist pumping the air.Eddie’s breath hitches.She opens her mouth—only to be interrupted by Joey.
I could go for a pizza,Joey says out of nowhere but surprising no one.Do they have pizza?
You bet they do,I tell him.
Eddie freezes, eyes widening, as a cough rips through her chest.Her knees buckle as she tries to catch her breath.
I step forward without thinking, worry making my grip on her arm a little tighter than I intended.Whoa!Easy.I hold her until her cough has subsided.When she tips her head up, I see the pain in her eyes.Yeah, okay.Maybe tonight isn’t a good idea.The cold air is irritating your lungs.
I’m fine,she insists, though she’s clearly anything but.Let’s go.I’m sure that was—Her coughing fit starts again.
Even Joey is looking at her with concern.
Mom,Joey whispers.Are you getting sick again?
No,she says automatically, even as she sways.I just…I’m sorry.I’m not—She puts a hand to her temple.I’m all of a sudden not feeling great.
If I hadn’t been watching her intently, I would have missed it.That flash of disappointment at what she’s admitting.She was looking forward to going out with me.That makes the decision even easier for me.
We can take a rain check.Or…snow check.Or whatever weather metaphor works.I’m not going anywhere.We can do dinner when you’re back to a hundred percent.
She lets out a breath that’s half relief, half regret.I think that’s best.I’m so sorry.
I wave her words away.It’s no problem.You don’t go back to work tomorrow, do you?
No.I go back to work in two days, and I need to be in fighting form to deal with patients.
Joey slumps from the corner of my eye.I can feel his disappointment but know he understands about his mom.It’s just that he feels he’s missing out.
I tap his shoulder.How about this.Next game you come to, we’ll head to the diner afterwards, and I’ll invite some of my teammates.If they’re good, I’ll even invite Dawes and Warren.I know they’d love to spend time with one of their biggest fans.Plus, I know for a fact that Dawes is a pizza fiend too.You guys can bond over cheese.How does that sound?
His eyes nearly shoot out of his head.Yes.Definitely.Let’s do that.
Okay.It’s a deal.I hold out my hand to shake his.We shake for a second, then when we let go, I watch him do a secret fist shake by his side in celebration.I lift my eyes to Eddie and notice her staring at me.A mix of emotions, all wrapped together.
I’m sorry,she says softly.I didn’t mean to—
Eddie,I say, straightening,you don’t owe me an apology.Her lips part.I get it,I add.Tonight was…a lot.I’m just thrilled you came.You’re still recovering, and I’m happy to reschedule.You just can’t say no next time I ask you out.
She wants to laugh; I can see the desire, but her energy is fading fast.She nods, but the tension doesn’t leave her shoulders.
