Brielle pauses for a second, quickly catching me in her view. “Something like that. I’m getting ready for our little family week together after camp.”
“Did you see my new room?” He seems excited.
“I did. Perfect for my little prince.”
Connor groans. “Don’t say that.”
Brielle plants her hand on her hip. “Getting too big to be my little prince, huh?”
“I was already too big like two years ago.”
I laugh and rustle his hair. “Newsflash, kiddo, there is no age limit for your mom to call you whatever she wants.”
“Great.” He sounds unenthused.
“Where’s your Aunt Violet?” I haven’t seen her yet.
“Had to run to the office. She said she’ll take me to see a PG-13 movie tonight.”
Brielle gives me a pointed look.
I tightly smile. “I’m sure she meantafterchecking in with us.”
“Are you going to do drills today?”
“Yeah, I am. Remember I’m coach out there on the ice, not Dad.”
Connor bites into his granola bar and speaks with a full mouth. “I know. I mean, every kid here knows already, but fine, we can play along.”
Brielle laughs and checks Connor’s water bottle, her habit from ensuring he has every snack and packed lunch at the ready. “I’ll just be watching in the stands.”
“Nobody else’s family is watching.”
“That’s because nobody else here has a dad who runs this place.”
“Gah, fine. Just don’t embarrass me.”
I place my hand on Connor’s shoulder. “You’re truly a delight today. Remember to be kind to everyone, say thank you, be grateful, and never forget that your dad has the ability to take your game system away,” I remind him.
Connor’s face falls. “I know.”
“I promise I’ll stay quiet. You won’t even know I’m here,” Brielle proclaims as she squeezes Connor’s arm.
“Thanks. I should go back to the group.”
“Of course,” Brielle nods.
The moment Connor has his back turned, I skate closer to the wall so only Brielle can hear. “Breathe. He’s just being a kid.” Brielle does her best to keep her eyes wide open because I can tell she is about to break.
“He’s no longer a little boy. When did that happen? I feel like pre-teen hell is hitting us early,” she mumbles.
“Trust me, he will still have his moments where he needs you. It’ll also be better when he isn’t around other kids,” I promise.
I see my sister walking down the steps of the rink. She smiles, and I wave back. Nobody ever figures out we’re related. She’s petite with black hair and looks nothing like me.
“Hey, Violet,” I call out.
Brielle looks over her shoulder and turns to offer Violet a hug. “Hey.”
