Briggs skates around me like a shark until he brakes. We both helped earlier with the kids, but now it’s our time to run a few drills. Nothing too strenuous.
“Do you think Vaughn will retire or trade next season?” my friend asks as he bounces the puck on his stick.
I swivel my skates back and forth as we talk in place. “Does it matter? He isn’t that bad of a guy, and we might need him if we want a chance at the cup. We won’t know until end of next season. He’s still signed with Tampa.”
“Easy for you to say. You get along with the guy, and it isn’t your position that they would trade.”
“I can be off the team. It might be for the best,” I admit.
He glances up, taken aback that I said that. “What’s up with you?”
I hold my stick out to circle my wrists. “I’m just saying maybe getting away from Lake Spark would be good for me, for Hadley too.” A bit of fresh perspective, change of scene, no parents around us.
Briggs laughs. “Nah, you two are complete family people, plus your uncle would be pissed if his team loses their star defender.”
I give him an unimpressed look. “It’s not always up to him.” I’m kind of offended he said that. He’s always had my back while I proved my abilities.
“Sorry, man, just being honest with you. Ready for the bachelor party?” He grins.
He wasn’t joking, it’s happening. In two weeks. I have no clue what the hell is up, and I’m kind of scared. Never underestimate Briggs, or my dad. My entire life my dad has attempted to be relatable and cool due to having me young. I can only imagine that he’ll put in the extra effort to hang with the boys.
My head falls and my nose squinches as I debate if I can figure out any hints. “I’m fucking terrified.”
“Also cool if the father of the bride comes? Spencer sent me a text that he wasn’t sure he should be there.”
That doesn’t really surprise me considering what’s gone down. “It’s totally fine.” I mean it too. Hadley loves him, and although they haven’t spoken much lately, I believe they will be okay. His intentions have always been pure. “All is good,” I confirm again.
He touches my shoulder as we skate to the rink exit. “I fucking love ya, man, which is why I can tease you that your mom is here with your juice box.”
I laugh to myself and smile at my mom who is, in fact, standing by the rink holding up a bottle of water, indicating that she has brought me a drink so we can talk.
“Playdate’s over, buddy,” I reply in good jest.
“Good. I’m going to hit the spa at the Dizzy Duck Inn for a massage. That new masseuse they have is magical with her hands and her mouth.”
“I didn’t just hear that, Briggs Chase.” My mom smiles sweetly, and I have to chuckle.
Briggs gives her his signature grin. “Sorry, Brielle, you know I’m just trying to find a woman of your caliber, but the pickings are slim here.” He’s just purposely annoying me now, because yeah, I’ve heard the guys mention how they think my mom is hot, which causes me to cringe.
“Such a charmer as always, Briggsy,” she replies with her arms crossed.
He brings a hand to his heart. “I save it all for you in another life where Ford doesn’t exist.”
“Fuck off,” I tell him.
He and my mom both laugh because annoying me is a pastime they enjoy.
Shaking my head, I get busy on my skates, taking them off, then head toward my mother to sit with her.
“I was visiting your dad in his office and saw my firstborn, so had to stop to say hello.” Her voice is breezy.
I lean in and pretend to scan the room. “It’s okay, you can say I’m your favorite son.”
She feigns an unimpressed scowl. “Funny. Seriously, I feel like we haven’t touched base much lately, and I know when you get married that your wife becomes number one, just don’t forget about me.”
“Couldn’t if I tried,” I assure her. “And sorry, I’ve just been tied up in a few things.”
My mom touches my shoulder with affection. “Everything okay? I thought everything is going fine. I mean, I’ve never seen you so happy. Marriage suits you.”
