“Wait, does this mean you technically hooked up with Tyler’s cousin?” Family coaching family happens sometimes in the pros.
She quirks her lips out for a thought. “Second cousin. But yeah. Small world. Back to you… again. You have an opportunity that literally is a few feet away from your front door.” She brushes past her own situation that she clearly does not want to discuss.
I snort a laugh. “Nah. We don’t do well with conversation, and to be honest, his entire demeanor causes me to believe he is probably an asshole when it involves sex too. The quickie then kick her out of bed kind of guy. That’s not my style.” My mind can’t even envision any other way he might be in bed.
Gracie tilts her head side to side as she considers my thought process. “Fine. I will let it go… for today.”
Shaking my head, I smile to myself because her pursuit is humorous. “Anyhow, I need to start shopping for Santa. Enzo wrote his list the day after Halloween. The usual, cars, hockey stuff, and a few books to my surprise. I love this season.” It always brightens my mood. “But there is one thing I hate.”
Gracie and I look at one another. “Gift wrapping,” we say in unison then giggle.
She glances at her watch and quickly takes her last sip of coffee before she stands. “I have to go. I have family dinner later and helping my parents drag out holidaydecorations from the garage. I will just supervise that.” Her family celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas and have a talent for taking Chrismukkah to a whole new level.
“No problem.” I also stand and throw my scarf on. “I need to head to the grocery store before I pick up Enzo from school.”
“Be sure to get extra soup for your neighbor.” She winks at me while she buttons her coat.
“Why would I do that?” I play along.
Sliding her purse strap over her shoulder, she gives me a strange look. “Oh, I thought you already knew.”
“Knew what?”
“Tyler is out for the next game. In last night’s game, he got a nasty blow when a player skated into him.”
I shrug. “And? He plays hockey. It happens. My brother gets hit all the time.” Doesn’t make it any easier. You’re always scared that it will be a serious one.
“True. But he full-on had to leave the game after a hit to the face. He won’t be playing the next game.”
Her news piques my interest, and a flare of concern erupts in a corner somewhere inside of me. “Oh? That doesn’t sound great.”
Gracie reaches out for a hug. “Yeah, looked painful. Anyhow, have fun. Give the kiddo a hug for me.”
Squeezing her tight, I promise I will.
For the most part, I didn’t think about what Gracie said because I was in full-on mom mode when I left the café. It was grocery store, school pick-up, drop books off at the library, and unloading groceries.
Finally at home, I’m scavenging through the last bag when I remember that I left the new bottle of laundry detergent in the hallway because I could only carry so much inside at once.
I gently jog to the front door and open it to pick up the bottle. But as I’m mid-squat, I notice Tyler is returning home. He’s walking down the hallway in his coat and with stubble on his face, looking a little the worse for wear. Yet still, the wave of dark hair across his forehead frames his dark eyes.
It slightly startles me. “Shit. Are you okay?” Instantly, I see the bruise on the side of his face.
“Lainey, I’m not in the mood for your spats.” He sounds completely deflated.
“I-I…” Slowly I straighten to standing, but my feet don’t want to move. “Really. Truthfully. Are you okay?” All hostility aside, I’m genuinely concerned.
He peers down. “Fine. It will be fine. Just need ice.”
“Yeah, ice. I guess you’ve done this a few times.” My eyes slide back to my open door because looking straight at him might have me entranced.
“Something like that.” He rubs the back of his neck.
Our eyes catch for a second, and a heaviness floats between us.
“I should let you be then,” I say gently.
“Yeah.” He is barely audible.
