Awe unconsciously melts my entire frame at the same time I creep closer. “You really think so?”
“Oh, Gillybee, I know so.” The corners of her lips curl completely upwards. “You’re the mom I could never be and the one he always hoped to have.”
Tears threaten to come to my eyes in spite of me directing them not to.
“Jus’ don’t lose you, tryin’ to raise him, alright?” The tiniest twitch of my brow causes her to lightly chortle. “I know ‘em both. Thayne makes people feel good in they own skin ‘cause he’s never been uncomfortable in his. He thinks hockey is his gift when it’s really jus’ his talent. Havin’ an ability to make everyone around you feel like it’s okay to be themselves is his true God given blessin’ that the world needs.” She lifts a pointed finger and gives me a small wag. “That you need.” As soon as it falls back to her bed, she adds, “Don’t give that up jus’ ‘cause you’re raisin’ a kid without a safety net now. Let him see the real person you are, not the perfect one you think you might gotta be ‘cause that’s what he really needs. Someone who makes himfeellike he can be him,” her head tips towards my sleeping boyfriend,“and someone whoshows himthat he can.”
A small wink is all that precedes her shutting her eyes, prompting me to resume my exit.
Downstairs in the empty, outdoor courtyard, I set myself up at one of the heated, covered patio tables and promptly get to work with sounds of the spy dramaNikitakeeping me company on my phone.
I focus most of my efforts on sending emails to my team at Victory Teeth regarding my prolonged absence and how to go about rescheduling.
Throughout the process, my brother repeatedly attempts to make contact that I ignore with a simple swipe.
He’s been calling since yesterday.
Texting.
Both, of course, are being ignored considering we have slightly more pressing matters than his hurt feelings about choosing to leave with my boyfriend instead of continuing to childishly fight with him.
Hennington has also called; however, she left a voicemail, I’ll check later.
You know.
When I’m not up to my molars in micromanaging duties due to having to disappear for an undisclosed amount of time.
I don’t care how long I need to here.
I will be.
The practice can continue to function.
I’m sure the others won’t mind a few more dollars in their accounts.
Family comes first.
It’s something Thayne and I agree on.
Thoughts of him and his needs prompt me to do a little research on the nearest rinks and renting out ice time and closest areas to buy new gear.
He’s eventually going to need the outlet.
I wanna be prepared to help provide it.
That’s what a Slayer does.
That’s what makes us more than just stick riders.
Vibrations against the table, pull my attention over to see another text from my brother.
M: PLEASE PICK UP THE PHONE.
I prepare to swipe it away when a second pops up.
M: I KNOW YOU’RE AWAKE.
Of course he knows.
