It’s how I took to football. I loved it. Sure, I wasn’t the same player I was toward the end of my career, but at his age? I loved playing with my friends.
“Maybe I can train him on the sly if she doesn’t let him.”
I swallow around the sudden lump in my throat. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but I appreciate it.”
“It’s why I’m here.” Ace stands. “I’m going to go grab some lunch. You want anything?”
“From the cafeteria? I’ll pass.” I laugh.
“That’s a good thing then, because we brought lunch.”
I turn toward Sutton’s voice. “Hey. What are you doing here?”
“I had the day off, and since the kids aren’t in school today, I figured we could bring you something to eat.”
“This is a nice surprise.”
“Hi, Daddy. Hi, Ace.” Troy comes in and drops a colorful piece of paper on my desk. “Look what I made you.”
“This is awesome, buddy.” What look like a few sticks are on top of another set of sticks on a blue blob. “Are we ice skating?”
“Yes.” There’s a duh tone in his voice. Not the first time I’ve heard it, and it certainly won’t be the last. “That’s Ace helping us and Lydia is scoring a goal.”
“Because I’m really good,” Lydia tells me.
“I look really good,” Ace says, peering over my shoulder and looking at what is a long, thin blob. I don’t know if it’s him or not, but it’s the right reaction for Troy.
“I gave you a whistle too because coaches have whistles.”
“Thanks, Troy.” Ace grabs it and the tape dispenser from my desk. “We’ll hang it up here so we can see it every day.”
“Cool.”
Thank youI mouth to him before he waves his exit.
“I hope you have time for a quick picnic?” Sutton asks. A purple blanket with unicorns all over it is draped over her arm.
“For you three? Anything.” I give her a quick peck.
“Do you two want to spread out the blanket?” Sutton asks the kids.
“Yes.” They take the blanket and haphazardly spread it across the floor.
“This is mine from home,” Lydia tells me. “I love unicorns.”
“Maybe we could get you a unicorn on your hockey helmet.”
Her eyes sparkle at my words. “Can I?”
“Why not? I think we can make that happen,” Sutton tells her.
“That’ll be the coolest helmet ever!” Troy agrees.
Sutton sets the bag down between them and they start pulling food out.
“Who would have thought just a few weeks ago that you’d be helping Lydia pick out a hockey helmet?”
“Yeah, yeah.” She swats at my chest before taking a seat. “You were right.”
