He puts his hand on top of mine, smiling right back. “We shall see.”
24
MAVERICK
As soon as I turn away with my mom, that asshole Corey Hayes moves in on Dove. My teeth clench, and as much as I love my mother, I’m ready to excuse myself and go over there.
But I can’t do that. Now that I’m so far away in Los Angeles, times like these are so important to my mom. I have to trust Dove can handle that guy on her own—even if my insides are tight and churning and all I can think about is going over there andescortinghim out.
“I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished in LA…” Mom is continuing what she was saying when we started to dance.
I’m embarrassed to tell her I wasn’t listening, so I do my best to pick up the thread. “Thanks.”
“I wasn’t as happy about all the sneaking around.” She tilts her head looking up at me. “It hurt my feelings a little. We were always so close when you were growing up. You were my cooking buddy, my partner in spice.”
My lips press into a smile, and I give her a little squeeze. “I still am. Just ask Haddy and Gina. I make spicy dishes for them all the time. We’re continuing the family tradition, just a little farther away.”
“Too far.” Her lip pokes out, and in the past when she’d start with this it made my stomach twist. It made me angry.
Now, I’m actually feeling the distance in Los Angeles. I am far away from the things I care about, and I wonder if there’s anything I can do about it.
“You know some people define parenting success by how close their children live to them,” she continues.
“That doesn’t seem like a fair gauge. What if their children are in the military or become missionaries?”
“You are neither of those things.” Her tone is pouty.
“It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom.” I give her a little squeeze. “I’m just a great hockey player.”
“Cocky, just like your dad.” She grins, giving my side a pinch. “I still don’t have any grandkids.”
“Do you want grandkids when I’m not even married?”
“That’s another thing they listed… how much you like your child’s spouse.”
“Which I don’t have.” I tug on her arm. “Where is all of this coming from? You’re acting like you’re eighty years old. We’ve got plenty of time for all those things.”
She inhales deeply. “I know you’re a star, Maverick. But life is short. I want you to be with someone who loves you as much as I do.”
“I appreciate that, and I love you for it. Now stop worrying. It’ll happen when it’s time.”
“I want grandkids before I’m too old and frail to enjoy them.”
The song ends, and I step back, giving her a good once-over. “I think it’s safe to say you’ve got plenty of time for that. We both do.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dove storm away, and I give my mother one more hug. “I’ve got to get back to my date.”
“Take your time,” she calls after me. “You can even call it a night if you want. Dove is someone I likeverymuch.”
Shaking my head, I wave her away before heading in the direction I saw Dove go. I like her very much as well, and I don’t like seeing her upset.
We’re down the hill in the open field behind the house, but she was headed into the trees. I’m pretty sure it’s in the direction she dragged me all those years ago.
I jog lightly up the path, wishing I wasn’t wearing expensive leather shoes that slip on the soil. I’m also in dress pants and a blazer, not exactly hill-climbing attire.
Still, I make my way further into the orchard until I get to the spot where I’m pretty sure her grandfather’s spirit lives. It’s an older tree, thick and slightly twisted. I’ve never asked her why it looks so different from the others.
“It was caught in a tornado.” Her soft voice comes from just ahead, and she steps into the path, walking down to where I’m standing.
