She blinked quickly, like she was fighting off more emotions, before laying her head on my shoulder. “Thank you, JP.” She sighed. “My whole summer is going to suck because of this.” She gestured to her casted arm. “Can’t believe I’m actually looking forward to the school year now. Great.”
I sat there in silence, racking my brain to come up with an idea, any idea, of how to help her. “I wish I could make it all better for you,” I whispered.
She remained silent.
“Ali?” I whispered.
Her brow wrinkled, but it was clear she fell asleep.
Looking around the store, I knew I needed to finish up a few more things before closing, but there was no way I was moving. Not when she was finally getting some good sleep. I was almost afraid of breathing too hard and moving her head.
Laying my head back against the old wood-paneled wall, I couldn’t help but wish I wasn’t leaving for junior hockey at the end of the summer. Because who would be looking out for her? What if she needed help? Would she go back to Mark?
The door chimed with someone entering. “Hey, Jamie, let’s finish up—”
“Shh.” I cut off my dad.
When my dad’s eyes drifted over Ali laying on my shoulder fast asleep, he nodded and quietly laid his gardening gloves on the counter.
“She’s a nice girl,” he whispered. “You don’t have to be nervous to bring her around. She’s welcome here whenever she wants to come back.”
I blinked in shock at his words. “You’re not mad I skipped practice?”
His brow furrowed as he shook his head. “I mean, you made a commitment to your teammates, so you really shouldn’t let them down. But it’s a game, Jamie. You’re allowed to quit if you want. Is there something you want to tell me?”
I quickly shook my head. “No, today was just…” My gaze went down to Ali’s pretty hair as I searched for the right word. “Today was different.”
He gave a slight nod. “Good. That’s good,” he said, surprising me again. “What’s that face for?” he asked with a quiet chuckle.
I smirked. “Never thought you’d be okay with me skipping practice for a girl.”
“So, itwasfor her.” He gave me a small ah-ha smile. “Relationships are important. I know we haven’t really talked much about that kinda thing.” He rubbed his forehead, looking like he was struggling to find the right words. “Relationships are important,” he repeated again.
“Oh, we’re not…”
He waved his hand in front of his face, shooing off my words. “You know what I mean. You’ll have to bring her back around after Thanksgiving so she can see the whole place lit up.”
He was right. Ali would love this place in all its Christmas glory. We spent a pretty hefty budget on lights and decor to stand out as the premier Christmas tree farm in metro-Detroit. But I didn’t have the heart to tell my dad I’d probablybe missing both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year depending on my hockey schedule.
My dad turned to leave, but his words planted an idea in my mind. Just because I’d be missing it didn’t mean Ali had to…
“Wait, dad,” I whispered urgently.
He paused by the door.
“I’m leaving in the fall.”
He shifted his weight. “Well, you want to, don’t ya?”
“You’ll need someone to help out around here,” I pushed on. “You still offer co-op positions with the public high school?” My eyes dipped to Ali. “She could use… I mean…” I shook my head, not knowing how to phrase this. “If she wants… I just… I won’t be able to look out for her,” I finally said. “And school for her, it’s…” I cut myself off. I didn’t want to share her business, but I hoped he could piece together what I was saying.
A line formed between his brows. “If that’s what she wants, she’s hired. You can train her this summer if she wants.”
My body flooded with relief. “Okay, I’ll ask her.” I dropped my head against the wall and released a deep breath. “Thanks, Dad.”
“But if you’re working together this summer, no messing around.” He wagged his finger at me. “I mean it. Don’t hurt her or…” His mouth flattened in distaste.
“Or…?” I asked, taken aback.
