“It doesn’t bother you that she can’t do shit on a whim? That sometimes she will have to cancel last minute because he’s having a bad day? You won’t get pissed off because she has to stay home on a Friday night instead of going to your game or to a party?”
I shake my head. “I’m not like Kyle. That shit doesn’t bother me. Don’t get me wrong, I would love for her to see me play, to celebrate a win with her next to me, but if she can’t, then she can’t. It’s that simple. Besides, there will always be more games. If she can’t go to this one, maybe she can the next. Either way, it will all work out.”
His eyes narrow. “Are you sure you won’t get pissed when she isn’t in the stands? When she isn’t being the perfect girlfriend?”
“Will, I haven’t had anyone in the stands ever. My parents are dead. My girlfriend not being there isn’t going to bother me,” I point out, making him wince.
“Shit, sorry. I didn’t even think about how that would sound. I’m sorry you lost your parents.”
“It’s okay. I’m serious, though. If Lyla can’t show up to something, that’s fine. It’s not going to hurt my feelings at all. I’ll know why, and that is all that matters.”
Will relaxes into his chair and nods. “Okay then. We’re good.”
“Good,” I say, fighting back a smile.
Looks like I passed the test.
“When is your first game?” he asks.
“Next Thursday.”
Will nods. “She will be there.”
My heart races at the thought of her being in the stands. She would be there for me. Not for Jason, Calvin, or anyone else. Me.
Just me.
“I’d like that, but if something comes up, I’ll understand.”
Will shakes his head. “She will be there. I’ll make sure of it.”
The sound of the door opening has us turning toward it.
Lyla peeks her head outside. “Is everything okay out here? You two looked pretty serious.”
“We’re good,” Will says.
Lyla’s eyes dart to me.
“We’re good. Promise,” I tell her.
She nods slowly. “Good. Well, if you two are done doing whatever the hell you two were just doing, how about you come inside and help me make dinner?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say as I stand.
“Kiss ass,” Will mutters only loud enough for me to hear as he stands, making me laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Lyla asks.
“Nothing,” Will and I say in unison.
As we head inside, peace runs through me.
This. This is what I want. I want more days and nights like this with Lyla. I don’t care if her dad and brother are with us. I just want this time with her. It’s her and hockey. That’s it.
ten
With my hand in his, we step into the café.
