“Yeah, but I wanna be able to sometimes too.”
“You will when you’re done with college. You’ll be playing professionally after that. You can take us out to dinner then.” Mom smiles.
When I’m finally able to make decent money on my own playing professional hockey, I’m going to treat them all the time. I’m going to buy them new cars and take care of all their bills. I don’t want them to have to worry about money anymore.
She turns to my dad. “Don’t put up such a fuss when Blake pays for us. Be grateful that our son isn’t a leech sucking us dry,” she jokes. My dad cracks a smile.
I chuckle, despite the uneasy feeling gnawing in my stomach. I wonder what my parents would think if they knew how I really earn my money—from the brand deals that I get through my secret account.
They’re good people to the core. They’re not judgmental. They don’t care how people live their lives as long as they’re kind and don’t hurt others.
But I bet they’d be at least a little upset if they knew their son was making money by posting half-naked photos and videos online.
I clear my throat and try not to think about that. What they don’t know won’t hurt them. It’s not like I’m ever going to tell about it. And I’m going to use the money for good—to pay off their house once I save enough.
The server drops off my card. I thank her and sign the receipt.
“I’ll give you money for what I ordered,” Briar says to me.
I look at her and shake my head. “Nope.”
“Blake, come on. You don’t need to pay for me when you’re already paying for your parents.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” I wink at her. Her cheeks flush that pretty shade of pink as she fights a smile.
We slide out of the booth and walk out of the diner to the parking lot. We stop at my parents’ car and tell them goodnight.
“Let Blake treat you to dinner, okay?” my mom says as she hugs Briar. “I can tell it makes him happy.”
Briar flashes a small smile. “Okay. I just want to pay for stuff too sometimes. He’s already doing so much by letting me stay with him while I find a new apartment.”
“Oh, I’m sure Blake doesn’t mind at all that you’re staying with him.” Her smile turns hopeful as she looks between Briar and me. I try not to laugh at how obvious she’s being.
Ever since Briar and I have known each other, my mom has always made comments about us getting together. I always told her that we’re just friends, nothing more. But I could tell that she wished we’d date.
Mom pulls Briar into another hug.
“Easy, Mom,” I say.
Briar just laughs and hugs her back. “It’s okay. Your mom gives the best hugs. I’ve missed it.”
Mom finally lets her go. “I can’t help it. I’m surrounded by testosterone with you and your dad around all the time. I’m just happy to have another woman to hang out with.”
Briar and I laugh.
“You need directions to the hotel?” I ask my dad as they climb into the car.
“Nope, we’re all good. We’re staying at the same place we stayed at last time.”
“Call me if you need anything,” I say.
“We’re good, honey. We’ll see you tomorrow at your house for brunch. Love you.”
“Love you, buddy.”
“Love you, Mom and Dad.”
I close the car door and wave as they drive off. Briar looks up at me, a warm smile on her face. “Your parents are so sweet.”
