“Hah, you got my humor, that’s for sure.”
I smile, continuing to finish up the dishes, and when I don’t say anything again, she continues.
“I know you’re a big bad adult, and don’t want your mom’s advice, but since it’s involving Rae and she’s like a daughter tome, I feel like I can say something to you as my son. You both need to talk to each other, and make it known how you feel.”
I nod, knowing she’s right.
“And also know that whatever happens I love you both and always will. Don’t let the outside noise affect you because I’ve seen what it can do. Those of you in the relationship come first, remember that.”
I nod. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Any time. You know you can always come to me.”
I smile. “I know.”
She pulls me down to kiss my cheek. “Thanks for doing the dishes. I’ll make your brother do them next time.”
I know she means that, and she leaves me to finish cleaning up, which I don’t mind. I’m thinking about the next time I see Rae that we do need to talk. I don’t know when that’s going to be since my schedule is so busy. But I’m weirdly comforted knowing she has Asher here if she needs anything.
As odd as that seems, and the small fear I have that she only wants him, I know she’s happy and safe and that’s what matters.
CHAPTER 25
Rae
I’m once again at one of Grayson’s hockey games, wearing his jersey. It feels different this time, knowing what’s transpired between us. But at the same time, I still feel so scrambled in my mind; I don’t know if it’s helping or hurting. Especially because I feel the eyes on me. Which isn’t unusual, but something about it feels different right now. I don’t know if it’s the name and number on my back, or just the general unease I’ve been feeling lately.
After that box was left, I tried to push it from my mind, but I can’t. It doesn’t matter how many times my security assures me that everything is fine. I don’t feel fine. But I’m trying to be.
I asked Asher if he wanted to come to the game with me. Audrey and Charlie are coming, but he said he didn’t want to. He didn’t give me a reason, but with the way he acts every time hockey is mentioned I think he has some deep rooted hatred for the sport. Or the people that play it.
The friends and family suite is packed today because almost everyone is here, except Evie who’s down working with the team. Neither is Easton or Steele because they have their own stuff going on.
I sit next to Maya and offer to share my nachos, which she takes happily.
“How’re you doing?” I ask her.
“Busy. It’s nice to be watching other people doing the skating for a little bit.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” I tell her, shoving another cheese-coated chip into my mouth.
“I think my dads wanted me to skate before I could even walk,” she jokes. “Evie had it worse playing hockey. I think that’s why she quit.”
“I can only imagine having three dads trying to coach would be a lot.”
Maya nods. “Oh yeah, it is. Having three dads is just a lot in general.”
“Right, that’s why you both are single, I’m sure.”
She scoffs. “Yeah, partly. I don’t know about my sister other than that one high school boyfriend she had when our dad, Matt, started sharpening knives in front of the poor guy.”
“I remember that.” I recall Evie telling me the story when she wassopissed at her dad. “Evie didn’t talk to Matt for like a month.”
We both laugh. “Yeah, something like that.”
I don’t bring up my brother. Maya has had a crush on him for a while, but Steele’s never given her the time of day and she’s said she just wants to move on. I can’t help but think she doesn’treallywant to. Personally, I think my brother is a bit of an ass, but that’s probably because he’s my oldest brother and I had to grow up with him.
“Hey girls.” My mom drops down in the seat next to me with a wide smile. “What’re we talking about?”
