Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
I’ve been busy with camp and Mazzy has been putting in the time needed to get to know my kid. She took her clothes shopping the day we arrived, and they apparently had way too much fun because they came in loaded with bags and bags of stuff that Bowie Jane insisted was necessary. I then had to suffer through a fashion show as Mazzy helped her dress in a variety of outfits and then provided runway commentary as my daughter strutted a makeshift catwalk through the living room.
Sadly, texts to Sandra to show her outfits and get her advice went unanswered. That night I shot her a blistering text telling her to get the chip off her shoulder and act like a mom. She didn’t respond.
Bowie Jane started school and seems to be settling in fine. She’s always been a good student with a thirst for learning. When she’s in school, sometimes Mazzy will leave the house for the day and I have no clue where she goes or what she does with her time. I suspect she might be over at her parents’ or maybe even hanging out with friends. Or perhaps she has a boyfriend. I haven’t asked that question nor am I going to. None of my business.
Sometimes she stays at the house though. Although I’ve asked her not to, she maintains the household. She organized my pantry and cleaned out the fridge one day. She insisted on taking over the grocery shopping since she’ll mostly be the one cooking for Bowie Jane.
Of the time we have spent around each other, we’ve developed an easy friendship. I know I’m her employer and that she’s working for me to care for my child, but it’s hard to be formal around a woman such as Mazzy. She’s a stickler for the rules and can be stern with Bowie Jane, as well as me when needed, but those times are rare. She’s mostly always laughing with a funny joke or quip on the tip of her tongue, and I appreciate it so much because it’s been nice to hear my child laugh as much as she has over the last several days. Lord knows her mother has not given her much reason to, offering little but a cold shoulder.
Sandra can deny it until she’s blue in the face, but I know she thinks Bowie Jane said something to the judge that caused him to rule in my favor.
While I have not asked Bowie Jane what she talked to the judge about, because I believe that to be sacred and private, she volunteered it to me. Even though she’s only ten years old, she’s not stupid. She knows her mom assumes she said something bad and is punishing her by lack of contact.
Night before last, Bowie Jane and I were watching a movie on the couch and she sort of blurted it all out to me.
“Daddy… I think Mom is mad at me for what I said to the judge, but I didn’t say anything bad about her. I swear.”
I want to be reassuring but I also want the blame for this to lie with Sandra. “What you and the judge talked about is private and nobody’s business. Your mom will get over it.”
“I don’t think she will. She hardly ever calls. And every time she does, Chet is always there. Such a stupid name. Chet.”
Chuckling, I put my arm around her and drew her in tight. “Chet is a completely stupid name,” I say, a tiny white lie. I don’t think it’s a stupid name, but she needs somebody on her side right now.
Luckily, Bowie Jane hasn’t been too low into the doldrums and that’s probably credited to Mazzy who is so completely engaged with my kid when they’re together. I know she feels seen, cared for and secure. The proof is in the fact that my daughter is sleeping in Mazzy’s arms, as if she doesn’t have a care in the world.
“How about we get this rug rat to bed,” I say to Mazzy as I reach to take Bowie Jane from her lap. She settles easily in my arms and rests her head against my shoulder.
Mazzy rises from the couch and Kiera stands with her. The two women hug and Mazzy says, “It was lovely to meet you.”
“It was great meeting you too. We’ll get together soon.”
Mazzy follows me out of the family lounge and we walk side by side toward the players’ garage. “Kiera’s great. Did you get to meet any of the other hockey wives or girlfriends?”
“No, but Brienne Norcross came in and introduced herself. I was so nervous but she’s really nice.”
“She’s a pretty regular person like you and me. Just has billions of dollars.”
“Yes,” Mazzy drawls sarcastically. “We are equal peers.” She then seems to consider something before adding, “But gosh, she was so genuine. Told me that she would have me and Bowie Jane up to the owner’s box soon.”