Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“That’s so cool. How is Nico?” I ask, speaking of the IceCats’ goalie. I always knew he had quirks, but I didn’t realize it was autism. I’m so proud of him and Angie for all the awesome things they’re doing for the autism community.
“He’s good. We had dinner with them last night. Angie and Aviva are becoming close, though he doesn’t talk to me much.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. The girls run the conversations.”
“Hm, weird. Anyway, tell them I’m thinking of them and I say hi.” I pull in behind my mom’s car and turn off mine.
“Sure.”
“Cool. Well, I’m home.”
“All right. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I hang up and grab my paperwork from the school. I don’t get out yet; I take a deep breath and stare at my childhood home. I’ve been living here for almost seven months, and I still get such anxiety going inside. I’m overly embarrassed by how things played out, that even though my parents welcomed me home with open arms, I hardly speak to my dad. He tells me over and over again that he isn’t disappointed, but he has to be. He was the proud parent of two first-round draft picks who went straight into the NHL, and while Owen is killing it, I couldn’t handle the life.
I’m starting to accept my decision and know it was the right one for me, but how could the person who gave me the gift of hockey do the same?
He can’t.
I know he can’t.
Shit, if I’m honest, I don’t think I can either.
It’s hard to love someone who is a failure.
three
Evan
I somehow make it to my room without seeing anyone. I think they’re out back. Just as I reach the room that I used to share with Owen, I get a text from my mom.
Mom: We’re out back. Come join us.
I make a face because I know the us is my mom, the newest golden child, Benny, the golden baby, Quinn, and my dad.
Pass.
Me: I’m gonna pack and then load up my car. I want to be at the house tonight since I have a meeting with the coaches for both teams tomorrow.
I had already told my mom my plans. And when I was given my assignments, I sent her the paperwork about it before I called Owen to tell him. I wait for her text, but I don’t know why. I know my mom. I’m actually an idiot for assuming she’d just say okay or even cool. Instead, within seconds, she’s in my doorway.
“I didn’t think you’d leave so quickly.”
I start to pack my bag. I haven’t unpacked any of my boxes from when I was in South Carolina playing for the IceCats. I figured if I didn’t go back to college, I’d get my own place. I actually considered moving to Canada to run away from my family’s disappointment. Mom got wind of it, and I’m pretty sure she hid my passport.
I still don’t know where it is.
“Yeah, I’ve got a meeting with the head of the Bullies’ house and Coach Moore. Then the gymnastics manager.”
She makes a face at that. I think my mom looks the same as she always has. I guess there are a few wrinkles around her eyes, but she’s still young-looking. Not old enough to have all adult children and be a grandma, that’s for sure. Her blazing green eyes are still sharp, and her wild auburn hair doesn’t have a lick of gray in it. Shelli says that’s because she stays on top of her hair coloring, but I don’t know. To me, my mom’s still the same woman who would bandage my boo-boos. Hell, she’s still bandaging my wounds.
They’re just mental boo-boos now.
“I wonder why with River Moore?” she says, and now I mirror her look.
Some say I’m the only male child who looks like my mom. I think I look like my twin Owen, and we look like my dad with the striking blue eyes and dark features. I do have my mom’s chin and nose, though. I guess it’s the mannerisms that I get from her, because sometimes I’ll make a face and even I’m reminded of my mom. “Why do you say that?”
“Well…” She pauses, that little grin playing on her lips. I know that look. It’s her general manager look. Shelli wears it proudly when she knows something no one else knows. “River is going to take over as head coach of the Assassins.”
I blink. “For real?”
“Yeah, he signed today. News hasn’t broken yet. But still, I’m confused. He’s supposed to start training camp with our boys this week, so I don’t know why he’s meeting with you when he knows this.” Well, that’s concerning. Then she adds, “Hell, they already have his replacement.”
I gawk at her. “You know everything, don’t you?”
She grins. “Sure do.”
“Who is it? Do I know him?”