“That’s bullshit.”
I laughed. “We’re used to it. Life revolved around Keaton when he was the rising hockey star of our town. My mom was just as obsessed with his career. I’m pretty sure Liberty’s first steps were actually on the ice.”
“They did realize they had other kids, right?”
“It was the Keaton show. We were just the supporting cast.” I linked my arm through his. “Why I’m so close to Liberty. I made sure she knew there was life beyond the rink. She’s a helluva goalie though.”
“And you?”
“I’m chaos on the ice. Small and fast.” I led him around the edge of our family property. As the sounds of the party faded, I realized how much I preferred my quiet life with Dutch and Mouse. “I never loved the endless games and travel. Hockey season is legit the longest season of any sport.”
“Phoebe!”
I turned at the sound of my mom’s voice. She waved us in. “Looks like it’s time to eat.”
We crossed the wide field of grass to where everyone was already seated at the picnic tables. We managed to sit between Lance and Liberty and got a bite of antipasto. Lance gave me a rueful smile as he passed over the burned hotdogs on cold buns.
My brothers and his friends had demolished all the catered food as usual.
Dutch seemed to be able to make conversation with everyone except my mother. She couldn’t pull herself away from the hockey guys. I was pretty sure she was trying to convince them to do a few hockey camps with the youth team.
Like usual, I ended up on the cleaning crew. Dutch jumped in to help without complaint. Pretty soon we had the leftoverswrapped up, not that there was much to speak of. My brothers, Liberty, and Keaton’s friends ended up transitioning into a poker night as the sun set.
Dutch and I were finishing up in the kitchen when my mother finally came in.
“Oh, there you two are. I thought you left.”
“Nope. Been here all night.” I scrubbed the counter a little more forcefully than needed.
“Don’t be difficult Phoebe. We’ve got a lot of guests.” She leaned against the kitchen island. “We haven’t gotten to talk much, Dutch. Are you settling into Haven?”
“Yes. I’m fascinated with the lake’s lore. It’s been great inspiration for the book I’m working on.”
“Lance mentioned it to me that you’re something of a celebrity.”
“Something?” I pressed my lips together and forced myself to spread the cloth over the edge of the sink instead of chucking it at my mother’s head.
“I don’t know much about authors. Well, other than a few hockey romances I’ve tried. They don’t usually get the game right, however. What do you write?”
“Psychological horror and thrillers.”
“Oh.” My mother’s eyebrows rose. “I suppose between the two of you there might be a modest enough income. I was hoping Phoebe would eventually grow out of her little drawings. It’s a good hobby, but not sustainable for a real future.”
My mouth dropped open. She could say what she wanted about my work, but I’d be damned if she insulted Dutch.
He touched my lower back. “I’m not sure where you’ve gotten your information about your daughter, but her career is well past modest. She’s done three major installations in as many months right in this town, not to mention the hotel restaurant at one of the Adirondack resorts. She’s booked through thesummer already and has her pick of projects because she’s beyond talented.”
My mother’s mouth thinned. “I don’t need you to tell me about my daughter’s accomplishments.”
“You sure about that? Seems the only accomplished child in your eyes wears skates and those are tarnished. I watched you ignore everyone but Keaton all afternoon. Not only do I love your daughter beyond measure, but I’m so proud of her that she leaves me in awe every damn day. You’re missing out on a lot Mrs. Valentine, but I’ll be sure to show her how amazing she is for the rest of my life.”
He pulled me into his side and I was so shocked I couldn’t form a coherent thought, let alone words.
“I appreciate your hospitality today, but I’m going to see myself out before I say something that would harm whatever relationship we can salvage. I learned the hard way not to take anything for granted. I hope you will too.”He kissed my forehead. “I’ll go grab Mouse.”
I nodded mutely.
“What the hell was that?” My mother’s voice was icy.
