The Dominion had just won the conference trophy. The arena was a blur of navy blue and gold. Theo was screaming somewhere behind us. And when the camera swung our way, I didn’t flinch. I don’t really do that much anymore.
The caption reads:Local business owner Juliette Gianelli celebrates the Dominion’s conference victory with defenseman, and game VIP, Sawyer Stockton.
Charlie added a tiny gold cardinal sticker to the corner of the frame. Subtle.
I’m still in la-la land, reminiscing about that day when my phone buzzes against the counter.
Sawyer:
Change of plans. My oven just made a noise that sounded expensive and then died. I was going to cook. I promise I tried to be domestic.
I grin.
RIP oven. Where am I meeting you?
Sawyer:
…
Then:
Sawyer:
Sending address. Don’t panic.
Don’t panic? Suspicious.
The address comes through. It’s not his place. It’s somewhere downtown, not too far from here actually.
I narrow my eyes at my phone like it might confess something. I smell a rat, or at least a plan deflection of some sort.
Before I can spiral, the shop door bursts open and Theo barrels in, backpack swinging.
“Mom! Coach said I need to work on my crossovers before Thursday. Can we go to the rink after dinner?”
He’s taller now. Still gangly. Still mine, and yet somehow hockey has become the center of his universe. Huh. Wonder how that happened?
I glance at the time. At the address on my screen. At the framed newspaper.
“I can’t tonight,” I tell him gently. “I’ve got plans.”
His face falls for half a second, but then Charlie appears beside him like a well-dressed fairy godfather.
“I’ll take him,” he says smoothly. “I’m babysitting tonight anyway. We’ll run drills. I have a whistle somewhere that has been waiting for this moment. I’ve always wanted to use a whistle.”
Theo lights up. “Really?”
“Really. But I refuse to shout unless absolutely necessary.”
Theo pumps a fist and disappears toward the back to dump his bag.
I look at Charlie.
“You don’t have to?—”
“I know,” he says softly. “But I want to.”
Then, lower, so only I can hear: “You go be in love, darling. I’ve got this.”
