There it is. The thing underneath.
“I’m sorry, Nicklas.”
He shrugs, but it’s the kind that doesn’t mean nothing. “We were close when we were kids, you know?”
And just like that, he leans back, turns away, conversation over. A door quietly shut. I let it sit. Some things you don’t pry open—you just make a note they exist. My phone buzzes in my hand, breaking the moment, and I glance down.
Kate.
For a split second, I almost flip the phone over—hide the name, hide the ease of it. Because sitting across from me is a guy who just admitted he barely talks to his sister…and mine calls me after every game like it’s tradition.
Still, I swipe to answer. “Hey, Kate.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nicklas shift—subtle, but he’s listening. Not in a nosy way. In a missing something way.
“Great game tonight, Chucky.”
I shake my head, a grin pulling at my mouth. “You do know how to pronounce your T’s now, right? You can call me Tuck now.”
“No fun in that.”
“When you come visit, please call me Tuck. I’ve got a reputation to uphold. Don’t need you out here ruining it.”
She laughs. “A reputation? Please. When’s the last time you left your house for anything other than hockey?”
“You don’t know my life,” I shoot back, playing along.
“I will soon enough. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same,” I say, meaning it. Then I hesitate. “Ah…listen, the house might not be as quiet as you were expecting.”
I can practically hear her sit up straighter. “Oh? Does this have something to do with Maria and her boys?” She’s teasing, but there’s a thread of something else under it.
“Yeah. They stay at my place when I’m on the road. You know…to take care of Marbles.”
Smooth. Real smooth.
“Oh, well, I can take care of Marbles while you’re gone if you want.”
“No, that’s not… I mean, I don’t mind them staying,” I say quickly. Too quickly. “I’ve got the space. It works.”
Silence.
“Their place is smaller,” I add, filling the quiet. “The boys like having room. Stretching out. Josh’s already talking about building a backyard rink this winter.” I let out a small laugh, trying to lighten it. “He’s got plans.”
More quiet.
Yeah. Definitely something there.
“Anyway,” I push on, “I think you and Maria will hit it off. She wants to be a lawyer, remember?”
“I remember.”
Her tone is neutral now.
“If you want the place to yourself…” I start, already knowing I don’t love the idea of asking them to leave.
“No,” she cuts in immediately. “Of course not. I’m not about to kick them out because I’m visiting. I don’t want to mess up your life, Chucky.”
