"Because she knows it would make me happy," Mom said.
And I could read between the lines.
I wanted to make my mother happy too, especially on this important day. So...
"I'll reply," I said, and when my parents continued to stare, I pulled out my phone. "Okay, fine, I'll do it now. Even though she's probably asleep and won't get it until?—"
My cell buzzed a second later with Stacia's response.
I swallowed. "She said yay with three exclamation marks and that she can't wait to meet up followed by five hearts. And she already sent me the itinerary for the week."
I forced back my dismay, ignoring Mom's smile and my dad's muffled laughter.
"Stacia's really enthusiastic in the morning," I said through a yawn.
"She's like that all the time," Mom said.
I nodded.
When she made no move to leave, I asked, "Was there something else?"
"Oh yes, I'm staying to meet the boy," she said.
"What?"
"The hockey player."
My eyes widened as I looked from her to my dad, who looked guilty as hell.
"Dad!"
"What? She asked how you were doing, if there was anything new going on in your life," he said. "Tolliver's been over here nearly every day since you met."
He sniffed.
"It seemed important."
"Well, it's not," I said.
Mom tilted her head. "That's not what Stacia tells me. She heard that you were hanging around the rink with a certain player. After what your dad told me and her report, I knew I had to meet him."
"He might not even come today," I said.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Mom shot me a wink. "And he's punctual. Gotta love that."
"He can read too," Dad said with a grin. "That's a plus."
"I'll get the door."
Oh Lord, kill me now.
* * *
"Wow, your mom's almost as scary as you," Tolliver said.
I held back a laugh. "Yeah, she's known for being a ballbuster," I said.
