Page 78 of Home Ice

“It was.”

And before I can remind myself not to interfere, the words are coming out. “You know, I think the team would be beside themselves if you took Hawke with you one day.”

Kasen pauses, and there’s a definite tone when he responds. “Why?”

“Do I need to remind you that he’s a professional hockey player?”

“Well, no, but …”

“But what?”

Kasen scowls. “He won’t want to come.”

“We both know you don’t believe that.”

Considering Hawke is still on the other side of the ice, setting up, I’m assuming he’s trying to figure out how to win Kasen over today. The guy needs help.

Kasen sighs, glancing toward his dad. “Why is he here again?”

“I think he assumes this is the only time he gets to see you.”

“Why?”

“Well, when else do you hang out?”

He scowls and pulls on his helmet. “It’s not like he’s ever asked.”

Then Kasen skates away, and it clicks. It’s obvious that Kasen is scared of letting Hawke in and then losing him like Carly, but he wants Hawke to push his way in anyway.

And Hawke is too busy trying to give Kasen space to come around.

Imagine the issues that could be solved by talking?

That thought smacks me in the face, too, because it hits a bit close to home. This is exactly what Hawke has been trying to tell me.

Okay, okay, universe, I get it.

I give in.

I’ll go to my appointments like a big boy.

Until then, it’s time to interfere.

We set up, and as Kasen leaves on his warm-up lap, I take the place beside Hawke. “Offer to drive him home.”

“But—”

“And maybe stop somewhere on the way.”

Hawke stares at me like I’ve suggested he strip off naked. “So he can tell me to fuck off? Again?”

It’s really hard not to sigh. “When have you offered to do something with him?”

“Never. Why would I do that when he can barely stand to be around me? He needs to actually like me first.”

“From where I’m standing, Kasen has been the one to initiate everything. The lifts home? Come on, Hawke, that’s him saying he wants to spend time with you.”

“He just doesn’t want to walk.”