Page 93 of The Chase

Shit. I had a vague memory of being at Gran’s house without Dad, but Mom wouldn’t tell us why.

“How did you fix it?”

“I quit that night. Hockey was my career, but your mother and you kids were my life. Also groveling and lots of flowers.”

“Okay…”

He sighed. “Then your sister came out.”

When my twin came out, our mom told her ‘bisexuality didn’t exist.’ Rox and my parents hadn’t spoken in years because of it. Last summer, she finally agreed to talk to them again. Mostly because Dad showed up in Philly on our birthday.

“But Rox and Mom are trying to fix things now.”

Dad nodded. “Yeah, but it was hard on our marriage. Your mother doesn’t get bisexuality. I don’t either, but if Roxie’s happy, I’m happy for her. It took your mother a long time to realize that. That was a hard couple of years for us.”

I glared at him. “It was hard for Roxie too!”

Dad ran a frustrated hand down his face. “Bud, I know. We were both wrong, but I’m just saying I know a little about groveling and knowing when you fucked up. When you get back to Philly, what are you gonna do?”

“Grovel and bring her flowers?” I asked.

“And apologize to her face.”

I frowned. “I really messed up.”

“You love her?”

I nodded. “I do. I’ve never felt this way about someone before.”

“Not even Nat?”

I shook my head. “Not even Nat. I’ve never let someone in before, but I’m afraid I can’t fix it.”

“If you want it to work, you’ll fight for her.”

I took a swig of my beer and nodded.

Dad looked pointedly at me. “Can we talk about how shit you are on the power play now?”

I groaned and downed the rest of my beer. “Is that the real reason you wanted me to meet you for a beer?”

He laughed and shrugged.

“Dad!”

“Nah, Roxie told me you needed to talk but you wouldn’t say anything unless I pushed you. But yeah, your special teams looks weak.”

I rolled my eyes but took another sip of my drink as we started talking shop. We ordered another round, but I didn’t stay for long because I would get my ass handed to me by Coach if I missed curfew.

When I got back to my hotel room, my hand lingered on my phone. Against my better judgment, I texted Max.

ME: I’m sorry.

BABY GIRL: K

ME: Can we talk when I get home?

BABY GIRL: I guess.