AllFreeNovel
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I shovel the remains of my cereal into my mouth and stand to stick my bowl in the dishwasher. My mom is at the counter, running through her planner for the day. Maybe I should actually thank Izzie, because she opened up the door for a conversation I wasn’t sure how to start.
“Hey, Mom?”
“Yeah?” she replies absentmindedly, scribbling something in Tuesday’s box then flipping the page to next week.
“Can you, uh, do me a favor?”
Thatcatches her attention. The last time I asked her to do something for me was…well, I can’t remember. I doubt she does, either. I hate asking for help. I biked to the rink in a blizzard once.
She sets the pen down and focuses on me. “Of course.”
I shut the dishwasher and rub my finger along the edge of the countertop. “I have a friend flying into Calgary next weekend. Could you pick her up? Bring her to the rink?”
“Her?”
“Her.”
“The friend who’s a girl but not a girlfriend?” She makes the leap quick. Too quick.
“Meaning what?”
“You spend a lot more time on your phone than you used to.”
“So?”
She raises both hands then lets them drop. “Just an observation. I think it’s great, honey. Really.”
I narrow my eyes. “We’re justfriends.”
“Okay.” Her agreement is too hasty.
“We are. I don’t want a girlfriend.”
My mom’s face softens. “There’s more to life than hockey, honey.” Patronizing words don’t sound any better delivered in an understanding tone.
“I know.”
“Do you?”
I shrug and scoff. “Who knows? I got half his DNA, didn’t I?”
“Elliot…”
“Can you drive her or not?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Great. I’ll be home late.” I stalk toward the door, scooping up my backpack up on the way. “I’m leaving, Mia.”
I have time to pull my car out of the garage and flip through three different playlists before she emerges from the house with her backpack slung over one shoulder. She hops in the passenger seat and gives me a hard look.
“School doesn’t start for half an hour.”
“I’ve gotta get there early,” I lie.
Mia sighs dramatically. “Only losers show up to school early.”
“Guess that makes you one, eh?”
