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“It’s a perfect fit. Thanks so much for having us again, Patty. You’re my guardian angel. I don’t know what would’ve happened to us if I hadn’t met you that day,” I say to her and then Crew pulls the sweater out of my hand and walks away.
Patty frowns. “Maybe there is a way to get him into hockey.”
“There isn’t. Hockey is an expensive sport. I would never be able to keep up, and I don’t want my son to be a hockey player,” I declare, realizing it’s for my own selfish reasons. After I say the words, I feel bad because I want my son to live his dreams and go after what he wants.
“I remember when Kevin was around Crew’s age,” she says, referring to her twin. “He was all about hockey.”
“Because your dad was a famous player,” I remind her.
“But it’s more than that. Sports are big for boys. They have a lot of energy, and being in a team environment is good for them. I don’t want to seem pushy. I’m just saying there may be a way.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying, but I don’t want handouts. I’ve gotten by this far on my own.” I know it’s my pride getting in the way.
“You want to keep it that way,” Patty answers dryly.
“I do,” I say.
“Gotcha,” she says.
“I feel like a terrible mom as it is, Patty. He doesn’t have a dad, and I’m probably not giving him what he needs,” I confess, and I feel the prick of tears behind my eyes.
“Oh, sweetie.” She walks over to me and wraps me in her arms. “I didn’t want you to doubt yourself. I’m just saying there are options. I grew up with Kevin. I know what boys are like. I didn’t want to make you second-guess yourself. You’re a great mom, and you’re doing the best you can. Crew is an amazing boy,” she says.
“Thanks,” I mumble, and then the tears begin to fall on their own. Damn them.
Patty pulls away. “Now I feel terrible.”
“Don’t I know you’re right. That’s what’s hurting me right now. Can you check with your dad and see what’s available? I don’t want to deprive Crew of this.”
“I’ll ask Dad and let you know. You make the last choice,” she assures.
“Thanks, Pats,” I say.
She leaves to her room and returns five minutes later. “Dad isn’t answering. Not sure if the guys have a game tonight.”
“That’s fine.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you. . .” she begins. “Do you have any shifts before tomorrow night?”
“No, I worked my last shift this afternoon. The diner is closed Christmas Eve and Day. Why?”
“I was thinking we could go get our nails done and stuff before heading to my parents’,” she suggests.
“That sounds nice, but I’d feel bad spending money on things that aren’t a necessity,” I explain.
“That’s why I was thinking it could be my Christmas present to you. You could use a little pampering. Is the kindergarten open tomorrow?” she asks.
“They have aftercare until two. The school itself is closed,” I explain.
“Dang it,” she says. “Can we bring Crew along?”
“He would hate going to a salon.”
“He could get a little haircut, and he could use my iPad while we get our hair and nails done,” she offers, pushing out her lips. “I see kids there all the time.”
I feel like it’s not really the case, but what do I know? I haven’t been in a salon in a while. Crew could use a haircut, and Patty’s heart is in the right place. I don’t like saying no to her.
“That sounds great.”
