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Skating and skinny dipping with Jillian all night had worn me out. But weirdly enough, it had also filled me up.
“Thanks for agreeing to save my ass again.” I gave her a hug and an obligatory lip touch for any cameras around.
What I didn’t expect were the words that came out of her mouth next. “She’s a cheater, Cash. She doesn’t deserve you. Once you figure that out—” she set her hand on my chest and looked into my eyes, “give me a call.”
And with that—she turned around and walked to her gate.
19
Jillian
I didn’t have long.
I knew that.
I also knew I probably shouldn’t have come.
But I had to.
I wanted to share this with her. After all, if it wasn’t for her—I wouldn’t have gotten where I was today.
“Mom,” I whispered as I held her cool, thin hands in mine.
Hands that I used to think were so strong and able to carry the weight of the world.
Her hair was a bit darker now. But still a pretty blonde. If she were—herself—she’d be disappointed in the lack of style, though.
To me, it didn’t matter.
“Mom, I have something to tell you. Can you wake up, please? I don’t have long. I’m already late for my flight.” I kissed her hand and touched my cheek to the back of it.
She smelled like my mom.
Roses and a subtle hint of lavender.
But I knew—she wasn’t my mom anymore.
Not all of her, anyway.
Shattered parts of her here and there popped up now and again. You never really knew when.
But those golden moments when she was really—back—those were the best.
I was hoping for one of those tonight.
“Please,” I whispered, “I really need you.”
I heard a sigh and then, “Jillian? Baby?”
My head shot up, and I smiled into my mother’s startled face. “Hi, Mom. I missed you,” I said, my voice cracking more than a little bit. “I came to tell you that I made the Olympic hockey team.”
She frowned for a second, and then a big smile crossed her face. “Oh, my Jillybean. I’m so proud of you. Come here, baby.” Her arms opened wide, and I bent over her bed and hugged her.
“Thanks, Mom. I couldn’t wait to tell you. I’m so excited. Our team is going to be incredible. I think we have a huge chance of medaling.”
She kissed my forehead. “I always knew you’d make it.
Don’t I always say that?”
