Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“My schedule is pretty packed,” he hedges.
“We’re two months into the regular season. You haven’t even had a chance to see the living room you bought us.” I hate that it feels like I’m begging. “What about Friday? Didn’t you say you were only in court until Thursday? It could be a quick trip.” That’s two days from now.
Ophelia ambles into the kitchen and peeks over my shoulder, checking out my phone screen. Her lips push out, and she grabs a banana from the fruit bowl. She struggles to warm up to my dad. Callie, on the other hand, loves when he comes to visit. Probably because he brings her presents.
“I might be able to swing it.”
Ophelia rolls her eyes.
I give her a look.
She gives me one back.
“I can get you box seats,” I tell Dad. “I’ll even book your flights. Just send me a link to your calendar.”
“I guess that can work,” he says after a moment. “Make sure it’s business class, please. I’ll send you money to cover the cost.” He’s typing again.
“Sure, Dad. The girls will be excited. They’ll come to the game, too.”
Ophelia gives me two thumbs down. A chunk of banana falls to the floor.
I hand her a damp cloth.
“It’ll be nice to see them,” he says, sounding more upbeat. “I can’t believe Ophelia is almost through high school. Time really does fly. How are you doing for Christmas gifts? Can you send me a list for the girls and yourself? I can top up your account so you can get something special.”
“You don’t need to do that. This job pays really well.”
“I know. But Toronto’s expensive, and you’re doing this on your own.”
I take a breath. I know he means well. This is mostly how he expresses emotion. “We’re fine. I promise.” I practically raised myself, so I’m used to being self-sufficient. Taking money from my dad isn’t something I enjoy.
“Okay, I’ll stop pushing. You can add the flight details to my calendar once you’ve booked it,” he says.
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“Looking forward to it. Bye, Dad.” I end the call.
Fee props her hip against the counter.
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” I warn.
“We probably shouldn’t tell Callie in advance, in case he cancels,” Fee replies.
“Agreed.” We’ve played in New York, but my dad got tied up at work. I get it, even though it’s hard to always take a back seat to his job.
Fee’s expression shifts. “It sucks that this is the first game he’s been able to make.”
I don’t defend him to Fee, because she’s right. “Yeah, it does.”
“Doesn’t it make you angry?” she asks.
I sigh. “It used to, but therapy helps. Some people just aren’t designed to be parents, and they don’t realize it until after they’ve had kids. He tries in the ways he knows how.”
Her lips pull to the side. “Mom never had anything nice to say about him.”
Phantom pain makes my heart ache. “I know. She wanted him to be someone he couldn’t be, and that was difficult for her. You have to learn how to love people the way they are, not the way you wish they were.”
“That seems hard.”
“It is, but it also saves your sanity.” I open my arms and make a bring-it-in motion.
She steps in and wraps her arms around me. “I miss them,” she whispers.
“I know. Me, too.”
“Kristoff! Yay! I’m so glad you’re here for the game!” Callie throws herself into my dad’s arms.
She only found out he was coming an hour ago, when I had confirmation that his flight had landed in Toronto. He pats her awkwardly on the back, then smooths his tie when she releases him. Other than the players, he’s the only guy I know who would wear a three-piece suit to a hockey game. Although, he did leave New York directly from work and came straight here when he landed.
“My goodness, Calliope. You’ve grown at least a foot since I saw you last. How old are you now? Ten?”
“No! I’m eight!” She beams up at him. “We’re going to have so much fun. They have snacks and drinks in the box, and they have a popcorn machine! Did you know Connor Grace is my favorite player and after that is Roman Hammerstein? I’m so excited to see them play!”
He nods knowingly. “Ah, that explains the jersey.”
“Connor even signed it!” She shows him the signature across the shoulders.
Ophelia stands off to the side, dressed in her usual uniform of all black, but she is representing with a Terror hoodie. It’s a special-edition one designed by a local tattoo artist. My dad bought it for her when I got the job with the Terror. He might not be around much, but he always pays attention when I tell him what she likes. She accepts an awkward hug from him, but perks up significantly when Rix, Essie, Tally, and Dred show up to escort them to the box.