Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
I was fortunate enough to talk candidly with Boone’s dad, Thomas, when they visited for the first two games of the second round. I wanted his perspective on what worked and didn’t work for him, especially from his family. I don’t want to be smothering or overbearing with my dad, but I want to keep on top of him at the same time. Thomas told me it never hurts to ask, “How are you doing?”
My father doesn’t look up at me and his voice is hushed with shame. “Wishing there was an AA meeting about to start right now.”
I say nothing. It’s not the first time he’s voiced his weakness. The first time he did so, I jumped in with a litany of affirmations and solutions. I did that time and again, but my dad stopped me and said, “Sometimes… I just need to say it out loud. I don’t need solutions because I know what they are.”
I’d like to say that cleared things up for me on how to handle my dad’s demons, but it’s all mud. I don’t know what to say, when to say it, or even if it’s correct.
But right now… it seems like one of those times he wants to say it out loud with nothing needed in return.
So instead, I focus on some positives that have nothing to do with my alcoholic father. “There were genuine improvements today.”
Dad’s eyes cut my way and it kills me to see the desperate hope within. As if he wants to believe that but is afraid to. I give an encouraging smile. “His appetite was back on track and no fever. He had energy today.”
“Yeah,” he murmurs, gaze going back to his hands. “All good signs.”
“All good signs,” I repeat, standing from my chair.
I clean up the rest of our mess—Aiden never did try a cannoli and I’ll leave the leftovers at the nurses’ station on the way out. Dad pulls out sheets and blankets from the pressed-board armoire to make up his recliner to sleep in. We’re silent until it’s time for me to leave.
I hug my dad long and hard. Press my lips to his cheek and wish him good night.
“Love you, kiddo,” he says as he walks me to the door.
“Love you.”
I ride home in silence and before locking myself into the apartment, I stoop down to slip a key under the mat. Pulling out my phone, I text Boone as requested.
See you in a few hours.
CHAPTER 28
Boone
Lilly and I hold hands from the moment we exit my car in the hospital parking garage and only break apart briefly as we enter the elevator. As soon as those doors close though, her hand is back in mine.
I’m fucking exhausted but strangely energized at the same time just to be in Lilly’s presence. The team flew in late last night from New Jersey and I had prearranged to stay at her apartment. She was going to watch the game from Aiden’s room with her father. Steven would stay the night with Aiden and Lilly would go back to their apartment alone. When the team plane landed, I had the option of going to my place or grabbing a few hours of sleep with Lilly and that wasn’t a hard choice at all. I told Lilly to leave a key under the mat for me and I slipped into her apartment close to two a.m.
I tiptoed down the hallway, quietly undressed, and then slid into the bed behind her. She was on her side and immediately became my little spoon.
Lilly didn’t even wake up when I pulled her in close and wrapped my arms around her. I was grateful for it as I knew she needed the sleep and I was ready for it myself. I closed my eyes and that is the last thing I remember until her alarm went off at seven.
I’m not sure what it makes me, but despite knowing she was exhausted, I made love to Lilly before I let her out of bed to start her day. I know she was anxious to get to the hospital to see Aiden, but it only took a few kisses and soft touches before she was willing to let me give her pleasure and then take it for myself.
And I intend to spend every minute of the day with her as the Titans have the entire day off. Tomorrow is game five against the Wildcats and if we lose, our playoff run is over. I know many hockey professionals would think it imperative to have a practice today because our team has been lacking.
But after last night’s game, Coach West said that he would rather have us rest and do something fun and relaxing than to wrap our heads in what we’re doing wrong. He reminded us that we were a fucking fantastic team, that we know what to do, and he expects us to come out tomorrow night with a win. His speech couldn’t have lasted more than a minute and a half and yet we all walked out of the Wildcats’ arena last night pumped with confidence.