Page 24 of The Groupie

I check the phone. Another text from coach Chuck. Without bothering to read it, I ignore it same as the last two. The text from Tanya Lu, my agent, is tougher to ignore, giving me a pang of something, a tightness in my chest, but I ignore it just the same because I’m determined to be here for Mamma Cass just as I planned to be, and to see to her health.

At least she had the good grace—or good sense—not to smoke for the past couple of hours in my presence.

The house phone rings, startling me. “It’s been a while since I heard a house phone.”

“Works the same as always.” She puts some things in the dishwasher. I should be the one doing the work, but my foot is still up, and I know I need to stay off it. I know she’ll yell at me if I don’t.

“Aren’t you going to answer it?” I tease her.

“Why should I? It’s only the grump next door checking on me. He had the nerve to call earlier to ask me about the strange rental car out front. I told him it was you. Not that it’s any of his business. Now, he probably wants to come over to fawn all over you and get your autograph.”

I laugh. “So, let him.”

She swats the air with her hand. “I’m keeping you all to myself this visit. Who knows when—” She cuts herself off and hands me a fresh bottle of water.

“What?”

“Never mind. I’m so proud of you, Rylee girl. If all I saw of you was watching you win snowboard competitions on TV for the rest of my life, I’d be perfectly happy.”

“You’ll get more than that. I’ll be home in the early summer between circuits. It’s just that this past year was an Olympic training year, and I had to—”

“I told you how proud I am. I wouldn’t want you to do anything differently.”

Shit. I can’t go tonight. I need to stay home and spend the night with Mamma. But I don’t have either Sheila or Zak’s number to let them know. Shit. Fuck it. I don’t owe them anything. Not really. Do I? So what if I don’t show up? It was only supposed to ever be a one-night thing.

I watch Mamma mix a meatloaf, giving me the play-by-play of the ingredients like she’s doing a cooking show when Suzie comes in the back door.

“So, did you agree to the date tonight?” She doesn’t even take off her coat before she asks me. Mamma stops what she’s doing and runs an accusing look through me like a dagger.

“You been holding out on me, Rylee girl? You got a hot date tonight?”

“No.”

“You turned down the hottest bachelor in Boston?” Suzie says laughing and shrugging out of her coat as she shoves her duffel and coat in a closet.

“He’ll get over it,” I mutter. Shame makes me feel like I’m sitting on a literal hot seat. It’s one thing lying to strangers, but I don’t lie to my family. These two people are the only ones who mean everything in the world to me, and I’ve already fibbed to Mamma about my doctor’s appointment, and now I’m not being straight about my so-called date with Zak.

Suzie shakes her head. “You’re crazy. I don’t see the harm in having some fun with the guy.”

“What she said,” Mamma says.

“I’m here to visit you guys, not have fun.”

Suzie’s eyebrows rise. “Nice.”

I scowl. “You know what I mean.”

“I insist you go out with this hot guy,” Mamma says. “It’ll do you good. Make you forget the ankle. Just stay off your feet.” She pauses and points her finger at me. “Just stay clear of any whiff of commitment. You remember you’re an independent woman.”

I snort a laugh. “It’s only a night out, Mamma. No worries.”

“So, you’re going, then?” Suzie says. “I’m going to the game, too. Nowicki gave me a ticket.”

“Terrific. You going out after the game?”

She nods. “We’re going to diner and staying at the Bostonian for the night.”

Mamma shakes her head. “You watch out for this Nowicki fella. He’s only a rookie and unreliable. Too young and unproven.”