Page 59 of The Big Puck

Tina: Yes!!!

“That was easy. Now I have company to watch tonight’s game.” I touch Aunt Hildie’s hand. “I wish you could be there with us to watch, too. When are they going to spring you from this place?”

Aunt Hildie laughs. “I told the doc if he doesn’t spring me soon, I’ll have to start drinking. I think he wasn’t sure how serious I was, so he told me I should be done with in-patient rehab next week.”

“That’s wonderful!” I lean in and give her a hug, taking Krissy from her arms. That’s when a bubble of apprehension hits me.

“I’ll be moving in with Spencer—and you. Don’t worry, I have a long way to go before I can care for Krissy on my own. In fact, I’ll be doing some rehab at home, and I’m afraid you may need to assist me. Spencer may need to give you a raise for taking care of me, too.”

I laugh. “Helping you with whatever you need will be a pure pleasure. We can cook together.”

“I’m looking forward to that most definitely. I’m looking forward to observing you and Spencer together most of all.”

* * *

Tina and I watch the game in the kitchen while I bake Spence’s favorite cookies to surprise him when he arrives home later tonight. I only know these are his favorites from testing several of my best recipes and observing him closely—not that he’s told me. Crunchy peanut butter cookies have the room smelling like my childhood because this happens to be my mother’s favorite recipe.

“If I knew you were baking, I’d have brought my apron and joined you,” Tina says.

“You have an apron?”

She bobs her head. “I love cooking and baking. Mostly cooking because I need to watch my weight, so I’ve cut back on baking.” She grabs one of the hot cookies and takes a bite, her face looking orgasmic as she moans. “Soooo good. They’re for Coach, right?”

I nod, trying not to laugh, feeling a lot like an older sister to a teenager though I know Tina is twenty-one.

“I love Coach,” she says. “but he’s too old for me. He’s perfect for you. What’s up with that? Any side action with you both here in this super cute house?” She lifts her brows, and I cough. Before I can answer, she continues. “Never mind, you don’t have to tell me.” She sighs. “Dad says he wants me to date Jason.”

We watch the small TV screen on the kitchen counter as the announcer’s voice rises in excitement. Jason flashes down the ice, and Tina claps her hands. I jump up and down, lifting Krissy into the air as Jason scores a goal.

“Look at him,” Tina says, fanning her face. “He’s so cute. Maybe Dad’s onto something.” She spins to look at me and my big fat grin because it’s my favorite part of watching any game—watching my brother score—and when the camera cuts to the bench to show Spence and his handsome broody AF face that guarantees the need for a fresh pair of panties.

“Do you mind me crushing on your brother?”

“Not at all. I can’t guarantee how he’ll feel about it, but I’m in your corner, girlfriend.”

Unfortunately, the rest of the game doesn’t go as well. Wincing, I watch the other team score again because of a miscue at the blue line.

I sigh. “Krissy, I’m afraid your daddy may need more than his favorite cookies when he gets home.” The score is five to one late in the third period.

“Are you waiting up for him?” Tina asks. Then she waves a hand. “Never mind, you don’t have to answer that. But if I were you, I’d—”

I laugh. “I have a feeling I know what you’d do, Tina.”

“I better go now. Dad gets antsy when I’m out late.”

“Isn’t he at the game?”

“Sure, but somehow, he always knows where I am.” She shrugs into her fluffy pink coat, and I hug her good-bye like we’re old friends—or like she’s my little sister. Even though I’m only two years older than her, it feels like more. It feels good.

Her dad probably has a tracking app on her phone and spies on her, the poor girl. I’ll mention it to her next time I see her.

After I shove the last pan of cookies in the oven, I take Krissy from her chair, all bathed and ready for bed and take her upstairs. I have twelve minutes to get back down stairs for the cookies—and to see the post-game analysis and, maybe, an interview with Spence.

Spence takes criticism for the line-up being uneven and the players looking out of sorts, like they never played together before.

“Here’s what rookie coach Spencer Logan had to say about that criticism.” They cut to a clip of Spencer outside of the locker room.

“The reason they look like they’ve never played together is that they haven’t played together before three games ago. Not one of them. Ever.” He turns and walks away from the camera.