Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,1
dad, and if there’s anyone who knows how to deal with my mom, it’s him. She’s difficult on a good day and damn near impossible on a bad one.
I tell myself to focus on how great it is that I officially have my diploma in hand and will be heading off to college in a few months. I wish I could go sooner, but I’ve got the summer to make it through first. And I know that will mean visiting my mother at some point. As much as she has hurt our family, my dad still makes me spend time with her, even though I’m eighteen and legally considered an adult. At least I no longer have to adhere to the visitation schedule set forth by the court.
Fortunately, I get to spend most of my time with my dad. I love our home and I’ll definitely miss being there when I’m at college. But the perks of meeting people and all the new experiences make it worthwhile. I can’t stay home forever.
“How about some pictures?” my dad suggests.
Of course Marshall and I clown around before Mom demands we get it together for a few more that they can be proud of. And then we take turns posing with my mom and dad separately, because that’s what you do when your parents are divorced.
God forbid we have a picture of the four of us together. The world might end if we did.
Shaw wanders over and my mom insists on getting a picture of the three of us. I end up in the middle with Shaw’s warm arm around my back. His touch creates conflicting emotions in me. I either want to throw myself at him or run away. I’m not sure which, and I know my expression shows every bit of my confusion as I hear the phone’s camera snapping away.
“Maddie, smile,” my mom reminds me.
I force myself to show teeth and hold still until I can’t bear it any longer. “Okay, I think that’s good,” I call out, stepping away from Shaw. “I mean, how many pictures do we really need?”
My mother puts her hand on my shoulder. “Oh, Maddie, don’t be difficult. You can never have too many pictures. Someday you’ll see, when you’re my age.”
“I don’t know. You know how much I love my phone camera, but I still think memories are so much more important than pictures. It’s like seeing a beautiful sunset and taking a picture of it. The colors will never look as vivid as what you see with the naked eye. Some things are impossible to be captured on film.” I catch Shaw studying me, and I glance away, embarrassed by my reply. But I have an appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
Marshall places his hand on my mom’s arm, gaining her attention. “I know we talked about going out for dinner tonight, but would you guys mind if we did it another time instead? We’re going to go with Maddie to a party some of the seniors are throwing for their graduation.”
We are? This is the first I’m hearing about a party.
“Who else will be there?” my father asks.
Marshall tips his thumb toward Shaw. “He’s going. And we’re both going to take care of her. So, what do you think? Is that okay?”
Smooth, brother. He’s only mentioning me because he knows our parents are more apt to say yes if he does. Now that he’s done with his first year of college, my dad is worried about any parties he goes to. He naturally assumes there will be alcohol there. But what dad doesn’t realize is that there’s plenty of alcohol at high school parties too.
My dad looks at my mom and nods his consent before she replies, “Okay.”
My father adds, “But no drinking and driving.”
Marshall puts his hand on his chest. “Dad, who said anything about drinking?”
“You guys forget we were your age once too.”
“Did you just admit you drank when you were underage, Dad?”
“Nope. I admitted I had the opportunity to.”
“Don’t worry. Maddie will be with us to suck the fun out of the party,” Marshall jokes, and I punch his arm.
“I don’t have to go,” I say, threatening his scheme.
“Maddie, I want you there, and Shaw does too. Right?” Marshall and I both glance at Shaw as he nods, but his eyes are only on mine.
His full lips shape into a small smile. “Definitely. It won’t be as enjoyable without you.” His reply seems so sincere, I almost think