“You have me, Drake, and your dad to help you.”
“Why?”
“Because we know that you are worth it.” God, I hoped she believed every word, because she was worth it.
“Ok.”
“Ok.” We sat there in silence for five minutes before I spoke again. “And, Emily, I didn’t spend the day with you just to get away from Claire. I spent the day with you because I really wanted to be a part of the person you are when you are with Drake.”
She didn’t say anything, but she did slightly squeeze me tighter. We sat there like that until she fell asleep.
Three hours later, my whole body was tingling and I was dying to move. Mike opened the door and said, “Supper is ready.” I nodded and he was gone again.
Lightly, I shook Emily and called her name. She mumbled something incoherent, but she sat up and rubbed her eyes. “It’s time to eat.”
“We just ate.”
I laughed, took her hand and led her to the door. “That was hours ago.” Suddenly she stopped walking. I turned to see why. She seemed unsure of herself and of what she wanted to say. “Emily?” She glanced up at me. “Everything will be okay.” She nodded.
I turned to walk out, but stopped myself short and turned back to her. “Will you please try to make eye contact?” Pausing and deciding to take a chance, I told her that I really liked her eyes. She gave a small smile and, satisfied, I led her into the kitchen.
The aroma of steak and baked potatoes filled the house. Drake gave me a confused look, and then decided not to ask. We sat down at the kitchen table and began to eat.
“When is your next game, Jake?” my little brother asked.
“Tuesday,” I replied.
“Oh! That reminds me. Emily, honey, this came in the mail yesterday.” Mike stood and walked over to the stack of mail beside the microwave. He returned with an envelope, promptly handing it to Emily.
A smile broke across her face and excitement was clear in her eyes. She ripped it open and held two pieces of paper up.
“Well, what is it?” Drake asked.
“It’s two tickets to the hockey game Thursday night,” Emily replied, the smile still stuck on her face.
“What game?”
“The Pens are playing the Canes in Raleigh Thursday. Dad and I are going to see them. I love the Pens and it’s been a while since I’ve seen them play.”
Drake just burst. “An NHL game? I have been dying to go to a game all my life!”
“You go see me play hockey all the time,” I pointed out.
“But you are not in the NHL. There is a big difference Jake. This is huge Emily. I can’t believe you get to go.”
Before Emily could say something, Mike cut in. “Well, if you boys want to, you are welcome to join us…that is, if Emily doesn’t mind.” I glanced over at her, smiling to reassure her when she glanced at me.
“Of course not,” her voice was clear, but lacked the confidence of when she spoke to Drake.
As we ate, Drake was oozing excitement and anticipation. We talked about the upcoming games, both the NHL one and mine. We talked about school some too. Emily tried to talk more, but I could tell she was struggling. I did an imaginary fist punch up in the air when she would look at me, even if only for a second.
I really hoped she could overcome whatever damage there was. I wanted to see that side of her. Once supper was finished and the dishes were cleared, it was time to get Drake home. The week was starting and he needed to get ready for the next school day.
The drive home was eerily quiet. Drake must have been exhausted. Once home, I had him shower, change, and brush his teeth. Dad was passed out downstairs. I tucked Drake in after turning on his night light and I was almost out the door when he called my name.
“Jake?”
I turned. “Yeah?”