“Sorry I missed your messages. I just walked into the house.”
“Busy day?”
“You have no idea, but it’s better now. However, I have a bone to pick with you.”
“And what would that be?”
I giggle at his serious tone. “I’m sick again because of that damn crap you made me eat. No more sushi, Luca.”
“Baby, all you ever eat is potato chips and drink coffee–”
“Lattes,” I correct him.
“Fine, lattes. You need real food. I’ve been telling you for years.” He huffs in the phone.
“Sushi isn’t real food,” I mumble.
“Really? And what have you eaten today? I do believe that I hear a bag of Lay’s salt and vinegar chips rattling.”
I stop moving my hand around the bag. “Ass,” I joke.
Luca softly chuckles. “I love you, that’s all, and I want you to eat healthier.”
“Fine, Mr. Health-Nut,” I give in. He’s right. I am getting older and should watch my figure.
“Good. Anything else happening?”
“Oh, I booked your parents' flight for the playoffs. I took the whole day off when they come in because I have a doctor’s appointment that morning and this way we can take them to lunch before the game.”
“Sounds great, baby. I have to go.”
“I hope you get a hat trick.” I laugh when he groans. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
Chapter Four
Luca
I rub the back of my neck with one hand, using my other to hold back Hadley’s hair while she vomits. We made it into the playoffs, our first game is tomorrow, and I’m stressed. On top of that, Hadley still isn’t feeling well and my parents arrive tomorrow. She keeps telling me she’s fine; it’s just from eating the sushi, and that she’ll still be able to get my parents. I love Hadley, but I don’t want to be worried about her right now.
My world is split into two halves. One half is Hadley and the other is hockey. I want to put most of my focus and effort into the sport. I try to play to the fullest every game, every season because I want to enjoy it and do my best while I can. I don’t want to look back and wish I played harder. Every game deserves one hundred and ten percent, especially in the playoffs. I’m getting older and I still have so much I want to accomplish with my game.
Hadley stands, flushes the toilet, and brushes her teeth.
“Are you sure you’re okay, baby?”
She nods. Ugh, I hate when she doesn’t feel well. When she finishes, she turns toward me. “I’ll be all better by tomorrow, I’m sure. You don’t need to worry, Luca. Tomorrow is the big game and,” she glances at her watch, “you should leave for practice.” Hadley gives me a smile and it eases my tension to know it’s a genuine smile. She’s not just putting on a show for my sake.
“I don’t like when you feel bad,” I state, eyeing her as if I’m wary to leave her.
“I know. I’ll be fine. Give me a kiss and hit the road.”
“Promise to eat something besides junk? Call me if you feel worse.” Hadley nods in agreement, so I step forward, wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead. “No kiss on the lips in case it’s not the food and you’re contagious.” She laughs and shakes her head at me. “Feel better,” I tell her seriously.
She rolls her eyes. “I will.”
~ ~ ~