I rub a hand over my mouth, making a scratchy sound. “How much?”
“A hundred? That will give me a little money for food, too.” Her voice squeaks out. “Sorry.”
I take a deep breath against the tightness in my chest. Gabe’s offer is looking more and more attractive. “It’s okay, Kins. Don’t apologize. I’ll transfer two hundred now.”
“I said a hundred.”
“Food’s not cheap.”
She hesitates so long, I lower my phone to check if the call dropped. “Thank you. It means a lot.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I swipe the screen on my phone to get to my bank app. “Whatever you need, let me know.”
“I could get a part-time job and work weekends. You know…to help.”
Even though she can’t see me, I shake my head. “No, stick to your plan. I’ve got this covered.”
“Are you sure?”
I can hear the subtle relief in her voice, and that right there confirms what I need to do.
“Surer than sure.”
An ache hits my chest with the words—a phrase Mom always used to reassure us whenever things got tight or difficult. Now, being on the other end of it, I have a better understanding of what she dealt with, holding our little family together. Makes me miss her even more. I wish I’d known and could have told her how much I appreciated all the sacrifices she made for us.
Especially for me and hockey.
A soft sniffle punctuates the silence. “I miss her.”
I clear the emotion from my throat. “Me too. She’d be proud of you, ya know?”
“I know. Just wish she was here to see it.”
Like Mom had been for me through all the years of hockey…more reason for me to do whatever it takes. “She is, Kins. Mom is always with us.”
She sighs. “You know what I mean.”
“I do.” That ache in my chest doubles. I grab the folder from the passenger seat. “Listen, kid, I gotta run. Got some business to take care of.”
“Yeah, go sort those hammers.” And the sarcasm is back.
“You know it. Call me in a day or two and let me know how things are going, okay?”
“Will do.”
Once Kinsley ends the call, I blow out a noisy breath and drop my head against the headrest. Gabe asked me to think about his offer, but I don’t have that luxury. Hockey is my best option—my only option at the moment—and the optimal solution for our situation.
With a sigh of resignation, I pick up my phone and open my contacts. Might as well get it over with and start planning.
Gabe answers after one ring. “That was fast.”
“Kinsley needs books.” Heat travels up theback of my neck again. Might be the Florida heat still lingering thing time of year or this decision. Probably the latter.
“College is expensive. I’m already saving for both my girls.”
“Smart man. I’ll send the signed contracts tonight.”
“That’s great, Jammer. You won’t regret it.”
