Chapter 28
DARCY
There are two elements to a hockey game I particularly love.
Number one: the warm-ups. If you haven’t watched the way the players stretch and flex, then I’m afraid you haven’t lived.
Number two: when the goalies cut up the fresh ice prior to a game. Especially when number thirty-three for the Blades does it.
And as I sit here, in the family box, ahead of today’s game against the Scorpions, it’s entirely possible I’m drooling.
With a smirk, Kendra whispers from her seat next to mine, “A while back, I asked Archer if he’d like a side of chicken wings to go with his stare session. Now I’m thinking you’re as bad as him.”
I roll my eyes and act like I wasn’t doing what she’s accusing me of. “The Blades are playing their rivals. It’s intense, and I’m locked in on the action.”
“Mmhmm,” she hums, less than convinced. “I assume your little fuck-buddy arrangement is still alive and well?”
I flare my eyes at her, darting them around us. “A little discretion please, babe.”
Kendra takes another sip of her soda and offers some popcorn out to me. I take a couple of pieces because I’m starving and skipped lunch like the idiot that I am.
“We’re still on for Rise Up next week, right?
Collins and Jenna can make it too. It’s been a whole three days without cake, and I’m craving.
” Kendra throws her head back, groaning.
“That bakery is going to be the death of me and my soccer career. Jack can literally eat through England and not gain a single pound. I only have to look at the cake stand and I’m tipping the scales. ”
Snorting a laugh, I take a few more pieces of popcorn. “Yeah, I’m free and ready to eat all the scones. Jack’s right; no one around here does them like Rise Up. The coffee is mediocre, but the cakes are …” I give a chef’s kiss.
A shot of anxiety passes through me. Rise Up will be a great opportunity to break the pregnancy news to Collins and Kendra.
They’re the best friends I’ve ever had, and I know they’ll be there for me.
Still, I’m nervous all the same. I just hope Kendra understands the reasons why I’m waiting to tell Jack.
There’s zero point in rocking the boat for Archer or the team until the pregnancy is in the clear.
At the end of the warm-ups, the players skate off the ice, just as a door behind us swings open, and a woman I’ve never seen before rushes into the room, dressed in a Blades jacket and hat.
She pulls off the hat and shakes out her silky, dark hair. I’d pin her as in her early fifties. She’s incredibly glamorous with piercing blue eyes and perfectly applied makeup.
“Damn traffic!” she mutters to herself, stuffing the hat into her shoulder bag before casting her eyes around the room, orienting herself.
Her attention lands on me, and she smiles. I can tell she has no idea who I am, and despite the fact that I don’t know her either, she feels familiar.
My gaze drops to her jacket once more, where I see Archer’s number stamped across the chest.
“Oh my God,” I say low, eyes flicking to Kendra as I motion to the lady.
“Have you never met Julia before?”
My whole body turns toward my friend. “I’m sorry, and you have?”
She just shrugs, taking a sip of soda. “Archer’s mom occasionally drives over for games. I guess you’ve never crossed paths since you were in the UK. She’s nice.”
I pull out my phone and type a quick text as Julia makes her way over to a seat a few feet away from us and casually begins talking with my mum.
Me
So, in the past three nights we’ve spent together, you didn’t think to tell me about your mum coming to today’s game?
I realize the text sounds a bit shitty the second I hit Send.
Me
I’m not angry. Just shocked.
Thigh Boy
That’s the equivalent of “I’m not angry, just disappointed.” Actually, it might be worse. She wasn’t sure if she could make it, so I didn’t say anything. In hindsight, I probably should’ve. Sorry, Doll.
Do you still plan to meet your mom tonight and tell her about the baby?
Me
Yeah. Why?
Thigh Boy
I’m going to tell mine too. If that’s okay with you?
Me
You don’t need my permission to tell your own mum. Are you nervous?
Thigh Boy
Nope. Like I said, Mom’s a family woman. Plus, I don’t really care what anyone thinks. Only about you.
My heart rate kicks up, just like it did against the monument.
Me
Sweet talker.
Thigh Boy
Is it working?
Me
No.
Thigh Boy
That’s bullshit, and you know it.
Me
How are you even texting me back? My original message was for when you finished the game.
Thigh Boy
I’m hiding in the bathroom. Saw my phone light up with your name.
Me
Go and play hockey. Another shutout, please.
Thigh Boy
If I make it, will you stay in my bed tonight?
Me
I’ll think about it.
Thigh Boy
I’ll DoorDash Taco Bell for you.
Me
Deal.
Thigh Boy
One day, you’ll love me as much as cheesy bean burritos.
Me
You’re incorrigible.
Thigh Boy
Yep. Stay pretty, A, x.
Thirty minutes later—with the Blades already a goal ahead, thanks to a slapshot from my brother—I make my excuses and head for the bathroom.
When I reach the toilets, the door swings away from me just as I go to push through, and I narrowly miss falling straight on my face. I stumble into the room, laughing the entire time—half from embarrassment and the other because I must look ridiculous.
A hand wraps around my arm, saving me from catapulting across the room.
The woman—and I assume the person keeping me upright—laughs along with me. “This is the kind of thing that could only happen to me. At least I’m not alone.”
When I finally get ahold of myself, I spin around and come face-to-face with Archer’s mum.
She hitches her handbag further up her shoulder, warmth radiating from her. “You’re Felicity’s daughter, aren’t you?”
“Darcy,” I confirm, feeling a little nervous, knowing I’m meeting my baby’s future grandma, and in a few hours, she’ll know all about it.
She clicks her fingers. “That’s right! Felicity mentioned your name. I’ve met her a couple of times at games, but never you. I’m Julia, Archer Moore’s mom.” The smile still hasn’t left her face. “I presume from your very strong British accent that you live in the UK.”
Julia steps all the way back into the restroom, releasing the door, and it shuts behind her.
“Oh, sorry!” She shakes her head, motioning to the toilet stalls. “I bet you’re busting to pee, and here I am, going on.” She rolls her eyes at herself.
“I’m good,” I reply. “Actually just taking a breather away from the arena noise.”
She nods her head, chuckling again. “I think we might be kindred spirits—both a little clumsy and loud noise not being our thing.”
Julia’s eyes fall down the length of my body. I’m wearing a dress, tights, and knee-high boots since I’m heading out with Mum straight after this.
“I don’t normally get this dressed up for games,” I clarify, feeling my cheeks heat a touch.
She shakes her head, but it isn’t judgmental. “I was actually thinking how beautiful you are.” Her voice is full of awe, and my face flushes redder.
She hesitates for a brief moment, eyes narrowing slightly. I can’t work out what she’s thinking, but the wheels are definitely turning in her brain.
“Thank you,” I reply. “I recently made the permanent move to New York. I was living in Oxford up until early this year.”
She nods softly, fiddling with the leather strap on her shoulder. “This might be a really random question, but have you met my son, Archer?”
I’m a shit liar, and I’m even worse at acting chill. Heat creeps across my entire face, burning the tips of my ears. “I have. He’s one of my brother’s closest friends. I speak to him on nights out sometimes.”
Biting on her bottom lip, Julia studies me in the way her son does. They’re so alike with the same eyes and dark hair, but also in their mannerisms.
I can sense she wants to say something but is holding back, and I wonder if Archer has spoken about me. Maybe he hasn’t mentioned my name but told her there’s a girl he likes.
“He’s a good man,” she finally says. “Since the minute he left the womb, he’s always known what he wants and gone after it. I think that’s what makes him one of the best goalies to ever grace the NHL—his determination to follow his dreams.”
In isolation, her comment is kind of abstract, but there can be no doubting now that she isn’t talking about hockey. She’s talking about me; her eyes confirm it.
Julia reminds me of my mum with her maternal instinct; it’s never pointed her in the wrong direction. I hope I have the same gift when it comes to our child.
“Anyway …”
As if snapping back to reality, she clicks her tongue and takes hold of the door handle behind her, spinning to face me once more. Her warm smile is still there, and although our encounter was spontaneous and brief, there’s nothing weird or uncomfortable about it.
“Enjoy the game, Darcy,” she continues. “I really hope to see you around again at some point.”
And as quickly as I fell into the restroom, she exits, the door closing behind her with a click.
Me
I know you’re on the ice now, but I just met your mum. She’s like the double of you in every way possible. But in spite of that, I like her. A lot.