Levi and I look at each other before opening them. Then I scream, actually scream, out loud. Inside, there is a ticket to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers game and a meet and greet pass for the Pittsburgh team.
“We’re going to meet the team?” Tears spring to my eyes. No one has ever given me anything so special.
“Yep, you’re going to meet the team,” Victor confirms as I leap into his arms. “I’m sorry it’s not closer to your birthday, but happy birthday.”
I pull away from his arms. “I don’t care. Thank you so much.” Tears run down my cheeks.
“I figured a family trip is needed for all three of us and I’m using your birthday as that excuse,” he says as he wipes the tears away from my face.
I laugh and look over at Levi. He doesn’t look happy. He almost looks sad. “Levi?”
“What? Oh, yeah, these are great. Thanks, Pops. We just haven’t been to a meet and greet since Mom’s last one.” I can see the sadness in Levi’s eyes, and I know this will be hard.
“Hey, you went last summer to the hockey camp, and did just fine, right?” Victor points out.
Levi smiles. “You’re right. Time to make new memories, right?”
I squeal again and this time, I hug Levi. We continue our night of eating and then cleaning up, and it’s filled with laughter. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of a family. Especially with Levi and Victor.
“So, Levi, have the Penguins said anymore about you getting drafted this year?” Victor asks as we settle down in the living room.
“No, I’m afraid my chances are slim. There are a lot of great players out there right now.” He shrugs like it isn’t a big deal, but I know he is just trying to play it off.
“Maybe they’ll invite you to camp again this year?” I try to sound helpful.
“Invitations will be going out the next couple of weeks, so maybe.” He shrugs.
I excuse myself to the ladies’ room to give Levi some time with his dad. Coming out of the bathroom, I am able to hear their conversation. I know that it’s wrong to listen, but I can’t help it.
“Levi, stop worrying about my expenses. I have plenty of money.”
“Pops, those tickets are a lot of money and you got three of them. Plus, all of your hospital bills.”
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“Levi James, enough.” I hear Victor raise his voice. I heard him do that one other time, during Christmas. “Now, I have health insurance, so most of my hospital bills are taken care of. I have plenty of money to survive on. Now, if you want to go to the camp, then you will go. But don’t make it about money.”
“The camp last year cost you a lot of money.”
“Son, if it means you being happy and securing your future, I will sell my soul for you. Do you understand?”
“Pops,-”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t act like I’m not able to take care of you Levi. You still have money in your trust. I still can take care of you, no matter what. This conversation is over, Levi. If Pittsburgh invites you to that camp, you’re going.”
I hold my breath. I don’t want Levi to put his life on hold because of money issues. Maybe there is something I could do. But I know Levi too well. He would rather starve than ask for money. I come around the corner and act like I didn’t hear anything.
“Boys, I’m tired and I know that we have stuff planned this weekend. So I’m heading to bed.” I hug Victor first.
“Are you going to sleep with your meet and greet pass around your neck?” Victor laughs at me.
“Oh no, I’m going to lay it on Levi’s pillow and make him sleep on the couch.”
“Hey!” Levi yells and Victor laughs harder.