When Brent’s in his seat and once he cranks the truck, he then leans over the console and kisses me like it’s been a long, tortuous couple of days since he last saw me.
“Would you believe me if I told you I actually missed you when I went running this morning?” he asks when he pulls away.
“You sound surprised,” I comment.
“I am. I like running alone, so as bad as it sounds, I didn’t think I enjoyed running with you enough to miss it.”
“That sounds awful,” I tease. “I guess I’ll have to make sure I’m there Monday morning, then.”
“I’ll be happy if you are.”
“Then I’ll be there. What did you do today? Find something other than work to do?”
Brent sighs. “Well, Gregory is at my house this weekend and he worked after school a few days this week, so he didn’t care to do anything today. We hung out at the house until he left to go to the
movies with friends and spend the night at his friend’s house.”
My brows pull together in confusion. “He can spend the night at a friend’s when it’s your weekend?” I don’t know how these things work, so better to ask than to assume, right?
“He still has a life and I don’t want to interrupt that because he’s supposed to spend the weekend with me. They’ve been planning to see this movie for weeks. Plus, it works out because I get to be with you.”
“You’re a really good dad, Brent.”
He smiles. “I try to be.”
The week slowly slips from my thoughts, the stress leaves my muscles as we arrive at the arena, make our way inside, and walk to our seats. Brent looks sheepish as we sit in the first row of seats at the glass.
“It’s my first game and they were available. How could I resist?”
I shake my head with a laugh. “Men and their sports.”
“Let me know if you get bored, okay?”
“I’m not ruining this for you.”
He hasn’t even looked at me since we walked inside. His excitement is obvious and if I do get bored, he won’t ever know it. Brent looks like a kid in the world’s largest candy store. He hasn’t sat down yet because his eyes roam the ice and every seat in the arena, soaking it in. Meanwhile, I’m glad Erin made me wear a sweater because it is slightly chilly in here.
“This is too cool,” Brent says as he finally sits down. “I’m glad you’re letting me bring you here for a date.” He leans over and kisses me quickly before getting distracted as players come out onto the ice.
I can’t really pay attention to whatever’s happening on the ice because I’m too busy watching Brent. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a grown man so excited over something. It’s kinda cute. And Brent is really invested. He cheers as if he’s been a fan for life when the Rebels score, but still makes sure to buy me a drink and something to eat in between periods. That’s when he talks to me the most, too. It’s primarily about the game, but I don’t mind.
He kisses me every so often as well because he keeps saying he’s grateful I’ve allowed him to bring me here for a date. I don’t think it’s a big deal. I agreed to come because I wanted to. The bonus is I’m enjoying myself, the game, and watching Brent enjoy it so much. If we’re still together by his birthday, I definitely know what to get him as a present.
Wait. When does hockey season end? That might wrinkle my plans.
For now, I enjoy the present. Hockey seems pretty intense. And fast. It’s exciting and it doesn’t take much action to get my adrenaline pumping. The roar of the crowd at the end of the game when the Rebels come away with the win is insane in and of itself. These are some very happy people because their hockey team won tonight.
Brent is one of them. He’s all smiles and happy energy.
“Are you full or still hungry? We could get something to eat.”
“I’d really like some ice cream.”
“You’re in luck. I took my ice cream from the shop to the house and replaced your melted pint with a new one.”
“Do you have hot chocolate, too?” The slight frown tells me he doesn’t. “Just stop by a convenience store and I’ll grab one there, unless you want one too?”
He shakes his head. “I’ll stop at a store for you, though.”