Easy (Chicago Blaze 6)

I get my shoes on and walk over to the stands, where the dad of a player stops me to talk hockey and get a selfie. I make sure not to look annoyed. Normally I’d spend as much time with him as he wanted, but I don’t want Allie to leave until I’ve gotten to talk to her.

Damn, I’m like an addict, physically aching for just a little hit.

“I’m having some friends over this weekend if you want to stop by,” the dad I’m talking to says.

“I appreciate the invite, but I’m in town to take care of my mom and aunt. I’m usually with them.”

“Oh yeah, sure.” He shakes my hand again. “Thanks again for working with Jax. He talks about you all the time.”

“He’s a good kid. If he wants to keep playing hockey, keep him in skating lessons. Skating skills are the foundation of a good hockey player.”

“Will do.”

“See you around,” I tell him with a wave.

I turn to walk toward Allie and as soon as I get a closer look at the blond, I recognize her as Allie’s sister, Jenna. No fucking wonder Allie’s arguing with her.

“She’s my daughter,” Jenna says to Allie. “I have a right to see her.”

“You actually don’t. I have full custody. I let you see them when I think it’ll be a good thing for them.”

“You’re unbelievable. How could seeing me be bad for my own daughter?”

Allie looks like she’s either going to burst into tears or punch Jenna square in the face. I step in, feeling desperate to do or say anything to help her.

“Hey, Allie.”

She looks up at me with a small smile. “Hi.”

I walk over and sit down on the other side of her, and she turns away from Jenna to face me.

“Hazel’s got a natural talent for hockey,” I say. “She said she’s interested in playing in high school. If you want me to do some extra work with her, I’d be glad to.”

“Wait, what?” Jenna stands up and looks between me and Allie. “Since when is your boyfriend back?”

Hazel is approaching us, equipment bag slung over her shoulder, and she overhears Jenna’s comment.

“Your boyfriend?” Her eyes get huge. “He’s your boyfriend?”

Allie cringes, looking flustered.

“He used to be,” she tells Hazel.

“Are you serious?”

Jenna stands up. “Hello, it’s your mother, who you haven’t seen for more than a year.”

“Didn’t Aunt Allie tell you I don’t want to see you?” Hazel responds.

I hear Allie sigh softly next to me.

“What did she say to make you mad at me?” Jenna asks Hazel.

“Nothing! It’s you.”

I want to put my arm around Allie and pull her close, but I can’t.

“Let’s talk things out over dinner,” Jenna says to Hazel.

“I’m not going anywhere with you. I want to go back to Kelly’s.”

“I’m your mother,” Jenna says firmly.

“No, you’re not.” Tears well in Hazel’s eyes and her cheeks flush.

Allie stands and goes to Hazel, saying, “Come on, let’s go.”

“She’s leaving here with me,” Jenna says.

Like hell. I get up and go over to Allie and Hazel, taking Hazel’s bag and throwing it over my shoulder.

Jenna stomps over to Hazel and grabs her arm.

“Don’t touch her,” I warn.

“She’s my daughter.”

“You have no legal rights to her,” Allie says. “Don’t make a scene, Jenna.”

“This is the only way I can see her!”

Jenna turns on the waterworks and people nearby are staring.

I put a hand on Allie’s shoulder and meet her gaze. “I’ll walk you guys out to your car.”

“Thanks,” she says, emotion pooling in her green eyes.

She puts an arm around Hazel and walks out of the ice rink area, with me right behind her and Jenna behind me.“If you lay one finger on me, I’ll have you arrested,” Jenna threatens, pointing at me as she walks past me.

“Hazel, please!” Jenna pleads, running up to her. “Whatever’s going on, we can work it out.”

Allie turns to her with a glare, asking, “Can you not do this here?”

Hazel breaks away from Allie and runs out of the rec center. Allie follows and I jog to keep pace.

Jenna, wearing heels, can’t keep up, so the three of us get to Allie’s car before Jenna. Allie pops the trunk and I throw the equipment bag in.

“Get in, quick, and lock the doors,” I tell her.

She doesn’t look at me, but she nods and I feel her hand on mine, giving it a quick squeeze. Her touch sends a shock of awareness through me.

“The papers said I have a right to see her!” Jenna cries furiously, heels now in her hands as she approaches the car.

I stand by the driver’s side door with my arms out, blocking the path while Allie gets in, locks the doors and starts her car. Jenna slams one of her shoes against the windshield and I see Allie jolt inside the car.

“Jenna, back the fuck up,” I say.