Page 8 of Pinch

The memory of that little beauty queen on the plane train drifts across my mind, and something like regret tightens my stomach.

Mom doesn’t miss a thing. “What’s that look about? Something you need to tell me?”

“No.” I huff a laugh. “It was just… This little girl blew me a kiss on the plane train. It was cute.”

I’m pretty sure cartoon hearts pop out of my mother’s eyes. “Lane Knight, you are just like your father. Ladies can’t help but love you.”

“Okay, okay. I gotta go. They’re calling my zone.”

She purses her lips, and I can tell she knows I’m trying to get off the phone now.

When either of “my two mommies” starts on the baby talk, it can get intense, and ever since what happened in college, I haven’t had any interest in wading back into the girlfriend waters, which I realize presents a problem.

I made a clean break after that burn. I even changed my name from Lane to Gavin, something they can’t seem to remember.

“Fly safe, Laney. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Ma.”

We say our goodbyes, and I disconnect. My eyes catch on the thin red ring around my left thumb. Mom inked it there when I was leaving home for the first time. It’s an old Japanese legend about a red thread that holds us together across space and time. Her ring is on her pinky finger.

She’s sentimental like that, and as I wait, a thought like a whisper drifts through my mind. It’s a thought inspired by brunette hair and bright blue eyes, a combination as familiar to me as home.

One person…

Who I have no intention of ever speaking to again.

I’ve effectively put my bad college experience in a box I never intend to reopen. I learned a hard lesson that year, and when hearts are involved, you can’t trust anyone.

It’s unexpectedlycool the morning of the parade. I’d been led to believe LA would be warm in October, but I was also told it’s unpredictable. I’ve got my jacket on as I make my way through the crowds lining the parade route.

Maverick told me to head to the last float, where the queen of the parade would ride with all of us players walking along beside her. We’re supposed to be handing out toy pucks, stickers, and other team paraphernalia to the fans.

Even though I’m the new guy, I still get cheers as I pass people in black, purple, and white attire. Excitement hums in the air, and I’m looking forward to seeing my old buddy.

Mav and I both come from big, close families, and we bonded at once in Atlanta over the perks and drawbacks of it. We also wouldn’t change it for the world.

“There he is!” I hear him yelling to me, his dark hair catching the breeze.

He’s holding up a red Solo cup, and I shake my head. It’s 10 a.m., and I’ll bet he’s drinking something strong. It’s probably that infamous purple drink his aunts like to make.

“Get over here, my man.” He pulls me in for a hug, and we slap each other’s backs. “Has it been a whole year?”

“Yeah, but it goes fast when we’re playing all the time.”

“That match in Atlanta last year was the worst.”

I nod, taking the cup of dark purple death he’s holding. I’m pretty sure I won’t be having any of this so early.

“Yeah. It was hard being on opposite sides.”

“I kept waiting for you to pass the puck to me.” His hazel eyes shine, and I nod.

“That would’ve gone over really well.”

“They’d have kicked my ass.” We’re about the same size, and he’s got his arm around my shoulders. “Come over and meet your other roommates.”

“Other roommates?” My brow furrows. “I thought…”