Page 11 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance (Midlife Meet Cute #6)

Rebecca

“Kayla, stop it. It’s not like that.” I take another sip of my wine, recalling the way Zach looked at me before we parted ways this evening.

After we discussed the contract and then celebrated with dinner, we dropped Gabe and Olivia off at the Sandpiper Inn, and then Zach took me back to the arena to get my car. But before I got out, there was a moment…

“Then what’s it like?” Her disbelief bleeds through the phone.

“Zach’s just a friend.”

A friend who suggested a sunset walk on the beach afterward. I declined even though I nearly caved to the temptation because I didn’t believe things would stay “friendly” in such a romantic setting. Every time Zach looks at me like that, my heart shifts into overdrive.

Instead, I begged off, opting for a quiet evening at home with a glass of wine, my cushy couch, and a phone chat with my sister. Moving away from Kayla and my niece has proved a tad more challenging than I anticipated.

“A very helpful one, it seems.”

“Yes, he is.” Not at all what I expected, either. He’s attentive and caring. I’m still not sure why he’s so intent on helping me.

“And still hot. Admit it.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m not there to see for myself,” she whines. “I’m an old married woman with a husband who works too much and a ten-year-old daughter who’s suddenly an expert on everything—including how I should dress, parent, and apparently, breathe.”

I laugh. “First, you are not old! And Quinn sounds just like Dad.”

“No, she’s just like you. She’s a mini Rebecca minus the power suit. Do you know what she asked me for her birthday gift?”

“A pony?”

Kayla snorts. “Not even close. The little imp wants me to ask if she could come for a visit so she could spend a day with you at work.”

I snicker. “Hockey runs in our blood, Kayla. What did you expect?”

“I’m not complaining. She couldn’t have a better role model in her life than my big sister. I just feel like…”

“Like what?”

Silence draws out, almost making me wonder if the connection dropped.

She lets out a breathy sigh. “Like all I am is a wife and a mother.”

Since when did my baby sister start seeing herself as so small?

“Kayla, you also designed a successful catering business that practically runs itself. That’s quite a feat.”

“I know.” She hesitates. “The hockey bug never bit me like it did you, much to Dad’s chagrin.”

“Not true. Dad was proud of you and your catering business. He was glad you didn’t feel pressured to follow in my footsteps. Or his.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“So I’m not a bad mom for wishing my daughter wanted to shadow me at my job instead?”

“No, not at all. I’d be surprised if you felt otherwise.” I lean forward and set my wine glass on the coffee table. “Kayla, you’re an amazing mother. Did you ever consider that Quinn is exerting her independence because you taught her to?”

“I suppose.”

“She sees her mom running a business and wants to figure out her place in the world.”

She snickers. “Since when did you become the wise, motherly type?”

I shrug to myself. “I don’t think I’d call it that. More like hands-on experience managing temperamental male toddlers.”

She giggles. “I do hope you’re not referring to Zach.”

“No, my GM.” I fill her in with the entire story, including how Jack tried to sabotage me. “Zach offered to talk to him.”

“What did you say?”

I roll my eyes. “No. That I’d handle it myself.”

“See? You just made my point.”

“And what point would that be?”

“You operate like a mother, like a matriarch.”

I cringe at the word. “Why? Because I’m the same age as the mothers of the younger players on my team?”

“No. Because you always know what a situation needs. You observe and figure out what’s needed. And then you manage it. What do you think moms do all day?”

A knock comes from my front door. “I never thought of it that way. Listen, someone’s at my door. Can I call you tomorrow?”

“Of course. Want me to stay on the phone while you answer it?” She sounds half serious.

“Why?”

“In case there’s a psycho on the other side.”

With a soft laugh, I pad to my front door. “I’ll use my peephole.”

“I’m staying on the phone. Don’t hang up.”

“Now you’re just being nosy.” I check to see who’s there.

“Maybe. Who is it?”

I can’t answer my sister because I stopped breathing. Why is he here at this hour?

“Becks, who is it?” Concern laces her voice, knocking me back to my senses.

“It’s Zach.”

“Ohhhh, does he have flowers and a ring?”

I blurt out a laugh. “Not likely.”

“Or very likely.” Her voice comes across as a hesitant whisper.

But her serious tone stops me from opening the door. “What do you mean?”

“Sis… Zach came back not long after he left.”

“No, he didn’t.”

“Yes, he did. You weren’t home, but I was. He showed up at our door with a bouquet and a ring. Dad wouldn’t even let him in the door.”

I cover my mouth with my fingers, struggling not to cry. “I don’t understand.”

“Dad told him you were better off without him.”

“Why would Dad do that?” I knew then my father never approved of Zach, but to do that and not tell me? To not let me make my own decision? If he were still alive, he’d definitely be getting a phone call from me tonight.

“He wanted to protect you. He thought you’d give up your dream to follow Zach.” She sighs. “Sorry to dump that on you now, but you needed to know.”

Zach knocks again. What am I going to say to him now that I know? Does it even matter after all these years? The past can’t be undone, but at least now I know that Zach didn’t just toss me aside.

“You better get that before he leaves. Again.”

“Kayla?” I take a deep breath.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for telling me.”

“Sure thing. Now, open the door and let your future in.”