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auburn

I was not a skater. The few times I’d been on ice skates could be counted on one hand. I was definitely more the mom who preferred to sit on the sidelines than to actually be on the ice.

I laced up my black rental skates as Austin spoke to one of the members on the team.

“Hi”—I reached across Austin—“my name is Auburn.”

The guy looked at Austin, then narrowed his eyes at me before slowly taking my hand. “Wow, Hart. I didn’t realize you liked cougars.”

Austin gagged and stuck his fingers in his mouth. “No. Ew. Disgusting.”

I was used to this. Austin looked older than eighteen, and people often said I looked younger. I’d tried to dress in a way that made me seem older, wearing black leggings, an oversized mauve sweater, and a white scarf with a matching beanie, though the hat made my hair extra poofy.

“I’m Austin’s mom,” I said before letting go of his hand and continuing to lace up.

“Oh shit, that’s right. You’re the one joining us on the road.”

I smiled. “That’s me.”

The teammate rose, casting a smirk at Austin.

“At least she’ll be something pretty to look at,” the guy said. Though I mustered a polite smile, inwardly I was as annoyed as Austin about the objectification. It was frustrating to be constantly judged by my appearance.

“I swear to God.” Austin got to his feet, ready to confront the guy, but I pulled him back.

“It’s okay, Austin.”

He glanced at me, his blue eyes burning with anger. “They’ll always talk, but that attitude is exactly the issue Coach and I discussed yesterday. That’s what we need to keep in check.”

He nodded. I couldn’t blame Austin. I’d defied my parent’s orders at seventeen, sneaking off to my first high school party, then discovered I was pregnant weeks later. He was a teenager thrust into a grown-up job and a public role. If I needed to guide him through it, then I would.

“I have it,” Austin said as he pulled away from me, rising to his feet. With a gentle hand, he helped me up. “You ready, Mom?”

I embraced him tightly, feeling a surge of pride. He was the youngest player to be drafted into the National Hockey League. We’d been to a few family days over the years, but this one was different.

“I love you. I’m so proud of you, and I want to be here to show everyone just how proud I am.”

“It just sucks,” Austin admitted, with a touch of frustration in his voice as he leaned into the hug, realizing none of the other team members were around. “I want to be able to fit in with them. I want to be able to celebrate and not have to be hounded about my hot mom.”

“Thanks,” I said, laughing at his compliment, but he shook his head.

“I’m being serious,” Austin iterated.

“I know. I know you’re serious, and I know it sucks. But think about it—how many other kids your age are in the spotlight? How many have big brands wanting to sponsor them or have over a million followers on social media already?”

Austin gave me a cocky grin. “You’re right.”

“You have to remember, these players are years older than you. They had the chance to go to college and have fun. Now you’re in the spotlight and all eyes are on you.”

“Coach told me the social media girl was here, so I need to make sure I have a positive attitude,” Austin added, his tone anything but excited.

I couldn’t help but smirk. “Feels like you’re being punished by your mom, huh?” I let out a stifled laugh. Austin rolled his eyes.

“I know, baby. Let’s go kick some ass and show them that us Harts don’t let anyone mess with us.”

Austin laughed, grabbed my hand, and helped me walk down the rubber mat toward the rink.

“You’re right, Mom. No one messes with us Harts.”