Page 103 of Hot Shot
“You don’t have to do that. I was going to do them before you got home,” I mumble around mouthfuls of food.
“It’s fine. When you’re done eating, you’re going to shower, and then we’re going to talk.”
“Nothing to talk about.”
She glances at me over her shoulder. “Madison Mae Harris. That’s bullshit. You know it. I know it.”
I sigh. She’s right, I do need a shower. I can’t argue with that. That’s when I realize how much of a mess the kitchen is. There are empty bowls and discarded glasses everywhere. When did it get this bad? I blink back the tears that threaten to fall, pulling in a deep breath through my nose.
A few minutes later, I make my way upstairs to shower and change. I tried to help Aunt Judy clean up the kitchen, but she wouldn’t let me. She simply pointed at the stairs and gave me a death glare that said if I didn’t go upstairs and shower on my own, she’d have Curtis carry me up there.
Half an hour later, I walk down the stairs, showered, and in a fresh pair of leggings and my favorite oversized plaid button-down shirt. I do feel better after a shower and putting on clean clothes.
My steps falter as I round the corner into the living room and see who’s sitting on the couch.
“Rachel? Dad? Aunt Judy? What’s going on?” I ask glancing around the room at the people staring back at me.
Aunt Judy and my dad exchange looks I can’t quite decipher.
Rachel clears her throat, folding her hands in her lap. “Mads, we’re all worried about you. This isn’t healthy.”
“I’m fine. See.” I wave a hand down my body. “Showered and changed. No need to worry about me anymore.”
“You’re not okay, Mads. And that’s okay, but you can’t hole up here like this. It isn’t healthy. When was the last time you went outside? Got some sun?” Rachel tilts her head, studying me.
I know she means well. I know they all mean well, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
I cross my arms, shifting from one foot to the other. “I don’t know. A few days.”
“You should talk to Hunter,” Dad says gently.
“I can’t. I’m not ready to deal with that.” My voice shakes and I stare down at the carpet, willing myself not to cry. “I’m ruining his career before it even really gets started.”
This is the first time I’ve voiced out loud the thought that’s been circling in my head since the article was released.
“No, you’re not.” He reaches out to touch my arm, but I sidestep away from him and begin to pace.
I hear whispers behind me, but I can’t make out what’s being said. They’re probably trying to figure out the best way to handle me.
I stop my pacing, resolved in my decision. “I love him, isn’t this what’s best? If I take myself out of the equation, he won’t be so distracted. I’ve seen it. I know you have too.” I look at my father. “He’s not been focused. He hasn’t been playing his best. If I wasn’t around, all of this wouldn’t have gone down, and he wouldn’t be ruining his career.”
“Madison, a few bad games aren’t going to ruin his career. If you love him, don’t you think you should tell him that? Talk to him. Let him decide if he has enough space in his life for two loves,” Dad says.
I furrow my brows. “Two loves?”
“You and hockey.”
I stare at him. I don’t know what to say to that. What he’s saying makes sense. But part of me feels like it’s unfair to drag Hunter through all this drama. “But you’re still my father. That’s not going to change.”
He drags in a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “I thought we resolved this. The front office doesn’t have an issue with it. Nothing shady happened. They like what he’s done for the team and so do I. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Neither of you do.”
“Honey.” Aunt Judy steps closer to me, putting her arms out.
I heave out a breath, stepping into her embrace. I didn’t realize how starved I was for human touch until now.
“It’s going to be okay. No one blames you. Yes, maybe you made a bad decision not to tell Hunter sooner, but you need to reach out to him, talk to him,” Judy says gently rubbing my back.
“He said he wanted space,” I mumble into her shoulder.
