Slap Shot by Rhonda Laurel

Sydney and Alicia. I think they’ll be back in a few hours.”
    She glanced at her watch. “How’sdad? Is his back feeling any better?”
    “If you came home more you could see for yourself. You know you don’t have to live here. Your father and I could float you a loan for a new place.”
    “There’s no need to rush. I like living here. Grandma said I can stay as long as I want.”
    “You know she’s letting you stay here to get back at me.”
    Charisma crossed her legs and folded herarms over her chest. “How can you say that? Grace Marie Reed doesn’t have a vindictive bone in her body.”
    “Sure she does. She’s thinks I didn’t raise you well and this is her chance to fix what I broke.”
    “So you admit there were some missteps in your parenting?”
    “What? No.” Debra glared at her. “She had no right to tell me how to raise my children. She overstepped on many occasions.But that doesn’t surprise me. She never liked me. She gave me and your father six months to find our own place after we married.”
    “I’ve never known her to ask anyone to leave. Uncle Julius stayed with her for almost two years after his wife kicked him out.”
    “That was different. Julius was her brother.”
    “No, that’s not it. What happened?” She knew her grandmother wouldn’t speakill, but maybe her mother would spill the beans.
    “Typical mother-in-law, hates the woman who stole one of her babies away. She was heavily involved in your father’s life before we married, but I put a stop to that. She didn’t approve of anything I did. She said I was pushing you and your brother too hard.”
    “What would give her that idea? Just because I’m a mess and Trevor hasn’t beenhome in years,” Charisma said.
    “I knew this would happen. She’s turning you against me.”
    “No, she’s not. Our communication issues have nothing to do with grandma. Don’t try to pin it on her.”
    “I know you’re going through a lot. You were devastated about your breakup with Lamont, but you’ll find love again.”
    “I had many feelings for him, but now that my brain fog has cleared,I know it wasn’t love. Love isn’t that way. Someone who loves you doesn’t systematically treat you like crap so you become dependent on them and they can easily manipulate you.”
    “I still say you two could have worked things out in couple’s therapy.”
    “Wow. You’re still beating that dead horse?”
    “Fine. Lamont is out of the picture. But I hope you don’t expect to get a date untilyou move out of here. You can’t entertain a man, living with your grandmother.”
    “Actually, I already did,” she shot back. “Derek Popovich took me to a party last week and he came here to get me. He had a great time with Grandma. He even brought her flowers and candy.”
    “So that story about you being in a love triangle with the hockey player and that actress is true?”
    She rolledher eyes. “Partially true. It was all a big misunderstanding.”
    “What on earth are doing with him?”
    “Have you not seen him?”
    “He’s attractive, but hockey isn’t exactly a high-profile sport.”
    “You do know hockey’s a billion-dollar industry? They’re not playing on frozen ponds and keeping score with dry-erase boards.”
    “Is he a well-paid player?”
    “I don’t know.I’m helping him redecorate his bar, and we’ve had one date.”
    Debra whipped out her phone and did some digging. Her eyes widened. “According to this Web site he’s worth—”
    “I don’t want to know. That’s not important to me. He’s a nice guy, and I enjoy his company.”
    “He owns the Slap Shot Bar and Grill. Regular people can’t get a reservation there.” Debra continued to scroll. “He’salso known for playing the field.”
    “I’m aware of that.” She stood up. “If you don’t mind, Mom, I have a lot to do before I leave for Texas on a business trip with Jared. He has some work to do with Blake Enterprises, and I’m going to help