18. Aiyana

Chapter eighteen

Aiyana

Monday, December 4, 2023

" O h my gosh! That was incredible! I'd forgotten how great it feels to be this close to the ice." My dad is beaming over at me, the joy on his face melting the cold outer edges of my heart.

"It was incredible." I smile at him. "I'm glad you could come, Edoda ."

"Me too. You think Kas has time for his favorite old guy?" he asks, his words filled with hope.

"I'm sure, and we can wait in the tunnel for him to get out." He hops up immediately, hurrying down there, knowing the way better than anyone.

We chat about our plans for the holidays as we wait for the team to come out. Apparently, my parents are going on a cruise for the holidays instead of hosting at our family home like usual. I'm bummed out because I was looking forward to being back for it this year, but I do my best to hide the disappointment on my face. My parents deserve to enjoy their time together. You never know when it'll be your last day with a person, and Dad's health isn't getting any better.

We both redirect our gazes toward the locker room doors as the team starts to pile through, and as soon as Kas spots us, he comes barreling toward us. Instead of stopping to hug me first, his arms snake around my dad, lifting him off his feet in one of Kas's signature bear hugs. I watch as he expertly avoids knocking over his oxygen tank before placing him back on his feet.

"Mr. Kaan, how've you been?" he asks before looking over at me, a twinkle in his eyes that lights me up inside.

My dad pats him firmly on the back, smiling from ear to ear. "You haven't called me Mr. Kaan in years, Kas. Don't get formal with me now."

They go back and forth with one another until the tunnel is nearly cleared out, and Kas offers to walk us to my cherry-red pickup truck. I love that old thing.

When we get to the parking lot, Kas helps me set Dad's oxygen tank inside the seat before hoisting him up and walking me around to the driver's side. Before I can open the door, he pulls me into a hug that has me melting against him, the smell of soap and leather mingling on his skin.

"Goodnight, my little viper," he mumbles into my hair before releasing me. Even I can admit to myself that it was over too soon. His hugs are the best I've ever gotten.

"Goodnight, Kas," I whisper as he walks away, unsure if he even hears me.

***

After dropping Dad off, heading home to shower, and climbing into bed, sleep evades me.

Memories of Kas and I flood my brain—us as kids, meeting for the first time, my intense crush on him throughout middle school. The love notes we'd pass back and forth in high school, sneaking around under the bleachers and in our backyards during our senior year of high school. Spending all of our free time when Kat wasn't around in undergrad together.

My heart aches with longing for that.

I do owe him that dinner…

I pull out my phone and send him a text before I can reconsider.

Dinner after your game on Friday?

And thanks for tonight. Dad really enjoyed himself and he loves getting to see you.

Kas

Friday sounds great!

Kas

Anytime, baby. He's my favorite guy!

Kas

Goodnight my little viper 3

Just this once, I'll ignore his baby comment.

Goodnight Kas.