Barefoot Blue Jean Night

I see the black and gold sweater and it gives me shivers. I think back to that time in my life where I thought I had it all. The great boyfriend, great career, family and friends, what else did I need?

Apparently I needed a wake up call. You’d think being 6 years older I would have seen the signs, but he shattered my heart when I found out. I look back and then my gag reflex kicks in when I feel the need to throw up at the sight of the now useless #19 jersey.

Tyler and I had a great time when we were together. I’d never felt happier. The sex was fantastic, he knew to say all the right things, his friends accepted me. It only last about 5 months longer, just after the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup. It was 5 months too long in my opinion. I didn’t find out about all the girls until the Cup win. They flooded in from everywhere to congratulate him and fuck a Stanley Cup champ.

“Are you okay, mom?” I hear my son’s voice.

“Yeah, just felt a little sick.” I patted his head as we continued our lunch date.

Five, almost six years ago, I met the single father Steven and his son, Mason. Mason was waiting to get Tyler’s autograph before a game. I offered Steve my number so he could get in touch with me about Mason’s games for the Bruins to go check out. We remained friends all through my breakup with Tyler and a year later we were married. I became the legal guardian of Mason as his mother shortly after. Steve and I had a wonderful 3 years together.

Unfortunately, during our fourth year as husband and wife, Steve was diagnosed with Cancer. He fought like the best of them, but his body was too weak to fight any longer.
I was devestated but I stayed strong for Mason. Steve was the only biological parent that Mason ever knew, so to him it was like losing everything. For the first little while he hated me. After talking with therapists and child psychologists, he seemed to come around to being my friend again. It’s been two years since his dad’s passing and I still can’t bring myself to date. I keep my focus on work and Mason.

“So what do you feel like doing for your birthday?” I asked him. His 12th birthday is around the corner.

“Can we go to a Bruins’ game?”

My jaw dropped. I was never the huge hockey fan, it was always Steve. He would take Mason to games, meet the players and such. When Steve passed away, Mason kind of lost interest in the game. I never forced it on him. When he was ready to go again, I told myself I would gladly take him.

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” I wanted to confirm it.

“Yes, mom, I’m sure.” He smiles. “Can I invite Nathan too?”

I never get used to him calling me mom. I love the sound of it. I always wanted to be a mom. I never thought I would adopt, but I love him like I gave birth to him. Nathan is his best friend. They do most things together. Nathan was a big help when Steve passed away. He always tried to make Mase laugh and smile.

“Sure.”

After we finished with lunch, I dropped Mason off at Steve’s parents house for the afternoon. I’m so thankful for his parents. They were a huge help with Mason in the beginning. They still call me their daughter and I love them for it. My parents live in Texas so we only get to see them maybe twice a year.

I did some grocery shopping, even though I hate doing it on a Saturday because it’s so busy. But the kid needs food, apparently, so as the parent I have to fill the fridge.
After my ridiculous 20 minute wait in line, I call Stephanie and see if she’s available for some coffee.

We end up meeting at the Starbucks across the street from TD Garden.

“You should come to a game sometime. The guys miss you.” Even though Tyler and I didn’t last long, I stayed in touch with a bunch of the wives and talk to them frequently. Patrice Bergeron’s wife, Stephanie is one of them.

“That’s actually partly why I called you.” She offers all the time, but I feel bad asking.
“Mase’s birthday is coming up and he asked to go to a game.”

Her jaw dropped like mine did. Her and Patrice were friends with Steve and I, so she was aware of everything that happened including Mason’s seperation with hockey.

“He actually asked to go?”

“Yeah, like said I want to go to a Bruin’s game.”

“Well then, we can’t disappoint, now can we?” She laughs and we continue our afternoon coffee session about my non-existent love life.

“Seriously, let me set you up with one of the guys.” She begs.

“I’ve dated one and that’s enough for me.” I wave her off.

“You can’t base them all off Tyler. He was young and stupid. I want to set you up with one of the older guys, like McQuaid. I think you would be great together.”

“As good looking and talented as he is, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but no. And that’s my final.”

She lets out a puff of air. “Fine.”

“I love that you want to help, I really do, but I’m happy just Mason and I.”

Notes