For The Love of Ash

by Taylor Lavati

  "Maggie still won't give me a chance, and I don't want to upset her. But I don't want to bail on Asher. He asked me to come."

  "You still love her?" Liam asked as he pressed buttons on the blue DS.

  "I won't stop, even if she doesn't take me back. It's a once in a lifetime thing."

  "If you guys get back together, am I going to have to move out?"

  "Liam, you're my brother. You can stay with me as long as you need, even if that's forever. I'm serious. Plus, I'm sure Asher would love to hang out with you all the time. But it doesn't seem like Maggie's ready for second chances."

  "I don't really blame her. I mean, she has Asher and all. And you kind of just left. That was messed up."

  "I made a mistake. I know that. Dr. Linhart helped me understand."

  "Do you like going to her?" Liam asked, looking up from his game.

  "No. But she helps me. She could help you, too. I could even go with you if you wanted."

  "We could go in together?"

  "Yeah, if you want."

  "Do you think you could make an appointment?"

  "Of course. We can go tomorrow. I'll call her."

  "Thanks, Luke."

  "I think we can go in now. Stay with me. Do you need anything?" I asked as I looked him up and down. He wasn't huddling down with pain anymore, which was good. He looked better, but I knew the emotional damage was worse than the physical from experience.

  Liam and I crept into the rink. I jumped back when the sliding doors made a whooshing sound, afraid that someone might notice us. Luckily, the warming area was vacant; everyone huddled together in the stands already as a whistle blew in the distance.

  I grabbed Liam's arm and pulled him with me to the opposite side of the rink. I immediately saw Maggie across the way. I sat down with the opposite team, knowing that Maggie wouldn't look here.

  Liam and I watched the game. True to his word, Asher tried to do a wrist shot. He didn't score on it because it went glove side, but it was a solid shot with good execution. Asher got an assist, and after that the coach pulled him so he could rest. I was glad that we came to see him.

  As we tried to sneak out after the game, Asher ran over to us. He hugged each of us, still in his gear and helmet, sweat dripping down the side of his neck.

  "You were awesome!" I told him.

  "Coach made me sit 'cause of my concussion. I didn't even get to play that long."

  "But you got an assist even with the short playing time."

  "True…"

  "Listen, we have to go. Don't tell your mom we came, okay? We'll talk about the plan later." I leaned forward and kissed the top of his helmet in a gesture I wasn't used to performing.

  He nodded and ran back to the locker room, not even glancing back at us. Liam and I ran to the truck and jumped in. Liam was panting from the small exertion.

  "What's the plan?" Liam asked as I started the engine. So I told him my master plan to get Maggie back.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Maggie

  Dear Larken Family,

  You've been invited to our holiday fundraiser for Woodbury Elementary! We are actively seeking volunteers and donations. Please RSVP if you can come, and email EGreene@norwalk.edu if you'd like to help.

  Where: Redding Ice Arena

  When: Monday December 23rd at 4:30 pm

  Why: Fundraiser for sports programming and community engagement.

  We hope to see you there. Prizes will be given away through a dollar raffle. Raffle tickers can be purchased prior to the event. We will also be hosting a silent auction. Appetizers will be served in the lobby.

  Thanks for your continued support,

  Woodbury Elementary Teachers

  I sat down at the kitchen table as I rifled through the mail. I laid the note about the fundraiser to the side and piled my bills. When I finished throwing away all the junk mail, I went back to the flyer.

  Since my classes were over for the semester, I figured I should volunteer to help at the fundraiser. I wasn't able to do much at the school during the year because of all my other crap going on. I felt guilty since other parents could.

  I emailed the contact given on the bottom of the letter, saying that I'd be happy to do anything next Monday. Two days later, I got a reply back that was very short and to the point.

  Thank you for offering to help, Ms. Larken. I have placed you to watch the Silent Auction from 5-6. Thank you again,

  Teachers at Woodbury.

  I had no idea what to expect from the fundraiser. It was at an ice skating rink, but they had appetizers and hopefully drinks, although I doubted it. I figured the skating was more for the kids, to keep them busy while parents could spend their money.

  I pulled on a pair of skinny jeans and a red loose blouse as I got ready to go. It would keep me warm if I had to skate with Ash, but I'd still look nice when I manned the silent auction. Plus, it was flattering. I put on a pair of black booties that made me look a little taller.

  "Ash, you ready?" I called out as I rummaged through the top kitchen drawer for my keys. He was like a stampede as he ran down the stairs and jumped into the living room.

  "I can't wait!" he shouted as he tied his skate laces together and threw them over his back. "Everyone from school is going to see how awesome I am at skating."

  "Be humble, Ash. Don't get cocky," I chided as I ruffled his short hair. I had convinced him to cut it way shorter than it ever had been. He wasn't used to it, but I loved it. I could see his face so much better that way.

  "I won't. Let's go. We can't be late." Asher shoved me from behind, pushing me through the kitchen and living room. I dug my feet into the floor.

  "What's your deal?" I questioned as I grabbed my bag from the living room floor. "Are you meeting a friend or something?"

  "No!" he immediately said. "I just don't want to be late."

  "Whatever you say, weirdo."

  The rink in Redding was the closest to Norwalk. It was rickety, with not many programs offered. I think they only had home teams that played each other. It wasn't competitive in the least. Asher would never get better in a program like that. But it was ice, and Asher was excited.

  By the time we pulled up, it was ten to five. Asher leapt out of the car, grabbed his skates, and bolted to the front of the rink. The place was dated, with brown siding and an A shape. It was small: just the ice, wooden bleachers, and two small locker rooms off to the side.

  There wasn't a food court or many vending machines, but the warming hut was large. They had a small pro shop, carrying just the bare minimum of things. Ash and I rarely came here.

  Ash was out of my sight as I walked into the rink. A lot of parents were hanging around the counter that had a bar set up. A girl about my age was playing bartender—the only reason I knew was because she had on a white button-up and black apron around her waist.

  "Ms. Larken," Mrs. Kellar said. She touched my shoulder and smiled at me. "How are you doing?"

  "I'm well; how about you?"

  "Great. I heard Asher is having a fantastic year. I'm so happy for you all."

  "Me too. I'm glad it's all worked out."

  "Are you here to party?" she asked as she winked at me. I looked at her hand which held a clear cup with something maroon in it. Cranberry juice, if I had to guess.

  "I'm actually running the silent auction booth for a little bit," I told her, my eyes searching the place. In the corner near the door to the locker rooms were three or four tables set up with baskets on top, each wrapped in cellophane.

  "Mr. Wilson was able to get some really amazing prizes. Which reminds me, I should go find him and thank him for organizing this."

  "Mr. Wilson did this?" I questioned.

  "Yes! He's going to be building an ice skating rink right in Norwalk. They'll have programs for kids, and it's close to the school so we can do field trips and such. It's such a great idea."

  "Really…" My mind was swimming with thoughts. Luke did this. This was insane. He coul
dn't think that building a rink would make me take him back. Of course, it was the most thoughtful thing anyone had done for me. If he was doing it for me. But still. This was too much.

  "I've got to head over to the silent auction area." I excused myself, walking past Mrs. Kellar. I didn't see Luke in the crowd, but that was good since I had already agreed to help. I didn't want to have to run.

  Mrs. Kellar was right. The silent auction had some really amazing things. I had my eye on private hockey lessons at Shelton Twin Rinks, a really nice double wine basket with crackers and cheese, and a gift certificate for a free oil change.

  "Hi, I'm Maggie. I'm here to help with the silent auction," I told the woman who looked like she was in charge. She set me up at the booth, gave me a name-tag, and instructed me to walk around and make sure nobody stole anything.

  As I was patrolling, I looked down at the sheet for tickets to our local theatre. The top bid was already at $2,000. It said the ticket was worth about twenty five hundred, and it was nearly there. I couldn't believe that people would spend that much for a little auction like this.

  "I'm really glad you came." His voice bore into the back of my mind. I missed the sound of it. I had been doing so well avoiding him, but it was just a matter of time before he pushed his way in.

  "I volunteered before I knew it was your charity thing. I don't want to leave them empty handed now."

  "How generous of you." I grabbed his arm and tugged him towards the back of the room. I flipped us around, so I could still watch the auction area. But I only looked at Luke.

  "Why would you do this?" I hissed.

  "Our community needed a rink with decent programs. Plus, I can use the rink with my students and expand the physical education program. It's great for the school."

  "So, I had nothing to do with it."

  "You didn't. But Asher factored in."

  "Oh my God," I said as recognition dawned on me. "He was in on this, wasn't he?"

  "I may have told him my master plan. Listen, I don't expect you to drop everything and take me back. But I think the rink would make your life a hundred times easier. Think of it. You'd only have to drive five minutes to get Ash to practice."

  I did think about it and I knew how much this would save me—both time and money. But it felt like he was trying to buy me back.

  "You can't buy your way into my life…" Even as I said it, I knew I sounded unappreciative. I was. I couldn't believe that he would do all of this for me. But it didn't change the fact that he ran out on us.

  "I'm not trying to, Maggie." He placed his hand on my forearm, sending shivers throughout my entire body. "I just want a second chance. I can be there for you guys. Either way, I'm following through with this. Come June, you should have a brand new ice skating arena at your disposal."

  "Can you give me time?"

  "Time for what?" he asked back.

  "I'm just scared, Luke. You hurt me and hurt Asher. I know he's forgiven you, but he's nine. I'm not so naive. My feelings for you haven't changed, but I have to protect myself."

  "I understand…" He began to turn away, but I stopped him.

  "I won't ask you to wait, but I don't think I can handle us right now."

  "I'll wait, Maggie. You're it for me. I know this."

  I smiled and nodded. I had some hope that we could make it work. I had something to look forward to. It just wasn't fair to jump into a relationship and take him back when the wounds were still open from last time.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Luke

  "I'm surprised she let you stay," I said to Ash. He was sweaty from head to toe, his gray shirt wet near his armpits and lower back. He was waiting for me on the bench as I counted the money and handed out baskets as people picked them up.

  "Me too." He laughed as he untied his skates and let his feet air out.

  "Luke, where do you want the long tables?" Lindsay asked as she and Lilly held it sideways. It was taking forever to break down and clean up after the party.

  "My car!" I yelled as they maneuvered it through the warming area. Most of the hard work was done, just a few things were left to clean up. Ash leaned back to see Liam as they played on his DS.

  When I finished counting the cash and checks, I beamed. We made more than I expected, and with my savings, I'd have enough to start construction right away.

  "Guys!" I yelled. Lilly and Lindsay had just walked back through the doors, a bag in Lindsay's hand, and they both stopped in front of me as I sat behind the last table. Liam and Ash shot up from behind me and leaned forward. "We made enough to start!"

  Everyone cheered and shouted their congratulations. Lindsay pulled a bottle out of the bag over her shoulder, raising it in the air.

  "I knew you could do it!" She unscrewed the top, making it pop, and a little foam dribbled over the side onto the matted floor. She took a sip right from the bottle and then handed it to me. "Love you, brother." She kissed my cheek and then hugged Lil.

  "You planned this?" I asked as I took a swig.

  "Of course. I knew you'd do it." She winked at me as I look another sip of the champagne. I loved them more than words would ever describe.

  Six months later…

  I stood by myself in front of my arena. The sign had just been put up not more than a few minutes ago. In perfect block writing, Larken Arena was hung from the top of the square brick building.

  I was the first to admit that from the outside, it didn't look like much. I wanted it to have a homey feel instead of a large concrete building, although my contractor made me put in the standard sliding motion-sensored doors. I smiled to myself as I walked inside.

  There was an information desk to my right and a pro shop to my left. Inside the shop there were skate rentals and new equipment for sale. They had a skate sharpener too. I flicked on the lights in the main area, casting the room in natural white light.

  The warming area was created to look like the one I had been in with Maggie. It had fireplaces and large ottomans that were dark brown. Each could fit ten people, so there was plenty of room to get comfortable and drink warm hot chocolate.

  Off to one side was the cafeteria area with a full kitchen and staff that I planned on having during all games. On the side wall were a bunch of vending machines for off hours. I put six tables with high bar stools and a two-way window so while you sat and ate, you could still see the larger of the rinks.

  On the other side was a line of locker rooms. I made four against this rink's wall, hoping that eventually there would be back to back games, and that way teams didn't have to wait to go in.

  I tried so hard to make bleachers that would be more comfortable, but it just wasn't possible. Instead of wood, I used a form of plastic. But to make it warmer for guests, I put two heaters hanging from the ceiling, one for the away and home. They were quiet, so they didn't detract from the game either.

  The other rink was a bit smaller. In the middle of construction I realized that there really wasn't a lot of room. But I made do. The other rink also had four locker rooms attached.

  My family was probably almost here, so I walked through the rinks to the lobby to greet them. Hopefully tomorrow this place would be packed. There was a charity hockey game that I had arranged for my grand opening, and celebrities like four of the guys from the US Olympic team were coming and some professionals, too.

  I had to thank my buddy, Finn, for arranging everything. He was on the Rangers with connections to a whole slew of professional players. He owed me since he didn't come visit my students. Most of them were willing to come for free, and others I had to bargain with.

  "Lukey Pukey!" Lilly skipped into the room. "Holy shit. This place is amazing and monstrous. It makes me actually want to skate!" She ran over and swung her arms around my neck.

  "Take a look around," I said, laughing as she released me.

  "Hey, brother o' mine. I brought some drinks."

  "You know you're making me think you're turning into an alcoholic."
<
br />   "I'm twenty-six, single, and live by myself. What else am I supposed to do?" She rolled her eyes as she placed the bottle on one of the tables in the cafe area. "Drink with me or not. This is celebration time."

  "You have all the arrangements for tomorrow, right?"

  "It's not that hard to figure out. I'm picking up Maggie and Asher and dragging them here at all costs."

  "I think this will be the time she takes me back."

  "Luke—"

  "Stop. I know it. We've been getting back to friends, and I think she's ready. She's done with spring semester. Asher is out of school. This is the perfect time to try again. I can feel it."

  "Okay, Luke."

  "I'm going to show Lilly around. Don't forget tomorrow."

  I actually felt like Lukey Pukey. Finally, I was living up to my name. My stomach was revolting against me as the seconds ticked by. The Zamboni man was cleaning the ice, classic rock music playing through the speakers of the entire arena.

  I walked by the cafe area, and Liam's friend, Carl, was working. He was sixteen and could drive. The job was easy, but I was glad it was someone we knew. The cook was recommended by Jet, Maggie's boss. Everything was coming together, but it didn't stop my nerves from shooting off in every direction.

  "Relax, brother. A bus just got here." Liam pointed towards the lobby, and we hurriedly walked over.

  "A bus?" I questioned.

  "I think it's the Olympic group."

  "This isn't real." Liam pinched my upper arm, making me jump back. "Damn, that hurt." I rubbed my hand up and down where he squeezed.

  "I had to show you it was real." He laughed at me, and I had to admit, it made me calm down for one second total. A large coach bus was pulled in front of the main entrance. I walked out with Liam beside me to greet them. We both waved.