Love in the Kitchen

Chapter 20

Clint's POV
"So do you want to explain the random drop in. You haven't been back here in months. Then all of the sudden your at the door." I couldn't very well stay at the hotel or all of Chelsee's staff would tell her I was here. I couldn't have that.
"Sorry mom, I was just coming to visit." She gave me a look and I knew she didn't believe me.
"You do realize you can't lie worth a crap right? You're here for Chelsee." She sighed and shook her head. "Sweetheart it's not that I don't want you happy. Because I really do but, this isn't a good idea. From words you've said to her and then the really bad ending. It won't be good for the both of you." I rolled my eyes at her.
"I get where you're coming from mom. Have you seen her lately?" She looked away from me and tried not making eye contact with me. "You mean to tell me that you've known the state she's in and you chose not to tell me?" I was beyond mad. How could my own mother keep this from me.
"I have seen her yes. After the way you spoke to her Clint. You didn't deserve to know what was going on with her. That's none of your business now." I wanted to be mad at my mom. The truth is that she's right. I'm more mad at myself. Because if I hadn't opened my stupid mouth last year, we wouldn't be in this mess.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gotten mad at you about that mom. You're right." She raised her eyebrows at me. "Mom..." I paused for a moment. "I can't live without her and those kids. I miss them so much." I had silent tears running down my face now. "I hate myself for what I did to her. I just pray I can prove to her that she can take a chance on me. I want to be there for her and those kids." My mom gave me a small smile.
"You need to tell her that then." She took her hand and wiped the tears from my eyes. "That is the most selfless thing I've heard you speak of through out this whole ordeal." She gave me a hug and I returned the gesture. "Then go get her back." She said as she looked up at me.
"I plan on it."

Chelsee's POV
"I haven't been to a high school match in ages. It feels brilliant." Clayton said as we found seats and got sat down.
"I'm sure all the boys will go wild knowing you're watching." I said as I got settled in and we waited for the teams to come out onto the ice.
"So how long has Declan been playing for?" Maddison asked.
"After his first time on the ice with his dad. He couldn't get enough of it. So, they figured hockey would probably be something he'd like. He took to it like it was breathing." We started clapping as the boys came out.
"Yeah that boys got a natural talent." Clayton said nonchalantly. I smiled because if Declan heard that he would die. He never thought he was good enough and couldn't understand why so many schools were watching him. It drove me crazy knowing he didn't think he was good enough. While in my thoughts I had a tap on my shoulder.
"Hello Chelsee." I looked up to see Brad standing next to me. "You mind if I join you?" I smiled and shook my head.
"Please have a seat." He sat down and I could just feel Maddison and Clayton's eyes on us. I gestured over to them. "Brad this is Maddison and Cla-"
"Clayton Waters." Brad finished and put his hand out. "I know exactly who he is. Its nice to meet the both of you." They both shook his hand and I noticed Clayton eyeing him up and down.
"Nice to meet you as well." Maddison said and she nudged Clayton in the side.
"So have you gotten any sleep lately?" Brad said quietly to me so no one could hear. "Did that tea I told you about work?" I nodded.
"I've gotten a little bit, so that's something." He gave me a sad smile.
"We need to work some more on that apparently." I nodded and looked to the corner of my eye noticing Maddison was trying to hear what we were talking about. "I promise I won't bug you and keep on about it though. I know how it bothers you." He nudged my arm and then looked out at the ice. I was thankful he didn't say it to loud. I have been noticing that Clayton has been on his phone a lot whenever he's with me. So I can only think they are here to spy on me for Clint. Which is super annoying.
It was half time and it was a tied game. We waited for the next half and while we did Clayton decided to spark up a conversation with Brad. "So how do you two know each other Brad?" He asked giving him a suspicious look.
"We've been friends for a while." I said before Brad could answer. I gave Clayton an unimpressed look just so he knew I was on to him. He nodded and then looked back at Brad.
"Tell me Brad what do you do for a living out here?" I rolled my eyes. He's getting all the information for that idiot.
"I'm a Lawyer." Clayton nodded to him.
"Although I'm sure you already knew that from the idiot you've been texting most of the night." I said annoyed even more now. I was a little surprised I was that harsh but, Clayton needs to mind his own business. He also needs to stop doing Clint's dirty work. Clayton was surprised that I had said anything. Maddison had her head down shaking it back and forth. "Feel free to tell him to mind his own damn business and to leave me the hell alone." I stood up from the bench and walked down a few bleachers and found a new spot next to Jason's parents. Declan I hadn't noticed came back out and noticed the move. His eyes went from me to Clayton. He visibly got angry and gave him a small smile with a thumbs up.
"Where's Chloee tonight Chels?" Jason's mom Ashley asked me.
"She's having a sleep over at my moms tonight. Declan asked if he could have some of the guys over to the house tonight. So in order for her to get some sleep and them not be tormented by a 5 year old she's off with grandma." She started to laugh.
"I remember those days. Jason used to drive his sisters friends crazy." I chuckled and I could totally see Jason like that. As I turned my attention to the ice I could see Declan's demeanor changed on the ice. He was frigid and made a lot more hits than he usually would. I felt bad for the kids he'd ram into the side walls. I had to give him the eye a few times so he knew he needed to chill out. At the end he was able to give the winning pass for the final goal. I texted the front desk at the hotel and had them send a car for Clayton and Maddison. There was no way I was sitting in a car with them.
I quickly got up and headed out to meet Declan when he was done with the showers. While I was waiting Clayton and Maddison started coming over to me. "Chelsee look-" Clayton started.
"I don't need an explanation. I just can't believe I actually believed you were here for vacation. Anyways, I've had one of the hotel cars come to pick you. Since I don't feel at all comfortable riding in a car with you two anymore. It's waiting out front." I watched as Maddison's face grew sadder but, she stopped Clayton from saying anymore when she looked behind me. I turned and watched Declan coming out of the locker room.
"We'll leave." I heard behind me. Declan made a b line straight for me.
"What the hell happened?" He was angry and dropped his bag on the ground.
"First off watch your language. Second they were here to spy on me like you thought. I just sent them off and told them to stay the hell out of it." He looked away pissed off and shook his head. "Don't be mad though sweeheart. Your team just won. Have fun with them tonight ok. The plan is still to have them over right?" He looked at me and I could tell he was debating on canceling. "I had Ryan make you guys some food for the night. So tell them to come hungry." I reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll go home and make sure everything's out and ready." He nodded.
"Ok, I'll get the guys together. I'll be home soon." I waved him goodbye and headed out to the parking lot. I got into my car and took a deep breath. If Clint knows what's good for him. He'll stop and just drop all this. Cause I'm afraid I won't be able to contain Declan anymore.