#Chapter 80: The Hat Trick

9 years later… I sat down in the first row, my coffee cup balanced in my hands. The rink was cold, and I was bundled up in a sweater and a winter coat. Beside me, Lily sat with my daughter on her lap. Winnie was just three years old, and she was already asleep on Lily’s shoulder, the hood of her pink parka pulled up over her head. The sight of them together warmed my heart. “Damn, she’s getting heavy,” Lily said. I smiled. “I know. They grow up fast.” She nodded. Lily didn’t have kids, and I didn’t think she ever wanted to. She was happy being Cool Aunt Lily, and I thought that was amazing. She still traveled all over the world, bringing exotic gifts back for her niece and nephews. “She asks about you all the time now,” I said. “She calls you ‘wi-wy.’” “Adorbs.” Lily hugged her closer. “We’re going to be besties when she’s older.” “For sure.” “Scratch that. We’re already besties.” The first period was about to start, and I sat up straighter. Both teams were on their benches. I