Under Your Skin by Shannyn Schroeder

a hard enough time reconciling playing hockey with Tommy and then hiring him at the studio. In his world, things were separate, distinct. It was how he’d been able to function for years. People from the studio—clients, employees—never saw him outside the shop. He never brought his childhood friends anywhere, only the poker game in his basement. Hockey was team time.
    If all the parts bled together and he fucked something up, his entire world would implode. Having Norah tag along at hockey was more than enough when he’d already seen her at the studio and she talked about getting a tattoo. He didn’t need her in his home as well.
    He drove home and crawled into bed. Even though his mom was sound asleep, not making any noise, the presence of another person in his house set him on edge. It was like he could hear her dreaming and breathing and taking up his space. He punched his pillow and rolled over. He knew he was being ridiculous.
    â€œKai.”
    He rolled over and pulled his pillow over his ear before he heard it again.
    â€œKai!”
    Then it registered that his mom was calling. He shot out of bed and ran to her room. Fuck. It was still dark outside. “What is it, Mom? Are you okay?”
    â€œI need the bathroom and the stupid cane fell out of my reach. I can’t get up.”
    Even though he didn’t want to, he flipped on the light, momentarily blinding them both. He blinked and looked around for the cane. Bringing the cane to her, he offered his arm to get her out of bed.
    â€œI can do it,” she said, but they both knew it was a lie.
    He helped her from the bed. She hobbled from the room and he sank onto the edge of the mattress to wait for her to come back. He’d wanted to follow her to the bathroom to make sure she didn’t fall, but he knew it would piss her off.
    Sleep tugged at him while he sat and it took all of his control to not lie back. Finally, Lani came shuffling back into the room.
    â€œGo to bed. I’m fine.”
    â€œLees got you a bedpan if you need it for the middle of the night. You know, in case I’m not here.”
    She sniffed. “Like you have somewhere better to be at three in the morning. I’m not an invalid. I’ve no use for a bedpan.”
    He nearly sighed because he hated the idea of a bedpan almost as much as she did. “Do you need more pain meds?”
    â€œI’m fine. Just tired. Now get out of my bed.”
    He stood and held her elbow to help get her in. She didn’t try to shake him off this time and he wondered how much pain she was in.
    Once she was settled, he stumbled back to his room and tried not to think about how many more nights like this he had in store.
    * * *
    Norah sat at the table tapping her fingers and then her toes and then played with the napkin dispenser. She’d spoken to Teagan, but had no idea what she looked like. Glancing around the small coffee shop, Norah took note that she was the only pregnant woman, so at least she was easy for the adoption counselor to spot.
    A small tap on her shoulder and she turned.
    â€œNorah?”
    Norah moved to stand, but Teagan waved her off and took the seat across from her.
    â€œHi,” Norah said, and clasped her hands in her lap beneath her belly. “I’m really nervous.”
    â€œThere’s nothing to be nervous about. I’m here to offer information. You don’t have to decide anything today. We’re just two girls talking.”
    Teagan’s response calmed Norah’s racing heart. The waitress came over and Teagan ordered a cup of coffee. Norah stuck with water.
    â€œTell me about yourself.”
    Words came flooding out. “I’ve been living in Boston for almost ten years. My mom was killed when I was a baby and when my oldest brother, Jimmy, joined the army, everyone thought it would be best for me to live with my aunt. This past year, I was in college. I met a boy and fell for him and got