The Family List Became A Booking Form For Everyone

Irma's list filled two pages.

She wanted three free hours on twenty-four Saturdays, eight free season memberships, storage space, and keys for Beth and Claire.

At our posted rates, the ice and memberships alone came to $7,800 a year.

“Those are traditions,” she said.

“They're costs.”

“Your father-in-law never charged his own children.”

“He paid for their use. The company has records of his payments.”

Jasper slid over copies Ruth had found. Harold's checks had notes on them: family ice, winter passes, holiday supper.

Irma stared at his handwriting.

“He didn't tell me.”

I believed her. Harold had often made work look easier than it was. I had helped him do it, keeping quiet about patched hoses and early mornings.

That didn't mean we could keep doing it.

“I won't trade public ice for your signature,” I said.

Mr. Sutter asked if we could consider a reasonable written policy before the settlement deadline. Jasper agreed that use rules could be discussed separately from ownership rights.

We ended the meeting there.

For three days, I worked on a one-page policy with Ruth and our league captains. We used the rates and booking rules already in place, then filled the gaps Irma's list had exposed.

No owner or relative would receive free ice by asking a staff member. Any discount needed a listed program and a record. Keys went to staff who needed them for work. Owners could inspect company records through the proper process without entering a locked office whenever they wished.

Family groups could book open hours at the posted price. Children who needed help with fees could apply through the Stone Fund's regular process.

My own relatives would follow the same rules.

One captain asked whether the rules would let me throw Irma out because we had fought.

“No,” I said. “The same conduct rule applies to her as to you. Threats or staff harassment get a written warning, then a fair review of access if they continue.”

“So she can sit and watch?”

“She can buy coffee and complain about our shots like everyone else.”

He laughed. I did too. Writing a rule that protected her place as well as mine made it easier to trust the page.

I sent the policy to Irma with the required company notice and asked for written comments. I would adopt it as manager after that review.

Beth came to see me the next afternoon.

“Mom says you're erasing Dad.”

I pointed through the office window. Harold's photograph hung above the warm-room benches. In it, he stood beside six volunteers holding paint rollers.

“He can stay on the wall.”

“And us?”

“You can stay in the building.”

She sat down.

“What about a supper for Leo? His birthday is next month.”

For a second, I smelled the wool of his coat.

“There's an open Thursday after the early league. We could rent the warm room.”

“We'd pay?”

“I'd pay my share too.”

Beth nodded slowly.

“I should have asked what you needed after he died.”

“I needed someone to sit with me without planning my future.”

She looked at the empty chair beside mine.

“Can I do that now?”

We sat for a while. Outside the glass, Claire sent a practice stone past the hog line. Its soft zip carried into the quiet between us.

Later, Irma called.

“Your rules say I can attend open games.”

“Yes.”

“And owners' meetings.”

“Of course.”

“But I have to ask to use the kitchen.”

“Everyone books the kitchen.”

“Even you?”

“Even me.”

She said nothing for so long I checked whether the call had dropped.

“I don't know how to come there and be a guest,” she said at last.

That was the closest she had come to telling me the truth without dressing it as a charge against me.

“You can start by coming through the front door.”

I didn't promise her a place beside me. I didn't promise to make Beth choose between us. I offered access to the rink on terms that left the staff and the schedule safe.

She signed the settlement two days later. Her lawyer sent proof that she had also signed the end of the private fee agreement. Harbor Rise confirmed the offer was closed and no commission would be paid.

On the ninth business day, Irma's payment cleared: $24,650.

Ruth returned $18,450 to the repair reserve and placed the $6,200 cost reimbursement in operating checking against the matching bills.

The reserve now held $22,780. I read the total twice.

Irma delivered her keys in an envelope. Inside was a note with just four words: These Are All Copies.

I logged them, checked them against our key list, and put the envelope in the company file.

That evening, Jasper sent a message asking me to check one final attachment.

The court had entered our agreed judgment. The signed order had arrived.