A hint of vulnerability flickered in his eyes. “I’ll miss you, and it’ll suck not having you around. But like I said, this is part of playing hockey. You’ll be killing it on the ice, and I’ll be here, holding down the fort. Our routine will change, but things will be even better every time we’re together again.”
His hand was still on my thigh, and I placed mine on top of it. “We’re a team, and nothing will change that.”
“Don’t forget what they say, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder and the dick grow harder.’”
I chuckled, squeezing his hand. “I never heard that version before. I just hope it doesn’t make you realize how much I stink.”
“Nah. I like your stink, but let’s make a deal. You bring back a winning streak, and I’ll keep acing my therapy. How’s that?”
“You’ve got it. And you’d better believe I’ll be counting the days while I’m gone this week.”
He snickered. “Let me save you the trouble. You’ll be gone for two days.” He pulled his hand out from under mine, then touched my fingers as he counted. “One, two.”
“Fuck off, Holmer. I can count.”
“So you say.” We both laughed, and then he added, “This will work. We’re a little antsy, but soon, it’ll be another part of our routine.”
Traffic started moving, and our conversation drifted into talk of what he’d be doing while I was gone. It turned out that besides his appointments, he and Jacob had planned a video game session and aStar Warsmarathon—the three good movies, of course. I was a little jealous because I liked those movies too.
As the day went by, we enjoyed each other’s company and didn’t mention my upcoming trip again. It would feel strange to be gone, but our connection was rock-solid, and it would see us through.
SVEN
The next month brought the beauty of spring, casting a gentle warmth over the city, a welcome respite between chilly winter and the torrid summer sure to come. The cherry blossoms had been later than expected, but everyone seemed to agree they were the most beautiful ones the city had seen for years.
Pip had been playing with the Barracudas again for six weeks, and he was back in the swing of things. The Cudas had made the playoffs, and the first round against the New York Condors would begin in a few days. I’d have pulled for Pip anyway, but since the Congressmen hadn’t made the cut, I was all in for the Barracudas.
It was a warm day, and we couldn’t resist taking a walk by the Potomac River. The trees were green, and blooming flowers were everywhere, filling the air with their beautiful fragrance. A gentle breeze tousled Pip’s hair as we walked hand in hand.
“How’s life as a Barracuda been treating you?” I gave him a playful look. We’d talked about this daily for weeks, but I wondered if he’d say anything new.
He shrugged. “You know how it goes. Winning games gives you a big high, but missing the guy you love? That sucks. We’re figuring it out, though, right?”
I squeezed his hand. “You’re doing an amazing job, with the team and at home. You’re more than a D-man for the Cudas. You’re my personal defenseman, and that makes my world turn.”
We were quiet, and the crunch of our footsteps was the only sound until Pip cleared his throat. “Thanks for saying that. I love you.”
“Love you too, Gagné.”
A boat full of tourists went by before he asked, “How’s the home front?”
“Not too shabby.” I swung our hands between us, making Pip laugh. “Joe’s been pushing me hard in therapy. I’m also skating faster every day, and I’ve been thinking about redecorating the house.”
“That’s the spirit. You’ll be playing again before you know it.” He sighed dramatically. “And we’ll be broke from buying new furniture.”
“With all the money you’re making? Bullshit. And I’m still getting my full salary, too. We can afford some new things.”
He worked his lips into a smirk. “How about a new bed? I think we’ve worn the old one out.”
I laughed. “I think it has a few good fucks left in it, but we can buy a new one if you’d like.”
“Get anything you want. It’s your house too, and as long as you’re there, I don’t give a shit about anything else.”
We walked on, waving at another passing boat when it honked its horn. I squeezed his hand and said, “It’s like we’ve figured out a new dance.”
“Yeah, and we’re kicking ass. It feels right, doesn’t it?”
“No doubt. We’re learning to move together even when we’re apart.” We stopped to look at some flowers, and when we walked on, I said, “If I’m able to play next year, we’ll have more adjustments to make, but it’ll be much easier since the Congressmen will be back in their own arena. No more being apart for months at a time.”
