Page 113 of Slap Shot
I close my eyes and lift my hand. I speak the letters as I try to sign them from memory. “H-u-d-s-o-m. Did I get it right?”
“Almost. You did an m at the end instead of an n. That’s okay! It’s a simple fix. Move your thumb between your middle finger and ring finger instead of between your ring finger and pinky.”
“H-u-d-s-o-n. Is that better?”
“That was perfect, Hudson.”
“This uses a totally different part of my brain than I’m used to. It’s nothing like breaking down plays on the ice or trying to figure out an opponent.” I sigh and stretch my fingers. “Does it start to get easier?”
“Eventually, but that’s how everything is. You weren’t great at hockey the first time you put on skates. It took some time, and now look at you. You’re a Stanley Cup Champion.” Piper pops a grape in her mouth and tugs on Liam’s arm. He’s been walking around the kitchen for the last hour, claiming he didn’t want to participate, but I caught him doing the signs out of the corner of my eye. “If you’re wanting to learn ASL for Lucy, that must mean things are going well with Madeline.”
“She’s so good at her job. The food she makes is truly next level. I feel selfish for keeping her around, if we’re being honest. The world should have a chance to taste her food.” I laugh. “Maybe she’ll open her own restaurant one day.”
“How is it living with her? You’ve never done that with a woman before.” Piper stands so Liam can take her seat. She lets him get settled then sits in his lap. “You seem really happy.”
“I am. I’m eating better. I come home from practice, and I have someone to talk to. You know how hard the last few years have been for me.” I grab my napkin and fold it into a neat square, diverting my attention. “And I don’t ever remember feeling this light. Especially since after the funeral. It’s really nice to have a friend around.”
I like that we eat breakfast together in the morning. I like that she stays up, waiting for me to get home and asking questions about my day. I especially like finding her on the balcony, and I hope as winter melts into spring, we’ll share more nights out there with a plate of cookies while we have a heart-to-heart.
“I knew Madeline was special when I met her in Vegas, but I honestly never thought I’d see her again. I’m glad she’s here.”Piper rests her head on Liam’s shoulder and sighs. “Lucy, too. She’s such a special girl.”
“Yeah.” I rub a hand over my chest. “She is.”
I enjoy spending time with the kids at summer camp and before and after games. I can’t wait to be an uncle to Mav and Emmy’s offspring when the timing is right. I’ll spoil the shit out of them, but I’ve never been sold on the idea of having children of my own.
It might be because after Mom passed, I became terrified of ever doing that to a kid I love more than life itself. I don’t want to make someone hurt like I’ve been hurt.
It’s the worst feeling in the fucking world.
Lucy is changing my thinking.
She’s fun as hell. Smart, too, and it’s been fun to forge a friendship with her. I’ve liked watching her grow and change and learn things she wasn’t sure of before.
I taught her how to handle the dogs on a walk, and now we do a lap around the neighborhood together every night I’m home if it’s not too cold.
She showed me how to put ketchup on my eggs and laughed when I found the taste revolting.
I think I could handle the heartbreak if it was a kid like her.
“I have someone I could set you up with if you’re interested,” Piper says, and I blink. “She works for Emmy’s team in the ticket sales office.”
“Maybe in the off season,” I say, deflecting. “Things are ramping up with the All-Star Game approaching. It’s hell after that with only two and a half months to go before the playoffs.”
She hums but doesn’t ask any other questions. “I’m glad you’re happy, Hudson.”
I flash her a grin. “Me too, Little P.”
THIRTY-THREE
MADELINE
Blond Bombshell
Where do y’all want to sit tonight? In a suite? Upper bowl? Near the ice?
Me
A suite is not necessary. I think Lucy would love to be close to the ice so she can feel like she’s part of the action. She loves when people get rammed into the glass. I’m still trying to figure out the appeal.
