Page 146 of Slap Shot
“I’m guessing Madeline told you—and probably the rest of the girls—she and I have been… spending time together.”
“That’s an interesting way to put it. Tell me, Hud. What are you doing when youspend time together? Crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Maybe word searches?”
“You know, you’ve gotten pretty damn sarcastic since you started hanging out with Liam. I’m not sure I like it.”
“Do you care that she talks to us about these things?” Piper asks, and I shake my head.
“Not at all. I’m glad she has some women in her life who can give her advice if she needs it.” I pause, and there’s a moment of panic. Of wondering if she needs advice because I’m bad in bed or didn’t give her what she wanted. I thought the orgasms spoke for themselves, but maybe I’m wrong. “Does she? Need advice?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“You know what? Don’t tell me. That’s between y’all, and I’d never ask you to violate girl code.”
That Madeline has found a group of women she trusts enough to talk about intimate parts of her life with is a good thing, and I know she won’t share anything that would make heruncomfortable. She’s protective of the things that are important to her, and I’d like to believe I’m on that list.
“Goddammit.” Piper groans. “Is there ever a moment when you’re not so freaking charming and sweet?”
“Sorry, kid.” I pinch her cheek. “My mama raised me right. You’re not going to hear anything shitty come out of my mouth, especially about the woman I’m…” I trail off, unsure of how to define what we’re doing. It’s less than dating, but more than fuck buddies…? I don’t know the right word. “Spending time with,” I repeat, and she smirks.
“I’m sure your crosswords areveryfun,” she draws out, and I tap her computer.
“Enough about what I’m doing when I’m not at the arena. Can we work on some signing now? I only have an hour until film review, then I’m hitting the gym.”
Piper opens her laptop and pulls up a video. She goes through my tutor’s notes, teaching me how to ask someone what they want to eat and how to respond when asked if I’m hungry.
I learn a few words—potatoes,ice cream, andcookies, and I struggle with others likeapplesandoranges. Liam pops in halfway through and joins us, and I’m surprised when Riley and Maverick take the seats across from us and try to mimic our handshapes.
“Damn, Hudson,” Riley says. “I’m impressed.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything to be impressed by.” I rewind the video and watch how to signbreakfastagain. “I’m not doing anything.”
“Bullshit,” Liam grunts. “This is hard stuff to learn. You know more than I do, and Piper’s been teaching me phrases longer than she’s been teaching you.”
“It’s probably because you constantly have a stick up your ass,” Maverick mumbles, which makes Riley snort. “I saw some people online talking about how they teach their kids baby signlanguage even if they aren’t deaf, as a way to communicate. I think I’d like to do that with our kid if Em and I become parents.” He pauses, glancing at me. “This is a cool thing you’re doing, man. I’m proud of you.”
“I know you’re doing it for personal reasons, but think of how many more people you’ll be able to talk to.” Riley smiles. “And think of all the reporters you’re going to piss off by showing them you’re not just a big, dumb athlete but someone who is bilingual like our Sully over there.”
“Huddy isn’t dumb.” Maverick kicks his feet up on the table in the middle of our group and puts his hands behind his head. “You really fucking like her, huh?”
I make the sign fordonutand cross it off the list I’m using to keep track of Lucy’s favorite foods. “Who?” I ask, not really paying them any attention.
“Madeline. Lucy.”
“’Course I like them.”
“Hey.” Maverick rolls up a ball of paper and throws it at me. “I meant youlikethem. Like you can see a future with them.”
“So what if I do? So what if I have a stupid crush on Madeline like I’m back in middle school? And so what if I slept with her and it was the best fucking night of my life, and not just because the sex was out of this world? Are y’all going to tease me? Call me ‘Mr. Relationship’ like you used to and start planning our wedding?”
“No.” Riley puts a hand on my shoulder. “We’re happy for you, Hud.”
“Yeah, dude. I’ve never seen you smile like this, and you’ve been smiling formonths. Not just the days after you slept with her.” Maverick grins. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much since?—”
“Your mom passed,” Liam finishes for him, and Piper and Riley nod.
“Oh. Well… things are good.” I shrug and close the laptop. “I like having Madeline around—with or without the sex—and Lucy is so special. I know what it’s like to feel alone after something big and horrible happens to you, and… I want them to feel less alone.” I shrug again, put on the spot and the center of attention in a way I don’t normally like, but with my best friends, I don’t mind. “I want to show up for them, like y’all showed up for me.”
Piper looks at the four of us. Her bottom lip trembles, and she buries her face in her hands. “You guys are all so wonderful.”
