Page 163 of Slap Shot
“Flip to the back and write there. And remember she’s achild,” I emphasize. “No inappropriate conversations or drawings. I’ll kick your ass if you misbehave.”
“All right, Dad. You know I’ve been around kids, right? I helped you with summer camp in July.” He holds up the notebook, using it to cover his hand from Lucy’s view so he can flip me off. “I’m not totally inept.”
Ethan surprises me by walking over to Lucy. He squats and gives her a wide smile. She blushes and waves, a hint of shyness she doesn’t usually show coming through.
Hello, there, he scribbles in terrible handwriting.Mustard on hot dogs?
Lucy wrinkles her nose and shakes her head.
“She and I are going to get along just fine,” he tells us.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we can trust him alone with her for a few minutes if you’re okay with it,” I say to Madeline. “Do you want a drink?”
“A drink would be great.” She glances up at me, relaxed and wearing a smile. “Lead the way, Bombshell.”
I put my hand on the small of her back. She steps closer to me as we stop and say hello to some of the other boys on our way to the kitchen. Liam takes the pot of food from her, and Riley bombards her with a string of questions about Greek yogurt in recipes or if it’s all a scam.
Emmy, Piper, Lexi, and Maven pull her into their group when we finally snag a drink, and I’m left to check out the spread of food lining the counter alone.
“There’s my guy.” Maverick jumps in my arms, and I laugh when he spills half of my water on the floor. Gus and Millie are there to lick it up, and Mav dangles from my neck. “And you brought friends with you.”
“Ethan brought someone from Tinder last week, so I figured I’m allowed to have the people who are important to me join us.” I set Maverick down on his own two feet and lean against the wall. “Is that a problem?”
“Dude. Come on. Drop the tough guy act. You know I don’t care who joins us. I’m giving you a hard time. Besides.” His grin is knowing, a smart-ass comment on the tip of his tongue. “You’ve never brought a girl around the guys before. And here you are doing it twice in a couple weeks? You’re so fucked, Huddy.”
“That’s not true.” I frown, racking my brain. I try to think about the women I’ve seriously dated. The list isn’t extensive, but it’s more than a few people. “Shit. I haven’t?”
“Nope. I mean, you’ve brought them to the big stuff like the gala and charity events. But not something small like this where they could ask Madeline what your deepest, darkest secrets are.”
“I want them to know they’re part of my life. If we’re going to spend time together, I don’t want there to be a doubt in her mind how I feel about her,” I say.
“It’s pretty obvious how you feel about her, bro.” He clasps my shoulder. “Speaking of, have you shown her your sign language skills yet?”
“No. I’m waiting until I feel more comfortable, and I don’t know how I want to tell Madeline and Lucy. Do I break out into sign language mid-conversation? Do I start adding it in throughout the day until it’s obvious I know what they’re saying?”
“It’s too bad Christmas is so far away. That would’ve been a good gift.” Maverick rubs his jaw. “I say you mention you have a surprise, then show it off.”
“That’s probably the route I’ll take.” I pause and sip my water. “Madeline doesn’t want to get married again.”
I don’t know why I’m telling him this. Maybe because he’s full of advice lately, and I need someone to talk some sense into me.
“She was married before?”
“To a douchebag I’ll strangle if I ever meet. She’s against the idea now—rightfully so—and I’m trying to figure out what our endgame is if we want different things in life.”
“Oh, shit.” Maverick puts his hands together in front of him and closes his eyes. “It’s time the student becomes the teacher.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Why are you being weird?”
He takes a deep breath, then smacks the back of my head. “You are anidiot.”
“Ow, you fucker.” I wince, rubbing my hair. “What was that for?”
“Who gives a shit if she doesn’t want to get married? Look at me! I was so against monogamy, and now I’m wondering how I can order a fucking casket that fits two people so I can hold Emmy’s hand when we’re dead. Marriage isn’t the only path for relationships. You don’t need a piece of paper to love her, do you?”
“No, but?—”
“I’m not finished, Hayes. The teacher is still talking,” he says sharply, and I blink. “So there’s no ring and no wedding. Big fucking deal. You can spend decades together and be just as happy as any other couple whodidget married. If she’s what you want, the other stuff doesn’t matter. Love is what you make it, dipshit.”
