Page 90 of Slap Shot
“What a beautiful tribute.”
“I’ll share more about her one of these days.”
“When you’re ready, I’d love to hear.”
“Thanks. Want to go back to talking about the Fuck Fark shirts we can wear?”
Madeline rests her cheek on my shoulder and picks up the last bite of her cookie. “What font should we use?”
I choke on a laugh and wipe under my eyes. “Comic Sans. Obviously.”
“Obviously,” she repeats, and we settle into silence. A car horn goes off down the block, and I swear I see a shooting star above us. “Hudson?”
“Hm?”
“Thank you for telling me about your mom. Thank you for listening to me. Just… thank you.”
We don’t say anything else. I put my chin on top of her head and drape an arm over the back of the bench. I like having her by my side. She might be the most favorite friend I’ve ever had, and I know I should be the one thanking her.
TWENTY-SIX
MADELINE
The nighton the balcony with Hudson was a turning point in our friendship.
I feel so much closer to him now, like I know almost everything about him. I’m glad he shared those parts of himself with me, and it explains so much: why he’s more reserved than the other players I’ve met. His comments on Thanksgiving, and the hint of sadness he carries with him I didn’t notice until now.
My heart aches for him. Every parent expects to pass before their child, but to do so while they’re so young is devastating.
He’s so strong to keep all of that inside, to not let it beat him up mentally and to instead show up every single day for his team. I have so much respect for him not only as an athlete, but as a human, too.
My phone buzzes on the counter. I wipe my hands on my apron and drag my thumb across the screen. A text message from Hudson pops up, and he must’ve known I was thinking about him.
Blond Bombshell
Hey, KG.
Me
Hey, hockey guy.
Blond Bombshell
You know how I told you I’m not going to be around tonight?
Me
I do. The calendar has time blocked off from six to eleven.
Are you part of a cult?
Blond Bombshell
Ha. Close.
We have a holiday gala every year for charity, and it’s scheduled for tonight.
I know it’s last minute, but two people can’t make it. I snagged tickets for you and Lucy if you want to come.
