Page 10 of Slap Shot

Me

Horribly. The first guy I met suggested I drink carrot juice for every meal. The next one asked if I’m on Tinder because she SWEARS we matched on there last year. Then she told me she lied about her cooking experience. She can’t even make a turkey sandwich.

Piper

Are you on Tinder?

Me

Nope.

Piper

So, you need a break from the search. Come by for dinner. I promise there won’t be any carrot juice.

Me

Sounds better than the ramen I was going to have. Do you need me to bring anything?

Piper

You and a smile is great :)

Me

Now I’m even more concerned…

Piper opensthe door to her and Liam’s apartment before I have a chance to knock. She’s always smiling, but this wide grin of hers raises my shackles. I step into the foyer, eying her warily.

“Hi.” She stands on her toes and reaches her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. I saw her four hours ago at practice, but she still gives me a squeeze and a pat before letting me go. “Thanks for coming over.”

“How could I not? Your cryptic messages gave nothing away, so I had to see what you’re being weird about.” I slip off my Nike high-tops and shove them against the wall. “You’re okay, right? I don’t need to grab a lamp and use it as a weapon, do I?”

“I’m fine.”

Piper yanks my arm and tries to drag me forward. I grin at her attempt to move me, because I don’t budge an inch. At six two and almost a foot taller than her, she’s going to have to work harder than that to get me to go anywhere.

“You sure sound fine. The last time I got called to a place where you and Liam both were, it was to sort out the aftermath of your intoxicated nuptials. Did that happen again, Little P? I swear to god if he yelled at you, I’ll put him in his place.”

“You’re sweet. Keep up that nice side of yours.” She beams, and I reluctantly follow her down the hall. I don’t like not knowing what I’m walking into. I hate surprises, and I hate being the center of attention even more. Unease prickles at the base of my neck, but something tells me to fall in step behind her. “I’m so excited about this.”

“What isthis, exactly? A kitchen remodel? New curtains? I really do think you should change out the lights over your island.” I sniff and roll my shoulders back. “Whoa. What’s that smell? Did Liam spend the offseason getting better at cooking?”

“Nope.” She stops us in the center of the kitchen and holds out her arms. “Ta-da!”

I glance around. There’s a stack of plates on the marble island and two pans on the stove. I spot a plaid dish towel folded next to the sink and silverware on the counter. Nothing is different from when I was here for pizza night last week, and I’m even more confused.

“Uh.” I frown and scratch my beard. “What am I looking at exactly?”

“Where did she—Madeline? Are you okay?” she calls out, and my frown turns even deeper.

“Who the hell is Madeline?” I ask.

“You’ll see.”

“Did you set me up on a blind date? My shirt has a hole in it, Piper. That’s not how I make a good first impression. And I didn’t bring wine. Flowers.Anything.”

“It’s not a blind date. Give her a second.”

---