Page 182 of Slap Shot

“No. This is another kid you abandoned,” I deadpan, and he winces. “What are you doing here? Did you… you didn’t try to track us down, did you?”

“I had no clue you’d be here. I’m in town on business, and my buddy and I decided to come to the game tonight. Realized it was you when I saw you talking to Hayes.” His mouth twists as he says it, and I realize he has a very punchable face. Decking him between the eyes has suddenly become my lifelong dream, but I know violence isn’t the answer. “What’s that about?”

“My personal life doesn’t concern you.”

“It does when our daughter is involved.”

“Ourdaughter? I must’ve missed all those times you helped me change a diaper in the middle of the night or sat by Lucy’s side when she was sick.”

I hate that the people around me are close to seeing me have a breakdown. I hate that because of this, I’m going to have to find somewhere to hide so I can cry out my anger. I hate that after thehellhe dragged us through, Clark is going to go to sleep tonight without a care in the goddamn world, and I hate that I won’t be able to think of anything else.

Except… he winces. He rubs the back of his neck and blows out a breath.

“I deserved that,” he mumbles.

He deserves a lot more than that, but I don’t have the energy for a fight. I didn’t then, all those years ago when he left, and I don’t now.

“Yes,” I say. “You do.”

“Madeline, I?—”

“I don’t have anything to say to you.” I turn my attention to Lucy, stroking her hair.Let’s go visit Piper for a few minutes, peanut, and she lights up. I have to get us out of here before she sees me crack in two.We’ll try to find her before the game starts.

I bet she’s in the tunnel!That’s where she always hangs out.

We only have a few minutes before the national anthem, and the last thing I want to do is drawmoreattention to us. Lucy stands, and I try to usher her to the stairs as quickly as I can.

“Where are you going?” Clark asks, and I hate that he sounds concerned.

“I hope you’re happy, Clark,” I say, proud of myself for taking the high road. “Because we’ve never been happier.”

Before he can get another word in, I take Lucy’s hand in mine and walk down the stairs. I check over my shoulder to make sure Clark isn’t following us, and when I make it to the tunnel that leads to the locker room and the season ticket holders lounge, I spot Piper.

“Hey.” She smiles at me while she fixes her earpiece. “What are you two doing down here? Is it time for some ice cream?”

“I—” I gulp down a lungful of air. It feels like the walls are caving in. It’s hard to breathe, and my chest hurts. “My ex. He’s here. I can’t?—”

“Media room.” Piper puts a hand on my lower back and carefully guides us down the hall to a small room tucked away from the noise.

Are you okay, Mommy?

I’m fine, sweetie. Just a little tired, I tell her, and she nods.

You need a nap!

I laugh at her innocence, glad she’s never had her heart broken and stomped on. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that never, ever happens to her.

I think I do.

How would you like to be my right-hand girl tonight, Luce?Piper asks.Do you want to hold a microphone and get close to the players?

Really?Lucy looks at me with expectant eyes, her little body buzzing with excitement.Can I go? That is way better than our seats!

Of course you can, sweetie, I tell her, and she practically leaps with joy. “Thank you,” I say to Piper while Lucy runs to the door. “I didn’t want her to ask questions, and I need a minute to process everything.”

“Understood. Take the time you need, and I’ll check back during intermission.” She bends down to give me a hug. “And if you want me to get arena security to throw him out, I will.”

I choke on a laugh and hug her back. “No. I’m going to take the high road, which doesn’t involve murder, and that should be celebrated.”

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