Page 26 of Slap Shot

There’s too much stuff, and it’s all bigger than you. I’ll be right there. You can see me from the window.

With a huff and an eye roll far too mature for a six-year-old, she stomps past the doorman and sits on a couch in the lobby.

“Sorry,” I say, and the man tips his hat. It’s a different guy from who I met the last time I was here, and I don’t want him to think we’re loitering. “We’re staying with Liam Sullivan and Piper Mitchell for a few days.”

“Need a hand with the bags, ma’am?”

“That would be great. I?—”

“You’re here!” I glance up from the row of suitcases, and Piper is bounding toward me. Her blonde hair flies everywhere and the wide smile on her face is just as kind and welcoming as it was two weeks ago. “I was tracking your flight and didn’t realize you landed. We could’ve come and picked you up!”

“Traffic is horrible. I wouldn’t have let you sit in that gridlock for us,” I say, laughing when she stands on her toes and hugs me.

“I’m so glad you made it back okay. Let me help with your stuff,” she says. “Did you move out of your place in Vegas?”

“Kind of? I decided to sublet it, and I put some of my furniture in a storage unit and the garage at my parents’ house. They’re going to stay in Vegas for the time being. My dad is part of a bridge club, and apparently the ones here in DC aren’t nearly as good.”

“I can’t wait for that to be my life. Bridge. Pickleball. Shuffleboard. Sounds way better than the corporate grind.” Piper motions me inside and pulls four of our suitcases behind her. “Come on in. Liam is cooking dinner, and it should be ready soon.”

“I don’t know the last time someone cooked for me.” I follow her and do my best to not trip over my own feet. “Thanks for sending me all those apartments listing, by the way. A couple of them looked promising, so Lucy and I won’t need to stay here long. The last thing I want to do is be in your way with the season starting and?—”

“I know all about starting over, and sometimes, it takes longer than you think. You’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you need. If you can’t find anything on Monday, we’ll try again. Until then, you’ll have a roof over your head.”

“All of you are so accommodating. Between your hospitality and Hudson’s generosity with purchasing the plane tickets for us, I’m going to start to think everyone in this city is nice.”

“Don’t be fooled. Some people around here aredicks. Not everyone has the heart of gold like Huddy does.” Piper grins and turns her attention to Lucy. She squats so they’re on the same level, and she waves.Hi, Lucy. My name is Piper.She spells out her name then makes a B-thumb handshape, placing it on her chin and brushing it down to show her name sign.Do you remember me?

You gave me Maverick Miller’s jersey. I wear it all the time.I’m Lucy.

Lucy spells her name, adding in her own name sign of touching the corner of her lip with the tip of her finger and moving her palm outward, like she’s smiling.

She really does love that jersey, I add.The numbers on the back are peeling off because I have to wash it so often.

We’ll have to see about getting you a new one, Piper signs.You and your mom are going to stay with us for a few days. If you need anything, just ask, okay?

Lucy nods.Is your place nice?

It is, and we have lots of toys ready for you.

You’re so sweet for letting us stay with you, I say.I know I’ve already said it, but thank you again. Especially for introducing me to Hudson and getting this whole thing started.

“Hey. Women need to stick together. If we don’t lift each other up, who the hell will?” The elevator doors open. We file out with two suitcases in each hand, and she stops us at their door at the end of the hall.Let’s get some food.

Piper shows Lucy the living room and the side of the apartment we’ll be staying in. We laugh when Lucy jumps on her bed and cradles the stuffed bear to her chest.

When we make it to the kitchen, I lift Lucy and put her on one of the barstools. I set her coloring book on the counter and take the spot next to her.

“Hey, Liam,” I say, smiling when the man at the stove turns to look at me.

I only spent a couple hours with him when I was here before. He was busy with practice and team obligations, and I forgot howbighe is, with broad shoulders and long limbs. There’s a tattoo on his forearm, and a lock of dark hair curls across his forehead.

“Madeline,” he says. “Good to see you. How was the flight? Tell me Hayes put you in first class and not two middle seats in the last row of the airplane.”

“We did have first class seats, which meant we got chocolate chip cookies halfway through the flight. Pretty sure Lucy is going to be disappointed sitting in economy from here on out. What are you making for dinner? It smells delicious.”

“Chicken parmesan. Piper told me there were no allergies. I hope it’s okay.”

“Sounds perfect. I don’t mind helping if you need a hand,” I say, not wanting to come across like a freeloader. He and Piper have already done so much for me. “Not that I’m doubting your cooking skills or anything.”

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