Page 27 of Slap Shot

“Next time,” he tells me, and the stiffness in his jaw loosens.

Liam turns his attention to my daughter, and I brace myself for… something. A disparaging comment. A hostile look. Thewhat’s wrong with her?question I’ll get from time to time.

It’s instinct after so many years and so many people being assholes.

He does none of those things, and I feel horrible for ever thinking he might. Instead, he lifts his hand. He glances at Piper, lips twitching when she gives him a subtle nod.

I tap Lucy’s shoulder, and she looks up. When her eyes land on Liam, her mouth pops open.

He’s the goalie!

“He is the goalie,” I say and sign so everyone can be included in the conversation.

I see him on TV!

Hello, Liam signs. He touches his chest with a flat palm.My. His first two fingers tap the top of his other two fingers in the shape of a cross.Name is. Then he slowly spells outL-I-A-Mwith the ASL alphabet.

Lucy lights up. She doesn’t meet many adults who use sign language outside of her classroom and my parents, and I’m not sure he knows what he’s gotten himself into.

I’m Lucy. I’m six. How old are you? Do you have any dogs? Or cats? I like cats too.

Cat, he tells her.P-I-C-O-D-E-G-A-T-O, he spells, and I laugh.

“Isn’t that a silly name,Lucy?” I ask, speaking and signing at the same time again. I don’t know the extent of his ASL vocabulary, and I don’t want anyone to feel overwhelmed.“Do you know what it means?”

She shakes her head.No.

“A type of salsa is p-i-c-o-d-e-g-a-l-l-o. The Spanish word for cat is g-a-t-o.He combined the words,and his cat is named…” I struggle with how to explain it to her. “Salsa cat.”

Salsa cat.She repeats my hand movements, giggling.That is silly, Mommy.

“I’m sorry I don’t know more sign language,” Liam tells us. “I’m learning.”

“It’s more than enough. Thank you for conversing with her.” I tuck a piece of Lucy’s hair behind her ear, and she goes back to coloring. “I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe I’m going to be working with Hudson and cooking for him in that insane kitchen. It kind of feels like I’m dreaming.”

Piper holds up a bottle of wine my way, and I nod. “Did he tell you about the other people he’s tried to hire?”

“Yeah, and I feel bad for the guy. Is he attractive? Yes. But he still deserves to have someone in his corner who will help cook food that’s going to fuel him.”

“Have you talked to anyone from your restaurant? How are they doing after losing their jobs?”

“The ones I’ve talked to have found something temporary. I wish I could’ve done more to help everyone, but the market is so competitive. I’m really hoping they all land on their feet. They’re so talented, and it sucks to have to scramble to find something.” I accept the wine from Piper then take the two plates Liam ishanding my way. I give Lucy the smaller portion and cut the noodles for her. “Looks good, doesn’t it, baby?”

I’m so hungry! I could eat my toe!

“Don’t do that, silly. Eat the spaghetti instead.”

Lucy doesn’t need telling twice. She dives into the meal, and a splatter of sauce lands on the counter when she twirls her noodles around her fork.

“Sorry about the mess.” I wipe the splotch of red up with my sleeve. “We’re still working on our manners.”

“Don’t worry about it. Whatever you miss, Pico will clean up later,” Piper says. “Did you figure out where Lucy is going to go to school?”

“I did. I was able to get her enrolled at Kendall Demonstration Elementary. It’s under Gallaudet University’s umbrella, and I’m so excited for the resources they have for kids who communicate like her.”

“You’re a wonderful mom,” she says, and it’s been so long since I’ve heard that from someone other than my parents. The compliment burrows its way into my heart, into the depths of my soul, and I know without a shadow of a doubt we’re going to be very good friends. “Lucy is so lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one,” I say thickly, fumbling with my wine glass. “Okay, wow. This is not how I saw my night going, but I guess crying in your kitchen is on the agenda.”

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