Page 45 of Slap Shot

Madeline

No worries!

Me

Why in the world do you need a panini maker?

Madeline

To make soup.

Me

I like your sarcasm, Galloway.

Madeline

Lucy wants a panini. I can use a burger press instead.

Me

I have a burger press?

Madeline

You have two.

Me

Huh. You learn something new every day. I just ordered a panini maker, and it’ll be there tomorrow.

Madeline

Thank you!

Hope you score lots of points in your match!

Me

Don’t throw bananas at anyone while I’m gone.

“Canada can kick fucking rocks.”Maverick takes the seat next to me on the charter plane and crosses his arms. “I’m still mad Toronto took Emmy away from us. Away fromme. And for what? Justin Harper who immediately left DC that summer and went to California? Finn came back after he got traded. Emmy could’ve come back so I could play with her every day. None of it should’ve happened.”

“It was seasons ago. You married her, she plays for Baltimore now, and you see her every night.” I pop in an AirPod and close my eyes. “Remind me never to piss you off. You know how to hold a grudge.”

“Dude.” He tugs on my jacket. “Dude.”

I take out my earphone and glance at him with one eye open. “You’re incredibly needy.”

“Probably because I was abandoned as a child and I’m making up for it as an adult. That’s what my therapist says.”

“Fuck you for making me feel like an asshole.”

“I’m just messing with you.” He flashes me his signature grin and stretches his legs out in front of him. “Eighty seats on this plane, and you keep sitting next to me. I must not bother youthatmuch.”

“You bother me plenty. But I love you, so I overlook all of it. What’s up?”

“I have a bone to pick with you.”

---