Page 62 of Slap Shot

Piper follows the pair, explaining to Lucy about her head and shoulders and keeping her feet close together. Hudson skates backward in front of Lucy and holds her hand while he moves at a slow speed that seems effortless.

I dig my phone out of my pocket and record them making their first lap around the rink. They take their time, pausingevery few minutes so Piper can mention another tip and Hudson can move them a little faster.

By the time they get back to me, Lucy is smiling from ear to ear. Her cheeks are pink and she’s practically tugging on Hudson’s sleeve to keep going.

Did you see me, Mommy?I’m flying!

“You’re so fast, I can hardly see you out there,” I say. “How do the skates feel?Are you warm enough?”

I’m sweatinglike I’m at recess!

I laugh and reach over the wall so I can unzip her jacket. “Is that better?”

Much.Can I do another lap?

“Hudson might need a break,” I say, and he shakes his head.

“I’m good. Does she want to go again?”

“Another lap,” I tell him.

“I could take Lucy to meet Emmy?” Piper suggests, and Lucy claps. “Should we go see the coolest girl in the world,Luce?”

Yes!Can I go, Mommy?

“Of course you can, sweetie.” I kiss the top of her head and fix her beanie. “Make sure you show her your jersey,okay?”

“Let me know if you need help, Little P,” Hudson says, and she nods.

Lucy is less stable with Piper by her side, but she stays upright. They get over to Emmy, and I laugh when Lucy throws her arms around Emmy’s legs.

“Should I be concerned by how willing my daughter is to go places with people who aren’t me?” I ask Hudson.

“Nah. Means you’ve taught her how to be a good judge of character.” He taps the half-wall with his knuckles. “Want to do a lap?”

“I mean we can, but I don’t want to injure you. Or myself. I might turn into a human bowling ball and take out half the team.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“And if it does?”

“Then I’ll yellstrikeand we move along.”

I laugh. “Fine. But no making fun of my horrible technique.”

“Scouts honor.” He holds up three fingers and gives me a salute. “What size shoe do you wear?”

“A nine,” I tell him, and he heads to the equipment booth to grab a pair of skates. “Is this the part where I have to strip down to my socks? And before you buy me dinner? Scandalous.”

Hudson lowers himself to his knees again and sits back on his heels. “Take the shoes off, Galloway.”

I find an open chair and take off my sneakers. “You’re sure on the ground a lot tonight.”

“I don’t mind.” His mouth hitches up in a smirk. “There are worse places to be.”

My skin flushes hot at the idea of him on his knees somewhere else—like in his room—and I clear my throat. “Do I tie them like a regular shoe?”

“Kind of. You want them tight so you have a good base, and I always double knot. The more your ankle caves in or out, the more off-balance you’re going to be. We don’t want any movement.”

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