Page 69 of Slap Shot

Me

No way. Go have fun. We’ll be fine. Liam will probably hang out with us too.

I know you had salmon on the menu for tonight, but can we have pizza for dinner?

Madeline

Is there anything better after a day of fun? She’s going to love you forever. Pepperoni is her favorite. Permission granted.

Can you do me a favor?

Me

Anything.

Madeline

*Attachment: 1 video*

Sorry for the awkward clip. That’s how you say mommy loves you. Can you pass that along to Lucy? Or show her?

Me

I’d be happy to. Have fun tonight, KG. I promise your girl is in good hands.

Madeline

I know she is.

I click off my phone and smile when Lucy puts her hand in mine and sighs. This isn’t how I pictured my Saturday afternoon, but it beats the hell out of any other plans.

NINETEEN

MADELINE

“How did you like the salon?”Piper asks me in her living room.

“That lady is a miracle worker.” I touch the ends of my freshly trimmed hair and flip the locks over my shoulder. “Thank you for getting me in.”

“Your curtain bangs are so bouncy. I wish I could pull them off.” She grabs her purse and slides it up her arm. “And now you get to enjoy a night out on the town while looking like a knockout.Damn, Madeline. That shirt is something else.”

“It’s a bodysuit, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to pee all night. There’s no way I’m getting back into it in a public restroom. I nearly dislocated my shoulder getting it on. Who thought snapped buttons on my vagina were a good idea?”

She giggles. “Whatever it is, it’s working for you. Your curves are, respectfully, out of control. Your boobs? Incredible.”

I smile and touch the black fabric that dips below the top of my breasts. I haven’t shown this much cleavage in years, and while I’m still learning to be comfortable in my body post-baby, it feelsgoodto step out of my comfort zone of leggings and baggy sweaters.

“The last time I went out with a group of girlfriends was before Lucy was born. Don’t let me drink too much and embarrass myself,” I say.

“I’d never let that happen. I’m excited to go out with you all, but I kind of wish I could see how Hudson and Liam do with Lucy tonight. I swear the only thing hotter than a guy with a kid is a guy wearing a backward hat.”

“So true.” We head out of her apartment and to the elevator. “I’m sure it’ll be great. They got through the day in one piece, and I’m getting updates every hour. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up with butterfly clips in their hair and wearing sparkly eyeshadow.”

“If that happens, I need a picture. Maverick sent me one of Liam earlier today in his star role of Old Woman at story time. I’m going to frame it and put it on our nightstand.”

“You don’t think he’d hate that?”

“From anyone else? He’d probably break the frame. From me?” She shrugs. “I think it’ll get him to smile.”

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