Page 55 of Pinch

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When we played in ATL, fans started calling me Boomer, but it was because Maverick would yell Boom every time we made a big play.

Haddy

He called you Boomer when you first got here. When did you pick up Gavin? You were Lane in college.

Gavin

After all that stuff with Karen, I wanted a break from the past.

Haddy

But why Gavin?

Gavin

I was in this play in elementary school where I was Sir Gavin the Gray, a fictional Knight of the Round Table. He seemed like a good guy, so when I arrived in ATL, I went with it.

Haddy

I like it, Sir Gavin.

Gavin

Your turn… you’re clearly hiding something. Out with it.

Haddy

It’s not a nickname. It’s more an inside, family joke about my dad.

Gavin

Quit stalling, Princess.

Haddy

Super pooper.

Gray dots float…

More gray dots…

I feel my throat tightening with embarrassment.Why did I tell him that?I guess he could’ve gotten it out of Maverick. Mavlovestelling that story.

Gavin

Haddy

Stop.

More minutes pass, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment. I’m ready to put my phone away when his replyappears.

Gavin

Do you break toilets or something?

Haddy

When I was a baby my dad couldn’t change poopy diapers without gagging, and I think they exaggerated my baby poops because he was such a drama king.

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