Page 18

EIGHTEEN

HUDSON

“Good morning.” I yawn and give Madeline a wave when she looks up from the eggs she’s whisking. “You’re up early.”

“Morning.” She smiles and turns on the stove. “The thunderstorm kept me up last night, so I decided to make breakfast instead of tossing and turning.”

I yawn again and start the coffee maker. “Same. I don’t mind the rain, but I could do without the lightning every five seconds. It was bright with the curtains closed, and the dogs were freaking out.”

“Oh, no. The lightning scared Lucy too. I held her in my bed for an hour or two before she finally fell asleep.”

“Next time we should make a fort in the living room and have a party.”

“I like that idea.” She sets a pan on the burner and grabs a spatula. “You’re heading to the arena early today, right? If you give me a few minutes, I’ll have some scrambled eggs ready for you.”

“Coach canceled practice. Guess he lost power and decided to let us relax today. He also gave us off the day after Friends and Family night. Don’t remember the last time I had this much free time, so there’s no rush.”

“That’s a nice surprise.”

“Don’t be fooled. He’s going to kick our asses to high heaven tomorrow,” I say.

“Okay. Maybe it’s not a nice surprise.” Madeline laughs. “What do you have planned for your unexpected day off?”

“You’re going to think I’m dull.”

“Now you have to share. Come on, hockey boy. Tell me.”

“I’m going to go to the bookstore then catch up on a few emails from my agent. He wants me to do a marketing campaign with a protein drink company, but the shake they sent me is disgusting. I gagged when I tried it the first time, and I have to figure out a way to politely decline the sponsorship they’re offering.”

“Send a video of you hurling. That’ll get the message across,” she says.

“God. I don’t want to know what those comments would say.” I pull down two mugs from the cabinet behind her and fill them each with coffee. I add a splash of milk and half a spoon of sugar, remembering the way she made it the morning she threw a banana at my head. “Coffee for you.”

“Thank you.” Her smile is wide and bright, and she takes a sip of the caffeine. “Fuck. This is good.”

“Right? Feels like I’m drinking more and more of it this season. I think I’m getting old.” I take a sip from my own mug. “What are you doing today? How do you and Lucy spend your weekends without school?”

“My list is a mile long. I need to do Lucy’s laundry and put together the dollhouse I got her. My muscles are still sore from skating, and the last time I washed my hair was when you came home from your food fight. Soaking under hot water until my skin is red sounds like heaven. I also wanted to get my hair cut, but there’s no way that’s going to happen.”

“I can put the dollhouse together.”

“That’s okay. It shouldn’t take long. The instructions said only one person is needed, so that gives me some hope.” Her phone dings on the counter, and she taps her screen. “Shit. I forgot I signed Lucy up for story time at the library later today, after soccer. It’s the only time slot with an interpreter, and I don’t want her to miss it. She loves story time. Hair washing will have to wait.”

“Would—I could—” I clear my throat. “If you’re comfortable with it, I could take Lucy to soccer and the library. It would give you some time to yourself. To wash your hair and put together the dollhouse. Or, you know, anything else you want to do.”

Madeline eyes me, and I think I might’ve crossed a line.

I don’t know many people with children.

Ryan Seymour, one of my teammates, is a dad. Dallas Lansfield—a buddy who plays for the DC Titans—also has two kids.

I’m sure they’d tell me spending the day with a child who isn’t mine is a touch aggressive, but it feels like the right thing to do. The offer slipped out before I could stop myself, and I’m not mad I said it.

“You want to take her?” Madeline asks.

“I’d love to,” I say.

“Do you think you could handle that? I don’t mean to be blunt, but you can’t really communicate with Lucy. It’s going to be a lot of work. You’ve been running yourself into the ground with training and games and media events—the last thing I want you to do is give up free time you so rarely get to entertain my child.”

She’s not wrong.

My bones are exhausted. My brain is foggy. It’s like I’m on overdrive, but I can tell Madeline is tired too.

I know how hard she’s working to feed me. Add in helping Lucy with her schoolwork and going food shopping two times a week, and she deserves a break.

“We’ll figure it out. And if we can’t, I know how to get a hold of you.”

“How will you get around? Her soccer practice is on the other side of the city.”

“I bought a booster seat after you told me she couldn’t ride in the car without one. It’s in the hallway closet.”

“You did?” Madeline blinks. “You… you didn’t have to do that, Hudson.”

“Yes, I did. I know her safety is important to you, and it’s important to me too. With the weather getting colder, y’all don’t need to be walking around when the temperatures drop. You’ll take my car from now on when y’all want to go somewhere or if you need to go to the grocery store.”

“That was so thoughtful of you,” she says softly. “Truly. I… I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing. Really. Happy to do it.”

Madeline gnaws on her bottom lip. We spend a few minutes in silence as she adds green peppers and onions to the eggs. She doles out the breakfast onto two plates, and I realize she’s going to have to make another round when Lucy wakes up.

More food, more dishes.

More work for her, and now I’m determined to get her to agree to take the day off.

“Okay. You can take Lucy,” she finally says, laughing when I pump my fist in the air. “But she’s a ball of energy. She can run laps around you, Bombshell.”

“I don’t doubt it.” I shovel down a bite of food and sit at the kitchen table. “Tell me more about your kid.”

Madeline brings her plate with her and sits next to me. She draws her legs to her chest and scratches behind Gus’s head before taking a bite of her breakfast. “Lucy needs to eat every few hours, or she’ll get grumpy. I keep snacks in my bag when we’re out doing errands. She loves cheese sticks.”

“Something I can relate to. Is she allergic to anything? Bees? Ants? What do you do while she’s at practice?”

“No allergies, and I sit on the sidelines. That’s probably going to be harder for you to do. You’re going to draw some, ah, unwanted attention from the other soccer moms.”

“I’ll throw on a hat and some sunglasses. If anyone asks, I’m Hudson’s twin brother.”

“Good luck with that. I saw you in a commercial last night.”

“The car one?”

“Mhm. I didn’t know you were so passionate about Hyundais,” Madeline says. “Don’t you drive a Range Rover?

“I do, but the owner of the dealership is a friend. Someone I met before my rookie season, and he’s a good dude. I know the weight my name carries, and it’s good to give back to people who’ve been on your side since the very beginning.” I down half my coffee. “I’m appreciative of anyone who’s a fan, but I have a special place in my heart for the ones who were there before the lights got bright.”

She rests her chin on her knees and holds her mug with both hands. “Who else would be on that list?”

“The PE teacher I had in kindergarten who told my parents I had athletic abilities. Mr. Wilson was his name. My junior year English teacher, Mrs. Dimetro. She saw I was struggling with SAT prep, tutored me after school twice a week, and helped me get into college. My parents, obviously. My neighbor and friend from childhood, Jimmy Silva. He’s come to a couple games.”

“Sounds like you have quite the support system around you.”

“You have to as a professional athlete. What about you? Who’s been in your corner?”

“My parents for sure. They’ve helped me navigate motherhood, and if it weren’t for them, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” she says.

“I think you’d be right here, on two feet. You’re a great mother, and it’s obvious Lucy is so loved.”

“She’s my pride and joy. I know every parent says that, but I’m so lucky she’s mine. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“I’m excited to hang out with her. Is it okay if some of the guys come to the library with us? I thought Liam could join and do some interpreting for me.”

She groans and hangs her head. “Lucy is going to hate hanging out with me after spending the day with a bunch of cool hockey players.” Madeline grins. “I trust your judgment, Hudson. Invite whoever you want. She’ll be over the moon.”

“I’m going to jump in the shower so I can get ready.” I grab my empty plate and stand. “Don’t want to keep her waiting when there is soccer to be played.”

“Lucy and Huddy’s day of fun. Kind of wish I was joining.”

“You’ll join in on the next one.”

She holds up her hand, lifting her pinky. “Promise?”

I bend so our eyes meet, then I hook my pinky around hers. “Promise.”

Me

I have a favor to ask.

Piper

I’m sorry, Hudson. I don’t see you that way. I’m going to have to respectfully decline your advances.

Me

Oh, fuck off.

Piper

Kidding! Everything okay?

Me

Can you call the salon you go to and book an appointment for Madeline? Use my name if you have to, and tell them I’ll tip double the price of the services.

Piper

I can do that, but you’re going to have to tell me why.

Me

You’re nosy.

Piper

I’m curious.

Me

She mentioned she wants to get her hair cut but doesn’t have time. I’m taking Lucy so she can have the day off.

Piper

That’s thoughtful of you. Can I ask her if she wants to join girls’ night tonight?

Me

As long as she’s okay with me putting Lucy to bed. I don’t want her to feel like I’m stealing her daughter.

Piper

There’s a big difference between kidnapping and lending a hand, Huddy.

Me

I know. I’m just trying to do the right thing.

Piper

And you’re a good guy because of it.

PUCK KINGS

Me

Is anyone free this afternoon? I’m taking Lucy, Madeline’s daughter, to the library for story time.

Mavvy

Oh, hell yeah. I could get behind some story time.

Mitchy

Count me in.

Sully

Piper told me I’m required to go, so I’ll be there.

G-Money

What kind of story time are we talking?

Me

Probably a book with Clifford, since she’s six.

G-Money

Not as entertaining as the book I’m reading right now. There’s accidental cannibalism in it lol.

Me

I don’t want to know.

Lucy is still in her jersey, shin guards, and the big pink bow she wore in her hair during soccer practice. It was a fight to get her to put her jacket on, but I gave her a cheese stick, and all was right in the world.

We FaceTime Madeline so Lucy could tell her about the goal she scored, and we hang up as we walk into the library for story time.

“This place is awesome .” Grant looks up at the high ceilings of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. “I would’ve read a lot more growing up if I had a spot like this to hang out.”

“You’re from Florida—it wouldn’t have helped,” is what Liam tosses his way, before he signs something to Lucy. She smiles and signs back, and our goalie looks at me. “She needs to use the bathroom.”

“Oh. Okay. Um.” I scratch my beard. “What do we do? Do we let her go in by herself? I can’t go in with her. That would be weird, right? What if someone steals her while she’s in a stall? What if she falls in the toilet and drowns?”

“For fuck’s sake. You all can be so dense.” Liam holds out his hand and Lucy takes it, swinging their arms back and forth as they walk to the information desk. I glance at Maverick, Grant, and Riley who shrug and follow after them. “We need a family bathroom,” he says to the woman scanning a stack of books.

“Please,” I add, and Liam rolls his eyes.

“Um.” She looks at Liam and Lucy, then me and Maverick, then Grant and Riley. “All of you? Together?”

“No. No .” I point at Lucy who’s smiling. My teammates and I must look like fucking idiots. “Just for her.”

“We’re codependent, but we’re not that codependent,” Maverick says.

“Speak for yourself,” Grant says.

Riley sighs. “None of you are helping.”

“The family bathroom is on the first floor,” the woman says.

Liam leads the way, and after a few minutes of us standing guard outside the door and waiting for Lucy to wash her hands, we find the large room designated for story time. Riley directs us to the section closest to the interpreter, and we settle on the floor.

“This is a whole production, isn’t it?” Grant says. “There are props.”

“And backdrops,” Maverick adds.

“I really hope they pick Liam as a volunteer for something,” Riley says.

“Fuck you,” Liam growls, and Grant gasps.

“Not in front of the kids, Goalie Daddy.”

I laugh and tap Lucy’s shoulder. She turns to look at me, and I point at the stage. I give her a thumbs-up then a thumbs-down, smiling when she gives me a thumbs-up.

The story is more entertaining than I thought it would be, and the interpreter keeps eye contact with Lucy throughout the performance. Liam does get picked as a volunteer, and after shooting daggers at us, he puts on a pink apron and pretends to pour tea much to the delight of the three dozen giggling children.

“Think we need to petition the team store to do a pink Sully jersey,” Maverick whispers, and I hold back a laugh.

“Only if you want to get murdered.”

My phone buzzes. I pull it out of my pocket and see Madeline’s name on the screen.

Madeline

Hey, hockey guy. How’s it going? Is Lucy doing okay?

I angle my phone and take a photo of her from the side. Lucy climbed into my lap ten minutes ago and is leaning against my chest. Her eyes keep closing, and I adjust my position so she’s comfortable. I send the picture to Madeline, and I only have to wait ten seconds before I get a response.

Madeline

That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Me

We’re having a blast.

Madeline

I’m so glad. Piper invited me out tonight with the girls. Is it okay if I join them, or do you need a break?

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.