Page 42

FORTY-TWO

HUDSON

Dad

Hi, son. Will I get a chance to see you when you’re in Georgia in two weeks?

Me

Yeah. We get in late the night before so I won’t have time for anything besides the game, but I have a ticket waiting for you at will call. I bought the spot to the left of you too. Still doesn’t feel right to have you there without her.

Dad

Still doesn’t feel right going without her. Can’t wait to cheer you on, Hudson.

Puck Kings

Mavvy

Emmy won’t stop asking me who on the team has a pierced dick. I told her I’d never share because bro code, obviously, but the truth is, I don’t fucking know who has a pierced dick.

Me

Liam, probably.

Sully

Fuck off, Hayes.

Mitchy

I always thought it was Grant.

G-Money

LMAO what? I don’t even have a tattoo and you think my COCK is pierced? Keep those needles away from me, motherfuckers.

Connor

Does someone really have their junk pierced? Or is it a stupid rumor?

Seymour

Ethan is being suspiciously quiet.

Easy E

Because I was helping an old lady cross the road, jackass.

Me

It’s ten p.m.

Easy E

You got me there, Huddy Boy. Fine. I was saying goodbye to tonight’s company, who would be more than happy to confirm I am the lucky bastard with a pierced dick.

Want a photo?

Sully

The depths of hell CAN get even lower. I had no idea.

Me

No pictures, Ethan.

Mitchy

Does it actually feel good?

Easy E

Best fuck of their lives, Mitchy. And mine, too.

Mavvy

Huh. Maybe I’ll look into it.

G-Money

LOL. Imagine all of showing up to practice with our junk pierced and Coach asking us why we’re all hunched over. He’d make us skate laps for DAYSSSSS.

Sully

Here’s hoping I’m traded before March 8th so I don’t have to partake in this activity.

Easy E

HEY. You don’t mean that, do you, Goalie Daddy????!!!!????

Sully

I’ve always loved Canada in the winter.

G-Money

You’re not going anywhere, Liam. You’re stuck with us—ALL OF US—forEVER!

Sully

Fuck my life.

“There he is. How are you doing, Huddy Boy?”

Piper smiles when she steps into the renovated recreation room at the arena. It’s a new addition after the guys asked for somewhere their friends and family could hang out before and after games. The team delivered with a room that has comfy leather couches and big televisions, and I like to spend time in here when I need a break from my busy day.

“Hi, Little P.” I point to the chairs by a window that overlooks the rink and motion for her to sit with me. “I’m good. Sore as hell from morning skate and dreading our afternoon lift session, but hanging in there.”

“Is that why you’re limping?”

“Yeah. Took a hit from McKenzie that shouldn’t have been as hard as it was, and now I’m paying for it.” I grin and lean back in the chair. “Guess that’s what I get for calling his blocking atrocious. Chirping always gets me in trouble.”

“Boys. You all are too rough with each other.” She opens her laptop on the small table between us. “Are you ready for another signing lesson?”

“I’ve been working my ass off with my tutor. I think I’m doing an okay job. I’m sure I look so stupid signing into my mirror, but it’s working. I have the basics nailed down, and every time I’ve hung out with Lucy since starting to learn, I’ve wanted to show her what I know.”

“Is it because you’re in love with her mom?” Piper asks with a hint of humor to the question.

I whip my head up and look at her. I narrow my eyes, but her stoic facade gives nothing away. “What do you know?”

“What do you think I know?”

“I’m guessing Madeline told you—and probably the rest of the girls—she and I have been… spending time together.”

“That’s an interesting way to put it. Tell me, Hud. What are you doing when you spend time together ? Crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Maybe word searches?”

“You know, you’ve gotten pretty damn sarcastic since you started hanging out with Liam. I’m not sure I like it.”

“Do you care that she talks to us about these things?” Piper asks, and I shake my head.

“Not at all. I’m glad she has some women in her life who can give her advice if she needs it.” I pause, and there’s a moment of panic. Of wondering if she needs advice because I’m bad in bed or didn’t give her what she wanted. I thought the orgasms spoke for themselves, but maybe I’m wrong. “Does she? Need advice?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“You know what? Don’t tell me. That’s between y’all, and I’d never ask you to violate girl code.”

That Madeline has found a group of women she trusts enough to talk about intimate parts of her life with is a good thing, and I know she won’t share anything that would make her uncomfortable. She’s protective of the things that are important to her, and I’d like to believe I’m on that list.

“Goddammit.” Piper groans. “Is there ever a moment when you’re not so freaking charming and sweet?”

“Sorry, kid.” I pinch her cheek. “My mama raised me right. You’re not going to hear anything shitty come out of my mouth, especially about the woman I’m…” I trail off, unsure of how to define what we’re doing. It’s less than dating, but more than fuck buddies…? I don’t know the right word. “Spending time with,” I repeat, and she smirks.

“I’m sure your crosswords are very fun,” she draws out, and I tap her computer.

“Enough about what I’m doing when I’m not at the arena. Can we work on some signing now? I only have an hour until film review, then I’m hitting the gym.”

Piper opens her laptop and pulls up a video. She goes through my tutor’s notes, teaching me how to ask someone what they want to eat and how to respond when asked if I’m hungry.

I learn a few words— potatoes , ice cream , and cookies , and I struggle with others like apples and oranges . Liam pops in halfway through and joins us, and I’m surprised when Riley and Maverick take the seats across from us and try to mimic our handshapes.

“Damn, Hudson,” Riley says. “I’m impressed.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything to be impressed by.” I rewind the video and watch how to sign breakfast again. “I’m not doing anything.”

“Bullshit,” Liam grunts. “This is hard stuff to learn. You know more than I do, and Piper’s been teaching me phrases longer than she’s been teaching you.”

“It’s probably because you constantly have a stick up your ass,” Maverick mumbles, which makes Riley snort. “I saw some people online talking about how they teach their kids baby sign language even if they aren’t deaf, as a way to communicate. I think I’d like to do that with our kid if Em and I become parents.” He pauses, glancing at me. “This is a cool thing you’re doing, man. I’m proud of you.”

“I know you’re doing it for personal reasons, but think of how many more people you’ll be able to talk to.” Riley smiles. “And think of all the reporters you’re going to piss off by showing them you’re not just a big, dumb athlete but someone who is bilingual like our Sully over there.”

“Huddy isn’t dumb.” Maverick kicks his feet up on the table in the middle of our group and puts his hands behind his head. “You really fucking like her, huh?”

I make the sign for donut and cross it off the list I’m using to keep track of Lucy’s favorite foods. “Who?” I ask, not really paying them any attention.

“Madeline. Lucy.”

“’Course I like them.”

“Hey.” Maverick rolls up a ball of paper and throws it at me. “I meant you like them. Like you can see a future with them.”

“So what if I do? So what if I have a stupid crush on Madeline like I’m back in middle school? And so what if I slept with her and it was the best fucking night of my life, and not just because the sex was out of this world? Are y’all going to tease me? Call me ‘Mr. Relationship’ like you used to and start planning our wedding?”

“No.” Riley puts a hand on my shoulder. “We’re happy for you, Hud.”

“Yeah, dude. I’ve never seen you smile like this, and you’ve been smiling for months . Not just the days after you slept with her.” Maverick grins. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much since?—”

“Your mom passed,” Liam finishes for him, and Piper and Riley nod.

“Oh. Well… things are good.” I shrug and close the laptop. “I like having Madeline around—with or without the sex—and Lucy is so special. I know what it’s like to feel alone after something big and horrible happens to you, and… I want them to feel less alone.” I shrug again, put on the spot and the center of attention in a way I don’t normally like, but with my best friends, I don’t mind. “I want to show up for them, like y’all showed up for me.”

Piper looks at the four of us. Her bottom lip trembles, and she buries her face in her hands. “You guys are all so wonderful.”

“Jesus.” Liam lifts her out of her chair like she weighs less than a sack of feathers and puts her in his lap. He’s not big on PDA, but it’s nice to see him soft and sickeningly in love. “Why are you crying, sweetheart?”

“Because people talk about how… how shitty professional athletes are and how all they care about are sports, but then there’s people like you guys—and everyone else on the team—who are so not shitty, and I wish the world could see more of that.”

“Maybe we could pitch a reality television show,” Maverick suggests. “The cameras can follow Liam around all day. He’d love that.”

“Fuck you, Miller,” he growls, kissing Piper’s forehead. “Want to give us one more lesson before we head down to the film room, baby?”

That brightens Piper up, and she introduces us to signing cat and dog . By the end of the hour, I’m able to sign, Hello. My name is Hudson, and I have two dogs easily, and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

That might be a side effect from being around someone like Madeline; eternally optimistic, even when she doesn’t have to be. Bright and full of life in a way I feel like I haven’t been in years.

Maybe she and Lucy have been the missing piece all along.