Page 8

EIGHT

MADELINE

Me

Thank you so much for the tickets to DC. First class too? I feel spoiled.

Hudson

I’m still dreaming about that Crunchwrap. And the plate of brownies I ate in two days. If there was a private plane that would get you back here faster than commercial, I would’ve put you on it.

Me

I’m getting the sense food is your love language.

Hudson

What gave it away?

Me

Wait until you try my gnocchi soup. You’re going to lose your mind.

Hudson

Counting down the minutes.

Y’all are staying with Piper for a few days, right?

Me

Yeah. She wants to see Lucy, and then I’m going to dive into apartment hunting. I started planning out a menu for you, and I figured we could meet next week.

Hudson

Let’s do Thursday. I have the morning off.

Me

Sounds good!

Hudson

Text me when you land and get settled.

Me

Will do. Thanks, hockey guy.

Hudson

You’re welcome, knife girl.

The flight back to DC goes much faster when I have Lucy with me. The two weeks I’ve spent at home were jam-packed, and I barely had a second to breathe.

Between getting everything ready for the move, selling my car, packing our lives into a handful of suitcases, reviewing my divorce and child support paperwork, enrolling Lucy in school, and researching nutrition for athletes, it doesn’t surprise me four and a half hours pass in the blink of an eye.

It was Lucy’s first time on a plane, and I spent the majority of the flight signing to her about the clouds and the sunset outside our window. She was ecstatic about the snack options, and the flight attendant was sweet enough to load us up with a bag to take off the plane.

The extra pretzels turned out to be a godsend, because it’s Friday evening, and we’re stuck in rush hour traffic. The streets are packed with cars and commuters trying to get home and out of the city, and Lucy is becoming more and more irritated in her booster seat in the back of our Uber.

I’m hungry.

I rest my hand on her knee. I know, baby. We’re almost there, and I promise we’ll get some food soon .

Do we have a house?

Not yet, but I’m going to figure that out on Monday. Until then, we’re staying with Miss Piper. She’s the nice lady from the hockey game a couple months ago. She gave you the Stars jersey you love to wear .

Lucy lights up. She’s the one who signs too?

That’s her .

I liked her, Mommy.

So did I .

Piper’s been nothing but helpful in the days that have passed since I accepted Hudson’s offer. She’s sent me apartment listings and pointed out areas in the city to avoid. She set up the second guest bedroom in their home for Lucy and even put a stuffed animal against the pillows. She’s answered every question I’ve had without any irritation, and I’m beginning to wonder if she’s an angel.

After what feels like hours on the road, our driver finally pulls up in front of Liam and Piper’s place. He’s kind enough to help unload our suitcases on the sidewalk, and I’m going to make sure to tip him more than 20 percent.

He deserves all the money in the world for not batting an eye at my antsy daughter in the backseat of his luxury Volvo. For having a spare booster seat and letting us borrow it after I realized I left ours back in Vegas.

The October wind whips through the air, and I shiver. The temperature is cooler than back home, and I’m regretting my choice of linen pants while I try to wrangle all our bags together.

Go wait inside , I tell Lucy, and she frowns.

I want to help .

There’s too much stuff, and it’s all bigger than you. I’ll be right there. You can see me from the window .

With a huff and an eye roll far too mature for a six-year-old, she stomps past the doorman and sits on a couch in the lobby.

“Sorry,” I say, and the man tips his hat. It’s a different guy from who I met the last time I was here, and I don’t want him to think we’re loitering. “We’re staying with Liam Sullivan and Piper Mitchell for a few days.”

“Need a hand with the bags, ma’am?”

“That would be great. I?—”

“You’re here!” I glance up from the row of suitcases, and Piper is bounding toward me. Her blonde hair flies everywhere and the wide smile on her face is just as kind and welcoming as it was two weeks ago. “I was tracking your flight and didn’t realize you landed. We could’ve come and picked you up!”

“Traffic is horrible. I wouldn’t have let you sit in that gridlock for us,” I say, laughing when she stands on her toes and hugs me.

“I’m so glad you made it back okay. Let me help with your stuff,” she says. “Did you move out of your place in Vegas?”

“Kind of? I decided to sublet it, and I put some of my furniture in a storage unit and the garage at my parents’ house. They’re going to stay in Vegas for the time being. My dad is part of a bridge club, and apparently the ones here in DC aren’t nearly as good.”

“I can’t wait for that to be my life. Bridge. Pickleball. Shuffleboard. Sounds way better than the corporate grind.” Piper motions me inside and pulls four of our suitcases behind her. “Come on in. Liam is cooking dinner, and it should be ready soon.”

“I don’t know the last time someone cooked for me.” I follow her and do my best to not trip over my own feet. “Thanks for sending me all those apartments listing, by the way. A couple of them looked promising, so Lucy and I won’t need to stay here long. The last thing I want to do is be in your way with the season starting and?—”

“I know all about starting over, and sometimes, it takes longer than you think. You’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you need. If you can’t find anything on Monday, we’ll try again. Until then, you’ll have a roof over your head.”

“All of you are so accommodating. Between your hospitality and Hudson’s generosity with purchasing the plane tickets for us, I’m going to start to think everyone in this city is nice.”

“Don’t be fooled. Some people around here are dicks . Not everyone has the heart of gold like Huddy does.” Piper grins and turns her attention to Lucy. She squats so they’re on the same level, and she waves. Hi, Lucy. My name is Piper. She spells out her name then makes a B-thumb handshape, placing it on her chin and brushing it down to show her name sign. Do you remember me?

You gave me Maverick Miller’s jersey. I wear it all the time . I’m Lucy.

Lucy spells her name, adding in her own name sign of touching the corner of her lip with the tip of her finger and moving her palm outward, like she’s smiling.

She really does love that jersey , I add. The numbers on the back are peeling off because I have to wash it so often .

We’ll have to see about getting you a new one , Piper signs. You and your mom are going to stay with us for a few days. If you need anything, just ask, okay?

Lucy nods. Is your place nice?

It is, and we have lots of toys ready for you.

You’re so sweet for letting us stay with you , I say. I know I’ve already said it, but thank you again. Especially for introducing me to Hudson and getting this whole thing started .

“Hey. Women need to stick together. If we don’t lift each other up, who the hell will?” The elevator doors open. We file out with two suitcases in each hand, and she stops us at their door at the end of the hall. Let’s get some food .

Piper shows Lucy the living room and the side of the apartment we’ll be staying in. We laugh when Lucy jumps on her bed and cradles the stuffed bear to her chest.

When we make it to the kitchen, I lift Lucy and put her on one of the barstools. I set her coloring book on the counter and take the spot next to her.

“Hey, Liam,” I say, smiling when the man at the stove turns to look at me.

I only spent a couple hours with him when I was here before. He was busy with practice and team obligations, and I forgot how big he is, with broad shoulders and long limbs. There’s a tattoo on his forearm, and a lock of dark hair curls across his forehead.

“Madeline,” he says. “Good to see you. How was the flight? Tell me Hayes put you in first class and not two middle seats in the last row of the airplane.”

“We did have first class seats, which meant we got chocolate chip cookies halfway through the flight. Pretty sure Lucy is going to be disappointed sitting in economy from here on out. What are you making for dinner? It smells delicious.”

“Chicken parmesan. Piper told me there were no allergies. I hope it’s okay.”

“Sounds perfect. I don’t mind helping if you need a hand,” I say, not wanting to come across like a freeloader. He and Piper have already done so much for me. “Not that I’m doubting your cooking skills or anything.”

“Next time,” he tells me, and the stiffness in his jaw loosens.

Liam turns his attention to my daughter, and I brace myself for… something. A disparaging comment. A hostile look. The what’s wrong with her? question I’ll get from time to time.

It’s instinct after so many years and so many people being assholes.

He does none of those things, and I feel horrible for ever thinking he might. Instead, he lifts his hand. He glances at Piper, lips twitching when she gives him a subtle nod.

I tap Lucy’s shoulder, and she looks up. When her eyes land on Liam, her mouth pops open.

He’s the goalie!

“ He is the goalie ,” I say and sign so everyone can be included in the conversation.

I see him on TV!

Hello , Liam signs. He touches his chest with a flat palm. My . His first two fingers tap the top of his other two fingers in the shape of a cross. Name is . Then he slowly spells out L-I-A-M with the ASL alphabet.

Lucy lights up. She doesn’t meet many adults who use sign language outside of her classroom and my parents, and I’m not sure he knows what he’s gotten himself into.

I’m Lucy. I’m six. How old are you? Do you have any dogs? Or cats? I like cats too .

Cat , he tells her. P-I-C-O-D-E-G-A-T-O , he spells, and I laugh.

“ Isn’t that a silly name , Lucy ?” I ask, speaking and signing at the same time again. I don’t know the extent of his ASL vocabulary, and I don’t want anyone to feel overwhelmed. “Do you know what it means ?”

She shakes her head. No .

“ A type of salsa is p-i-c-o-d-e-g-a-l-l-o. The Spanish word for cat is g-a-t-o . He combined the words , and his cat is named… ” I struggle with how to explain it to her. “ Salsa cat .”

Salsa cat. She repeats my hand movements, giggling. That is silly, Mommy .

“I’m sorry I don’t know more sign language,” Liam tells us. “I’m learning.”

“It’s more than enough. Thank you for conversing with her.” I tuck a piece of Lucy’s hair behind her ear, and she goes back to coloring. “I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe I’m going to be working with Hudson and cooking for him in that insane kitchen. It kind of feels like I’m dreaming.”

Piper holds up a bottle of wine my way, and I nod. “Did he tell you about the other people he’s tried to hire?”

“Yeah, and I feel bad for the guy. Is he attractive? Yes. But he still deserves to have someone in his corner who will help cook food that’s going to fuel him.”

“Have you talked to anyone from your restaurant? How are they doing after losing their jobs?”

“The ones I’ve talked to have found something temporary. I wish I could’ve done more to help everyone, but the market is so competitive. I’m really hoping they all land on their feet. They’re so talented, and it sucks to have to scramble to find something.” I accept the wine from Piper then take the two plates Liam is handing my way. I give Lucy the smaller portion and cut the noodles for her. “ Looks good, doesn’t it, baby? ”

I’m so hungry! I could eat my toe!

“Don’t do that, silly. Eat the spaghetti instead .”

Lucy doesn’t need telling twice. She dives into the meal, and a splatter of sauce lands on the counter when she twirls her noodles around her fork.

“Sorry about the mess.” I wipe the splotch of red up with my sleeve. “We’re still working on our manners.”

“Don’t worry about it. Whatever you miss, Pico will clean up later,” Piper says. “Did you figure out where Lucy is going to go to school?”

“I did. I was able to get her enrolled at Kendall Demonstration Elementary. It’s under Gallaudet University’s umbrella, and I’m so excited for the resources they have for kids who communicate like her.”

“You’re a wonderful mom,” she says, and it’s been so long since I’ve heard that from someone other than my parents. The compliment burrows its way into my heart, into the depths of my soul, and I know without a shadow of a doubt we’re going to be very good friends. “Lucy is so lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one,” I say thickly, fumbling with my wine glass. “Okay, wow. This is not how I saw my night going, but I guess crying in your kitchen is on the agenda.”

“Piper cries in the kitchen all the time,” Liam adds, and that makes me laugh.

“Way to throw me under the bus,” Piper says.

“It’s true,” he says, but he follows it up by kissing her forehead.“It’s cute, though.”

“Nice save, Sullivan.” She tugs on his shirt and sits next to Lucy. “ Guess what? We have ice cream in the freezer for after dinner .”

I love ice cream! She puts a huge bite of pasta in her mouth, clearly in a hurry to get to dessert. It’s my favorite.

We all laugh, and warmth settles in my chest. I’ve been back in DC for all of two hours, and I can already tell this is going to work.

We’re going to be happy here, and my decision was the right one not just for me, but for the love of my life too.