Page 33 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

“True, but now I know it’s my ex that she’s recommending as your replacement. And I really don’t want to that to happen.”

“Me too.”

As we walk out of the rink, the cold morning sun has risen higher in the sky. The day is full of possibilities, and for the first time in a while, I'm hopeful about the future.

I'd wondered how my mother planned on having a barbecue in the middle of February in Minnesota. With snow still on the ground, having people over to hang out in coats in the backyard didn't sound appealing. But as my Mom explained that she'd reserved the new barbecue joint that a nice couple from Texas had opened last summer, I grew less concerned. I also appreciated the fact that I wouldn't be spending the night doing dishes either.

Instead, my responsibilities include making sure the gift table is decorated. Lou on the other hand has to guard the desert box since no one would go up against a hockey player for a slice of cake before Missy and Gabe had a chance to slice into it.

Lou and I arrive early with the rest of the family to ensure set up goes flawlessly. Inside the restaurant has a very rustic feel to it. Between the reclaimed wood and metal accents, and the smell of cornbread and smoked brisket, I can almost pretend I am out in the country.

I find the table for the presents and quickly spread the pink and blue tablecloth across the top. Decorations are simple enough, a bunch of balloons anchored to the center of the table so there is plenty of room left for gifts. Half of the balloons have zoo animals on them, and the other half have flowers to match Missy's themes. Once it is all in place I add the gift from myself and Lou. The jumbo-sized teddy bear gift bag makes the table extra obvious it is for gifts. After skating with Lou yesterday, Lou had insisted on stopping at the store to pick up a few more things for Missy's baby.

If I hadn't limited Lou to the one jumbo bag, I have no doubt he would have bought enough stuff to fill the table. Instead, we'd used Tetris precision to pack in diapers, enough rubber hockey ducks for a game of bubble bath hockey, Glacier Bay branded baby clothes, a Glacier Bay teddy bear with a replica of Lou's jersey, and a couple extra toys Lou'd insisted upon.

With my task complete, I find my seat next to my dad and across from Gabe. We watch as the restaurant staff brings out the buffet line of food.

"Is the food good?" I ask them, even though my nose is already signaling to my stomach that it was.

Gabe pats his belly. "Missy's been craving this place her entire pregnancy, and I haven't gotten sick of it yet."

The tables and chairs get filled up as people arrive for the party. I am glad when I notice Ethan and Grace sitting in a corner far away from me. No need for small talk with them unless we somehow ended up in the buffet line with each other and I’m going to make sure that doesn't happen.

Gabe gets up to talk with Missy and my mother about the plan for the evening one more time.

I enjoy the quiet moment to sit by my dad. I’m still watching guests as they trickle in when I spot Matt walking in. He doesn't notice me at first so I watch him as he walks over to Lou and they do that half handshake, half high five thing.

"If you stare much longer, I think drool is going to fall out." My dad whispers in my ear.

I jolt, "Dad! It's not like that."

"Are you sure it’s not like that?" My dad asks. "Because he's coming this way."

My hand immediately pops up to smooth my hair, and my dad gives me a big knowing grin.

Matt reaches us and asks, "That seat taken?"

He's pointing to the chair next to me.

My dad is the first to answer. "You might need to fight Lou for it later, but you can have this one."

"Oh," Matt says. "I don't want to take your seat."

"Nonsense," Dad waves away the concern and stands. "I was just keeping Hannah company. Now that you're here, I need to go see if my wife needs a hand."

Dad pats my shoulder and gives me a wink before he walks away.

Matt takes the seat next to me, and after a pause asks, "How's it going?

"Good, just helping with the party." I'm panicking inside. We haven't had a conversation since the hockey game where we both put those messages up on the Jumbotron.

"I saw Lou's highlight. You did good."

"Thanks." I smile, and then tease, "It wasn't easy but I managed to get good photos of the big lug."

He laughs, and it's loud enough several people turn to look at us. My parents are two of them and I can feel their silent approval from where I sit. I don't dare look at Lou.

"I wish I could have been there. I'd have liked to skate with you," Matt says.

---