Page 134 of Defensive Zone

Gabi sighed. “I know. I just want to make sure that she knows I’m always there for her.”

“Gabi, she knows that,” he said.

“Should I start looking for a new job?” she asked.

“What? Why?”

“Because eventually I’m going to need one when Ava doesn’t need a nanny. The twins will be in kindergarten in the fall, and Ava probably won’t need a nanny anymore.”

“Do you think we’re going to kick you out when that happens?” he asked, unsure of where the hell this was coming from. He thought she was happy where she was.

“No. I’m just not going to live in your house and not have a job,” she said.

“We’ll figure that out when the time comes.”

She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Sorry, I’m being such a downer. I don’t know what got into me tonight. We should be celebrating.”

“Damn right. And really, don’t worry about what happens next.”

He tried to reassure her.

“There you two are. Drinks on Adam,” Sully said when they walked in.

“I did not say that,” Adam called out from behind the bar.

“Blarney will never change,” Sara said as Max guided Gabi to an empty barstool.

“Is that anyway to talk to your boyfriend and the star of the game?” Sully asked, grinning at Sara.

She leaned over the bar and tugged on his tie. “Sweet goal, Blarney.” Then she kissed him.

Max turned his attention to the rest of the bar.

The place was packed with players, friends, family, and fans, but he never felt like he was under a microscope here. They could always relax.

“Blarney?” Gabi asked.

“That’s the nickname Sara gave Sully because he’s always full of shit,” Max said.

She laughed. “So you aren’t the only one who gives bad nicknames?”

“Bite your tongue, lady, or I’ll do it for you,” he said with a smirk. “My nicknames are a delight. Ask anyone.”

“Maybe they should call you Blarney,” she teased.

He was grateful that her funk seemed to be forgotten.

Gabi flinched as she watched Max get slammed into the boards two nights later. It was game two against Boston and they were halfway through the third period and had been tied at two since the middle of the second period.

“I need something to drink. I can’t take it,” Gabi whispered to Ava. Elise was asleep in Ava’s arms, and the twins were magically still awake and staring down at the ice from the WAG suite.

“Grab me a water, will you? And maybe some nachos,” Ava said.

“Stress food coming right up,” Gabi said, walking over to the food area.

“Hello,” Gabi said to Michelle, who was fixing a plate of food.

“Oh, hi, Gabi,” she said.

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