Page 249 of Waiting Game

“I didn’t want to.”

Gracie’s eyes narrow. Relief filters through me as she hitches a shoulder, but it’s swiftly replaced with dread. “It’s time to call in that favor…”

BUKOWSKI CONTINUES WITH BOLD MOVES, AND BRINGS ELLISON TO THE BIG APPLE.

BY MACK FINNEGAN

Stars acquire Matt Ellison in a three-way trade, which sees Roger Davies heading to Winnipeg. The Rebels sent Rob Smith to Boston, while the Bulldogs will also get the Stars’ second-round pick in next year’s entry draft.

New York Stars’ fans had this to say:

“Hockey’s a man’s sport and Bukowski’s proving it. She’s too damn softbutshe’s got great connections. I can’t deny that.” John F., Staten Island, NY.

“I think she’s too cautious. I couldn’t help but notice the Stars have more players wearing neck guards than any other team in the NHL. Some women just have to control everything. I’m not a fan.” Harry D, Bronxville, NY.

“I’m so excited to have Matt Ellison on board! Everyone knows he’d only come back to New York for this GM. His season with the Liberties didn’t exactly end well last time. I’m so excited for what’s coming! Go, Stars!” Gerry J, White Plans, NY.

CHAPTER 46

COLE

Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

“What didyou do with them, Gracie? If you’ve thrown them out?—”

“I didn’t do anything with them, per se,” is her serene retort.

Matt, who’s off his feet as he’s just had meniscus surgery, snorts. “That means her fingerprints are all over the scene of the crime.”

“Which so happens to be my closet!”

“Let’s face it, that was already a crime against nature,” Liam answers unapologetically, his smile smug.

“You know this defense of Gracie was cute and all in the beginning,” I snipe, “but it’s getting pretty fucking old. Do you know how much my wardrobe wasworth? And now I have to wear this shit!”

Hanna frowns. “You look very nice, dear.”

“I look like I got dressed at Saks!”

“That bad thing?” Fryd inquires as he scoops a massive amount of mashed potatoes onto his plate.

“Yes, Fryd. It’s a terrible thing.”

“Why no purple today?”

“Because your daughter stole my clothes.”

Fryd squints at me. “Deserve it?”

“No, Fryd, I didn’t damn well deserve to have my clothes stolen and replaced with this crap. I never agreed to that. I consented to a time-out but not to this travesty.”

I’mbeige.

It’s horrific.

Gracie preens. “Your clothes are Pirenzi-approved.”

A shocked gasp escapes me. “You colluded with my agentandmy girlfriend to steal my clothes?”

---