Page 177 of Hat Trick

“Is there something interesting on your phone, Lex?” Piper studies me. “You’regrinning. And totally ignoring us.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You so are,” Maven says.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I lock my phone before anyone can see the photo that comes through of Riley with red-rimmed eyes. There are tears on the lenses of his glasses, his hair is a mess, but he’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Someone else make this conversation about them.”

“Maverick and I are serious about investing in a PWHL expansion team,” Emmy says, and I perk up. “We’re hoping to put in a proposal to the city of Detroit in the next few months, then we can get this ball rolling.”

“Stop it.” Maven claps. “That is incredible, Em.”

“It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” She smiles and drops her elbow to the table. “I’ll always feel so fortunate I was the first female in the NHL. I’m glad that door is open if women want to go down the same path, and I’m also glad there’s a market and demand for more women’s sports leagues. I wouldn’t trade my experience in the league for anything, but as someone who had to play on all-boys teams because there weren’t options for me as a young girl, I’m sure it’s so special to be surrounded by strong and powerful women training with the same goal in mind. You have athletic trainers who understand women’s bodies,” she says, glancing at me. I nod in agreement, knowing how different male and female athletes’ skeletal structures are. “There are resources like locker rooms and showers and free feminine hygiene products, and a focus on mental health and family accessibility. There’s sisterhood embedded in the competition, and I want every little girl out there who loves the sport to know she can play in the big leagues too.”

“I didn’t think I was going to cry at lunch, but here we are.” Madeline dabs under her eye with her napkin. “What a time to be a woman.”

“Would you move to Michigan?” Maven asks, and Emmy shakes her head.

“Michigan will always have my heart, but DC is home now. I know Maverick wants to retire with the Stars, and I’m hoping to sign another contract extension with the Sea Crabs. Besides”—Emmy pauses—“it took me thirty years to find a group of women I could call my friends. I’m not leaving without you all.”

“This is why I love my tattoo.” I push up the sleeve of my sweater and show off the small hearts that are healing on the curve of my arm. “So I can always carry you all with me.”

I’m so close to telling them about Riley and gushing about how wonderful he is. They know almost everything else about me, but for some reason, I want him all to myself. I’m not embarrassed by him—god no. I never could be.

He’s my best kept secret, and the second people find out we’re seeing each other, he won’t be just mine anymore.

And, gosh, do I love that he’s just mine.

“We really need to start saving these heart-to-hearts for when we’re having a glass of wine,” Piper says. “Then I can blame my crying on the alcohol.”

“Speaking of crying, the entire team is an emotional mess because of the movie they watched this afternoon. If they lose tomorrow, your darling husband is to blame,” I tell Piper. “Does that man ever show any ounce of emotion besides being totally locked in during a game?”

“We went to the animal shelter last week because we’ve been thinking of getting Pico de Gato a sibling,” she says, mentioning Liam’s cat. “He held a senior cat that’s been overlooked for months and burst into tears. When he tells you it was allergies, don’t believe him.”

I laugh. “Oh, I can’t wait to give him shit about that tomorrow.”

“Speaking of, I should get back.” Madeline taps her phone screen and checks the time. “Hudson and Lucy have been at the museum, and she’s begging for pizza. I said I’d join them for a second lunch.”

“Tell Huddy Boy we say hi,” Piper sings. “And give Lucy a big kiss for me.”

“Will do.” Madeline smiles. “I’ll see you girls at the game tomorrow.”

“I need to get going too. I have some ankles to tape, and god forbid anyone else on my team does their job.” I stand and pull out a twenty from my wallet to leave behind as a tip. “Everyone get back safe.”

“You make me want to be a hockey player,” Maven says. “Just so I can be under your care.”

“Please. I’m not that special.”

“I bet there’s someone on the team who would disagree with that,” Piper teases. “Maybe you’ve met him? He’s six-two and wears glasses. Oh, and he blushes whenever you’re around.”

“Can’t hear you,” I say, sticking out my tongue and waltzing toward the exit of the restaurant.

* * *

Me

I know you said you wanted me to kiss you and make you feel better, but I have a better idea.

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