Page 176 of Hat Trick

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“I can’t believethe regular season is almost finished.” Piper takes a sip of her water and leans back in her chair after we finish our lunches. “I know we have the playoffs, but this year has been a whirlwind, hasn’t it?”

“I don’t know how it’s already April,” I say. “It feels like it was just training camp.”

“Time flies when you’re having fun. And it’s going to be even more fun when we kick the Stars’ asses in the first round,” Emmy says. “If you all lose tomorrow, you’re facing off against Baltimore, and we have the home ice advantage.”

“But if we win, we play Detroit. We’ve beaten them in all four matchups this season, and I like our odds,” Madeline says, and we all stare at her. “What? I pay attention to sports sometimes.” When I lift an eyebrow, she grins. “Okay, fine. Hudson has drilled these scenarios into my brain, and I can recite it from memory. I didn’t do it on my own.”

“Still. It only took you two years, but you’re talking about sports,” Maven says. “And I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.” Madeline laughs. “How are the guys feeling, Lex? Are they all staying healthy?”

“Surprisingly, yes. Balancing the normal things I see during the season and Riley’s rehabilitation has been exhausting, but also damn rewarding. I’m proud of myself for working so hard, and I’m proud of the guys for taking injury prevention seriously this year,” I say. “We’re the only team in the league who hasn’t had a player miss a single game all season.”

“One day people will acknowledge your team is held together by successful women,” Emmy says. “And until then, we’re going to order dessert and stuff our faces.”

I beam at the compliment and sneak a glance at my phone. Riley is spending the afternoon with the guys, and he mentioned something about lunch and a movie-watching party. I smile when I see a text from him, then I drag my thumb across the screen to see what he has to say.

Riley

Why did no one tell me The Fox and the Hound was the most depressing movie they’d ever seen?

Grant is sobbing on the hotel ballroom floor.

I don’t think Ethan is going to be able to play tomorrow.

We’re a goddamn mess.

Me

Who the hell picked that as the movie for you all to watch?

Riley

Ethan did as a joke. He said he could get Liam to cry.

Spoiler alert: he didn’t cry, and I’m convinced he’s a robot.

Me

Poor baby. Are you okay?

Riley

Will you come kiss me and make it better?

Me

Later tonight I will.

Riley

Good answer.

Me

Talk to you soon, Mitchy ;)

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