Page 92 of Can't Always Get What You Want

He doesn’t score again but he plays like he’s trying to.Like he’s still chasing something more than just the win. When the final horn blares, Luca doesn’t celebrate then either. He skates off with his head low, shoulders taut, energy probably still buzzing in his chest that sixty minutes of full-throttle hockey couldn’t burn through.

“Phew!” Poppy whistles. “Get ready. He’s definitely going to text you.”

He does—but not until I’m pulling open the door to my Uber.

Luca: Where are you?

Me: Getting into a car…

Luca: Wanna meet me at my place?

My heart soars.

Do I want to meet at his place?

Me: Yes.

Luca: Great. Sending you my address…

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Nova: Ugh. My Uber driver is playing soft jazz. I feel like I’m being transported to a dentist appointment.

Luca: This traffic is horrible—I’ve moved 4 feet in 10 minutes. Think I’ve aged 90 years…

Nova: Well the good news is, you had an awesome game tonight. Are you sore??

Luca: Not any more than usual.

Nova: Glad you’re not in pieces. You slammed into Graziano so hard I felt it in the stands.

Luca: All part of the job.

Nova: Part of the job, huh? So what’s my job tonight?

Luca: Depends. You applying to be my post-game massage therapist?

Nova: Doesthat job come with benefits?

Luca: You asking about a 401k and dental insurance—or what I’m planning to do to you on my couch?

Nova: Oh the things you could do on the couch, starting with a foot rub…

Luca: Wait. Whose feet? Mine or yours…

Nova: I mean, I was on mine most of the game, cheering…

Luca: You saying you deserve to be pampered?

Nova: That’s exactly what I’m saying. Preferably with strong hands and zero distractions.

Luca: Oh, sweetheart—if my hands are on you, there would be nothing distracting me.

Nova: Are we forgetting you said “on the couch”? The couch is PUBLIC territory. Anyone could walk in!

Luca: Public?? It’s MY couch exclamation point exclamation point

Nova: lol are you using talk to text?

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