Page 125 of The Import Slot
Bettsy is first, and he gets a rather phallic-looking object that turns out to be a jump rope wrapped to look like a dildo.
Johnny got Hutch, and he bought him the first thing we thought of when he broke the rules and told me who he had picked: clear tape. Hutch honestly looks so happy when he opens it up, seeing the three rolls staring back at him. I’ve lost count of the amount of clear that has been a victim of theft in our dressing room.
Jani opens his gift next, and I can tell it’s from Jen by how it’s wrapped. She’s put so much effort into it that it is sad to watch the wrapping torn the way it is.
“It’s food!” he declares, beaming at everyone. “Piparkakut! Kiitos paljon! Thank you so much!” he says, taking a bite of the gingerbread.
Seeing how cheerful everyone is makes me think of where I was this time last year.
Liam and I stayed at home with our dad. He told us he wished he had gone to the cabin in Banff with Uncle G and the boys instead.
This misery rubbed off on both of us, and we spent the break playing video games and moping. Christmas had never been the same without Mom, but we were still trying to make an effort by coming to visit.
Looking around the room now, I didn’t want to be anywhere else; I’ve got my girlfriend, my brother and my best friend, not to mention most of the goddamn team, who are like family now anyway.
Jen catches my eye.
“You okay?” she mouths, and I nod, watching her unwrap the gift I so carefully wrapped. I had to swap twice to get her; first with Vicky, who gave me Johnny, then with Bettsy, who gave me Jen for Johnny, because‘who better to prank than the captain?’, his words, not mine.
“A puck,” she says with a smile, but I don’t think she realises what puck it is at first. She’s examining it, and she turns it over in her hand. “Official game puck, Winnipeg Jets.” She stares at it for a moment before meeting my eyes. “Is this what I think it is?” she says, pushing her way toward me.
“I scored my first NHL goal with that puck. Look after it for me,” I say with a wink.
“You can’t be serious?” she asks, eyes wide.
I kiss her forehead. “I am. I’m serious about you.”
“You’re crazy. And don’t say it!” She presses her index finger to my lips.
We finish handing the gifts out, and then Johnny, Liam and I head onto the balcony.
There are a few sticks and plastic pucks from yesterday when I was messing around. I automatically grab a stick and start figure-eighting a puck while we talk.
“What else did you get Jen for Christmas?” Liam asks. “I need to get something for Vicky, don’t I?”
“A new computer. Had to ask her friend for help, but I’m sure Vicky wouldn’t appreciate a laptop or a signed Sens jersey.”
“Fuck. Jewellery then. Surely, I can’t go wrong with that? Or shoes. I should still be pissed at her, but I should get her something. You’re going to have to come shopping with me tomorrow,” Liam says, flicking his puck into the air.
“Why do you always leave things until the very last minute?”
Liam shrugs and looks back into the apartment at Vicky.
“Do you actually like it here then, bro?” Liam says, changing the subject and swigging his beer.
“Yeah, I do.”
“Only because he’s in love,” Johnny says.
“Well, it helps, but I like the team. I enjoy being home and not having to travel and stay away so much. I enjoy doing the stuff with the juniors.”
“See, he’s embraced it here. Don’t you wish you’d have come instead?” Johnny says.
It’s a pointed question, though. Johnny’s tone says it all.
Liam is looking inside again, his focus on Vicky. “Johnny, look bud, me and Vicky—”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
