Page 198 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Clark wrapped me in a hug. “Clearly, they’re trying. Even if they don’t know your favorite color is purple. It’ll look striking on the ice.”
“I’d be a big sparkly target for the other team,” I laughed. I wasn’t sure if and when I’d wear all this. I wore my team colors for NYIT games.
“There is more.” Clark tossed another piece of packing paper out.
Snowball crouched as if hunting, peering at the paper. She pounced, attacking it, and batting it around.
I took a video. “You’re such a good hunter, Snowball. You get that paper.”
“Gweny. Look.” Clark pulled out something large and hot pink, wrapped in plastic. They were sparkly and had the Viper logo, which was a snake wrapped around a hockey stick, on it.
“Matching goalie pads?” Tears streamed my eyes as I opened the plastic. “From Viper? Shit.”
Wow. Goalie pads on top of all this? They looked like they’d fit me, too. I’d make my own alterations. Oh, they had rhinestones on them, too.
My chest shook, and I sobbed. Color aside, this was an expensive, thoughtful, useful gift. I tried everything on.
“You look cute. You should wear this,” Clark told me.
Maybe I would. Or at least parts of it? It would be nice to have quality backups. Obviously, if they ever watched me play, I’d wear it. I wasn’t sure how good the goalie skates were.
I took a picture of the gear and texted Matty.
Me
Please tell them thank you for me.
They should be thanked, but texting them meant they might text me back. I wasn’t ready for that.
Matty
Happy you like it. Everything fits?
Me
Yes. Everything is cute. Very pink, but cute.
A timer buzzed.
“Dinner’s ready.” Clark picked up the paper and put it in the box.
I finished cleaning up as he took something out of the oven, with the hockey potholders that had been with the slow-cooker.
Snowball climbed into the box. I sent the videos and pictures to Matty.
Me
Snowball likes the paper and boxes.
“I’ll set the table.” I placed our dishes and silverware on the table as Clark finished getting everything ready.
Clark brought over a steaming hot meatloaf. A fucking meatloaf. My mouth watered. I don’t think I’d had meatloaf since high school.
He added a bowl of mashed potatoes, some gravy, and green beans.
Yeah, I was keeping him.
“Sorry, I forgot to buy rolls,” he said as we sat down and we served ourselves.
