Page 174 of Face Off
Areallocker room, with lots of space, bright blue walls and a door marked SHOWERS.
There’s a vanity along the left side, complete with a big mirror and a stool. There’s a cluster of leather chairs in the far corner and a small table between them with a vase full of sunflowers.
On the right side of the room is a row of cubbies, with fresh wood and a long bench. Hanging from the rack is a single jersey.
Mine.
“What—” I swallow and look around, my head on a swivel. “Maverick. What is this?”
“It’s something Coach and I have been working on for a while now. It took forever to get the permits we needed to add piping and all that shit, so we were a little behind schedule. You deserve a spot to call your own. Even though you won’t be using it, it’s still yours. The next woman we have on the team can utilize it, and it’ll be here when you’re in town for an away game.”
“Oh my god.” I run my finger along the framed photo of the team Maven took after practice one day. Maverick is on Hudson’s back. Grant and Ethan are giving each other bunny ears. I’m standing front and center, my hand on my forehead and my eyes bright. “You did all of this for me?”
“Yeah.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I thought it would make you happy.”
“I’ve always wanted something like this. Thank you for giving it to me.”
“We’re not done.” Maverick guides me to the bathroom door, swinging it open and smiling when I gasp. “A tub and a shower, which is a luxury we don’t have in the boys’ locker room. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m going to sneak in here after morning skate to soak for an hour.”
There’s also a hairdryer and hooks on the wall for towels. More flowers take up space on the double sink, and it’s obvioussomeone spent a lot of time and effort into making this look as good as it does.
I can’t wait for the little girls who watch the games and wear my jersey to see this. I can’t wait for Rachel to see this. It gives me hope that one day women in sports everywhere will be treated as equals by their peers.
“It’s perfect,” I whisper. “I love it so much, Maverick.”
“Good.” He squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry we didn’t have it ready for you sooner.”
“That’s okay. Just knowing you put all this energy into creating something for me…” I trail off and glance up at him. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too. And even if you aren’t here, your legacy will be. We’re naming it the Hartwell Room.”
“You cannot do that.”
“Already did. There’s a plaque on the wall above the door, and you can’t take off a plaque. It’s bad luck.”
“Maverick.”
“Emerson. Don’t argue with me on this. You’re not going to win.”
“Fine.” I bite my bottom lip and lean forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for letting me take care of you.” He unclips my helmet and tosses it on one of the chairs. “Thank you for letting me be by your side.”
Maverick and I don’t share a drawn-out goodbye when he drops me off at the airport.
He already has plans to be in Toronto next week over the three day stretch when the Stars don’t have any games. Ipromised to call when I got to my room, and as I shove the door open and drop my bags on the floor of my new home away from home, I sigh in relief.
Today has been long. Good, butlong. I’m exhausted both mentally and physically, and I can’t wait to rinse the airplane off me and talk to Maverick before I head to my physical first thing in the morning.
I pull out my phone and send him a quick text.
Me
Just got to my room!
Pretty Boy
How was the flight?
