Page 56 of Double Pucked

Ryker: Yes, you do.

We vie a little more, then the group chat pings, the one I’ve so cleverly named The Hockey Guys At Your Service.

I open it as I reach Chase’s block.

Ryker: Placing an online order. Do you need anything from the store?

Trina: Hardware store? Shoe store? Toy shop?

Ryker: Hardware store, Trina. I’m ordering from the hardware store.

Trina: Oh, I love tools. A lot.

Chase: She definitely doesn’t need a hammer though.

Ryker: She has access to two already.

Trina: But can you order me some screws? It’ll help me with some items on my to-do list.

Chase: Fixed your last text for you.

He sends back a screenshot that changes the last word toscrewing.

Trina: Actually, please make it a nailing.

Ryker: That’s a step above a screwing.

Chase: And right below a pounding. Pretty sure that’s on your list.

Trina: Why, yes it is. Then ideally, some avocado sushi later.

Ryker: Order accepted for everything.

* * *

That night, while I’m lounging on Chase’s couch with my main squeeze, and finishing a romance for this week’s book club, there’s a food delivery, but no chance for leg babies. Nacho stays on the sofa. I take the bags and thank the guy. Back inside, I unload some scrumptious groceries. Eggs and strawberries, blueberries and yummy bread, veggies and noodles. It’s a feast. The best part though is when the doorbell rings a few minutes later and a delivery guy from Ding and Dine drops off fresh avocado sushi.

And a note.

From the hockey guys.

It’s delicious, but the thought tastes even better. So good in fact that I turn on the last few minutes of some hockey. But when the game ends, one guy will likely come home tense and tight. The other exuberant.

* * *

Ryker is home first from his game, but I’m only half awake when he slides into bed.

“Saw you won,” I say sleepily.

“We did.”

“And you played well,” I add.

He chuckles as he nuzzles my neck. “How do you even know?”

“Hey, I’m a fast learner,” I say.

“Are you a hockey expert now like you’re a lexiphile?”

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