“You have awater gun?” My shoulders loosen with a grin. “And you carry it around with you?”
“I did this thing with the guys the other day before our game instead of our usual practice. They were stressed. A long year and the start of the playoffs is catching up to them, so I had three dozen Super Soakers delivered to the arena. We had a massive water gun fight that somehow turned into a slip and slide across the ice. The next day, they went out and played their best game of the season.” He shrugs. “I’m sure there’s some science behind that, and I’m sure it can apply to nosy fourteen year olds too.”
The front door to the apartment opens, then slams shut. Footsteps skip down the hall, and Brody rubs my shoulders when Liv appears around the corner.
“Dad. Don’t be mad at me, but I got detention today,” Liv says. Her backpack goes flying across the floor. “I had a good reason for it.” She takes off her sweatshirt and brightens when she sees me. “Hannah! Hi! Are you eating dinner with us tonight?”
“I am.” I lean my elbows on the island. “Your dad keeps talking about this soup you two like to make, and I was hoping to try it out for myself.”
“I’ve been needing a new sous chef. Dad is way too particular about keeping things clean.” She rolls her eyes. “A paper towel is out of place, and he’s unhappy.”
“Hang on.” Brody moves away from me and folds his arms over his chest. “We need to go back to the detention part. What did you do?”
“Bruce Leeland said he could beat me in a race around the track because I’m a girl andso much slower than him, so I told him to give it a try. I kicked his ass, and after, I put up a sign in the cafeteria with a picture of his face on it.”
“And?” Brody asks through clenched teeth.
“And… I might’ve writtenlost to a girlunder it,” she adds innocently. “It’s not defamation. Hedidlose to a girl.”
“Jesus Christ.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “You know what? We’re going to table this discussion. Soup and brownies are on the agenda. I’m in a good mood, and that’s a parenting conversation we’ll have later when we don’t have company over.” He pauses to ruffle Liv’s hair. “How much did you beat him by?”
“Five seconds,” she tells us proudly, and Brody smirks.
“That’s my girl.”
“Liv.This is delicious. Have you always liked to cook?” I ask, taking another bite of the broccoli cheddar soup.
“Yeah. Dad taught me some of the nutritional impacts food has on athletic performance, and I’ve tried to be better about making meals at home instead of going out to eat with friends.” She cuts her piece of cornbread in half. “I’m also working with my school cafeteria to make sure we have better food options at lunchtime. For some of my classmates, they only get two mealsa day. Greasy pizza is delicious, but not four times a week. It’s been fun to get people’s opinions on what the kitchen should serve.”
“Liv, I’m going to say this as a completely unbiased party.” I scoot my chair closer to the table. Brody’s leg presses into mine, and he rests a hand on my thigh. “I think you could rule the world one day.”
“Thanks.” She beams, proud of herself. “Thank my dad. He’s always told me to kick ass and take names.”
“And lectured you about your use of vulgarities, but I don’t think it’s sticking at this point.” He sighs, thumb stroking over the curve of my knee. “I promise I don’t walk around here spewing expletives,” he tells me, and I laugh.
“I know you don’t. Only occasionally,” I say.
“I’m going to grab a beer. Do you want anything?” he asks.
“I’m good. Thank you.”
“Liv?”
“I’m fine, Dad. Thanks.”
He touches my shoulder before heading to the fridge, and Liv puts down her fork.
“My dad likes you so much,” she says. “Has he given you all the gifts yet?”
“Gifts?” I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m not sure what they are. He comes home from all his away games with this little bag, but he won’t tell me what it is. Just that it’s for you.” She pops a crouton in her mouth. “Maybe it’s for a surprise he’s putting together.”
“When I find out what it is, I’ll let you know.” I smile when she pumps her fist in the air. “Tierney is going to come to our session tomorrow, if that’s okay. She wants to see your choreography for the Potomac Memorial, and I thought it would be good to get an outside pair of eyes on your program.”
“What? What’s her favorite color? I’ll wear one of my new outfits so I can bribe her to give me compliments.”
“Stop it.” I swat at her arm. “You know you’re a great skater. You don’t need to bribe anyone.”
