“Bring me a slice of pumpkin pie,” Hannah calls out when he pops to his feet and meanders to the kitchen. “Is there really a code?” she asks me.
“Mhm. First person to the showers turns them on for everyone else. Don’t mess with the stuff someone keeps in their stall. You don’t touch another team’s goalie, and if someonetouches yours, you have permission to kick their ass. Similarly, you don’t touch a teammate’s sister, mom, wife, or girlfriend. If you do, expect hell to break loose.”
“Wonder if that applies to coaches too,” Hannah says with the flip of her hair over her shoulder.
“Brat,” I mumble.
“But that never happened, so it’s purely hypothetical.”
“Hey.” I touch her wrist when she sets down her wine glass. “I know I said some things that night, but I don’t regret it happening. You’re not a mistake, Hannah.”
“I know I’m not. I’m a goddamn prize,” she tells me with the confidence that made me follow her back to her apartment in the first place. “I’m going to see if they need any help cleaning up.”
“You never mentioned what you were thankful for,” I say, watching her stand and smooth out her skirt.
“New friends. Hockey coaches.” Hannah looks at my hands, a coy smile taking over her mouth. “And all the fun we’re going to have the next few months.”
Trouble, I think, when she leans in front of me to take my plate.
I’m in so much fucking trouble.
SEVENTEEN
BRODY
The mallthree weeks before Christmas is hell on earth, I decide.
A woman with her arms full of shopping bags hits me in the shin, and I scowl at her as she walks away.
“Do you think I should get Hannah a Christmas gift?” Olivia stands on her toes, looking at the jewelry counter in a department store. I pull the brim of my hat low when a saleswoman eyes me like she recognizes me from somewhere. I regret agreeing to accompany my daughter on her shopping trip. “Or would that be weird?”
“I don’t think a gift is necessary,” I answer, folding my arms over my chest. “What about a card? I’ll throw some money in there.”
“That’s not very personal.” Liv rolls her eyes. “It’s the holiday season, Dad. You have to show people you care about them. That you listen to them, and that doesn’t include shoving a wad of cash their way.”
“Why not? Everyone loves money.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Glad to know that early SAT prep course I signed you up for is working.”
“I’m asking because it’s been two months, and my technique is only getting better. Hannah is a big part of that, and I want her to know I appreciate all the work she’s putting in with me.” Liv sighs. “She’s so talented. I hope she’s able to come back to skating soon.”
“What about a friendship bracelet? You have a million at home. I bet she’d love to wear something you created.”
“Ugh. She’s cool, Dad, and has like, so many Instagram followers. She wouldn’t like a friendship bracelet.”
“I like mine.” I hold up my wrist so she can see the five I’m currently wearing. Different colors, different beads. Some bright pink and others light blue and red, matching the team colors. “Am I not cool?”
“No. You’re old, and not many things bring you joy.”
“You wound me, kid.” I laugh and ruffle her hair, ignoring her when she tries to swat my hand away. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“Mom says I get my bluntness from you.” Liv grins. “You can only blame yourself.”
“I’ll say.”
“Areyougetting Hannah a gift?”
