Maverick
Hockey is still my life. But I’m starting to think there might be more to life than being on the ice all the time.
Looking around the living room, I’ve made more money than I can possibly spend. On top of that, I’ve got endorsements and investments. I’m young, and I can afford to slow down, pursue other interests.
Maybe this change of pace was an unexpected gift. Maybe it’s time to stop looking at a life outside the spotlight of hockey as a bad thing.
Gina puts a thumbs up on my reply, and I scroll over to social media. A few years ago, I started using a paid service to handle all my accounts. Still, I look at my Instagram feed and see me with Carla at the animal shelter.
I’ve taken a knee beside a pit bull that was rescued from an abusive situation. I swipe to see another one of me holding two kittens on either side of my face. One is black and the other is white, and it creates a funny yin-yang vibe.
A message appears at the top of my screen, and it’s like a hand reaches in and squeezes my heart.
Dove
I might have to add cinnamon rolls to the list of favorite foods. At least the ones they have here. So delicious… and I like this heat.
She sends a picture of a half-eaten cinnamon roll, and a laugh huffs through my nose.
Maverick
You’re coming around to the spicy side. Check this out…
I send her the picture I took of Kelani asleep on my chest.
Dove
She’s so cute. Does she miss me at all? Has she completely forgotten me?
Maverick
No. We’re both aware of your absence.
Dove
One more day, and I’ll be back. Have fun in Seattle. Beat those Beavers!
This time I laugh out loud. Kelani stirs, and I scrub her little head. “Sorry girl.” A very naughty image of my fingers between her legs sends heat straight to my groin.
Maverick
We have to work on that slogan.
One way or another.
13
DOVE
My brain is so full of plant pests and problems and measures to protect them. The last two days we spent touring a fig farm and discussing the various pests that impact them. A professor from Purdue University did an entire session on sampling and identifying spider mites.
It was all fascinating to me, since fig trees are a type of tree resistant to Armillaria. Also fascinating was how they referred to figs as inside-out flowers rather than fruits, and most U.S.-grown figs do not require a wasp to ripen.
That part always made me gag at the thought of eating one.
Gazing at the passing landscape as we drive back to Los Feliz, I think about bringing all this information back to Louisiana. In addition to Maverick, I texted Uncle Leon everything I learned and sent him the contact information for two professors I met who specialize in Armillaria and peach production.
With every breath, my chest expands with optimism and hope… and anticipation at seeing Maverick again. I swipe back to the picture he sent me of Kelani asleep on his chest.
