Chapter 10
MAVERICK
Dove
It’s a good thing you had that blue box of mac & cheese.
I’m pulling on my gear, getting ready to head out onto the ice against Gav’s and my old team the Atlanta Frost when her text lights up my screen.
I pull my phone down, smiling as I read her words, thinking about her in my kitchen.
Maverick
Toss in some habaneros. It’ll give the whole dish a lift.
Dove
I think I’ll leave the spicy peppers to you and your mom. Too dangerous.
Maverick
You know when Mom was pregnant with me, she couldn’t eat any spicy foods. Hell, she could hardly eat a thing.
Dove
That sounds like you. Always causing trouble.
Maverick
Hey! I’m a lover, not a fighter.
Dove
Still, I’ll leave the peppers out for now.
Maverick
Peppers are good. I’ll teach you when I’m cooking on the regular.
Dove
This is not a Dare Night. We are not at Cooters & Shooters.
I huff a laugh, thinking about having Dove with me at my family’s restaurant, eating spicy peppers while the whole place dances to fire-themed music.
Maverick
You loved it.
Dove
I’d love to visit again sometime.
Maverick
I can arrange that.
Dove
Okay, Han.
Maverick
I’m actually more Chewy…
Dove
***
I chuckle, thinking about two Halloweens ago when I went as Chewbacca. My ole buddy Gav dressed up as the Han Solo to Haddy’s Princess Leia, and nine months later they had a baby girl.
Too bad Dove missed our annual Halloween party this year, but maybe when the season ends, I could take her to Newhope. The two of us at Cooters & Shooters on a Thursday night, standing with her back to my chest, my hands on her waist as we watch my family dance to the music, serve up pepper dishes…
“Murphy!” Coach Leek shouts, breaking me out of my daydream. “What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?”
“No, Coach.” I grab my stick and head out to the ice.
Four hours later, I’m sweaty and tired, although not as tired as usual, since I only played half as much as I usually do.
It was a different experience to watch the other guys carry out the new plays we learned in practice, but Coach Leek’s strategy paid off.
The Frost were caught off-guard by the new guys, and they weren’t prepared for the new drills we’ve been running. We scored more than we have on the road against them in two seasons, and we leave Georgia with another win under our belts.
One step closer to the Cup.
We’re loaded on the plane, heading to Dallas, when Owen slides into the seat beside me.
“You okay?” His voice is quiet and laced with concern. “I know you’re not used to sitting on the bench that much.”
I’d been looking out the window, thinking about Dove. I was imagining her eating mac & cheese and taking care of Kelani. Maybe watching a movie… something along the lines of The Lorax or A Walk in the Clouds.
That one’s not tree-related, but it seems like something she’d like. Maybe it’s something I’d like to watch with her. I only saw it once, but I thought of her the whole time with the harvest and the golden light and the dance…
Her text is still waiting, and I’m about to answer when he nudges my side. “You good?”
“Huh?” Then I realize what’s on his mind. “Oh, yeah. Coach Leek’s right. We’ve got a lot of talent on the team. It’s good to let the other guys shine, and the Frost were totally thrown off by it.”
Those guys know every trick Gavin and I have—because we honed them all as young players on that team.
Owen lifts his chin, arching an eyebrow. “Most guys wouldn’t see it that way. They’d see it as the coach taking away their shine.”
Clearing my throat, I straighten in my seat realizing he’s probably right. I probably should be pissed I’m being sidelined, but I’ve been a bit distracted. I still love to play, but my thoughts have started to drift to other things…
“I’m not most guys.” I give him my signature grin.
It’s the one that makes all the girls scream. A little like twirling my fingers in the front of my hair.
Of course, my oldest teammate and future cousin-in-law is not impressed.
His eyes narrow, and he studies me. “Maybe. Still, I’ve got my eye on you. Keep that in mind.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, I’m not going to throw a tantrum or turn into a primadonna.”
“Don’t Dad me.” He punches me on the shoulder. “I’m not that much older than you.”
“It’s true…” I squint at him. “So why am I getting over-protective mother-hen vibes?”
“You’re a good guy, Mav. You look out for everyone, you took me in when I needed a place to stay…”
“And Gavin,” I wave my hand. “I’ve got plenty of time. Keep going… You’re making me think I’m underpaid.”
“I just don’t want you to feel slighted. Coach Leek is shaking things up, but your team has your back.”
“Thanks, man.” I hold up my hand. “Appreciate y’all. Now go away.”
He grins. “What? Am I keeping you from something? Or should I say someone?”
“You should say it’s none of your business.”
“Okay, okay.” He lifts the armrest, chuckling as he slides out of the seat. “For what it’s worth, people like her make it easy. She fits right in.”
Looking down at my phone, I can’t argue with that.
Mom
Why am I just hearing that Dove is staying with you???
My throat tightens, and I shift in my seat.
Maverick
Who told you that?
Mom
Knox, Haddy, Gina… it seems everyone knew but me. Again! What am I going to do with you Mav?
Maverick
I thought it came up at Christmas.
Mom
You know it didn’t. But that’s okay. I’m so happy! Dove’s always been like a daughter to me. The daughter I never had.
Shit. I shift in my seat thinking about how hard my parents tried to have another baby after me. For whatever reason it never took, which inadvertently put a lot of pressure on me.
Of course, my dad was super supportive. Even though he always said he wanted a football team’s worth of boys, he knew my mom wanted a girl.
Ultimately, Miss Gina, who my cousin is named after, was the only person who could console her. That sweet old lady has always had a way with my mom. She told her God has his reasons for everything, and we have enough little girls in this family to go around.
Lord knows, that’s the truth, and they all need to shut their traps.
Maverick
Pretty sure Dove loves you, too.
Mom
Feel free to get as comfortable with her as all of your previous roommates have gotten with each other.
Maverick
I hope you’re not talking to me about sex, because, I swear to king cake baby Jesus…
Mom
I’m saying that little bungalow is special, and I support all your decisions there.
As long as they match up with hers… Although that’s not really fair. After she fussed at all of us, then cried because I “couldn’t be honest with her” about loving hockey… sheesh… then attempted to watch one of my games—until the fighting broke out—she’s been very supportive of my hockey career.
She’ll also be very supportive of the day I decide to retire.
Maverick
I love you, Mom.
Mom
I love you, too, honey.
Maverick
Tell Dad I said hey.
Mom
He wants to get you on his show soon!
My dad came from a broadcasting family. After he retired from the NFL, he started a radio show where he and my uncle Zane would talk about the games and occasionally loop in my uncle Jack to chat about rising high school football talent.
It grew into a popular podcast, and now it’s also a popular YouTube show.
Maverick
Those guys only care about football—but thanks.
She puts a heart on my message, and I’m about to switch over to Dove when a text from Haddy lights up the screen.
Haddy
Very frustrated our star player spent so much time on the bench tonight.
I huff a laugh at my overprotective cousin. Miss Gina was right. We really are more like siblings than cousins.
Maverick
It’s all good. Coach has a plan, and it seems to be working.
Haddy
I’m surprised you’re not more upset about this.
Maverick
Nah, it’s good to give other players a chance to shine. We have a lot of fresh talent on the team.
Haddy
That’s very big of you, Mav. Gavin is not as understanding. How can we have a Mav and Gav with no Mav?
Maverick
I’m still on the team…
Haddy
You know what I mean. I might speak to management. Fans are coming out for you. How many number 74 jerseys did we count last Halloween?
Maverick
32 to Gav’s 20 and Owen’s respectable 5.
Haddy
It’s his first season.
Maverick
Don’t say anything. I know your heart’s in the right place, but let Coach do his thing. I don’t want to be a problem.
More than I already am. I remember his expression when I left practice early for that photo shoot.
Haddy
You’re the boss, but I have your back. Night, Mav. Love you!
I thumbs up her message then swipe over to my calendar to see a few new items have been added. They seem reasonable and work with my existing schedule.
I nod, exhaling, ready to check in with Dove, when my phone lights up again.
“Mother Fuuu…” I exhale a swear, then I see it’s my oldest cousin Kimmie Joy.
She’s my uncle Jack’s daughter from a previous marriage. She was the first of the next generation in Newhope, and while she’s biologically Knox’s older half-sister, we all consider her our big sister.
She was the first to get her driver’s license, and as such, she was the one who drove me to all my early hockey games. Off the record, of course.
Kimmie
Dove??? Maverick! Finally!!!!!
She’s also a little over the top.
Maverick
I’m not doing this with you.
Kimmie
Penny says not much is happening, tho…
My chest tightens.
Maverick
You talked to her little sister?
Kimmie
Give me a break, Mav. We’ve all been waiting years for this.
Lowering my phone, I look across the aisle at my fellow teammates. Some are sleeping, some are on their phones. A few are chatting. I exhale slowly, wondering if any of them have a family as involved as mine.
Maverick
She’s only in LA for one semester.
Kimmie
Which means you’d better act fast! Shoot your shot, mister. Don’t let this opportunity pass by.
Maverick
Why do I feel like Eminem all of a sudden?
Kimmie
Get some game.
Maverick
Wha—how dare you, ma’am? I’ve got game
Kimmie
Use it. Don’t let me down again.
Maverick
When did I ever let you down?
Kimmie
Now that you say it, I don’t think you have. Let’s keep it that way. I’ve always been proud of you Maverick. Be a closer.
Maverick
Thanks for checking in. Bye.
As if I needed a pep talk from her.
My phone buzzes once more, and I’m about to mute them all when I see the name on the screen.
Dove
What’s your favorite comfort food?
A smile pulls at my lips, and my shoulders relax. I didn’t even realize I was tense until now, when I shift in my seat and reply.
Maverick
Mashed potatoes.
Dove
Mmm… good one. With gravy or butter?
Maverick
I mean, gravy is good, but butter is better.
Dove
True. Mine is peach ice cream on a hot summer day… it goes down so nice.
Maverick
You’re making me miss your mom’s famous recipe.
Dove
Maybe I’m missing it, too.
My brow furrows, and I hate this distance between us. I want to be there to read her expression, to see if she needs a comforting hand on her shoulder, and to give it to her if she does.
Maverick
Are you thinking about the orchard?
Dove
Always, but Kelani fell asleep in my lap, and few things are as comforting as a sleeping puppy. Look…
I wait, and then a picture appears of Dove looking up at the camera. Her blonde hair hangs in soft waves around her face and over her shoulders, and there in the crook of her crossed legs, our adorable husky is curled up fast asleep.
Maverick
She’s a smart pup. Looks like a comfortable place to be.
Dove
I was watching a show, and she just hopped up here.
Resting my head on my hand, I don’t text what I’m thinking, which is how nice it would be to rest my head in her lap. To feel her fingers thread in my hair, to turn my face and kiss the soft skin of her inner thigh…
Dove
Peach soufflé is also good. With a fresh cup of coffee…
Maverick
Someone has a sweet tooth.
Dove
I was raised on a peach orchard, sue me.
Maverick
Nope—I can personally vouch for how delicious all those recipes are.
Dove
How was your game? Did you win?
Maverick
Yes.
Dove
One week closer! I saw a picture of a guy and his dog eating cereal out of that big silver cup.
Maverick
It’s a thing, but I don’t like puffed cereal. It scratches up the inside of my mouth. I hate that.
Dove
I hate it when I bite into a slice of pizza that’s too hot and then my gums get all puffy inside… creeps me out.
Maverick
New rule—only soggy cereal and cold pizza.
Dove
That sounds gross.
Maverick
Buttery mashed potatoes and peach ice cream on the hottest day of the summer.
Dove
Then it starts to rain, and it breaks the heat…
Maverick
And smells like cut grass and cooling metal…
I rest my head against the window, thinking about summer days spent with her. Rubbing my fingers over my lids, I see her blue-green eyes, her soft blonde hair, the way her full lips part with her smile. The way she can always make me laugh.
Dang, I miss her right now.
Maverick
Night, Dove.
Dove
Night.
Dove
Did you win?
Maverick
Yes… You know, you can watch us on ESPN if you want.
Dove
I can?! I didn’t know that! Hold pls…
I’m standing in front of my cubby in my skates, smiling at my phone as I wait. A minute later it lights up again.
Dove
I won’t know what’s happening, but I’ll get to see Gavin and Owen and the other guys… What were their names? Saxon and Aiden… and Donovan…
With each name, my smile melts. My chest burns, and I’m more pissed at this than Coach Leek parking me on the bench.
My jaw is tight, and I tap the screen a little too hard as I reply.
Maverick
Or not. I’ll just tell you what happens.
Dove
You don’t want me to watch the games?
Maverick
No. In fact, just forget I even mentioned it. I’m cancelling my ESPN subscription now.
Dove
But Maverick, why ever would you DO such a thing???
My eyes narrow, and I study her goofy, formal wording a blink before I realize…
Maverick
You’re fucking with me.
Dove
What’s that smell? It’s like… hair burning…
Maverick
Okay, okay, you got me.
Dove
Maverick
Why are you studying plant pathology? Clearly you’re a standup comedian.
Dove
I could never be as funny as you pretending to be jealous.
I wouldn’t say I was pretending, but she can think that.
Dove
Here, something for your spank bank…
Another picture appears, and my dick jumps. It’s a shot of her and Kelani. The puppy is in the foreground as if she’s smelling the phone, while Dove leans forward beside her, smiling with her lips on the pup’s head.
It’s innocent enough, except Dove’s position causes her shirt to drape forward, giving me a clear view of the supple bulge of her cleavage rising out of the lacy cups of her white bra.
Dove
I’m your number one fan.
A laugh huffs through my nose, but I have to adjust my fly.
Maverick
Promise?
Dove
Want to go for a walk?
Maverick
It would definitely be more than ten minutes.
Dove
I’ll show you something you’ve never seen before…
Maverick
Please and thank you.