Chapter 12
MAVERICK
Lying on Dove’s bed, I watch the lights change colors on the ceiling. Gina left behind a cube lamp, and Kelani is curled up on my chest asleep. As the cycle of blue, yellow, peach, and gold hues shifts, I wonder what Dove is doing right now.
It’s been almost two weeks since we were together, and everything reminds me of her. Four blue boxes of mac & cheese are in the cabinet downstairs. A new bag of coffee is on the counter, and a vase of flowers is in the middle of the dining table.
They were here when I got back from Texas, and they’re starting to wilt. I have no idea how to keep them alive until she gets back. I don’t even know where she got them. I quickly pull out my phone, asking Siri to send over a fresh bouquet.
Turning my head, I inhale the delicious scent of light coconut, peaches and rose. It’s like a day at the beach with a basket of peaches on the side.
I don’t know how her mom created this scent, but it’s every memory I’ve ever made with Dove in a single inhale.
From the first time I laid eyes on her at that silly pageant to the afternoon we walked together in the orchard to the night at the bar, when she held my arm and told June I wasn’t going anywhere with her…
to six days ago, when I carried her suitcase down the stairs and loaded it into the back of a car taking her away from me.
My phone gives a short buzz, and my heart jumps. I snatch it up, hoping to see her name glowing on the face, but it’s only my cousin.
Gina
Carla said to give you a big thank you hug for stopping by today. She was especially happy to see Kelani doing so well.
Maverick
It’s what I do.
I scratch the soft fuzz on Kelani’s back. Even if I’m not playing as much, I’m still in demand for publicity events, and helping Carla raise money for her no-kill animal shelter is a no-brainer. I’m always down for those guys.
Gina
Need some company for dinner tonight?
Maverick
Is this your way of asking me if I’ll cook for you?
Gina
It’s my way of worrying about you. I know you don’t like being in that big house all alone. It’s why I got you a puppy, remember?
A puppy will never compare to Dove.
Between games, practice, and publicity events, my time during the season slips away so fast. But while the days pass quickly, a week alone here without Dove feels so long.
Maverick
I’m good. I’ve got some plans for tonight.
Gina
Going out with the guys?
Maverick
Nah, just some errands I’ve got to run.
Grocery shopping, watching YouTube to see how the hell I arrange the bouquet of flowers so it doesn’t look like trash. Hiring a last-minute cleaning service to come while I’m gone so the house will shine brightly and smell good when we all return on Friday.
Gina
I’ll stop by and pick up Kelani tomorrow. Maddie is so excited to babysit.
Maverick
Thanks. Glad it’s a short trip.
I’ll be back on Friday when Dove returns.
Gina
Speaking of Seattle, how are you handling all this time on the bench?
Kelani’s little head rests on her paws, and I take a quick photo of her. Dove sent me pictures of them all the time when I was gone. I need to do the same.
I study Gina’s question on my screen.
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.