10. Grant
TEN
GRANT
Hannah is waiting outside her apartment building when I pull up. Eighteen months younger than me and a professional figure skater, we could pass for twins if it weren’t for her blonde hair.
“It’s about time you called,” she says when she climbs in my car. “We live eight minutes away from each other, and I haven’t seen you in three weeks.”
“I’m a working man, Han.” I turn the radio down and peel out of the parking spot. “How’s your night?”
“I spent the last four hours planning a new routine for a competition next year, and I’m probably in over my head.” She shrugs and adjusts the air vents that are pointed in her direction. “But what fun is life if you don’t take risks?”
“You medaled at the World Championships and now you need to create a new routine? What happened to not fixing what isn’t broken?”
“I hear you, dear brother of mine, but as a perfectionist, I’m always dreaming about what I can do next, and how I can do it better than anyone else out there.” Hannah smiles. “I know how it sounds, and I’m talking about it with a therapist.”
“Self-awareness is a great quality to have.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel. “Speaking of being a perfectionist, the playoffs start in a month. Are you going to come to a game?”
“I could be persuaded. Are you going to give my number to any of your teammates?” she tosses back with a smirk.
“Absolutely not. You deserve much better than any of those idiots. Stay far away from hockey guys.”
“What about you? Is there a new WAG in your life?”
“The only wagging that’s happening are the tails on Hudson’s dogs.”
“God.” Hannah groans. “Am I going to have to spend the next ten years seeing details of my brother’s sex life plastered on TMZ because you’re not settling down? Horrifying.”
“I’m not sure why TMZ would care about me. I’m a nobody in this league.”
“Please. People go wild for information about any athlete, and you’re no different. You’re young. You look like me, and I know I’m drop dead gorgeous so you’re not tragically inept in the appearance department.”
“Thanks, Han. How considerate of you.”
Our conversation continues until I pull up to the ice cream shop. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I hold the door open, motioning for her to go ahead. I pull it out, expecting a message in our group chat about why I ditched book club early, but it’s not one of the guys.
It’s Amelia in my Instagram DMs, and I can’t fight off my grin.
“Are you ready to order, G?” Hannah swats at me, and I nearly drop my phone when her hand connects with my shoulder. “Are you blushing?”
“I’m not blushing. It’s warm in here.” I swipe across the notification, not caring how eager my fast response is going to seem. “Take my card and get me a scoop of cookies and cream in a cup. Tip them well, please.”
“You’re a horrible liar.” She takes my card. “I’m getting a double scoop for my troubles.”
When I’m safe from prying eyes, I steal a glance at my phone.
@AmeliaGreen
Think the Stars are going to make any moves at the trade deadline?
My fingers fly across the keyboard before my brain can catch up.
@GMoneyEverett118
Trying to get some secrets out of me?
@AmeliaGreen
Consider me bored at home while watching SportsCenter and listening to guys who don’t know a thing about our sport weigh in on potential trades that make no sense.
They said Maverick Miller should go to St. Louis. In what world would that work?
@GMoneyEverett118
What the hell is there to do in St. Louis?
@AmeliaGreen
I hear they have a very large arch.
I chuckle and check to make sure Hannah is still preoccupied.
@GMoneyEverett118
You’re someone who probably knows a lot of things that are above my pay grade as a player. Any plans to change Denver’s roster?
@AmeliaGreen
This is the best we’ve looked since we won the Cup. We’re not touching a thing.
@GMoneyEverett118
That was too easy.
@AmeliaGreen
Just repeating what our governor said in a press conference today. You’re not getting classified info.
@GMoneyEverett118
It was worth a shot.
If you were a head coach, who would be the first player you’d go after in free agency?
Besides me, of course.
@AmeliaGreen
Humility is an important trait, and you’re not exhibiting much of it, Everett.
“Do you want any toppings?” Hannah calls out, and I don’t bother to lift my chin as I shake my head and keep typing. “Cool. Great conversation.”
@GMoneyEverett118
I’m kidding. I’m not a top-50 player. I’m not even top-75.
@AmeliaGreen
Stats don’t tell the whole story of someone’s capability as an athlete.
But to answer your question, I’d probably poach Miller from the Stars and partner him with Bennett Harrington when he makes it to the league in a few years. He’s going to be the best rookie in ages, and he has generational talent.
@GMoneyEverett118
Poach Mavvy and take away our team dinners? I’d be so sad.
Speaking of, we had a book club meeting tonight.
@AmeliaGreen
How was it? Do you all actually talk about the book?
@GMoneyEverett118
We try to, but it never lasts long.
We’re an opinionated bunch lol.
@AmeliaGreen
It’s nice that you and your teammates are close.
@GMoneyEverett118
I’d take a bullet for all of them. Especially Emmy.
Not because she’s not capable or anything. She’d be the one to save me because I’d be the damsel in distress.
I’m protective of her, I guess?
I know she’s older than me. I know she’s much more of a badass than I am. But… I want to do anything I can to make sure she sticks around the league for as long as possible.
Sorry. Didn’t mean to bombard you with messages. Five in a row makes me seem clingy!
@AmeliaGreen
Don’t apologize. Knowing guys say things like that behind closed doors is what’s really going to change this league.
It’s nice to know you have her back.
@GMoneyEverett118
I have yours too. I know we’re barely friends, but if I ever heard anyone talking shit about you, I’d put them in their place.
“Here you go, lover boy.” Hannah hands me a cup of cookies and cream and drops a spoon in it. “I’m tempted to keep your credit card, but I guess I’ll return that too.”
“Thanks for being such an upstanding citizen.” I slip my card in my pocket and knock the Styrofoam cup against hers. “Cheers, sis.”
“Are you done talking to your girlfriend?”
“Knock it off.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Not that either.”
“Your teammates don’t make you smile like this.” She reaches up and touches my cheek. “You have a dimple right there. That thing only comes out when you’re really happy.”
“I appreciate the thorough analysis.” I laugh and bump the door to the shop open with my hip. “When did you get so damn observant?”
“Always have been, G. I see everything.”
We talk in my car for forty-five minutes.
Hannah teases me mercilessly, but I don’t give her any details about my personal life.
I pivot the conversation and catch her up on our last three weeks of games.
She tells me about skating at her new club.
By the time I drop her at her place and make my way home, there’s another message waiting in my inbox.
@AmeliaGreen
I’d consider us casual friends. Which is a good title to have.
I screenshot it for posterity.
That’s going to mean something one day, and I want to remember this moment.
It takes a lot not to answer her, but I toss my phone on my pillow, lace my fingers behind my head, and smile up at the ceiling.
I’ve never been a big believer in things happening for a reason, but I have a feeling this offseason is going to be pretty fucking fun.