16. Amelia #2
“I head back to Denver tomorrow.” I sit on the stool, getting comfortable. “We’re in the middle of training camp, and duty calls.”
“It’s funny going from doing absolutely nothing for three and a half months to jumping right back in with full practices and taking care of aching muscles.” Lexi rests an elbow on the island. “How do you like Denver?”
“It’s a place where I’m happy. I love the team and the coaches I work with. I have my friends. Everything feels right, you know?” I say.
“That’s important in this league.” Emmy slides on two oven mitts and puts a casserole dish on the counter. “Especially because we’re not men.”
“I wonder how much easier life would be if we were.” Piper sighs. “Nevertheless, we persist.”
“How long have you all worked with the Stars?” I ask. “And did you meet Emmy when she played for the team?”
“I did stints in the ECHL and AHL after getting my master’s,” Lexi says. “I’ve been in DC for…three years? Four? Time gets away from me because I’m having so much fun.”
“Em and I went to high school together,” Piper tells me. “When she got called up from the ECHL, she stayed with me in DC before going to Toronto then eventually landing in Baltimore. It’s full circle for us.”
“That’s sweet,” I say, glancing over at Emmy and the diamond engagement ring that sparkles on her finger after she takes off the oven mitts. “You’re engaged to Maverick Miller, right?”
“The one and only. He went from being the most arrogant man I’ve ever met to the love of my life.
I told myself I’d never date another hockey player, but he’s different.
Supportive, sweet. Hot as hell, obviously.
How many guys would get their partner’s jersey tattooed on their chest? ” She smirks. “I’m lucky.”
“Not only your jersey number, but also your name over his heart.” Lexi laughs. “Emmy’s pretty boy, right? That man is so obsessed with you.”
“Is it hard to balance your personal relationship with your professional one?” I ask. “And do people talk about you two being together in a negative way?”
“We’ve gotten good at separating the two personas.
When we get home, we’re Mav and Emmy. When we’re on the ice, we’re Miller and Hartwell.
We haven’t played against each other yet, but he told me he’d be gentle when he shoves me into the boards.
” Emmy doles out four servings of lasagna then passes the plates around.
“As for people talking about us, I don’t give a shit.
What I do when I’m off the clock shouldn’t bother anyone. ”
“What about you two?” I look at Piper and Lexi. There’s something comforting in knowing people who play for different teams are making it work. No drama, no worries. How many more players are secretly dating someone from their organization? “Are you seeing anyone on the team?”
“I’m divorced and not seeing anyone,” Piper explains. “But I’m going to step back into the dating world soon.”
“Ugh. Dating. What a waste of time.” Lexi rolls her eyes. “Only physical relationships for me. I don’t need a boyfriend. I just want to get laid.”
“Such a shame for Riley and Grant,” Piper says, and I drop my fork. “They try so hard to be seen by you.”
Faster than a strike of lightning, my stomach twists at the thought of Grant and Lexi. Hooking up, spending time together. I wash it away by chugging the rest of my wine.
“They’ll have to keep trying. Grant is like an annoying younger brother. Riley…” Lexi trails off with a hum. “Not a brother, but I’m still not interested.”
We slip into an easy conversation after that, talking about traveling and our favorite ways to unwind.
I learn about the Pilates classes Lexi teaches, getting an invitation to join when I’m back in town during the season.
Piper tells me about the sign language she learned and her hopes for making the Stars’ broadcasts more accessible to Deaf viewers.
It’s all perfect. Not forced, not stressful. By the time I set my glass in the sink and stand, I feel content in a way I’ve only ever been with Sienna and Lainey.
“Thank you so much for having me over,” I say. “I should get going. My flight is early in the morning.”
“Thanks for coming.” Emmy gives me a quick hug. Piper and Lexi follow suit, and I squeeze them tight. “Don’t be a stranger even though you’re out west.”
“I won’t. I promise.” I smile. “Badass women have to stick together, right?”
After another round of goodbyes, I head for the elevator, taking it down to the ground floor.
With the warm September weather and the last stretches of the sunset chasing across the sky, I decide to walk to my hotel.
Veering to the right, I start down the sidewalk.
My gaze cuts to my phone when it vibrates in my hand, an Instagram message from Grant waiting for me on the screen.
I swipe the notification open with the makings of a smile.
@GrantEverett
How did today go? I saw the Sea Crabs posted a clip of your speech on social media, and you were so good.
A full smile settles on my mouth as I stop at a crosswalk and type out a response.
@AmeliaGreen
It was a success!
@GrantEverett
Glad to hear it. When do you head home?
@AmeliaGreen
Tomorrow. Time to get ready for work!
@GrantEverett
Guess I’ll see you in November?
@AmeliaGreen
Looking forward to another well-fought season, Everett.
@GrantEverett
Counting down the minutes as always, Coach Green.
The whisper of delight swirls inside me with his promise. Sharp and noticeable, I hate how it makes itself known.
It’s not because I’m excited to see him, I tell myself as I cross the street. It’s because I can’t wait to kick his ass.
I repeat the thought for the rest of my walk, and by the time I make it to my hotel, I convince myself it might be true.