Chapter 41
FORTY-ONE
GE
Watch out for all the scary hot dogs.
I mean sandwiches.
AG
You’re a smartass.
GE
What are you doing to celebrate?
AG
I’m visiting my family, and we’re grilling later tonight! What about you? How’s DC?
GE
Very patriotic. A parade just went down my street. Not quite sure what they’re celebrating, but more power to them.
I’m headed over to my teammate’s rooftop pool for burgers.
AG
That sounds like a blast. How is Riley? And the rest of the team?
GE
Not great. He hasn’t answered any of our texts, and everyone got in a huge fight yesterday.
We’re still trying to learn how to navigate things.
AG
Don’t give up on him. It’s going to take time.
GE
I know. Patience is a virtue, and friends like Mitchy are worth waiting for.
AG
Happy birthday :)
GE
Thank you! Another year older. Not sure I’m any wiser though.
AG
How was your day?
GE
Good! Hung out with the guys then grabbed dinner with my sister.
Something is going on with her. She seemed… different. And I don’t know if it’s a good different.
AG
Maybe she’s on her period. I’m emotional the first few days of my cycle.
Yikes. Let’s pretend I’m not talking about my period with you. That was weird.
GE
It’s not weird at all.
Did you see the tampons in the guest bathroom when you were here?
I’m not afraid of hygiene products and blood, Lia.
AG
I thought those were left over from an ex.
GE
Nope. They’re my just in case stash. What if I have a friend over and they need one? I want to be prepared.
AG
You are such an anomaly.
GE
I try ;)
AG
Also, you might be receiving a package soon. Allegedly. So it would seem.
GE
Really? I’ll keep an eye out!
GE
My very own matchbooks! And they look like hockey sticks! These are sick! Thanks, Lia!
AG
Happy birthday, Grant.
GE
Schedule release day is weird. We find out the teams we’re going up against, but we don’t get to play them until later in the year.
Lame.
One season it should be a roulette. You don’t know who you’re playing until you get on the plane to fly there.
AG
Coaches would never agree to that! Strategy is key!
The good news is I get to see you in December and March.
GE
Feels like forever, but I guess it’s better than waiting until January to play each other!
When do you play Baltimore?
AG
January.
GE
I’ll see you three times in four months? Incredible!!
GE
Happy birthday!
AG
Thank you!!!
Are you the one who sent me new matchbooks?
GE
I am. Guess I wasn’t as sneaky as I thought!
AG
I love them. Thank you so much!
GE
Of course. Hope you have a good day, Lia :)
AG
Thanks, Grant.
GE
Ready for training camp next week?
AG
More than anything. I’m so excited to get back on the ice!
What about you?
GE
I guess so. We still haven’t heard from Riley. The roster is up in the air right now.
I’m torn between doing what I love again and not knowing what that’s going to look like.
AG
Still nothing from Riley?
Shit. I’m so sorry.
GE
Not your fault. Thank you for listening to me.
AG
I’m giving you a virtual hug.
GE
How did you know I love virtual hugs?!
AG
*Attachment: 1 image*
This selfie makes it a real hug.
GE
I’ll say.
I’m saving that as your contact picture!
The tongue out really seals the deal, in my opinion.
*Attachment: 1 image*
You showed me your selfie, I’ll show you my selfie.
AG
Another crop top!
GE
This one is new, thank you very much.
AG
I like it!
GE
And I like that necklace you’re wearing.
AG
I bought it yesterday. I’m hoping it’s my lucky piece of jewelry for the season.
GE
I have a feeling it’s going to be.