Chapter 54
FIFTY-FOUR
GE
Today has been busy as hell, and I’m just now getting a chance to check my phone.
Did you get back to Denver okay?
AG
I’m safe and sound!
I have a meeting with my agent tomorrow. The owner of the Sea Crabs followed up with an email this morning and let me know she understands if I want to finish the season out in Denver.
I think that’s what I might do. It would give me time to settle in with the players and staff without the media hounding us about games.
What do you think?
GE
This is your call, Lia. I’d probably wait until the offseason to make the big leap, but you’re so good at what you do, you’d adjust pretty quickly.
Whatever you decide, I’ll support you however I can.
AG
Thank you. That means a lot.
I miss you. I wish I could’ve stayed in DC longer.
GE
I miss you too. You’re back in March for a game, right?
AG
In DC, yeah. But I’m back in Baltimore at the start of February before the break.
GE
And here I thought I had your schedule memorized. Dang. How did I miss that?
AG
Because you have a lot on your plate.
GE
That might be true, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t pay attention to what’s going on in your world too.
AG
We’re going to hang out when I’m back on the East Coast, right?
GE
Sweetheart, I’m trying to tell myself I don’t need to rent a private plane and fly to Denver right this second just so I can hold you again.
Of course we’re going to hang out when you’re back on the East Coast.
AG
I haven’t dated anyone in years. I’m really scared I’m not going to do this right.
GE
I haven’t dated anyone since I was 19, and we went to Chili’s for a night out. I’m totally clueless when it comes to relationships, but we’re going to figure it out together.
AG
That makes me feel better.
I like you, and I don’t want to mess anything up.
GE
You could never mess anything up.
You’re goddamn perfect.
AG
I really do miss you, Grant.
GE
I miss you too.
GE
How are you feeling about the Sea Crabs job after sleeping on it for a few nights, baby?
AG
I had a great talk with my agent…
GE
Those ellipses are MEAN, Lia.
Tell me everything!
AG
I’m taking the job!!!!!!
GE
Shut the FUCK up.
I’m so fucking proud of you!!!!
Hang on. I’m leaving the practice rink. I’ll call in five!!!!
GE
*Attachment: 1 link*
It’s ESPN official!!!
I like the headline: The grass is Greener where she is. Catchy!
Congratulations on officially accepting the head coach position, Lia! Welcome to Baltimore!
AG
Eek! Thank you! I didn’t know that article was going to run so early, but I’m glad the news is out in the world!
GE
You look hot in the photo they used.
AG
It’s just my team picture.
GE
Yeah, and you’re sexy in it. I love the ponytail.
AG
I’ll make sure to remember that for the future.
GE
I hope you’re celebrating tonight! You deserve it!
AG
I’m grabbing dinner and drinks with Lainey and Sienna! There’s a cake involved.
GE
Hopefully not one that you baked.
AG
Wow! On the biggest day of my career? That stings, Everett.
GE
Bet it got you to smile, didn’t it?
AG
No comment :)
AG
It’s late, and I miss you.
GE
Hi. I miss you too.
AG
You’re awake?
GE
Tweaked my hamstring at practice today, and it makes getting comfortable very difficult. I have a pillow propped up under my leg.
AG
Oh no. Are you going to be okay?
GE
Totally fine. Lexi worked her athletic trainer magic. When I complained about the pain, she told me she took Riley from barely being able to walk with his prosthetic to playing in the AHL.
“You’ll survive” she said.
She’s not wrong.
AG
I like Lexi.
I need to have another dinner with her, Piper, and Emmy.
GE
And Madeline, Hudson’s girlfriend. The girl gang keeps growing!
I’d find a way to crash that party when it happens, by the way.
AG
They all love you, so I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.
Want to FaceTime?
GE
I’d FaceTime you all day if I could.
GE
Miss you. See you in two weeks!
AG
I can’t wait!
I miss you too, by the way.
And thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful.
GE
Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you.
Feels like I’m always thinking about you, Lia.
GE
Look at my new best friend.
*Attachment: 1 image*
AG
Oh my gosh. She’s so cute!
GE
It’s Murphy, Mav and Emmy’s daughter!
The red hair that matches her mom’s is probably a dead giveaway.
Coach asked a few of us to help out around their house so they could have some time to eat, sleep, and breathe.
I’m the designated babysitter today. Aren’t our sunglasses cool?
AG
I love that you two match.
She’s so tiny. Or you’re really big.
GE
I’m terrified I’m going to break her.
AG
I would be too!
What else are you two doing today?
GE
I’m not sure. Might take her to get a tattoo. Or buy a lottery ticket.
AG
You’re funny. And really freaking cute.
GE
It’s the glasses, isn’t it?
AG
They’re working for me.