Chapter 59
FIFTY-NINE
GE
Miss you.
AG
I miss you too. Can’t believe the playoffs start tonight. Wish me luck.
GE
I want to wish you good luck, but I’m conflicted.
I love seeing you succeed, and I want you to win another Stanley Cup. But I also want you in Baltimore sooner.
Guess I’m just greedy for a second of your time.
AG
I’d never do anything that would make the Goldminers intentionally lose, but I’m also ready for this next step in my journey.
GE
You want the recognition you deserve. Makes perfect sense why you’re torn on how you’re feeling.
AG
I wish I could see you, but May will probably be the first time I have more than a second away from the ice.
I know that’s a long way away.
GE
I’ve been waiting years for you, baby. Three weeks is going to feel like nothing.
Want a picture to hold you over?
AG
That sure would be nice :)
GE
*Attachment: 1 image*
AG
You’re a tease for only showing your hands.
GE
I’ll send you another one later when I’m not surrounded by my teammates!
We’re turning your game on, by the way.
Proud of you, Lia.
AG
It’s always nice when you open a series with a win! Last night was so fun!
GE
Glad y’all got the victory.
AG
Are you okay?
GE
I’m good. Just replaying something that happened at team dinner last night, and I don’t know if I’m imagining things.
AG
That sounds ambiguous. If you feel like telling me what’s going on, I’d be happy to listen.
GE
I thought I saw Hannah and Coach Saunders acting very… friendly? They sat next to each other, and I swear he was playing with her hair ribbon when he didn’t think anyone was paying attention.
She’s his daughter’s figure skating coach, but I’m wondering if they’re also hanging out away from those practices.
AG
Does sitting next to your sister automatically mean he has an ulterior motive?
GE
No, but the guy doesn’t like anyone. If it was the only seat that was available, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But he sat there on his own, and he was LAUGHING with her.
AG
Did you ask her about it?
GE
I didn’t want to make it seem like I was accusing her of anything.
AG
I hate to be the one to tell you this, Grant, but communication goes a long way in making sure no one is misunderstanding a situation.
Sounds like the two of them are friends, and they were having a good time.
GE
But pulling her hair ribbon? I don’t do that with any of my friends.
AG
Talk to her and see what she has to say.
GE
I hate that you’re probably right.
AG
Happy to help!
AG
Did you talk to your sister?
GE
Nope. It’s been a week, and it feels weird to bring it up now.
I really think I’m just seeing things.
Nothing to worry about!
AG
That’s good!
GE
Thank god. I’d hate to kick Coach’s ass
AG
You don’t seem like a violent guy.
GE
I’m not. Peace and love always.
But some things are nonnegotiable in the locker room. Like staying away from people’s siblings.
AG
Good words to live by.
Want to FaceTime?
GE
Give me fifteen. Riley is dropping me off at my place in a few, and then I’ll be free!
Wear the shirt you stole the last time you were here. I like seeing you in my clothes.
GE
Sorry about your early playoff exit, baby.
You all fought hard.
AG
Thanks. It stings. Not how I wanted to go out, but sports wouldn’t be any fun if the same team won every game.
But congratulations to you on advancing to the second round!
GE
Appreciate that! We have our groove down, and we’re taking things as they come.
Bright side to your loss: I get to hang out with you soon!
AG
I’m coming to Baltimore to sign my contract next week!
Think you’ll have a few minutes to see me?
GE
I’ll move goddamn mountains if it means seeing you.
Hang on. I’m going to FaceTime you so we can talk logistics.
AG
*Attachment: 1 image*
Officially official. You’re looking at the new head coach of the Baltimore Sea Crabs!
GE
That’s my girl! Congratulations, Lia. Can’t wait to celebrate you tonight.
Thank god for an off day between games so I can see you.
AG
My hotel room or your place?
GE
My place. I’ll sneak you in again. There’s only one security guard on duty at night. I’ll distract him with a jersey while you come up the elevator.
AG
Sounds good to me.
Eek! I can’t wait to see you and hug you and just BE with you in person and not over FaceTime.
GE
I know. The guys asked why I was in such a good mood yesterday, and it was almost impossible to keep my mouth shut.
But I did, and now it’s going to pay off.
AG
I can be there in an hour. Or is that too soon?
GE
I was going to ask if you could make it forty-five minutes, but I guess I can be patient and wait.
AG
Split the difference and say fifty-two minutes?
GE
Even better.
God. You really are my favorite person in the world.
AG
And you’re mine. Heading to the hotel to grab my stuff, and I’ll be on my way!
AG
Game 1! Good luck tonight! I’ll be watching from your couch and cheering you on!
GE
Knowing you’re going to be there when I get home is all the motivation I need to play hard!
AG
Put your phone away. I’m afraid of what Brody will say if he sees you texting when you’re supposed to be visually manifesting your victory!
GE
Don’t know what you’re talking about. I have you. I already won ;)