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Kindle Notes & Highlights
If it were up to me, I’d be at Taco Bell shoveling down five Crunchwrap Supremes.
me
Carbohydrates like pasta two days out from your games because that’s your main source of energy during exercise,
YEA WE LOVE CARBS HERE
“You’re a wonderful mom,” she says, and it’s been so long since I’ve heard that from someone other than my parents. The compliment burrows its way into my heart, into the depths of my soul, and I know without a shadow of a doubt we’re going to be very good friends.
He gives me a wave and flips his hat backward before walking toward us. Jesus Christ. Shit like that should be illegal for men to do in public.
It’s not an inconvenience if it’s something I want to do.
if he wanted to,
he would
When Madeline stands and says she’s going to grab Lucy from school, hours have passed, and I can’t help but think about how today is the best day I’ve had in a long, long time.
How do you feel about pancakes?” “Strongly. They’re my favorite breakfast food. Might even be in my top five foods of all time.”
yuuuup
Madeline Galloway is special, and I’m sad she’s been led to think otherwise.
My mouth goes dry, and I know I’m no better than a man with the thoughts racing through my head.
I lift my glass. “We need a toast.” “What are we toasting?” “To the family you’re born with, and the family you meet along the way.”
And keep my roommate’s name out of your mouth.
period.
Hudson holds out his hand. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he says in an even-keeled voice. “Do you promise?” “I promise, Madeline,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you.”
I love bread!
me too bestie
Is there anyone out there who is worthy of being in her life? Who will show up for her like I show up for her, even though she’s not theirs?
The idea of someone else taking care of me like Mom did sounds really nice. My mouth curves into a smile. “Okay,” I say. “I could use the help.”
Stay here with me. Your touch soothes me. Every minute you’re around, I feel like the part of myself that’s been broken for years is healing.
But as someone who’s always followed the goddamn rules, who’s always been so fucking good, thinking about something I can’t have makes me want her even more.
“You want to kiss me because you want good luck?” “Yeah. But I also want to kiss you because I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”
It’s torture—hell on earth—but when she huffs out a laugh at my patheticness and kisses me fully, I’m a lost cause. A man gone, because she’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted, and once isn’t going to be enough.
“You are. I see your selflessness and adoration for Lucy. It’s tangible, Madeline. I feel it when I’m around y’all, and it’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”
“It’s so fucking fun to see us succeed. There’s room for all of us in this sport. Forget what the men say.”
“You’re different. I like y’all. You’re my favorite girls in the arena, no matter what anyone else’s shirt says.”
“Next time you come to a game, don’t show up in someone else’s jersey.” His fingers trace the outline of the letters spanning across my shoulders. They dance down my spine, and my eyes flutter closed. “I’ll buy you a hundred jerseys with my name on them so you never run out.”
“I want to. You do so much by yourself, Maddie, but I’m here when you need to tap out for a minute. I want to help. Let me help.”
“Golden Girl?” “Yeah.” He gestures around the kitchen, not blinking at the catastrophe surrounding us. “You’re the brightest thing in this room. The brightest thing in every room.”
Hudson laughs again, and the sound is like coming home. A Sunday morning in bed and warm coffee when it’s cold outside.
“I want to show up for them, like y’all showed up for me.”
“I’ve got my girls in the crowd wearing my jersey, Galloway.” Hudson’s face shifts from playful to something soft. A truth he’s declaring in the middle of the sold-out arena. “I could miss every shot I take. We could lose by twenty, and it’d still be a damn good night.”
“Because y’all are mine.” I tuck a loose piece of hair behind her ear. “And I protect what’s mine.”
At least I tried, I remind myself. At least I showed up for them. I’m always going to show up for them, and that’s enough to propel me forward.
