Slap Shot (D.C. Stars, #3)

by Chelsea Curto

“I’m really glad you and Lucy are here.” “What?” She shoves my uninjured arm. “Come on. That’s not what’s on your mind.” “Let me finish. My mom passed away a few years ago,” I say. Madeline freezes. Her grip on me loosens, but she doesn’t let go. “Hudson.” “It’s been a while since I’ve been happy like this. And I know you and Lucy are the reason why.” “What happened?” she whispers. “Breast cancer. Undetected until it was terminal.” I glance up at the sky. Mom wouldn’t mind that I’m talking about her; she used to love it. She was the life of every party. Bright and warm and so welcoming to others. “It all happened so fast, which I guess is a blessing. She didn’t have to suffer for years. I just… I miss her, you know? I’m doing better mentally than I was when she passed. I go to therapy. I’m not where I was when she was here, and I don’t think I ever will be, but I’m getting close.” “Oh, you sweet boy.” Madeline sets down her glass and moves the plate. She reaches for me and wraps me in an embrace I didn’t know I needed until I bury my face in her hair and hug her back. Fuck the pain. “I am so sorry.”