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

by Chelsea Curto

The best part of my job is being in charge of entitled men who think they’re better than me because they have a dick.

A week of job searching has left me empty-handed and on the brink of joining OnlyFans.

every day I’m closer to selling pictures of my feet on the internet.

“Did you set me up on a blind date? My shirt has a hole in it, Piper. That’s not how I make a good first impression. And I didn’t bring wine. Flowers. Anything.”

It’s all the same, isn’t it? You’re trying to get an object in the goal. Match. Game. It doesn’t matter. Go sports!

This is going to be fun.

“For you, Mom,” I say to the empty room. “Always for you.” One of the overhead lights flickers, and I laugh. “Yeah. I know you’re here. You wouldn’t miss this. Sometimes I can still hear you yelling at me to get the

rebound.” I pause, my shoulders heavy and my eyes wet with tears. “Fuck. I miss you, Mama.”

“What was with the penalty you got earlier? I saw you chirping that dude.” “He liked one of Emmy’s photos on Instagram last week, and it pissed me off. The hit was worth the two-minute timeout I got in the sin bin.” “You’re joking.” “Nope.” “You might be the most deranged man I’ve ever met.” “Nah. Just an idiot in love.”

Nice GAME tonight.

“I made you some brownies so you can get another idea of my tastes and flavors.” I freeze when I realize what I’ve said. “Not… not my taste. The taste of the food I like to make. Baked goods, I mean.”

It gives me the luxury to spend that money on people who deserve it. People like her.

“Of course. The stove might weep if you turn it on because it’s so excited to be used, so be careful. I don’t want the place to go up in flames.”

“I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful partnership.” She gives me another smile, a sly and coy one that does something to my chest. “I couldn’t agree more, hockey guy.”

Lucy lights up. She’s the one who signs too? That’s her. I liked her, Mommy. So did I.

“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. “Lucy is so lucky to have you.”

“What are we toasting?” Piper asks. “To new beginnings and new friends.”

“To new beginnings and new friends,” I repeat, glad for the twist of fate that brought me here with these three.

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.

That’s my favorite too! Will you ask him if we can be friends? “Lucy would like to know if you want to be her friend,” I say to him, and the smile he gives me is his biggest one yet. “Yes,” he says without hesitation. “I’d be honored.” “He says yes.” I kiss Lucy’s forehead, and she giggles. “And he’s very excited about it.”

“New roommates. Good food. I’m excited.” “You are?” I ask. “Yeah. I could use some fun in my life, and I can tell y’all are going to be great additions to the roster.”

I didn’t want to inconvenience you. Me It’s not an inconvenience if it’s something I want to do.

“The Titans,” she repeats. “That’s… baseball.” “Close. Football.” “That’s not close at all.”

“You poor thing. You’re lucky I’m here.” “Yeah.” Hudson beams at me. There’s still batter in his beard, on his Adam’s apple and his nose, but he doesn’t seem to care. “Lucky indeed.”

slap shot

Madeline watched our game, and that makes me even prouder than the goal did.

Madeline Galloway is special,

“We need to make him watch the ‘Juno’ positions clips and figure out which ones he likes.” Grant drops to the floor and thrusts into the rug. “Have you ever tried this one, Hud?”

They get over to Emmy, and I laugh when Lucy throws her arms around Emmy’s legs.

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.”

There are a lot of men in the world, but I’m learning there’s only one Hudson Hayes.

“I bought a booster seat after you told me she couldn’t ride in the car without one. It’s in the hallway closet.”

“Lucy and Huddy’s day of fun. Kind of wish I was joining.”

“You’ll join in on the next one.” She holds up her hand, lifting her pinky. “Promise?” I bend so our eyes meet, then I hook my pinky around hers. “Promise.”

I click off my phone and smile when Lucy puts her hand in mine and sighs. This isn’t how I pictured my Saturday afternoon, but it beats the hell out of any other plans.

Hudson is asleep on the couch, and his body takes up all the cushions. Next to him, Lucy is curled against his chest. Her face is buried in his shirt and his left arm is wrapped around her, as if he’s keeping her from falling off the sofa.

I’m a chef just like you! I don’t know why, but that makes me unbelievably proud.

because I’m learning I miss him when he’s gone for too long.

Maverick and Emmy are at the head of the table, smiling at each other in a secret way none of us are privy to.

I don’t know how he’s done it, but in the two months I’ve known him, he’s made himself one of my best friends, and I’m happier because of it.

“I know you’re all sick of hearing me say it, but I’m thankful for my Emmy girl. Through the good. The bad. You’re always by my side, and I can’t believe I get to do life with you. This year has tested the heck out of us, but I love you more than I did yesterday, and I’m going to love you even more tomorrow. Thank you for choosing me, baby.

You know I’m always going to choose you.”

They exist outside their uniform and the pucks they hit, and it makes me smile.

When it gets to be Lucy’s turn, I expect everyone to go on with their conversations and ignore the child at the table who doesn’t communicate like they do. Except… they don’t.

“It’s true. You’re an unbelievable parent, Madeline,” Hudson says to me softly.

“Can you tell me your name? Where you are?” “Hudson Hayes. In the middle of a shitty hockey game where we’re getting beat by people from fucking Florida.”

“Will you please let me take care of you like you took care of me?

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.”

My blood boils, and I’m tempted to throw a chair off the balcony. To break a window—or someone’s neck.

felt so… protective of someone before. Like I want to defend them, but since Lucy and Madeline walked through my door, I think it’s part of my job now.