Page 90 of Slap Shot Surprise
EIGHTEEN
mabel
While Joe wasin the living room calling down to the valet for my car, I snuck into his bedroom and left a gift on the bed—the book about becoming a first-time father I’d bought months ago. I’d tucked a little note for him inside the front cover.
He walked me down to the lobby, wheeling my roller bag, and waited with me by the building’s front door. He hadn’t said much this morning, and I wasn’t sure if it was because he was tired or because he was upset about what we’d done. More than anything, I didn’t want to hear him apologize. I didn’t think I could stand it if he said he was sorry.
“Joe,” I said quietly, “I hope you don’t feel bad about what happened last night.”
He looked confused for a second. “Why would I feel bad about it?”
“I don’t know. You just seem so quiet, and I—I don’t want you to be sorry, because I’m not.”
“I’m not either. I think I’m just... tired,” he finished, but I wasn’t positive it was the whole truth.
“Did you sleep okay? Sorry if I woke you when I got up to use the bathroom all those times.”
“Don’t be. That’s not what kept me up.” He shoved his hands in his coat pockets. “I was just thinking about things.”
I nodded, wondering whatthings. “Hockey things?”
“Some hockey things. Yes.” He looked down at his feet. “My contract is up next year, and I’m starting to give some thought to what I’ll do if it’s not renewed.”
“You think it won’t be renewed? But you’re the best player on the team!”
He laughed. “I’m not, although I appreciate the compliment. And it might very well be renewed. Or I could get an offer from another team.”
“Another team?” For a moment, I wondered what would happen if he was offered a better contract somewhere else—somewhere far, like Seattle or Anaheim or Vancouver. He’d have to go, wouldn’t he?
My face must have given me away because Joe reached out and touched my shoulder. “It’s nothing you need to worry about, okay?”
“Okay.” This was why, I reminded myself. This was why it was best not to get attached.
“So what’s coming up for you?” he asked.
“Well, I have my big fundraising event in two weeks, and?—”
“The one about the bootleggers?”
I laughed. “Yes. I’m excited because ticket sales have been very good. Now we just need donors to bring their checkbooks and channel their Christmas spirit a little early.”
“Hey, speaking of Christmas, I have a couple days off then,” he said. “I’ll be up in Michigan. Can I see you?”
“Of course.” My heart fluttered. “Just let me know when.”
“I’m flying up on Christmas Eve, and I have to go back the twenty-sixth.”
“Wow. They don’t give you much time.”
He shook his head. “Nope. If you’re too busy, I understand.”
“We usually do Christmas Eve at my dad’s house.”
“My siblings do Christmas Eve with their in-laws, so my parents always host everyone on Christmas Day.”
“I could drive down,” I offered. “As long as I wouldn’t be intruding.”
“Are you kidding? My mother would probably rather see you than me. You’re all she asks me about.”
