Page 240 of Cross Check

“Morning.” She smiles. “How are you feeling after last night?”

We wrapped up the regular season with a win against New York yesterday. The victory solidifies us at the second seed in the East, and we went out to celebrate after. Even Coach joined us, and I swear I caught him smiling a few times when Ethan and Riley serenaded the bar with a horrible karaoke set.

I didn’t stay out too late, but the drinks that I did have were strong. My head hurts this morning, and I press my fingers into my temple.

“I’m surviving. How are you feeling, Coach? Big day for you,” I say.

“It’s an ordinary game,” Lia answers.

“Bullshit.” I sit up and cross my arms. “If you all win today, you’ll take the Sea Crabs to the playoffs your first season in Baltimore. There’s nothing ordinary about that.”

“I don’t want to get excited for something that might not happen.” She sits up too, letting the sheets pool at her waist. “There has to be a loser in sports, and there’s a good possibility it could be us. Boston has more experience and depth.”

“But they don’t have you. And you know hockey.”

“So does Boston’s coach. He’s way more successful than I am.”

“It’s early, but I’m going to tell you my secret of the day now.” I put my hand on her thigh and trace the freckles I find there. “You can doubt yourself as much as you want, Lia, but I’m always going to believe in you.”

“When you say that, you make me think I can actually pull this off,” she whispers.

“You can pull it off, baby.” I kiss her cheek and reach for my phone. “What kind of coffee do you want this morning? Iced or hot?”

“Hot. I’m sticking with my regular routine, which means a walk is up first.” Lia stretches and stands, heading for the closet where she’s started to keep her things. “Do you want to join?”

“I’m going to let you get in the zone on your own, but if you find a bakery and bring me back a croissant, I wouldn’t be mad about it.” I tap over to Maverick’s name in my phone and drum my thumbs against the screen. “Even better if it’s chocolate!”

She laughs, and I turn my attention to my text messages.

Me

Hey, Mav. Question for you.

I expect to have to wait for a response—it’s way too fucking early—but he answers right away.

Mavvy

What’s up, G? How’s your headache this morning?

Me

Probably shouldn’t have taken that last shot with Huddy Boy, but I’m surviving.

Why are you already awake?

Mavvy

Dad duty doesn’t stop with a hangover, dude.

Me

Rough. You’re a superstar.

You’re going to Baltimore’s game today, right?

Mavvy

Hell yeah. Last one of the season for them.