Page 25 of Cross Check

I know she’s older than me. I know she’s much more of a badass than I am. But… I want to do anything I can to make sure she sticks around the league for as long as possible.

Sorry. Didn’t mean to bombard you with messages. Five in a row makes me seem clingy!

@AmeliaGreen

Don’t apologize. Knowing guys say things like that behind closed doors is what’s really going to change this league.

It’s nice to know you have her back.

@GMoneyEverett118

I have yours too. I know we’re barely friends, but if I ever heard anyone talking shit about you, I’d put them in their place.

“Here you go, lover boy.” Hannah hands me a cup of cookies and cream and drops a spoon in it. “I’m tempted to keep your credit card, but I guess I’ll return that too.”

“Thanks for being such an upstanding citizen.” I slip my card in my pocket and knock the Styrofoam cup against hers. “Cheers, sis.”

“Are you done talking to your girlfriend?”

“Knock it off.”

“Boyfriend?”

“Not that either.”

“Your teammates don’t make you smile like this.” She reaches up and touches my cheek. “You have a dimple right there. That thing only comes out when you’re really happy.”

“I appreciate the thorough analysis.” I laugh and bump the door to the shop open with my hip. “When did you get so damn observant?”

“Always have been, G. I see everything.”

We talk in my car for forty-five minutes. Hannah teases me mercilessly, but I don’t give her any details about my personal life. I pivot the conversation and catch her up on our last three weeks of games. She tells me about skating at her new club. By the time I drop her at her place and make my way home, there’s another message waiting in my inbox.

@AmeliaGreen

I’d consider us casual friends. Which is a good title to have.

I screenshot it for posterity.

That’s going to mean something one day, and I want to remember this moment.

It takes a lot not to answer her, but I toss my phone on my pillow, lace my fingers behind my head, and smile up at the ceiling.

I’ve never been a big believer in things happening for a reason, but I have a feeling this offseason is going to be pretty fucking fun.

ELEVEN

@GMoneyEverett118

Have you ever been really happy for someone, but also really sad because of how it impacts you?

@AmeliaGreen

I’m going to take a guess and say this is about Emmy getting traded, right?

I’m sure that was really hard news.

@GMoneyEverett118