Page 58 of Cross Check

Toxic hockey culture is alive and well.

Me

A lot of the dudes in the league ar jerks with a capital J. JERKS!!! But not us here in DC. We’re all pro-ladies! Ladiessssss.

AG

You’re funny when you’re drunk.

“G.” Hudson puts a hand on my shoulder. I blink up at him. “I was going to ask if you were doing okay, but we’ve moved on to the affectionate stage of your intoxication.”

“Can I tell you a secret, Huddy?” I rest my head on his shoulder. Damn him for being so much taller than me. “That you won’t tell anyone else?”

“You can tell me anything, Grant.”

“I don’t understand why blond guys get such a bad rap,” I whisper, following it up with a giggle. “I think you’re great.”

“That means so much to me.” Hudson pats the top of my head, and I giggle again.

“Good. It’s our secret.” I sigh and look out at the Vegas strip twinkling with bright lights. “Have you ever had a crush on someone you’re not supposed to have a crush on?”

“No, but I also haven’t had a crush on anyone in a while.”

“That’s sad. You should have a crush on someone.”

Hudson looks down at me. “Do you have a crush on someone you’re not supposed to like?”

“Yeahhhhh.” My shoulders sag. “A big ole crush. She’s perfect. And she’s always going to see me as this guy she’s friends with.”

“Always is a long time. You never know what could happen in your future.”

“That’s so smart. You’re so smart, Huddy.” I pat his chest. When I drop my hand, my thumb grazes against something in my pocket. I pull out the leather notebook I’ve started carrying with me everywhere. “Can you go get me another beer? I want to keep this buzz going.”

Hudson leaves me alone, and I lean against a wall away from the group. They’re still standing in the middle of the sidewalk, and I open to a new page in my notebook.

Not sure abt marige :( Says she’s slfish, but shz not!!!! Independent = hot!!!

Smiling at the additions, I shove the notebook away before any of my teammates can snatch it out of my hands and make fun of me. Instead of texting her back, I tap Amelia’s name, starting a FaceTime call. She answers on the second ring, and I grin when her face takes over my screen.

“Grant?” Blonde hair braided and hanging over her shoulder. A large sweatshirt and no makeup. She’s so fucking pretty. “What’s up?”

“Hiiiii.” I wave, tipping sideways and holding myself up with the brick wall behind me. “I wanted to say hi. I’m shocked you answered!”

Her mouth twitches. “Oh my god. You’re so wasted.”

“It’s a good drunk. For good things. A good time, you know?”

“I don’t know the last time I got that drunk. My senior year of college after winning the Frozen Four, maybe?”

“That was such a fucking flex.” I bring my phone closer. Everything is a little blurry, and I want to really see her. “I’ll get drunk with you if you want. Keep you safe, ya know? That’s what friends do, right?”

“I guess it is what friends do.” She breaks out into a full smile, and I can practically feel it through the phone. A whimper almost escapes me because of how badly I want to see it again in person. “Wait. Aren’t you with your teammates right now? Will they see us talking?”

“Nah. Everyone is too loud, and I’m kind of hidden away. No one is paying attention to me, and if they come over, I’ll just hang up. Problem solved!”

“Good to know.” Her face relaxes. “Are you playing a role in this wedding? I hope not. You can barely keep yourself upright.”

“Nope. I’m just a witness. Mav said they’ll do another wedding later so more people can come. Emmy’s dad isn’t here tonight, and Mav has friends in DC who aren’t on the team. We’ll get a second ceremony, and hopefully an even bigger party.”