“It can be, but when you’re in a relationship, it’s all about compromise. It’s Ron’s dream to play pro hockey, just like it was mine to run a rink. We find time to be together when we can.”
There’s that word again. Compromise.
“You know, if you’re interested, there are at least two single guys on Ron’s team. I could put in a good word for you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, but for now it’s still a no.” Gemma pushed the door open and stepped out of the passenger side of the car.
“If my bro or Frankie are still up, which I doubt, let them know I’ll be here at five to take them to the airport.”
“Got it.”
“Do you have a key to let yourself in?”
Gemma opened her wristlet. “Right here.”
“Great. I’ll just wait until I see you get inside, then I’m off.”
Gemma approached the familiar front door, greeted by the faces of Leslie’s handmade scarecrow couple, and a wreath of orange and yellow leaves. Inserting the key into the lock, she turned it, and popped the door open. Turning around, she waved and watched Leslie drive away.
Once inside, Gemma locked the door behind her and leaned against it, taking a moment to catch her breath. She closed her eyes, knowing that if her hip was still this bad in the morning, she’d probably have no choice but to let the DOI physical therapist know.
Tiptoeing into her room, Gemma flicked the light on and plopped herself down on the bed. As she stared up at the ceiling, she could finally release the tangle of swirling emotions inside.
Everyone around her was so happy. Frankie and Charlie, Mr. T and Suzy, and now, Leslie and Ron. She was trying hard and failing to suppress emotions of jealousy. She wanted what they all had. Why couldn’t she find a person she just clicked with too? Was it too much to ask to find a guy who saw her as more than an ice skater?
Gemma thought back to the last four men she’d dated. None of them had gone past a third outing. Was something wrong with her? Maybe that was why her last few relationships had failed. She’d pinned all the failures on the lads, but as she lay there reliving the painful coffee dates and dinners, it hit her that she’d never really tried all that hard to make any of them work.
I didn’t put effort into my dates. I just let things fall apart.She swallowed hard. The truth was now painfully obvious to her.Because I didn’t care.Gemma hadwanted to keep her love life casual. She didn’t want to settle.Because I didn’t want what I wanted until Frankie met Charlie.
She inhaled sharply. From here on out, she was going to put her best foot forward and take control of the situation. She wasn’t going to leave her love life up to fate; she was going to set herself up for success, starting with her submission video toCupid’s Arrow.
Sitting up, Gemma grabbed her laptop and turned it on. As the blue screen glowed to life, she opened her video editing software and got to work.
* * *
The next day, Gemma received a message from Suzy.
Suzy:Hi, Gemma, how are you doing this morning?
Gemma:Well! I had a long lie-in and a hot shower. I didn’t even hear Frankie and Charlie leave this morning.
Suzy: I saw the video you sent off. Rich and I thought it looked wonderful. TheCupid’s Arrowteam is going to snap you up.
Gemma: Thanks for saying so. I felt good about it. Now it’s a waiting game. I think applications are open until 31 December. So who knows if they’ll even review it before then.
Suzy: I wanted to ask what your plans are for today.
Gemma: I don’t have any. It’ll probably be a lazy day.
Suzy: Would you be interested in a date of sorts?
Gemma: That depends. Tell me more.
Suzy: My granddaughter happened to invite a very single, strapping teammate of Ron’s over for brunch. He’s sitting with Rich and Leslie now. Let me see if I can discreetly take a photo of him for you. He’s a pretty large man. I have to move back to fully fit him in the frame.
Gemma: Don’t worry about sending a photo. Since he’s already there, you can count me in.
Gemma huffed. She was frustrated Leslie hadn’t honored her request, but she’d also promised herself to take advantage of every opportunity.
