Lincoln chuckles but thankfully doesn’t continue.
Ellie joins us at the table again; this time she sits in a chair instead of Lincoln’s lap.
I look over to her. “I missed you guys, but it was nice getting to hang out with them like that outside of work.”
Ellie smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re a part of the team now, Sadie. I think you’re going to do some real good for these guys as we get ready for playoffs. I can’t believe we finally get to work together.”
It will never get old seeing my best friend live out her dreams as the second-ever female coach in the NHL. I’m so glad I decided to move here after the yoga studio I was the lead instructor at in Denver closed. Ellie opened her home to me for as long as I needed, and I ended up moving in with her around the holidays. With nowhere to go and no plan in mind, she didn’t think twice. Never once has she judged me for my decisions and dreams of opening my own yoga studio or retreat. She’s supported me every step of the way and continues to do so as I try to find my way here in Green Bay.
She’s the first person in my life who has truly accepted me for who I am. I may dance to the beat of my own drum, but these days Ellie is dancing right alongside me. She’s my person.
I take a bite of my yogurt and glance back at Ellie to see her staring at Lincoln again.
She may be my person, but I’m afraid I’m not hers anymore.
I’m so beyond happy she’s found a love like theirs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. I never thought I wanted that. But seeing them together, I’m starting to feel like I’m missing out on something special.
Boyfriends have never really been my thing. Every time I thought I found someone who understood me and supported me, they eventually let me go. “We just don’t have anything in common.” “I can’t be with someone who doesn’t have a serious career.”After all my attempts in college, I decided that guys just don’t understand me and I’m better off alone.
How will I ever find someone who accepts me for who Iam the way Ellie has? I’m the quirky girl who senses auras, loves goat yoga, and owns a chakra wand. I’m definitely not the one they’re swiping right on.
“Sadie?” Lincoln’s voice snaps me back into reality.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. What was that?”
He smiles at me and wraps his arm around Ellie’s chair. “I asked if you were heading to the rink today. Wasn’t sure when you planned on getting started with the team.”
I perk up at his question. The thought of working with the team fills me with a buzz of excitement. I can’t wait to start doing what I love again.
“Yes! I mean, yeah, I’m heading there in a little bit to meet with the athletic trainers. They want to learn more about how yoga can help with recovery and also aid in injury prevention. I also would love to meet with Katie if she’ll be there. She said some of the guys on the team don’t utilize her as much as they should and she thought maybe I could help bridge the gap there.”
Lincoln nods as he takes another sip of his coffee. He sets it down on the table, seemingly deep in thought. “I think that’s a great idea. I know some guys can be funny about mental health. It’s just the way it is with athletes sometimes. I’ve talked to a number of players about how it has personally saved my life, but a few of them still can’t buy in. Maybe you can open their eyes to their mental well-being without putting a label on it. Therapy isn’t a dirty word, but some guys don’t see it that way.”
Ellie nods along as Lincoln talks, admiration clear in her eyes. I don’t blame her. Hearing a man talk openly about therapy and mental well-being is hot. Who knew emotional intelligence could be so sexy?
We all have eyes. We all know Lincoln is nice to look at. But he’s even more beautiful as a person. Ellie hit the jackpot with him, that’s for sure.
“I’d love to be another resource when it comes to mentalhealth and maybe even teach them a few things along the way. You guys really have no idea how excited I am to work with the team. Yoga can be so freaking beneficial for athletes. I know it’s almost playoffs and I don’t have a lot of time, but I really want to help you guys prepare for the postseason. I think you’ll see a major difference in your players’ mentalities after a few sessions with me.”
This time, Ellie turns her smile toward me. Instead of admiration, I think I see pride in her eyes. “I have no doubt you’ll be good for this team, Sadie. You’re magic. I don’t know how else to say it.”
Her compliment gives me an extra boost of confidence that sends a beaming smile stretching across my face. She may have found a new person, but she’s still my biggest fan. Maybe we’re allowed to have multiple soulmates, and Ellie’s just found another one.
Ellie looks down at her watch and scoots her chair back screeching across the floor. “Shoot. I told Sloane I’d meet her at the rink a little early to talk about Connor. She said he might be questionable for the next game.”
She leans down to kiss Lincoln, and before she can pull away he grips the back of her head to deepen their kiss.
“Ew, gross. Get a room.” It comes out in a loving, teasing type of way and causes them both to break out laughing, thankfully ending their make out session.
“We already did.” Lincoln’s voice is cocky as he waggles his eyebrows at me.
I push away from the table and raise my hands in the air. “TMI, Lincoln. I just lost my appetite.”
He laughs and stands from the table, grabbing my yogurt and what’s left of their breakfast. Lincoln starts washing the dishes, and I skip over to Ellie.
“Mind if I tag along with you? Maybe I can sit in on your meeting to learn a little bit about the injury protocol? I might have some unconventional ways to help with recovery.”
Ellie grabs her keys off the entryway table and leans down to put on her shoes. “I don’t mind at all. I think that’s a great idea. Your certification in mindfulness has helped me fight so many demons and helped me stay focused under pressure. I bet it would help a ton with injury recovery.”
