The suite is huge, and we all get our own bed, not that we would have minded sharing. But it’s opulent and has a ridiculous view of the strip.
“This is insane,” Mikael says as he riffles through the room.
“The hotel, or the fact that the draft is tonight?” Anders says.
“Both.”
“It’s fucking terrifying,” I say.
“You’re going to be first or second round. What are you terrified of?”
I glare at Mikael, and he shrugs. It’s not like we all haven’t had this conversation till we’re blue in the face.
“Let’s get ready.”
“I’m going to FaceTime Charlotte before we leave,” Mikael says, and I grin, wanting to show her the hotel room. She answers, and it looks like she’s at her favorite coffee place with Piper, who smiles and waves in the background.
Mikael gives her a tour, and Charlotteoohsandahsat everything as Mikael pans around the room. “Fancy,” she whistles.
“We should have dragged you here with us,” Mikael says, and I nod my head in agreement.
“It’s okay, really. This is a big deal for you guys. You should celebrate.” Mikael furrows his brows, and Charlottetsksat him. “Stop it. You’re going to be in the NHL, Mikael. I have a good feeling.”
Mikael smiles down at the camera. The change I’ve seen in him has been unreal. He’s still an asshole, but something about finally accepting Charlotte has softened him. I know for me, Charlotte’s attention is like crack, and I think Mikael is the same. When you’re used to getting affection like crumbs, when you meet someone like Charlotte, it’s like winning the lottery and experiencing intimacy for the first time.
“I know. I promise either way we’ll celebrate.”
“I still have a good feeling. Just make sure you check in with me tomorrow. I want to hear all about it.”
Anders steals the phone and tells her how pretty she is and how much we miss her before the phone is handed to me.
“We’ll give you all the gory details about Vegas,” I promise her, and she smiles, sipping her iced coffee. Fuck, I can’t wait to live with her all the time. I groan internally. It won’t be all the time, but we’re all making sacrifices to make this pack work, Charlotte most of all. So whatever we can do to make her happy given the situation, I’ll do it without complaint.
“Good. Have fun, but not too much. I can’t wait to hear all about it tomorrow.”
“Lo—Yeah, tomorrow.” I smile, and she smiles back, and we hang up.
“Seriously, you almost told her you love her for the first time over the phone,” Anders says, tossing a pillow at my face.
“Oh, shut up. Not like either of you have said it.”
Mikael opens the door to Jake, who gives us a beaming grin and takes in the phones in our hands.
“Oh, come on, guys, it’s Vegas. It’s the draft. You won’t be needing these.” He takes all of our phones and shuts them into the safe in the closet. “Now let’s get this show on the road.”
Mikael, Anders, and I share a look, knowing that today is going to shape the rest of our lives.
My heart is beating out of my chest. It’s been hours of the draft going on, and my name was called long ago, but it’s the seventh round, and Mikael Martel gets called for the Montreal Canadiens.
Fuck. Fuck.
I’m going to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anders to the San Jose Sharks, and Mikael to the Montreal Canadiens. This is the worst case scenario, as far as geography goes.
Anders looks over to me, and so does Mikael.
“Really, Canada?” Mikael scoffs.
“Does Charlotte have a passport?” Anders asks.
