“Just know that I’ll be taking everything one step at a time. I don't have anything to tell you yet. I'm just happy that the game is won, and I want to celebrate with my family. That's all."
Noah turned away from them, and the press tried to ask further questions until some of the security pushed them back.
“I’m proud of you, son,” his father said, bringing him back into a big hug again. Noah grinned. “What do you want to do now?”
“I want to celebrate,” Noah said, just as Coach Benson appeared. He had a huge silly grin on his face as he clapped Noah's back. He looked like he had just won the lottery, but Melanie would guess that's it exactly what it felt like for everyone on the team.
“And we will celebrate," Coach Benson said. "Everyone is heading to the restaurant downtown to celebrate our big win. Let’s head out.”
Noah clasped Melanie's wrist, fixing her with his curious blue eyes. "You're coming, right?"
Melanie breathed deeply. "Definitely."
"And, of course, I'm coming too," Abigail interjected.
Both Noah and Melanie laughed. Tonight would definitely be a night to remember if it was anything like the last time they had celebrated his win.
CHAPTER
54
NOAH
F
OR YEARS, NOAH HAD IMAGINED THIS NIGHT. He imagined it the first time he stepped onto Weston’s campus.
He would win the championship.
He would celebrate the night drunkenly, and whatever extremely hot girl that was near would warm his bed to make it a truly special night.
And he wouldn't just get the acknowledgment of the world but of his father.
But Noah had never expected it to be like this; to be surrounded by so much love that he felt like he was on a different planet.
"Noah! Noah! Noah! Noah!" The crowd chanted as Noah's teammates carried him around the restaurant.
Magic was in the air, and though the game had been hours ago, Noah still felt like he was on the ice even with the trophy in his hand. Noah kissed the trophy, raising it above his head triumphantly. The crowd cheered, clapping in celebration of the night won. The restaurant was packed to the brim to the point that many people stood outside, having their own celebration.
Noah laughed, and eventually, his teammates put him back down. He took the claps to his back as he made his way over to Melanie, who was tucked in the corner, her bright brown eyes smiling for him. When Noah reached her, he picked her up, twirling her around.
"Noah," Melanie whined, slapping his arm, and he put her down, though he didn't remove his hold on her. "The Dean is here."
"Fuck the Dean," Noah said, not caring about anyone else right now. He was living in a dream-like state, and right now, he didn't care about people who needed to mind their business. What he did with Melanie was his business and his business alone. And right now, Noah planned to do a lot with her.
"Come with me," Noah said as he grabbed her wrist, whisking her away from the party.
"Noah," Melanie said in a warning tone as he took her to the women's bathroom. Luckily, there was no one inside, and Noah tugged her into the last stall, locking the door behind them.
"I know you don't think we're about to do something here," Melanie said, folding her arms on top of each other, giving him a pointed glare. Noah couldn't help it. He laughed uncontrollably.
"What's so funny?" she asked with a small smile.
"God, I've missed you," Noah admitted. It had been so long, and for a moment, he really believed all was lost. When Melanie had left him, it was painful, and he felt lost without her. He knew he would have to move on and knew he could if he tried. But that's the thing. He didn't want to. He didn't want to be without her.
Melanie ducked her head down, blushing. "I missed you too."
Noah grinned, leaning closer in her space, and her defense state dropped as her arms fell to her side.
