Safety in sport,that’s what I’m here to talk about.
“And safety is paramount, in anything you do. So, yeah. Wear your helmet, don’t go out of bounds on the ski hill, and don’t be fucking stupid.”
The principal steps forward and takes the opportunity to cut me off.
“Okay, let’s just call it there,” he says. “If I catch any of you using that kind of colourful language in the hall, you’re in detention for the rest of the week. You hear me?”
A handful of kids scoff and roll their eyes before the crowd disperses and files out through the gym doors.
“That was great, Jett,” Poppy says, as her and Brooke walk over to where I’m standing. “I mean, minus the swearing.”
I wrap my arm around Poppy’s shoulders and pull her into my side while I brace myself from the lashing I’m about to get from Brooke. I’m surprised when her features soften, and a hint of a smile graces her lips.
“You know what, that wasn’t as bad as I anticipated,” she admits. “But you’ll have to issue an apology to the school for your language choices.”
I shrug.
I can do that. At least I managed to deliver a somewhat inspirational speech, and I avoided anything that Brooke would call a PR nightmare.
“I’ll call that a win.”
CHAPTER 32
POPPY
“Areyou sure you’ll be okay staying here on your own while I’m away?” Jett asks me as he follows me into my apartment.
It started snowing again today, so we decided it would be easier to stay here in Heartwood tonight, rather than make the drive back to Banff.
Jett will get a car to the airport in the morning to catch his flight to Whistler for the World Cup Qualifier.
I’ve never had a man stay in my apartment before, but by now I’m so accustomed to being around him, having him here doesn’t feel strange. Still, he’s a big presence in my small space, though a welcome one. A comforting one.
“Don’t be doing that, now,” I warn, taking off my toque and mittens and throwing them in the basket by the front door. “I’ve managed on my own just fine my entire adult life.”
“My bad.” Jett removes his coat and hangs it on the rack. “I just worry about you, now. Can’t help it.”
A warm feeling expands within me. Even though I like my independence, and I pride myself in never having to relyon anyone, it’s nice to have someone looking out for me. Caring about my well-being.
“Well, thanks,” I say. “But really, I’m okay. I like being alone here. And I have Cordelia.”
We dropped her off this morning before we went over to the school, and I could tell she was glad to be home.
Though, I will admit that she’s made herself fairly comfortable at Jett’s over the last few weeks. And it’s hard for me to tell which place she prefers. I think the same could be said about me, too.
Being alone in my apartment used to be the only place I was truly comfortable. Somewhere over the last few weeks, that has shifted. My comfort zone has expanded. I’ve grown a lot beyond these walls. All thanks to Jett.
His speech today rang true somewhere deep, his words settling within me and making themselves at home in my heart.
That’s all that really matters, isn’t it? Finding the people who trust you, believe in you, make you feel safe.
The line may have been rehearsed, it might have even been written and crafted by Brooke. But I didn’t see Jett reading it from his notes.
He was looking right at me.
Sometime in the last few weeks Jett and I have created a safe space between us. It’s like in being the only two people who know the whole truth of this relationship, we’ve bonded. We’re honest with each other. And for the first time in a long time, someone really sees me, too.
Cordelia immediately races over to the door, her paws making softpat pat patson the hardwood floor as she beelines toward Jett and nuzzles her face into his leg. Herpurring is a gentle rumble as he bends down and scratches her ears.
