Go home? I'd be choosing Jake, choosing family, choosing the life I left behind. But would I regret not staying in Paris? Would I wonder what might have been if I'd been braver?
There's no right answer. Just two different futures, both valid, both full of possibility and regret.
Lucy set down her pen and looked out at the Paris night.
Tomorrow, she had interviews scheduled with two of the restaurants Chef Laurent had recommended. Real opportunities to stay in Paris, to build a career here.
She should be excited. Instead, she just felt exhausted.
Her phone buzzed. Not Jake—Uncle Walter.
Uncle Walter:Heard you and Jake talked. How are you feeling?
Lucy:Overwhelmed. Confused. Terrified of choosing wrong.
Uncle Walter:Can I tell you something your grandmother told me once?
Lucy:Please.
Uncle Walter:She said that any choice made with love and intention is the right choice. That it's not about finding the perfect path—it's about committing to the path you choose.
Lucy:But what if I choose wrong?
Uncle Walter:Then you'll have learned something. Lucy, you can't live your life trying to avoid all possible regret. You just have to choose what feels most true to who you are right now.
Lucy:Who am I right now?
Uncle Walter:That's what you need to figure out. And you have three months to do it.
Lucy set down her phone and tried to sleep. Tomorrow would be another long day—interviews in the morning, classes in the afternoon, study session with Amelie and James in the evening.
Another day of avoiding the decision.
Another day of living in maybe.
But sooner or later, she'd have to choose.
She just hoped when the time came, she'd know which future was really hers.
May brought spring to Vermont and the Wolves' elimination from the playoffs.
They made it to the second round—farther than they'd ever gone—but ultimately lost to a better team. Jake was disappointed but also oddly relieved. The season was over. He could focus on preparing for his role as head coach next year.
Tommy officially retired the day after their final game. The whole team came to his send-off party at Mac's Tavern.
"Thirty years," Tommy said in his speech. "Thirty years coaching in this town. And you know what? I wouldn't change a thing. This community gave me everything. And now it's Jake's turn to build something great."
Everyone applauded. Jake felt the weight of expectation settle on his shoulders.
"Speech!" Marcus yelled.
Jake reluctantly stood. "I don't have a speech prepared. But I'll say this—Tommy taught me that coaching isn't about winning games. It's about helping people become the best versions of themselves. That's what I'm going to try to do. For this team. For this community."
More applause. Jake sat down quickly, his face hot.
Later, when most people had left, Tommy pulled Jake aside.
"You ready for this?"
