Jake drove home excited and nervous. This could be amazing—a chance to build something new with Tommy, to have real impact on the sport he loved.
But it would also mean more time commitment. More travel. More energy directed away from Lucy and their relationship.
Would she support it? Or would it be too much?
Lucy knew something was up the moment Jake walked through the door.
He had that look—excited but nervous, like he wanted to tell her something but wasn't sure how she'd react.
"What happened?" Lucy asked. "Did Tommy propose or something?"
"Kind of. He wants to start a coaching academy. For young hockey coaches. And he wants me to co-run it with him."
Lucy felt excitement rise in her chest. "Jake, that's incredible! That's exactly the kind of thing you've been talking about!"
"You're not worried?"
"Worried about what?"
"About it taking time away from us. About me being gone for clinics and training sessions."
Lucy pulled him down to sit on the couch. "Jake Morrison, listen to me. I spent seven months in Paris chasing my dream. You supported me completely, even when it nearly destroyed us. Now it's your turn. You have an opportunity to build something meaningful. Of course I support it."
"Even if it means I'm busier? Even if I have to travel occasionally?"
"Even then. Jake, we're not the same people who fell apart over distance. We've learned how to communicate, how to support each other's dreams. We can handle you being busy with a coaching academy."
Jake kissed her. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"
"Not in the last three hours. You're slipping."
"I love you. Thank you for being excited about this."
"I am excited! This is perfect for you. Teaching, mentoring, building something with Tommy. It's everything you're good at." Lucy paused. "When would you start?"
"First clinic in August. Then we'd see how it goes. If there's interest, maybe expand to regular programs in the fall."
"August is perfect. Margaret's will be more established by then. I'll have systems in place. We can both be busy pursuing our dreams."
They spent the evening planning—Jake outlining what the coaching academy might look like, Lucy describing her ideas for expanding Margaret's catering services.
"Look at us," Lucy said. "Both building empires."
"Very small empires."
"Still. Empires."
Around 10 PM, Lucy's phone buzzed. Uncle Walter.
Uncle Walter:Can you and Jake come over tomorrow? I have something I want to discuss.
Lucy:Everything okay?
Uncle Walter:Everything's fine. Just want to talk about something. 2 PM?
Lucy:We'll be there.
"That was cryptic," Jake said, reading over her shoulder.
