“There will be photographers, so we’re going pretty official.” I grin.
“Can’t wait to read the headlines,” she teases.
“Come on,” I say. Stepping out of the car, I button my blazer and offer my hand to Violet to help her out. The moment she’s standing, I admire the curve of her bare shoulder which will drive me crazy. My hand finds a protective spot on her lower back as we begin to walk toward the team photographers stationed outside the restaurant, ready for a photo op.
Violet offers me her signature smile and brings her arm around me for a side hug.
Before I have a chance to remind her how breathtaking she looks tonight, there are already flashes going off.
In general, this is a private affair, except for the team marketing department that never misses a beat.
We give them what they want, the affectionate embrace, with our eyes telling their own story as we look at one another. I would say that we’re putting on a show, but this is actually us.
Luckily, we usher that along quickly and head inside to the private banquet room that we rented.
Violet holds me firmly. “You’re going to rock your speech. I’m proud of you.”
I kiss her cheek. “I haven’t done anything yet.”
“I already know you’re going to rally the troops.”
“What makes you so sure?” We both take a glass of champagne that’s offered to us by a passing waiter.
She turns toward me and offers her glass for a toast. “Because you’re now playing for your favorite team. The you-and-me team, and as a proud member, I can say that you have an excellent positive mindset. It’s infectious.”
I tilt my head side to side, glancing around for a second to see everyone who contributes to the Spinners. “I like our team, the you-and-me one.” I clink our glasses.
We both take a sip, and our eyes dance in a funny waltz, with wry smiles on our faces.
“We’re ridiculously too cute. We have to stop this.” She pretends to be annoyed. “Even I can’t handle it. Go, go out there and be inspirational yet firm, and a little fear for the rookies might be good for them.” Her lips purse out in doubt.
I chuckle under my breath. “You’re keeping me sharp.”
She winks at me before she indicates that she’s going to say hi to her brother. I watch her walk away, and I’m still in awe at how perfect she is for me.
Then it hits me.
Playing hockey was my life, but never has a goal been so clear with nothing in the way. Both career wise and in my personal life. It’s because of Violet that I’ve saved the best play for last, because she’s my breakaway to the greatest win of my life.
EPILOGUE: VIOLET
FOUR YEARS LATER
Handing over the bouquet of red roses to the young man, I smile. “Here you are.”
He grins at me while the bell announces someone entering the store.
“I think Hadley will love them. Thanks again.” He holds the flowers up before turning to leave, crossing paths with Connor who just arrived. I notice both men square their shoulders and puff out their chests. Connor is 100% Ford, which means the glare he possesses right now is some sort of territorial claim.
Connor continues his stride to my table, while the other young man leaves. “Why was O’Keefe here? He mentioned Hadley’s name.”
I suppress my grin that wants to appear. “Because he bought her flowers, as she has a dance audition, or show, maybe a date. Is that… a problem?”
“He’s an ass, but whatever. If he wants to get flowers for Princess Snark, then he can be my guest.” He adjusts his neck, clearly agitated.
I tap my nails on the roll of ribbon, figuring out the best way to approach this. Ah, hell. “For someone who often declares that your next-door neighbor is an annoying creature, it’s odd that you seem a little… bothered.”
“Totally not. Hadley is a complete headache, and now I nearly feel sorry for O’Keefe that he wants to sign himself up for time with her. Then again, he was booted from the varsity hockey team when he was in our junior year, so maybe he is resorting to desperate measures to find someone willing to date him.”
