"The best truths usually are." He kisses me again, softer this time. "So what now?"
"Now we figure out if we can actually date without the secrecy."
"About that." He looks nervous. "Maya knows."
"How?"
"She called this morning, said she could 'hear it in my voice' that something changed. I caved and told her."
"And?"
"And she's thrilled. Keeps saying 'I told you so' on repeat. It's annoying." But he's smiling. "She wants to video call later to officially interrogate you."
"I can handle Maya."
"That's what I said. She laughed at me."
We spend the afternoon tangled together on his couch, talking about everything and nothing. It's easy in a way that shouldn't be possible after everything we've been through.
"Can I ask you something?" I say eventually.
"Always."
"What happens after this season? You'll get drafted, go to whatever NHL team picks you. I'll be here finishing my degree. Long distance is hard."
"So is being apart from you." He plays with my fingers. "I've been thinking about that. What if I deferred the draft a year?"
"Carter, you can't?—"
"I could do a fifth year. Finish my masters in psychology.Stay here with you while you finish journalism." He meets my eyes. "I know it's early to be planning like this, but I don't want to lose you because of timing."
"That's a huge decision."
"You're a huge reason." He kisses my palm. "But it's not just you. I've been thinking about coaching. About working with athletes on mental health. The extra year would let me get more experience, build connections."
"You've really thought about this."
"I think about everything when it comes to you."
My heart does that complicated thing again. "I think about you too. Constantly. It's annoying."
"Good annoying or bad annoying?" he asking with a joke.
"The best annoying."
We're interrupted by his phone ringing. Maya's name flashes on the screen.
"Ready for the interrogation?" he asks.
"Bring it on."
He answers on video, and Maya's face fills the screen. She's in her room, surrounded by art supplies and photography equipment.
"Finally! I've been dying to talk to you both." She grins at me. "Lennox! Tell me everything. How did it happen? When? Was he a gentleman or did he?—"
"Maya!" Carter's face is red.
"What? I need details!"
