She messes with her phone, then shows me a ticket package that covers access for the semifinal and championship games. There’s also a hotel reservation in my name.
“Oh my god.” I grab her phone, holding it close. “What? How?”
“Me, Hana, and some of the guys on the team all chipped in to get you this and make sure you’re staying at the same hotel they’ll be at. I’ve saved up all those extra tips they were giving me for making sure their song played. We wanted you to have something fun to do after everything you’ve been through.”
“Rea.” I move my laptop out of the way and tackle her with a thankful hug. “You’re the best bestie ever.”
“Love you. You’d better write this into your wedding vows,” she teases. “And don’t leave out the part how I helped him get your number, either.”
Both of us are consumed with a fit of giggles.
It feels really good to find the ability to laugh again.
“I have to pack.” I spring out of bed and flit around my room.
“You’ve got days to pack.”
“I’ve got to go. The guys are off this week before the tournament starts, so I want to go there.”
She laughs. “You just got back and you’re already leaving me.”
I pause, clutching all of the clean underwear in my arms to divide between the bag I’ll take to the hockey house and the one I’m packing for my surprise trip.
“I’m just joking,” she assures me with a wave of her hand. “Go, shoo. Have fun. There’s a very sexy tattooed drummer coming over later that’s great at pounding things with his stick, anyway.”
I snort. “Nice.”
She winks. “I mean when he makes music. He’s doing the percussion track for the song I’m working on. Then he’ll pound me.”
“Enjoy.”
“Oh, I will, babe.” She spreads out on my bed with a dramatic moan. “So much.”
“You’re ridiculous. I love you.”
She grins. “Back at you.”
Once I finish cramming two bags full of clothes, I take one, hurrying across campus and through the square to get to Easton. He’s sitting on the porch brushing the cat.
Everything feels right again once he looks up, face splitting into a broad, heart-stopping smile.
“Maya.”
The warmth spreading through me at his affectionate tone fills me to the brim until I can’t contain a smile.
I start towards him slowly. My pace quickens when he stands, opening his arms. I fly right into them, jumping on the last step. He catches me in his strong embrace, a content rumble sounding in his chest.
“I’m glad you’re back.”
“I was ready.”
I smoosh my face into his hoodie, savoring the comforting fresh masculine scent that is so distinctlyhim. The scent that tells me I’m where I belong—the home I’ve found in my person.
He strokes my back. The bag on my shoulder slips and he takes it for me.
“You didn’t say you were coming back.”
I rest my chin against his chest, peering up at him. Another happy flutter moves through me.
