Talia has organized a little spread of finger food so that we can graze on it while we drink and talk and listen to the music that comes from the club’s main dance floor beneath us.
The entire team showed up. Even Luke, our former captain, and his sister, Bex.
Seeing my unrequited crush doesn’t hit home like even just the thought of her did up until a few weeks ago.
I’m just happy to see an old friend, and the happiness that radiates from her just adds to my own.
Maybe things do happen for a reason. Maybe Bex wasn’t meant for me because I had to meet Taryn.
For right now, I even forget all the trouble with my college degree and the pending investigation that looms on the horizon once classes begin again in the fall. Right this second, my life is as close to perfect as it’s ever been.
“Hey guys!” Talia climbs onto the padded seat of one of the booths our group is occupying, waving her arms to get everyone’s attention. “It’s time for the cake. Gather around so Tucker can blow out the candles and make a wish.”
One of the club’s staff wheels in a huge sheet cake covered in whipped cream and decorated with strawberries. My favorite.
I walk up to the cake with Taryn still tucked under my arm.
The music pauses for a second, and the DJ makes an announcement.
“Starstruck people, tonight we have a special guest. Star Cove’s star hockey goalie Tucker Prescott is celebrating his birthday with us. Let’s all sing Happy Birthday to him. Ready at my three.”
After the whole club sings Happy Birthday, the music resumes.
“Blow your candles and make a wish, Tuck.” Talia beams.
I keep Taryn by my side as I lean forward to blow on the candles. Every single year since I can remember, my wish has been to play in the NHL.
Please let Taryn fall for me like I’m falling for her. Don’t let me fuck this up.
That’s what comes to my mind right before I blow on the two and the three lit up on my cake.
Taryn accepts a huge slice of cake from the same staff who brought the cake out.
She prepares a perfect bite of it with a chunk of fresh strawberry on top and plenty of delicious Chantilly cream inside. “Happy birthday, Tucker.” She whispers, bringing the fork to my mouth.
One image flashes in my mind as I take the bite she offered. This looks so much like when the bride and groom feed each other cake at their wedding. So I take the fork from her and offer her one bite too.
This feels so fucking right. It isn’t just a perfect moment; it feels more like a vision of a not so distant future.
I’m going to marry this woman.
The thought should feel crazy. I’ve just met Taryn. We’re still getting to know each other. I don’t even know if it’s me she wants. But I feel it in my gut, and I can see it as clear as day.
This feeling that is just blossoming in my chest has already grown roots.
In the past, whenever I heard people use platitudes likeif you know, you know, I’ve always thought it was bullshit.
But I do know.
It isn’t just a feeling; it’s a certainty. And all of a sudden, I need some time with Taryn.
I’m grateful for this beautiful party and for all my friends coming out to celebrate with me. But I need to feel Taryn in my arms.
“Dance with me?” I whisper in her ear.
She nods, and I excuse us from our friends and guide my girl down to the club’s main floor, deep into the throng of gyrating bodies.
I know we aren’t technically alone, but there’s nothing like being in a crowd to give you a certain amount of privacy.
