“They could’ve learned a thing or two from ya a couple seconds ago,” he said as he wagged his eyebrows and drifted away from me.
I shook my head and shooed him away as I started toward my coaching spot.
“And thanks for the coffee!” I called after him, grabbing it up from the boards and taking a sip to warm myself.
“Anytime, babe!” TJ yelled as he glided away. “Make some Ice Princess Champs!”
I watched him skate to the home team’s bench where he left his gear. He effortlessly jumped off the ice and disappeared into the team box.
I touched my lips, replaying the kiss, and feeling a giddy bubble of excitement growing in my chest. How did that feel so perfect?
As girls started to file onto the ice, I couldn’t help but think that over the past five years, I had strived to blend into the background, and in result, I became a side character on autopilot… the coach, the planner… not the skater, not the bride… But TJ made me feelimportant.
TJ made me feel like I was a main character foronce.
28. TJ
Last night had been kind of a bummer because Ellie spent all night at the venue setting up for a rehearsal dinner. So, I sat on her couch by myself, hugging one of her useless throw pillows, feeling lonely. I wondered how the hell I’d be able to go back to being content all alone after this week. It was nice to have someone to come home to for a change.
Around dinnertime, I scoured her kitchen for some ingredients to throw together a meal that I could have ready for her when she returned, but I ended up eating some cereal by myself. It was clear from her cabinets and fridge that the girl didn’t know how to cook. That was alright though, because maybe that was one corner of her life that I could help her with. I wasn’t too shabby in the kitchen. I could whip up certain recipes with ease; Momma V taught me well. If things worked the way I wanted them too, I could teach her some authentic Italian cooking skills as well.
I ended up heading to bed early after dinner, and only woke again when I felt her slipping into bed around midnight.
“You’re a hard worker,” I mumbled in the dark. “You’ve got me beat, babe.”
“Someone’s gotta pay the bills,” she joked as she slid under the covers.
I immediately pulled her into me, and shelaughed.
“Um…” I felt her tense up a bit under my arms. “Would you wanna come with me to the rehearsal dinner tomorrow?” she asked hesitantly.
I kissed her head. “I’d be honored,” I told her.
“Okay,” she laughed nervously. “Sorry for waking you, sleep time.”
“Mmhmm,” I said as I squeezed her tighter.
She was gone again when I woke up in the morning, but when I got back from the rink on Friday, the last day of training camp, my heart all but stopped when she opened her apartment door for me.
She stood there looking movie star level gorgeous in her rehearsal dinner work clothes. Wearing a shin length, off-the-shoulder black dress that flared a bit at the bottom with some baby doll heels, she looked like old Hollywood money. Her hair was pulled to one shoulder in a loose braid that ended past her boob, and she perfected the look with some red lipstick. It was hard to imagine a jealous bride wouldn’t get mad at her for looking as beautiful as she did on their day.
“What?” she asked shyly.
“Damn babe.” I rushed in and planted a kiss on her.
She pulled back with a smile. “You’ve got a half hour to get ready, think you can do it?” she asked with hopeful eyes.
“Say no more.” I pointed to myself. “Athlete, babe,” I said before running off to the shower.
Even though I was dead tired, I pushed myself to meet the deadline. I wanted to be there to support her, and I wanted to see her in wedding action. Grey and Jules’ big day didn’t really count in my mind.
When we arrived at the Cherry Lane Hotel, I was shocked at seeing the venue all dressed up for someone else’s day. Looking around, it was obvious how much work and dedication Ellie put into each event she produced to create a unique atmosphere.
Where Grey and Jule’s rehearsal dinner was mostly outside and had a nature vibe with candles in mason jars and miniature birch trees as centerpieces, this one was fully indoors at the hotel, and pretty ritzy. The color scheme and music were completely different, and the decor made me feel like I was in the 1920’s.
“It’s Gatsby themed, can you tell?” Ellie asked with bright, excited eyes. “This was one of the most fun ones I’ve planned because they didn’t give me any budget cap.” She pointed to the corner of the room. “Look at that champagne tower. Nikki and I put the whole thing together, not one broken glass.” She smiled proudly, looking around at the happy wedding party guests who were starting to seat themselves.
“I’ve gotta say, it’s beautiful, Brampton, but not as beautiful as you,” I winked at her.
