“Will …” I breathe his name so quietly that I barely hear myself.
“But despite all of that and every single judgment being passed—even as I record this video—I am in love with Drew Callaghan. My publicist, my coach’s daughter, and my long-term family friend, who oftentimes thinks I’m a nightmare.” He chuckles to himself, and the first tear hits my cheek. “Being honest, she’ll probably ream my ass out for this video when she eventually sees it.”
Clasping his hands together in a praying motion, he rests his chin on his fingertips and gazes into the camera. I know thousands—possibly even millions—of people will watch this, but it feels like I’m sitting next to him on the couch. The lights are dimmed, and there’s no one else around while he speaks directly to me.
“To the Rogues fans, it’s time I leveled with you. When I was drafted to the team, I was bitter, maybe even pissed that I wasn’t destined to play for a prestigious team. I felt like I’d been screwed over, and that resentment spilled into my college years.” He pulls in a deep breath, and I do the same. “Looking back now, I’m not proud of the way I behaved online or the needless arguments I had with random people on the internet. But when I arrived in Seattle, I was still the twisted-up college kid who felt like the world owed him something.”
Colton turns the volume up on his laptop, attention shooting to me for the briefest second.
“A lot of you have spent the last few days pointing fingers at my publicist for fucking up the rest of our season because I’d no doubt end up benched—or worse, traded.” He leans toward the camera like he’s making an appeal. “I’m having the season of my lifebecauseI’m dating the girl of my dreams. Back in September, expectations weighed heavily on my shoulders. Every day, I was in the gym, analyzing my diet, performance,training schedule and growing increasingly neurotic over getting it right. Drew changed everything for me.” His voice cracks a little as he finishes his sentence, and I swipe at my cheeks.
Reaching into his pocket, Will pulls out a scrap of paper, and I know what it is without seeing what’s written on it.
Our original list of rules.
“When Drew was assigned as my publicist, we were friends who had known each other for years, each of us trying to accomplish the crazy dreams we’d set for ourselves. The only difference? I was going about it in an unprofessional way, acting like I was some kind ofhotshot…” He smiles at the camera, and I know that reference is for me. “Drew went about her work in a methodical manner, writing a list of rules one night to focus my attention and to get me to quit the fuckery I was always caught up in. She secured a collaboration I’d thought was unsalvageable and curated a public image I honestly wasn’t deserving of. She was—and still is—responsible for so much of my success this season. For the goals you, as the fans, have celebrated in packed arenas. In Brooklyn, I dedicated a goal to her becauseshe isthe reason why I’d scored it.”
He swallows hard, and I release a sob for the both of us, head falling into my hands.
“Drew, if you’re watching this, Baby, I want you to know it’s all going to be okay. When I asked you to kiss me for the first time, I promised you that I wouldn’t let anything bad happen. This is me making good on those words. This is me, on my knees, saying I’m so fucking sorry for being careless with my phone. If you lose your career, then so will I—I’ll quit hockey, and we’ll run off into the goddamn sunset together. It’s pointless, tying my skates, if I don’t get to see you take over the world and make other athletes’ dreams come true with your unrelenting talent and work ethic. You are atrueprofessional and someone who will always seek permission first. I’m proud of you, and I standwith you, with us. I stand by the love I feel for you, deep in my bones.”
He points to his chest and taps it a couple of times.
“That compass? You always wanted to know why I bought it. My dad once told my mom that she was his north. No matter which way she twists, turns, and tries to evade their truth, he’s pointing straight at her. They were meant to be together, Drew, and you are going to be my wife one day. That’s why I gave you the compass, and that’s why it’s always belonged to you.”
38
. . .
Will
Mason
What a motherfucking speech!!!
Silas
I’m on my third watch. For me, it’s the part when he taps his chest and talks about the compass he gave Drew. I actually cried a little.
Mason
Are you serious?
Silas
Yes. I mean … tears may have appeared.
Me
Fuck off, both of you.
Mason
Hey, I was being genuine.
Silas
Me too.
