It all clicked. It didn’t matter if it was normal or the way the world was supposed to work. People come into your life for a reason. Maybe Lee was supposed to break up with me that night so I could find Gret.
Was the universe that fast? Could I really haverealfeelings for Gret?
Fuck it. I was falling for him? The more I thought about it, I knew I was. I had been lying to myself. I was head over heels for that fucking man and damn it if I was going to talk myself out of it anymore.
I packed a bag. Took a bunch of deep breaths.
It’s finally my time to live my life. A life I actually want. And Gret was going to be a part of it.
I wanted to call or text message Gret, but surprising him was just too good to pass up.
Gret
I hadn’t heardfrom Etta. Not even a text.
When I skated out onto the ice for warmups, my heart sank completely. The seat I had gotten for her was empty.
She’s not coming.
The realization washed over me as I fought back the distraction. I had to keep my head in the game and not worry about anything else.
It wasn’t going to work.
As I took practice shots onto the empty next, I couldn’t get her smile out of my face or the terrible hurt from my heart completely breaking.
You’re not supposed to have feelings.
Suck it up.
You made a promise.
To my surprise my name was listed as one of the starting players.
Looking over at my father and uncle, I pointed up to the jumbotron. “The fuck?”
Brayden’s sneer raked over his face as my father started laughing.
“You’ve got this, kid,” My father reassured as the other five guys started to leap onto the ice.
With one sharp breath, I hopped over the boards and staked into the center of the rink.
This is your time to shine.
I fought. I skated. I drove the puck.
I was playing the best game of my damn life and it was all for the woman that couldn’t be bothered to show up.
What a fucking joke.
As the third period started, I glanced one more time up into the stands. I wasn’t surprised that the seat was still vacant. I damned the hopefulness that still plagued me.
With three minutes left, we were tied two-two and on a power play. With an assist from Mark Wabash, I snuck the puck past the opposing goalie and the siren blared.
In disbelief, I cheered with my teammates.
Best feeling in the world.
My father beamed at me from the box as I skated over to take my seat.
