I feel ready.
The nerves that first started appearing when Lily attended my games have quickly become a sensation I welcome.
Together with her, I’ve worked on my mental game, using nerves to regain focus and adrenaline to perform better.
She’s also been working with some of the other guys, who were like me.
They didn’t necessarily feel they needed to talk with a professional, but as they got to know her and saw the progress I, Fredrick, and Ian had made, they approached me.
She’s started her own freelance service where players can book appointments with her to discuss stress, nerves, sleep, and injuries in a comfortable setting.
Her spirit tends to draw people in, make them feel safe in her presence, which is less daunting than speaking to a strict professional.
Our team has a team of physical and mental coaches, but I do know some of us have struggled with connecting with them.
Opening up about your fears, goals, and aspirations can be scary. Talking with Lily has been a great path for several of us—taking the edge off.
With Lily, they meet a professional and a friend.
Or girlfriend for me, which I’m planning on changing soon enough.
If her brother allows it.
I’m experiencing a sense of déjà vu, knowing what I’m going to ask him this weekend.
The last time I had this kind of conversation with him, I told him I liked his sister.
A lot.
Now, I’m going to ask him if he’s alright with me proposing to her.
It might be a little old-fashioned, and the correct way would be to ask their father.
To me, it feels natural to ask Luke.
It feels like a full-circle moment in our relationship, having his blessing to make us family.
Lily comes out of the bathroom, and I smile as I take her in.
I’ll never get tired of seeing her in my jersey and having my name across her back.
Hopefully, it will be her legal name soon enough.
She walks into my arms, hugging me tightly and wishing me luck, even if I don’t need it.
Her confidence in me is all I need.
With her by my side, I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
I bring my lips to hers, enjoying the glide of her tongue against my own.
Joseph mutters something about getting a room, but I don’t care.
He still insists on staying here whenever he comes to visit, which means he’ll have to accept the PDA.
I’m not going to tone it down in our own home, and having a good make-out session has become the perfect pre-game ritual.
“Go get that championship.”
