Balancing school and my social life, I manage to schedule the insane amount of studying I have to do around Logan’s hockey schedule. It’s impossible not to drop work to go to the games, especially when Logan always gets me amazing seats.
And besides, the studying and the hockey distract me from the fact that I lied to Logan. I told him I had another prospect here in Seattle which wasn’t true. I still have a chance for positions in Chicago and New York, but none from Seattle. That ship has sailed.
I lied to Logan. I lied to Logan.
Why did I lie to Logan?
A nervous feeling comes over me.
I can still see Logan’s hopeful face, gleeful at the thought of me staying here with him. And the thought is just as tempting for me. Living with Logan would be an absolute dream. But what would that mean for us? Would this be a long-term thing? For the moment, I’m still in shock that we said the L-word to each other.
Choosing to focus on the good, I go to that night’s game straight after a six-hour study session. As the game starts, the energy in the arena is absolutely electric. The crowd is on fire, the players even more so. This is the best the Blades have played all season and all eyes are on one player.
Logan has had a phenomenal run so far and every time he scores, he looks right at me and points. It’s thrilling knowing that when millions of people are looking at him, he’s looking at me.
The Blades win both home games, easily sweeping the Wolves in the first round.
Between my study groups and his practice sessions, we spend as much naked time together as we can before he has to leave again.
“Don’t leave,” I say.
He’s sitting on the bed wearing nothing but his underwear. I’m sitting on his lap, nuzzling my nose against his neck. He smells like fresh pine and aftershave. His strong arms wrap around me as he softly kisses my cheek.
“I’ll sweep the next team too,” he says with a low growl in his voice which stirs me deep inside. “I’ll have more time with you.”
“Mmm.” I smile. “I like that plan.”
We say goodbye longer than any sane couple should before he finally gets dressed and heads to the airport again. He’ll be in Sacramento for the next four days as the Blades play the first two games against the Skates.
When the elevator doors close and the apartment is completely silent, I instantly feel guilt churning in my belly.
Although I have over thirty physics chapters to review, I spend most of my morning searching for job opportunities in Seattle with no luck. Every link is already purple, meaning I’ve clicked on the posting already once before. There’s nothing new, nothing relevant to my specialties.
I instinctively touch my necklace for some good luck, but it’s not there. I feel naked.
Anxiety starts creeping in. I can’t stop thinking about Logan and our relationship. I want it to continue so badly and see where this goes. But how can that happen if I leave?
There’s no way he’d move for me… right?
After all, he just moved here. Why would he want to move again?
I sigh and deflate in my seat. I force myself to forget all this and focus on studying. If I don’t pass these exams, I won’t be eligible for any jobs anywhere.
On the second day that Logan’s gone, the wind picks up in the city, rattling the windows of the empty apartment. The sky is dark and gray but Logan’s apartment feels cozy with its warm lights and an endless supply of artisan tea. Logan’s healthy habits are slowly rubbing off on me.
Only a few hours until the game. I have plans later to watch it with Madeline and Jane. Madeline was insistent on hosting as she bought the cable sports package solely to watch Logan. She was so excited that I couldn’t say no. And it doesn’t help that Jane made fast friends with Madeline when I introduced them a few weeks ago. Jane wanted to see Logan’s apartment and I ran out of excuses for saying no.
As I force myself to focus on my studies, I realize I forgot my mechanical physics textbook in my dorm room and I’ll have to pick it up before the game starts. I check the time, realizing there’s not much left. Pulling on my jeans, a Blades t-shirt, and a black windbreaker, I head to campus.
As I ride the light rail train to the university station, I notice the city is buzzing with excitement for the game. Even though the Blades are in another state, a lot of people are wearing their Blades shirts and jerseys.
I smile to myself, proud of Logan and the rest of the guys. Checking my phone, I see that I’ve still got enough time to get my book and make my way back to Madeline’s in time for the puck-drop.
Hurrying across campus, I feel big fat drops of rain coming down. Picking up my pace, I manage to get inside right before it really starts pouring.
As I walk by the student lounge, a nasal voice calls out.
“Who’s this stranger?” The voice asks.
Standing in the doorway of the student lounge, I look inside. There’s only one person in there.
“Oh, hi Keith,” I say unenthusiastically.
He’s sitting on the couch with his sneakers on the coffee table. There are several pieces of paper scattered over the table along with an open can of cheap beer. I recognize the beer as the one that’s been in the communal fridge since last Halloween.
The TV is on the sports network. Two sportscasters are discussing the stats between the Blades and the Skates. Pre-game coverage has already begun.
“Hey,” Keith says. “Have you found a job yet?”
I pull my eyes from the TV. “I have some prospects. You?”
He uses his chin to point at the papers on the table. “I’ve written a hundred cover letters. If I don’t get anything I’m fucked.”
“Any frontrunners?”
“Not really. I thought I had an interview in the bag last week, but that job went to Cassidy Simons. Suck-up. All the good jobs are being taken by the brown-nosers.”
I raise my eyebrow. “Seriously? Those people got jobs because they’re freaking smart and got good grades.”
“Yeah, whatever. If I don’t find anything by the end of the month then I’ll be out on my ass.”
“Unless your parents let you stay in their basement.”
“Ha-ha,” he says sarcastically. “They’re not letting me do that again.”
Tired of the conversation, I look back at the TV screen where they’re discussing Logan. The image cuts to him skating across the ice.
“They’re already warming up? What time is it?” My heart picks up its pace as I realize I need to get going.
“Six-thirty,” Keith says, looking at me with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Your boyfriend’s out of town, huh?”
I give him a sharp stare. “Don’t even think about it.”
Unimpressed, Keith looks back down at the table. “I need food. I’m heating up some ramen. Want some?”
“Ramen?” I wrinkle my nose. “Seriously?”
“I’m broke, give me a break. Not all of us have the privilege of dating a multi-millionaire,” he scoffs as he gets up and stumbles out of the room.
My eyes dart back to the TV screen. The guys file off the ice.
“Alright folks, twenty minutes until the anthem. We’ll discuss our predictions after these messages.”
Shit.
If it’s still raining, I’m going to be late getting to Madeline’s. As I pull my phone out to text Jane, it starts ringing. It’s Logan.
“Hello?”
“Hey,” Logan says.
He’s out of breath.
“Aren’t you about to play?” I ask. “I just saw you on the ice.”
“Yeah, I’m just calling to see how studying is going.”
I smile. Even when he’s about to play one of the most important games of his career, he’s thinking about me.
“It’s going pretty good. I’m about to take a break to watch you.”
“Oh good,” Keith says loudly as he barges back into the room with his plastic bowl of ramen. “You didn’t take my place.”
He drops onto the couch, nearly spilling his ramen all over himself.
“Who’s that?” Logan asks.
“Just Keith. I’m on campus picking up a book.”
“Oh, you’re so hot and spicy,” Keith moans as he slurps up some noodles.
“Huh?” Logan asks.
“He’s talking about his twenty-cent ramen,” I say as I watch Keith eat with the dexterity of a toddler. “Ugh.”
I head out into the hallway for some privacy.
“Good luck tonight. I’ll be watching with Madeline and Jane.”
“You better get there quick. I’m planning on putting on a show for you.”
I smirk. God, even his voice is sexy.
“Oh, by the way. Management wants to have a big dinner after the second round is over. It’s Coach’s birthday. Would you be down to be my date?”
“Of course.” I bite my lip. “Do you even have to ask?”
“I don’t want to interfere with your studies.”
“I think I can make time to spend a night with Logan Drake in a suit.
“Great.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “There’s gonna be a lot of journalists there so this will be a good way to campaign for the Corazon.”
My smile disappears. For a moment I’m stunned.
“Oh…right.” I hadn’t thought about the Corazon or that Logan was still campaigning for it. Lightning cracks outside, lighting the inside of the hallway. “Listen, good luck tonight. I need to get going if I want to watch you play.”
“Alright. I love you.”
I hesitate for a moment.
“I love you too. Bye.”
I shove my phone into the pocket of my windbreaker. My heart is thumping in my chest. Anxiety twists in my belly. Why is he talking about campaigning for the Corazon? I thought I was no longer a prop for that.
“Fifteen minutes until the big game!” The sportscaster announces from the TV in the other room.
Crap. If I leave now, I might get to Madeline’s in time.
As I’m about to leave, I realize I still haven’t picked up my book. As I walk back past the student lounge, Keith’s curious eyes watch me. There’s a big shit-eating grin on his face.
“What?” I ask.
“You guys love each other? That’s a big step.”
“You were listening to us? Maybe you should mind your own business.”
He shrugs. “It’s just that a guy like him and a nerdy student like you doesn’t really make sense to me, you know?”
My blood runs cold. “What do you mean by that?”
“A millionaire hockey player doesn’t usually fall for someone who’s a seven on a good day. Athletes date tens. Even the ugly athletes date tens.”
“Ugh, you’re disgusting. Thanks for reminding me why I never talk to you.”
“Hey, we don’t have to talk to have a good time!” He smirks.
I roll my eyes. “If I’m a seven and I’m out of your league, what does that make you?”
“Hey, I’m an equal opportunist. When you two break up, you’ll know where to find me.”
“Your parents’ basement?” I clap back.
He looks at me with a dumbfounded look as I pull away. Making my way to my room, I get my book and rush off campus back to the light rail station.
Damp from the rain, I sit on the train and make my way to Madeline’s apartment. As I stare out the window, an unsettling feeling pools in my belly as my thoughts spiral.
Maybe Keith is right. Maybe Logan is planning to break up with me soon. Maybe our entire relationship really is about the Corazon trophy after all.
Before I know it, I’m sitting in Madeline’s living room. Jane and I are sitting on the black vinyl couch while Madeline sits on a pink feather lounge chair. Ravioli, her cat, is stretching on a silky red love-seat in the corner.
We’re sipping chamomile tea from gold-plated teacups while a washed-up singer belts the American anthem on the high definition TV. The smell of lemon biscuits wafts from the kitchen.
I stay uncharacteristically silent as I watch the camera panning over the team as they stand on the ice, waiting for the game to start.
The game cuts to a commercial break.
Jane uses the time to explain to Madeline how to identify a man with a perfect ass.
“It has to be round and perky if that makes sense.” Jane mimes a squeezing motion with her hands.
“Trust me.” Madeline’s sharp eyes glimmer behind her bifocals. “I’ve seen my share of perfect behinds.”
“Ooh!” Jane’s eyes grow wide as she leans in. “Do tell.”
“You girls!” I say. “Are you sure you’re not teenagers?”
They both giggle.
The game comes back on.
“Should we bet that Logan scores before the end of the period?” Madeline smiles devilishly.
“Oh, no,” I say. “I can’t jinx my boyfriend like that!”
Jane laughs into her teacup. “Yeah right. Logan is such an overachiever he’ll probably get a hattrick before the end of the period. At this rate, he’s a lock for the Corazon.”
Of course he is.
I clench my jaw and my thoughts spiral as I think about Logan’s words from earlier.
My phone buzzes. I expect to see Logan’s name, which is completely silly since he’s on the ice right now.
The call is from an unknown number.
I excuse myself and take the call in the kitchen.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Riley Jamieson?”
“Yes…”
“This is Clara Fitzpatrick from the Biomech Research Solutions Lab in New York City. We received your application and we’re very impressed.”
“Oh wow, thank you!” My heart starts thumping harder in my chest.
“We’d like to offer you the opportunity to fly out here for an interview and a tour of the facilities. Please keep in mind that we have about thirty other interviewees so this will be a very cutthroat process.”
“I understand.”
“If you are interested, please respond before the weekend as we’d like to start flying out interviewees by next week.”
“Of course. Thank you so much.”
I end the call with shaky hands.
“Oh my god, oh my god!”
I walk out into the living room where both Jane and Madeline are looking up at me.
“What is it?” Madeline asks in her old creaky voice.
“The research center in New York City wants to interview me!”
Jane jumps to her feet. “Oh, Riley, that’s fantastic!”
I’m biting my lip.
Her smile disappears. “Wait, why aren’t you more excited?”
“It’s Logan, isn’t it?” Madeline asks.
I nod as I drop myself back onto the couch and bring my hands to my face. “Oh, this is so stupid. I wasn’t supposed to get this attached. I wasn’t supposed to fall for him!”
“Aww,” Jane and Madeline moan in unison.
“That’s not helping.” I exhale sharply. “What am I supposed to do?”
“Do you love him?” Madeline asks.
I hesitate as I stare at the screen where the guys are skating across the ice. “I don’t even know what love is.”
“Nobody does.” Madeline leans on her frail arm. “That’s what makes it so messy. What I know is that you two care for each other. I see it in the way you two giggle when you go up the elevator, and the way Logan talks about you.”
I smile.
“Follow your gut,” the old woman continues. “That’s all you can do.” She leans over and squeezes my knee.
“Sure…my gut, because that’ll be easy. What if my gut doesn’t tell me anything?”
“It will. It always does.” She winks at me in a way that makes me feel like she just sprinkled fairy dust in the air.
The timer goes off in the kitchen.
“The lemon biscuits!” She says happily.
“Let me help,” Jane says.
“Hogwash!” Madeline waves her away. “I need the exercise.”
It takes her a full thirty seconds to push her creaking bones into an upright position. When she finally makes it to her feet, she shuffles slowly to the kitchen. After lazily watching the scene unfold, Ravioli gets up, stretches, yawns, and jumps onto the floor, following jauntily behind her.
When they make it into the kitchen, I turn to Jane.
“What should I do?” I ask.
“What do you want to do?”
I sigh. “I think I have something really special here with Logan, but at the same time, this is my career we’re talking about. I don’t have any other options!”
“What does your gut say?” She asks.
“It’s telling me I want both Logan and the fancy career. But I don’t think life works that way.”
“Would he be down for a long-distance thing?”
“I don’t know, I don’t know.” I push my hair back. “Ugh, I’m just so confused about everything.”
“Riley.” She gives me that look like she can see right through me. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
I look up into her eyes. “He referenced the Corazon trophy today.”
“So?”
“Our contract was put in place for him to clean up his reputation enough to win that trophy. He invited me to some party this weekend and told me it’d be good for his trophy prospects.”
I sigh as I bury my face in my hands. My skin is hot.
“I don’t know why he said that,” I say. My hands muffle my voice. “The contract is over. We ripped it up.”
“Maybe he’s worried,” Jane says.
“Why?”
“Well…have you guys gone out in public together since ending the contract?”
I think for a moment. “Well, I’ve been to games but we haven’t been to any events together.”
“Maybe he’s nervous about that.”
“He really shouldn’t be. I mean, we’re amazing together at home.”
“And he can still try to win the trophy, right?” Jane asked sincerely. “He has career goals just like you do.”
I sigh and nod. “You’re right. I shouldn’t read too much into this.”
“Are you gonna be okay?” Jane squeezes my arm.
I nod and give her a close-lipped smile. My stomach feels a little bit more settled but the whole moving thing is still on my mind. I’ll have to call the research center in New York City before the end of the week to schedule the interview.
The TV casts a harsh white light onto the living room as the camera pans over the ice. The referee drops the puck and the Blades gain possession of it almost instantly.
As I watch number thirteen skate around the ice, I think about what a long-distance relationship would be like. I already spend so much time away from Logan that I can’t imagine moving all the way to the opposite coast and seeing him even less than I do now.
“And here’s a breakaway for Logan Drake—he shoots he scores! Holy moly! The nerve of this kid!”
Jane cheers and I manage to snap out of my mental spiral to cheer with her. We watch as Logan celebrates with the other players.
“Did I miss it? Did I miss it?” Madeline shuffles into the living room faster than I’ve ever seen her move. Her frail blue-veined hands are clutching a plate of lemon biscuits.
“Logan scored!”
“Yes!” Madeline does a cute little bounce in celebration. “Lemon biscuits and a goal by Logan Drake. How can life be any better?”
Yeah, I think to myself as I watch Logan skate past his team’s bench, fist-bumping each teammate along the way. How can life be any better?
