Page 3 of Pucking Never

I know he wouldn’t put his career in my hands if he didn’t believe I was capable of handling it. He knows how tough this decision is for me—how much I loathe the idea of becoming part of the hockey world—but he’s still asking. That alone is enough to bolster my confidence and to quell some of the unease.

So, with a sudden surge of determination, I lift my head and pull out my phone once more to look up flight information to send to Carson.. The shiver of jealousy that had been plaguing me before is gone now, replaced by excitement and curiosity for what lies ahead.

The prospect of being Carson's social media manager is daunting, yes, but it’s also thrilling. And despite my personal feelings about the game he loves so much, I can’t help but feel a certain pride in my brother. He has always been exceptional, and now he has achieved his dream. And despite his success, he still remembered his somewhat antisocial sister back home who could do with a helping hand. For that, if nothing else, I can endure a little hockey in my life.

A few weeks later, I step off the plane in Denver, clutching my laptop bag in one hand and my phone in the other. I make my way through the arrival gate and look around to try and figure out where I need to go to find Carson. He said he’d meet me when I got here and take me to my new apartment, which he’s gotten all arranged for me. I’ve got to say, so far the perks of working for my brother aren’t too bad.

Following the flow of the crowd, I wander through the airport toward the baggage claim.

And as I approach the carousel, my eyes immediately spot Carson. He's hard to miss. Six feet tall and packed with muscle, he seems larger than life in the sea of people: a mountain among molehills. That said, looking at him is like looking in a mirror — that is if I were a man, and a giant — due to his identical blue eyes and the same dark brown hair with golden highlights. We’ve even got the same cowlick at the center of our foreheads. Warmth floods me at the sight of him. I have to admit, I’ve missed my goofy, puck-hitting, now-famous twin.

Carson spots me and his face breaks into a wide grin.

“Grace!” he calls over the crowds. He rushes over, pulling me into a bear hug that lifts me off my feet. “Welcome to Denver!” he exclaims as he sets me back down. His excitement is infectious and I feel a small surge of anticipation spark within me.

"Thanks, Carson," I reply, looking up at him. "It's good to see you."

“How was the flight?” he asks as we turn to the baggage carousel to wait for my bags.

“Good,” I shrug. “Not too eventful.”

He chuckles. “Well, I’m really glad you’re here. This is going to be great, I promise.”

I shoot him a grin. “I believe you, don’t worry. I’m happy to be here, Carson.”

He grabs my suitcases when they swing around the carousel and leads me out of the airport.

“The rest of your stuff already arrived,” he told me. “I had it unpacked and set up in your new place, though I’m sure you’ll rearrange it to your liking when you see it.”

I laugh. “Oh, I’ll probably rearrange it two or three times.”

As soon as we step outside, the fresh mountain air hits me, and I take in a deep breath and grin. We load my luggage into the back of his BMW, which is silver and sleek and clearly new. As Carson pulls out onto the highway, I take a moment to admire the city's skyline that comes into view against a backdrop of towering mountains, their peaks dusted with snow even though it's only early fall.

Carson was one of the few to get drafted right out of college, his feet never stepping a day into the pro minors. As soon as he finished his senior year, he was on a flight to Denver. The coach was, according to Carson, overly excited to snag him considering the perfect record he held for three years in a row. And though I did see my brother over the holidays, I haven’t gotten a chance to check out his new life in Denver. Something I’d often wondered about, considering he is in the big leagues.

The drive to my new apartment is short, but awe-inspiring. Denver looks nothing like our hometown in Michigan. There are skyscrapers and busy streets filled with people rushing off to wherever they're headed. It's vibrant and lively – a stark contrast to our sleepy suburban neighborhood in Wisconsin. Less than a half hour later, Carson pulls into a sleek-looking apartment complex. I can't help but gape at the towering structure.

"This is where I’ll be living?" I ask incredulously.

“Yep,” he replies with an excited grin. “Same building as me. Welcome home, sis.”

Carson helps me lug my suitcases up to the 12th floor where my apartment is located. The moment he swings open the door, I'm met with another surprise. The place is gorgeous—modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city, and even a small kitchen that gleams with stainless steel appliances.

"Wow," is all I manage to utter as I walk further in, my suitcase wheels clicking against the polished wooden floor.

"I figured you'd need a comfortable place to work," Carson says from behind me. He seems pleased by my reaction. "Besides, if you're going to be managing social media for a professional athlete, you might as well live like one."

"I...this is just unbelievable, Carson," I stammer out. "Thank you."

There's a warmth in his gaze as he claps a heavy hand on my shoulder. "No need to thank me, Grace," he says sincerely. "You earned this. All of it."

In that moment, despite the lingering trepidation about my new job and the unfamiliar surroundings, I feel an unmistakable sense of belonging. Like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

"Well," Carson says after a few moments. "I should let you settle in. We have a big day tomorrow. I want you to come to practice with me to take video. Sound good?"

“Sounds great,” I tell him.

He reaches for me and pulls me into a tight hug, his big arms consuming me completely.

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