Page 3 of Ice Me Baby

I take it from him and release a loud squeal. He covers his ears with a laugh. “Good lord. I’m assuming that's a happy squeal.”

I nod, impatiently ripping open the envelope and pulling out the letter. I have to read the words several times before I jump up from the floor. Pumping my arms in the air, I yell, “I got in!”

I’m immediately engulfed in my father's arms as he gives me a bear hug. “So happy for you, Iz.”

I hug him back hard before pulling away. When I turn toward the kitchen, I find my mom standing there with a big smile and tears in her eyes. “Congratulations, baby.”

Rushing over to her, I wrap her in a hug. She laughs and holds me close. “You are going to do great! I’m so happy you got in, baby. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you, ma,” I whisper.

My father claps and announces, “This calls for a celebration!”

I shake my head, still smiling. “We don’t have to do anything.”

He waves a hand in the air. “Nonsense. My baby girl just got into the University of Florida. Go Gators! She’s going to be the biggest and best athletic therapist in the National Hockey League one day.”

“Da!” I shout and laugh.

He points a finger at me and says, “One day, every team in the NHL will want my baby on their team.”

I roll my eyes. “If you say so, da.”

Little did I know just how true his words would be.

Idid it. I made it to graduation day! I received not only my bachelor's degree but also a master's in applied physiology and kinesiology. I’m graduating at the top of my class with honors. Fuck ya! Dammit… I am going to have to watch my language when I get home. Because I am going home. Well, home adjacent.

I’ve gotten so many job offers that I don’t even know where I want to go. I’ve sat down, contemplating every single offer, and they blow my mind. I received three offers from the NFL, two for the NBA, and four from NHL teams. How is it possible that I got this many offers before I even graduated?

“A little birdie told me several of your teachers have sent out recommendations for you.”

I arch a brow. “How do you know that?”

Jess snorts a laugh. “I’m the local gossip, girl. It’s my job to know everything that goes on in this school.”

I laugh. “Well, we graduate inthree days. It won’t be your school for much longer.”

“A pity really.” She laughs. “Do you know which offer you’ll accept?”

I shrug. “I want to work with the NHL, so I’ll have to decline the other offers.”

Her eyes glitter with excitement. “Which teams offered you a spot?”

Pulling out the offers again, I list them. “Let’s see. Tampa Tiger Sharks, Michigan Lansing Lynx, Missouri Mambas, and the Washington Wraiths.”

She hums. “Those are good choices. Tampa’s not that far away. You wouldn't have to move. You could stay in the sun and sand. Missouri is often called misery, so I’m not sure you want to go there. Michigan’s hella cold in the winter, and so is Washington.”

“I grew up in Washington, so the cold isn’t a turnoff.”

She arches her brow. “You do realize you’ve been here for five years? You are not cold-weather ready, girl.”

I shrug. “It shouldn’t be that hard.”

She huffs before falling onto my bed in our shared dorm. “Whatever. I assume by your tone that you are heading up North. Michigan or Washington?”

My brows pinch as I debate. Though it isn’t much of a decision. It would be nice to be close to home again. “I’m thinking Washington. I miss home.”

“Whatever girl. I’m staying in the land of sun and sand.”

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