Page 61 of Crossed Sticks

“What? I’m not supposed to be proud of my phenomenal boyfriend?”

“Ready for the reporters to get hold of it?” I reached for his hand. “Kind of surprised they haven’t already.”

He scoffed. “The fuck, right? If they don’t say something soon, I’ll go to the TV station and complain.”

The afternoon passed in a whirlwind of shopping, playful bickering, and exuberant laughter. I got a strenuous arm workout from carrying so many shopping bags, and the sunlight streaming through the mall’s skylights was scorching. When we stopped to regroup outside a shoe store, I was done. “Should we get a drink? I’ve had enough walking around.”

He shook his head. “Let’s go home instead. There are a couple of things there I want to show you, and if you like them, I think we’re all set.”

I couldn’t imagine what he’d bought that I didn’t know about, but I’d find out soon. “Lead the way.”

He made it back to our building first and waited for me in the garage. “My place okay?” he asked as we stepped into the elevator.

“Sure. If you have cold beer, I won’t need anything else.”

Snickering, he pushed the button for the fourth floor. “I hope there’ssomethingelse you need.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll get to that.”

He unlocked his apartment and stepped aside so I could go in. I was confused at first, wondering if a burglar had been there. The living room was different, but closer inspection revealed it hadn’t been trashed. It had changed.

Luca flipped a switch and fairy lights came on, casting a soft glow over an unbelievable scene. A fort of tables and throw pillows occupied the center of the room, complete with a “shingled” roof made from magazine pages. Pine cones were scattered across the floor, and the air carried the definite scent of evergreen trees. When I looked inside the makeshift cabin, I couldn’t miss the cooler in a far corner, covered with a picture of lobster rolls. The cabin floor was made of blankets, and in the middle was a sheet of paper covered with handwriting.

I glanced at Luca, who was beside me. “What’s this? You couldn’t wait to get to Maine?”

Placing one hand low on my back, he pointed at the sheet of paper. “Did someone leave a letter? Maybe you should read it.”

I walked into the cabin, got on my knees, and picked up the note. My eyes were misty before I finished the first line.

Dear Harp,

I’ve always wanted to take a one-on-one trip with my boyfriend. Problem was, I never had one. I used to be sad about that, but now I’ve got the best man there is, and you were worth the wait.

I’m super excited about our trip to Maine. Not just happy to go, but amazed by what it means for us. We’ve both had too much sadness and heartbreak, and now we have a chance to be happy. I hope this vacation is so great that we’ll never want it to end. I already don’t.

You’ve exceeded all my expectations I ever had for men, and I pray I can do the same for you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m hitting the road hoping we’ll be taking Maine vacations when we’re both gray, when hockey and lacrosse are distant memories. Can you join me in that wish?

Yours,

Luca

He was on his knees beside me, and I turned to find so much hope in his eyes that my heart cartwheeled in my chest. “I’ll definitely join you in that wish. I want it so much.”

He reached for me, and the brush of his lips against mine was warm and soft. I moaned, but when I tried to deepen the kiss, he drew away. “What?” I stammered. “Please kiss me again.”

His eyes glinted with mischief as he dropped a hand and patted the floor. “What’s this? I think something’s under the blanket.” I looked down as he found a gap where the blankets met, then plucked his hand away and sucked on a finger. “It’s wood, and I think it gave me a splinter. See what it is?”

I looked more closely, surprised to see something smooth and shiny. The space was cramped, so it took a minute to work it free of the blankets.Holy fuck—it’s a hockey stick. I stared at it, incredulous. It wasn’t just any hockey stick. This one wasperfectly shaped and had a beautiful finish. I held it up to get a closer look.

“It’s pink ivory wood.” His voice trembled, and when I raised my head, his cheeks were red and blotchy. “I’ve always loved that kind of wood,” he said, “and I thought it would look good with all your amazing stuff.”

“Holy shit, Luca, it’s gorgeous.”

“I hope you like it. I had it made for you.”

I took my time inspecting the gift, holding it, hoisting it in the air. The smooth curve was perfect in my hands, the weight expertly balanced. The stick was a masterpiece, a gleaming personification of the game I loved to play. My breath came in rapid bursts, and when I found the inscription on the blade, I stopped breathing altogether.Here’s to making great memories in Maine. Harp + Luca.

“Fuck,” I whispered, my voice thick with a blend of awe and something perilously close to tears. No one had ever done anything like this for me; it was the kind of gesture I’d only dreamed about. The effort Luca had put into this overwhelmed me—not just the stick, but the entire surprise. A Maine cabin in the middle of a Buffalo apartment, complete with an unforgettable note and a gift I’d cherish forever? Maybe fairy tales weren’t just for other people, after all.

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