Page 20 of Summer with a Player

“I've never really told anyone the whole story of what happened to them." The weight of that truth pushes down on me, heavy and suffocating.

Elle's voice softens. "You don't have to tell me if you're not ready."

"No, I want to," I insist. "I think it's important for you to know."

"Okay," she murmurs. "Take your time."

Closing my eyes, I let the memories wash over me. "When I was seven, we lived in this old house with a faulty furnace. One night, there was a gas leak. My parents woke up to the smell and tried to get me out of the house, but the fumes were too strong. My dad managed to carry me outside before collapsing himself. By the time the firefighters arrived, it was too late for them. They both died from carbon monoxide poisoning."

"Ash…" Elle whispers, her voice full of sorrow. "I'm so sorry."

"Thanks," I manage to say, my throat tight with emotion. "After that, my grandparents took me in, but the guilt and loss still haunt me. I feel like if they were still alive, maybe I wouldn't have to prove myself on the ice all the time. You know, because hockey is all I have now. Even my grandparents are gone too."

"Stop it right there," Elle interrupts gently. "It's not your fault, Asher. You can't carry that burden alone."

"I know, but sometimes I can't help it." My voice trembles, raw with honesty.

"Ash, you're stronger than you think. And you’re not alone. I’m here. And your teammates are not just your co-workers. They are your friends, brothers of sorts. I’ve seen you with them. They truly care about you. So do I." Elle reassures me.

"Okay." A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. "Thank you, Elle."

Opening up to Elle feels like coming home.

“Can you come over?” she asks.

“Yes, I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes,” I respond and am out the door and in my car before we even disconnect the call.

As soon as I get to her house, she’s waiting at her front door with open arms to bring me in for a hug and kiss. Then we walk down to the beach and sit side-by-side on the soft sand. The waves lap gently at our feet, in sync with the rhythm of my heartbeats.

"Elle," I say hesitantly.

"Yes," she replies, turning her crystal blue eyes toward me.

"Thank you for being there tonight. I don’t get down very often anymore, and I don’t know why I was feeling that way. But I appreciate you for listening.”

“Ash…” I stop her from commenting by placing my hand on her knee.

“Ever since we met, there's been this link that I can't explain. It's like you were sent to save me from drowning in my own guilt and pain." My voice cracks, betraying my strength.

"Asher…" Elle whispers, placing her hand on mine. "I feel it too. You've brought light into my life when all I could see was darkness. But…"

"But what?" I ask, holding my breath.

"Maybe we should stop talking about our tragic pasts and focus on our incredible future," she suggests, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Starting with my new psychic hotline name… how about 'Captain Intuition'?"

"Captain Intuition?" I laugh, shaking my head. "You're relentless, Levine."

"Hey, it's better than 'Miss Divine,' don't you think?" she teases, nudging me playfully with her shoulder.

"Alright, you got me there," I admit, chuckling.

"Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to cut my own hair before a game?" I ask, grinning.

"Wait, seriously?" Elle exclaims, her eyes widening in amusement. "Please, tell me there are pictures."

"Unfortunately for you, no," I reply, feigning disappointment. "But I can assure you, it was a disaster. Let's just say my teammates were more than happy to provide commentary on my 'unique' style."

"Aw, poor Jet," Elle sympathizes, stifling a giggle. "Well, at least you have me now to save you from any future hair catastrophes."

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