Page 23 of Summer with a Player

"Fine," I mumble, avoiding eye contact. The last thing I need is for my teammates to know I'm struggling with something other than hockey.

"Is it about the girl again?" Dakota chimes in from across the room, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You've been acting weird ever since you started hanging out with her."

"Elle's great," I snap, my frustration bubbling over. "It's just... I don't know. I need to focus on the game, right? That's why we're all here."

"Sure, but..." Ryder hesitates, searching for the right words. "That doesn't mean you can’t have some sort of balance."

"Balance," I repeat, as if the word is foreign. Can I really find a way to juggle both my career and my relationship with Elle? Or am I just setting myself up for failure?

Doubt gnaws at me, consuming my thoughts and infecting my interactions with the team. I can feel their concern, their silent questions hovering in the air. I wish I had an answer for them – and for myself.

One night, after another grueling practice, I sit alone in my car, watching the waves crash against the shore of Love Beach. The ocean has always been a source of comfort for me, a constant reminder that there are bigger forces at work in the world.

Can I really have it all? I just wish I could have some sort of sign. Some indication that I'm on the right path.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to see a text.

Elle:Hey, just wanted to check in on you. I miss you.

My heart aches at her words, and there’s an overwhelming sense of longing for her presence.

Me:Miss you too…

My thumbs hover over the keyboard as I struggle with what to say next. This is the pivotal moment where I need to make a decision – do I continue to distance myself, or do I open up to her about my fears and doubts? I type hesitantly, hitting send before I can second-guess myself.

Me:Can we talk?

Her response comes across my screen almost immediately, agreeing to meet me at her house.

When I arrive, she greets me with a warm hug, her slender arms wrapping around me tightly. The scent I’m now accustomed to of hers fills my nostrils, and everything feels perfect again.

"Is everything alright?" she asks, concern etched on her face as we sit down on her cozy couch.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the courage to articulate my thoughts. "Elle, I... I've been struggling," I admit, feeling a weight lift off my chest as I finally voice the truth. "With hockey, and... us."

"Talk to me, Asher," she urges gently, her blue eyes searching mine.

"I want to be the best hockey player I can be. And I'm scared that being with you might... get in the way of that." My voice cracks at the end, betraying the depth of my emotions.

Elle's expression shifts, a blend of understanding and sadness. "I never wanted to hold you back," she says softly.

"Maybe we don't have to, though," I suggest, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. "Maybe we can find a way to make this work while still prioritizing our careers."

"Are you sure?" Elle asks, her eyes searching for any hint of doubt in my own.

"Let's give it a try," I say, determination swelling within me. "I don't want to lose you over this."

A small smile plays on Elle's lips, and she nods in agreement. "Okay, let's try."

The next day at practice, I throw myself into the game, pushing my body to its limits. My coach notices as I make one impressive play after another and tells me great job after practice. Despite the physical exhaustion, I feel invigorated.

Chapter 14

Elle

Asher opens the door to his house with a wide smile. I smile back, the nervous butterflies in my stomach settling down as he greets me with a playful grin.

"Ready for some Netflix and chill?" he asks, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. I roll my eyes, but the laughter bubbles up inside me, spilling out into the quiet evening air.

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