Page 71 of Redeeming Heart

“A few months ago, I started to lose my love for the game because of losing a game to one of our biggest rivals. I got so much hate mail that the coach tore them up before they could reach me.” I was taken by surprise.

“I felt like giving up, but then I got hit by a skateboard and that’s when I saw you again after not hearing a single word from you for three years. Seeing you, reminded me why I started playing in the first place.” I frowned.

“You had a sick mother and yet, you didn’t give up. You continued to fight and lead. Even watching you the other day and how tough you are out there made me feel like I am a wimp.”

“You inspire people, Adams.”

I silently watched him and tried to process his words.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You also inspire adults and kids. Look at what you’ve done with Jonah. He always looked up to you. He even has a life-size poster of you hanging behind his bed.”

He chuckled.

“That’s not scary at all.” He remarked with a note of sarcasm.

“Just because of one bad review from a jealous nobody doesn’t mean you have to give up. You are from retiring. You still have at least 10-15 years of playtime and have more than enough time to think about your future. It’s not worth it to give up on something you are truly passionate about. As you said, not everyone gets a chance to live their dreams.”

I know what it felt like to give up—not aware of how selfish I am. I got a chance to fulfill my dreams while there are people who wish to be in my shoes.

“You are better company than a cold beer.” He muttered, pushing himself upright when our food was on its way.

His mother decided to bring our food over and I didn’t miss the knowing look she gave him. He said something to her in French which got her rolling her eyes at him and a grumble of French words.

He shot her a grin when she slapped him on the shoulder before she left our table.

“I seriously need to learn to speak French if I plan on spending more time with you,” I noted, reaching for the butter.

He gave me a look I couldn’t decipher.

“What?” I asked, pulling up my shoulders.

He shook his head at me, but his smile didn’t go anywhere. “A few weeks ago, you were still doing your best to avoid me.”

I still felt extremely bad for doing that to him. “Yeah, I completely misjudged you and your intentions.”

A frown appeared between his brows. “Intentions?”

I nodded, feeling guilty. “I thought you were trying to get in my pants,” I said with a shrug.

He arched an eyebrow and somehow, I couldn’t wipe the thought of thinking he is extremely attractive from my mind.

That came out of nowhere and yeah, Brandon was one of the hottest I’ve ever spoken to, but I didn’t do stuff that involves dating because I was completely inexperienced when it came to boys and going steady. I wasn’t afraid of the mirror or cared about my shape or even cared if I was a good standard to get boys flocking around me.

“That hurts, Adams.” He exclaimed, at least not sensing me zoning out for a minute.

“I was just a bit suspicious because we didn’t acknowledge each other back in high school. I thought that it had to do with being from different clicks.” I know it sounded dumb, but it was the truth.

“I never saw you talk to a boy or acknowledge one even when your friends were dating.” He pointed out.

“Not all girls plan their dream weddings when they are in high school. My plans didn’t even include dating. I only cared about playing hockey and building my staircase to get to my dream.”

“So, if a guy comes up to you now and asks you on a date, your answer will be the same as back in high school?” He asked.

I nodded. “Yeah…” I drawled—still not seeing the point of dating.

Everyone always talks about how love and a partner complete you, but I didn’t agree. That story was written by a person who never learned to be independent and chase things in life besides a partner. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do… It comes from what you once thought you couldn’t do.

I will one day find the person who wants to spend the rest of their life with me, but I just didn’t see it as an essential requirement. I do wish I can have what Jaylin and Camille have, but I won’t go out of my way to chase down someone and make them fall in love with me.

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