Page 80 of Power Pucking Play

"What choice do I have? She made her decision."

"Bullshit," Jacob says, surprising me with his vehemence. "The Gio I know doesn't just roll over and accept defeat. The Gio I know fights for what he wants."

"Yeah, well, maybe that Gio's gone," I mutter, turning away.

But Jacob grabs my arm, forcing me to face him. "No, he's not. He's just scared. And you know what? That's okay. Love is scary, man. It's terrifying. But it's also worth fighting for."

I stare at him, his words hitting me like a body check. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I've seen the way you look at Lexi. The way she looks at you. That kind of connection? It doesn't come around often. And when it does, you don't let it go without one hell of a fight. Remember what happened when me and Gabi first got together?"

I snort. "I sure as shit do."

"And you remember wanting to kill me for it?"

"Yep."

"Well, I knew all that. I knew the consequences. Knew it could ruin our friendship. But I fought for her anyway, because I knewshe was worth it. And guess what? We're still together, happier than ever."

I shake my head, feeling a twinge of jealousy mixed with admiration for my best friend and his relationship.

"You deserve that too," he continues. He seems to wait for me to respond and when I don't, he keeps going. "What? You think you're too jaded, too much of a hard-ass to deserve love?"

"Nah. I just...have a hard time trusting that the people you want to count on won't eventually leave you," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey, if anyone understands that, it's me. Remember my dad?" Jacob says, his own voice softening.

I nod, remembering how his father had abandoned him as a kid when his mom died. He was just eight years old. He never liked to talk about it much, but I knew the pain was still there.

"But Gabi showed me that not everyone will leave. That some people will stay and fight for you no matter what. And that's what Lexi wants to do for you."

I look at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "You really think she'd try again after everything?"

"I know she would. And honestly, man, I think you should give her that chance," he says firmly. "You two have a connection that most people only dream of. Don't let it go to waste because you're too damn stubborn."

Sometimes we need a little push from our friends to see things clearly. They can offer a different perspective and help us realize what truly matters in life.

Lately, Jacob has been that voice of reason—a man willing to call me out on my BS and encourage me to take a chance.

But it won't be easy. Trust takes time to rebuild, and forgiveness is not something that comes easily for me.

However, if there's one thing I've learned from Jacob and his relationship with Gabi, it's that there's no big reward without big risk.

"For what it's worth," his voice cuts in, "you've spent your entire life fighting. Fighting on the ice, fighting for your place on the team, fighting against everyone's expectations. Why is this any different?"

Fuck yeah.

I've never backed down from a challenge in my life. Why should I start now? Especially when the stakes have never been higher?

"You're right," I say. "You're absolutely right."

Jacob grins, clapping me on the shoulder. "Of course I am. Now, what are you going to do about it?"

I pause, considering.

I could go to Lexi, try to talk to her directly. But she's already made up her mind. And she's stubborn as a toddler in the candy aisle.

No, if I'm going to do this, I need to go big. I need to show her—and everyone else—that I'm all in. That I'm willing to risk everything for her.

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