Page 81 of Glitz & Goals

“You got it, baby bro.” Erin mimes locking her lips. Laura does the same.

Still chatting, we make our way down the tunnel along with the rest of the rapidly thinning crowd. I’m starting to get a glimpse of what my life with Grady will be like, the future we’ll share together, and the new shape our relationships will take. Meeting Grady changed everything, and someday, when we have kids—one way or another—everything will change again.

I used to think that unexpected change was the worst thing that could happen to a person. Now I see that it can also be the best thing.

As we walk to the parking lot, I can’t help but glance at Grady, taking in every detail of the man who has completely reshaped my world. His hand brushes mine, and I curl my fingers around his, holding on as if letting go might send me spiraling back into the woman I was before him. But that woman doesn’t exist anymore. Not because he’s changed me, but because he’s made me see myself more clearly—made me see what I want, what I deserve.

And I deserve this. Him. Us.

I don’t just love this man. I love the family that raised him, the family that shaped him into the strong, steady, compassionate person standing beside me. And I’ll love the family we create together just as fiercely. I’ll love our messy mornings, the chaos of future little Metcalfes running around,and the quiet nights where it’s just us, wrapped in each other’s arms, dreaming about the life we’re building.

Grady is my home. My safe place. My everything.

I used to think love like this only existed in fairy tales or movies, but now I know it’s real. It’s messy and imperfect and terrifying, but it’s also the most beautiful thing I’ve ever felt. And as we step out into the cool Vegas night, hand in hand, I know one thing for certain: I’m not just leaning into this future. I’m diving in headfirst, with no intention of ever looking back.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Grady

Two weeks into the off-season, Dante gathers us all for a grand reveal of the new Venom mascot. I’ve already seen it, of course, but Dante loves nothing more than a spectacle, and the Puck Drop has great food, so of course we’re going.

What I haven’t seen is the new line of Venom merch featuring the sparkly snake, which is making its debut as well. This information was strategically “leaked” to a fan blog, so when we arrive, the Puck Drop is packed. There’s a line out the door, into the usually quiet streets of the Serenity Shores community, which are bustling and lively tonight.

“I can’t believe this many people came here to buy merch they can get at the arena next season,” Viv yells over the noise of the crowd.

“Hey, it’s premier merch,” I shout back. Dante, a very business-savvy man, isn’t going to make the new merch available to the average fans until the new season starts. Between now and then, the only stuff people will be able to buy online is the old merch at a slight discount. Then, when the new line launches in the fall, he’ll jack up the prices of the “last chance,” “vintage” jerseys.

Truly, the man is an evil genius. Remind me never to get on his bad side.

Eventually, we manage to squeeze our way inside the restaurant, which is standing-room only. Noah and Viktor are helping the owner move tables to a stack in the corner. I offer to help with the last few, but Noah waves me away.

“We’ve got this,” he says. “I’m not going to get your knee busted all over again, you know?”

Fair enough. I wait with Vivian as more people try to filter into the already overcrowded restaurant.

Eventually, there’s a cheer outside, indicating the mascot’s arrival. Those of us who made it inside crane our necks to see out the window. The new Venom Viper dances down the street with an impressive series of dance moves that makes the crowd go wild. Dante, Sergio, and Renee are right behind him. They all look suspiciously smug.

Somewhat belatedly, I realize that Briggs is among the entourage, rubbing his hands together as he walks. When it becomes clear that they will not physically be able to enter the Puck Drop for the time being, the Viper beckons to him, and the pair perform an impressive choreographed dance in the street.

“I don’t think it’s Attila in there,” Vivian shouts.

“Attila?” I repeat. “That kid who tried it out on the ice?”

“Yeah. He was energetic, but he didn’t have moves like that. Something tells me that the person in that mascot suit is—”

“Lenyx Sawyer!”

The mascot has removed his head to reveal the man beneath. I do a double-take.

He’s wearing a Venom jersey with the number 28 and his name on the back. I know what this means. Dante has gone rogue again.

“It’s mini-Briggs!” I yell. “Damn, I hope he can play like his dad!”

“It’s his son!” Vivian yells back. “I haven’t seen him since he left for college.”

Mini-Briggs high-fives his father, the Giovanettis, and anyone else whose hand is within reach. The crowd has reached a fever-pitch.

Once again, Dante’s bringing back the magic and putting on a show in the process.

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