Page 14 of The Dating Coach
“It’s easier that way,” I admitted. "People see what they expect to see. Star athlete coasting on talent and good looks. If they knew I spent my free time designing sustainable housing and dreaming about architecture school, it would complicate the narrative."
“The architectural drawings,” she said, turning to point at them, “they’d look great if they weren’t tucked away all over your room.”
I followed her gaze to the wall where my projects were displayed – not hidden exactly, but not advertised either. Most people who ended up in my room were too focused on other things to notice them.
"Those aren't hidden," I protested weakly.
"They're literally behind your hockey gear," she pointed out. "Like you're ashamed of them."
"Not ashamed. Just... protective. They're mine, you know? The one thing that isn't about meeting someone else's expectations."
She stood, moving closer to examine a particular sketch – my affordable housing complex design. The late afternoon sun streaming through the window caught the highlights in her hair, and I had to force myself to focus on her questions rather than the way she leaned in to see the details better.
"This is incredible," she said softly. "The way you've integrated green spaces without sacrificing unit density... Liam, this is graduate-level work."
"You understand urban planning?" I couldn't hide my surprise.
"My minor is in public health. Housing is one of the biggest determinants of health outcomes." She traced a fingeralong the community garden spaces I'd incorporated. "This kind of thoughtful design could literally save lives."
The passion in her voice made my chest tight. No one had ever looked at my work and immediately understood not just the technical aspects but the why behind it.
“I’ve already applied to programs,” I found myself admitting. “MIT, Berkeley, Columbia… and a few others.”
She turned to face me, eyes wide. "But what about hockey? The NHL?"
"What about it?" The words came out more bitter than intended. "Follow my father's dream, play a sport that's slowly destroying my body, and wake up at forty wondering where my actual life went?"
"So why not just tell him? Why go through the motions if you don't want it?"
I laughed humorlessly. "You've never met Victor Delacroix. He doesn't hear 'no.' He hears 'try harder to convince me.'"
"Sounds familiar," she murmured, something dark crossing her features. "Parents who love you conditionally are a special kind of hell."
We stood there, sharing a moment of understanding that had nothing to do with chemistry or tutoring. The air between us felt charged, possibilities crackling like static electricity.
A burst of laughter from downstairs broke the spell – Mia's voice mixing with Henry and Frank's. The sound made Gemma smile, soft and genuine in a way that transformed her face.
“She’s been so happy here,” she said quietly. “And I never got to thank you yesterday for helping with Mia’s schoolenrollment. The swimming facilities will mean everything to her.”
“It really wasn’t a big deal,” I replied. “Henry and Frank pitched in, too—Henry handled all the paperwork while Frank worked his charm on the admissions office. Besides, the guys love her. Frank’s teaching her to cook, and Henry’s convinced she’s a gaming prodigy.” I paused. “She’s welcome for as long as she needs. You both are.”
“Careful,” Gemma warned with a smile. “I might start thinking you’re actually a nice guy.”
“Terrible for my image,” I said. “Can’t have people knowing I’m secretly helpful.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” She teased, then added, “Though I might need to revise my first impression.”
“Oh? What was it?”
“Entitled hockey player looking to add a pre-med student to his list,” she said bluntly.
“Ouch.” I clutched my chest. “And now?”
“Now…” She studied me. “Now I think you hide behind what people expect, because it’s safer than showing who you really are.”
The accuracy of her observation knocked the breath out of me. “Takes one to know one?”
“Maybe,” she admitted. “I’ve spent so long being the straight-A student, the perfect daughter… I’m not sure who I am without the expectations.”
