Page 94 of Skating and Fake Dating
Ted asks, “What happened? You got scared?”
“It’s complicated.”
“No, it’s not. You’re in love with her, but you’ve got this idea that hockey and love can’t mix because of what happened with your ex.”
Surprised at that keen level of insight, I jerk my head in his direction.
He shrugs like it’s no big thing. “People talk. I know your exrejected your proposal and it messed you up. But Bailey isn’t your high school sweetheart.”
Taking a deep breath, I say, “You’re right. She’s not.”
“I’m right. Let your coach hear those words next time he reminds you about how to receive a stretch pass.”
I don’t have the energy to laugh, but the corner of my lip quivers with a grin. Exhaling, I say, “But it’s not just that. She has opportunities, dreams. Her business could really take off. I can’t ask her to give that up for my nomadic lifestyle.”
“Did she ask you to give up hockey?”
“No, but?—”
“Then why do you think she’d have to give up her dreams? Last I checked, they sell maple syrup, butter, or whatever in every city with an NHL team.”
Fair point.
Ted gets to his feet. “You know what your problem is, Crane? You’re so afraid of getting hurt again that you’re doing the hurting first.”
His words hit too close to home. I sit alone in the locker room long after everyone else has left, replaying every moment with Bailey in my mind—her laughter, her creativity, the way she fits perfectly against me when we dance. The sparkle in her eyes, the softness of her lips …
As I pack up my gear bag, I find something wrapped in cellophane and tied with twine and orange ribbons. The label says,Sweet Memories Maple Company: Classic Maple Butter you’ll never forget. I unfold the little slip of paper inside the cellophane bag and read Bailey’s handwriting,For when you miss the taste of home.
Home has become everything Bailey is. Wherever she is.
I pull out my phone and find a new text from her. She tells me the time capsule documents have been verified by the historical society. The whole town is celebrating and she wishes I were there.
No anger. No accusations about my abrupt departure. JustBailey being Bailey—finding joy in every moment and wanting to share it with me, even after I clammed up and then ran away.
Nanna’s words about dreams, goals, and courage echo in my mind, following me down a dusty road in my thoughts. I’m not sleeping and this isn’t a vision, but in my mind’s eye, I’m wearing a cowboy hat and Bailey is in a white gown, waiting for me. Patiently, confidently, beautifully.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I make a call.
“Gabe, there is no fake relationship.”
Not missing a beat, he says, “Seriously, man? I just finalized the contract for the endorsement, negotiating an extra five percent.”
“Seriously. It was never fake. It’s real.”
“Oh. Wait. What?”
I’m not sure why I’m pouring my heart out to Gabe, but because he planted the idea of finding a fake girlfriend in my mind and leaked my relationship with Bailey to key figures in the press, I need him to know how I really feel.
“This sounds to me like a season comeback. Okay, we are in business,” he says with a greedy edge to his voice.
“No, games. This isn’t business. This is real life,” I say, knowing that whatever comes next won’t be for show … not that it ever truly was.
Now, it’s time to prove that to Bailey.
CHAPTER 39
BAILEY
