Page 90 of Treacherous
I leave my own note the day before the Frozen Four.
The first part is written on a sticky note. It is three words but those are the only ones I want Willow to hear.
I love you.
I stick it onto her matcha powder and head back into my room.
The second part of the note I spent yesterday making. I scoured my music app, finding every song that reminds me of Willow. Some are about her fearless nature, while others are about my love for her. Many of the songs have been on repeat over the past month because it was the closest I could be to her.
After the notes she gave me, I wanted to do something for her. Our relationship is important to me, and I need Willow to know that she will always come first.
I sent her a text message with the link minutes ago, my knuckles turning white from my grip on the phone.
I don’t look away when bubbles appear on the screen. My shoulders bunch, reaching my ears, and every muscle in my body is tense.
Willow:
I’m glad I’m not home right now because I would break your door down and jump into bed with you.
Me:
Feel free to do it at any time, Sweetheart.
I’ll be waiting.
Willow:
I’m listening to it and I think I might cry in the library.
The bubbles return for an eternity.
Willow:
I miss you
Me:
I miss you too
I drop my phone on the bed, placing it face down. After tomorrow, Willow and I will be have a long conversation. One that is severely overdue. But first, the Frozen Four.
Chapter 35
Jayden Allen
“Listen up, everyone!” I say, my voice bouncing off the locker room walls.
In a split second, my teammates are focusing their attention on me. “We’ve played our asses off this season, so we could have the chance at winning the Frozen Four. We have grown as a team and I know for some people, this is their last time playing competitive hockey. Or it could be the start of your career. Either way, when we skate onto that ice, we play for each other. And that’s how we win.”
Cheers burst from my teammates when I finished my speech. I spare a quick glance at Willow, who is smiling at me. The notes she sent me are permanent fixtures on my corkboard, becoming my prized possessions.
Our eyes meeting across rooms and a few text messages has been the extent of our communication with the exception of hockey training. I didn’t want to rush the conversations that need to be had because for both of us, today is the most important day of our lives. I offer Willow a smile back before turning and heading down the tunnel.
It’s my last collegiate hockey game, and I’m going to make it count.
***
The Northern Michigan Stars are throwing everything they have at us as the third period dwindles to a finish.
