32. victoria
THIRTY-TWO
victoria
“ H ow long do I have to keep my eyes closed?” I ask, laughing as Leo leads me out the back door of Rose & Thorn toward the pergola near the rose garden.
“Just a little longer,” he says, his voice hinting there’s a surprise waiting. “We’re almost to the table.” His hand stays over my eyes, his other arm steady around my waist, guiding me forward. A soft breeze brushes my skin, carrying the faint scent of roses on the brilliantly spring-like evening. The backyard rose garden was Jaz and Sloan’s grandma’s proudest achievement, and the sisters have kept the tradition alive.
Leo convinced me to take the day off to watch his game, and I’m so glad I did, because he was on fire—two brilliant shots that sealed the win and made him the team’s top scorer of the night. Each time Leo scored, I glanced over at my dad and noticed a small flicker of approval. Maybe Leo was growing on him, after all.
Besides, this might be the last weekend I get to spend with him for a while. Once I tell Leo about the big move, I have an intense training schedule to catch up on before our first competition. Peter’s rink in Seattle will make things enormously easier in the long run, but for now, everything in my life feels like it’s in transition.
“You can open your eyes now,” Leo whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. When I open my eyes, I freeze. The scene in front of me looks like something straight out of a storybook. We’re standing under a pergola adorned with string lights, their soft glow reflecting off the beautifully decorated rose garden. A rustic farmhouse table sits beneath the pergola, set with candles and a bouquet of fresh roses in the center.
“I thought we were just having takeout,” I say, stunned. “This is... incredible.”
Leo motions for me to sit on the bench, a smile playing on his lips. “I like seeing your face when you’re surprised. Plus, you’ve been so busy. I wanted tonight to be special.”
My stomach knots at the reminder. It’s only going to get harder when I move. At least we can steal moments together right now, but in Seattle it won’t be possible, and that already makes me feel uneasy.
“Where is everyone?” I ask. “Usually the house is full after the game.”
“They left for the team retreat,” he says. “They wanted to give us some space tonight.”
“You didn’t warn me it was going to be a fancy dinner.” I glance down at my outfit—Leo’s jersey from the game. “I should’ve changed.”
“You look perfect,” he says, his eyes lingering on me.
“It’s just your jersey,” I say with a shrug.
“It’s not just a jersey—it’s a piece of me, and I want you to have it.” Then he adds with a grin, “Better yet, when you return it, I’ll be able to smell you on me all the time.”
“That’s if I return it,” I tease. If he wants the jersey or the hoodie back, he’ll have to fight me for it. And honestly? I’ll gladly let him wrestle me to the ground. Win-win for me.
Caden Parker, the head chef for the Crushers, peeks his head around the corner with a knowing grin. “Dinner’s ready whenever you are.”
I glance at Leo, eyes wide. “Please don’t tell me you hired the Crushers’ chef for us tonight.”
“I most definitely did,” Leo says with a cocky grin that tells me he loves to spoil me. He turns to Caden. “We’re ready. Tell Lucy we won’t need dessert for another hour.”
“Lucy’s here too?” I gasp.
Caden was a hockey legend until he retired last year to open a restaurant. When Rafael Marco ate at his farm-to-fork cafe, he knew Caden was the perfect fit for the Crushers’ kitchen. And now, Lucy Simmons, his assistant chef and spunky TikTok baking star, has become his partner in crime, turning the team’s meals into gourmet masterpieces.
“They offered,” Leo says with a shrug, as if this isn’t a ridiculously big deal. “Caden overheard me saying I was going to cook for you and figured he’d save me from burning down Rose & Thorn.”
Caden sets two plates of chicken parmesan on the table. It’s one of my favorites—right up there with tacos. I’ve already decided I’m not changing my eating habits for competition this year. I like my curves, and based on the way Leo sneaks glances at me, he does too.
Lucy arrives with a fancy cream soda from a local soda place I love. She sets the drinks down and smiles. “The chocolate lava cake will be ready when you are. Caden and I will be having our own date in the kitchen. Call us if you need anything.”
I dig into the chicken parmesan without hesitation. Leo leans back, watching me with a slow smile.
“What?” I ask, my fork pausing mid-air.
“I like that you don’t hesitate,” he says with a soft grin. “You’re not waiting on me or wondering if you should take the first bite.”
“It’s how I approach life since I moved away from my mother,” I say, savoring another bite of homemade marinara and mozzarella. “Otherwise, I get in my head too much, and it’s all downhill from there. I guess I should warn Peter about that. He needs to know that I can freak out on occasion.”
Leo tilts his head. “Peter’s lucky to have you.”
I study him, wondering if he has any reservations about this new arrangement. “Hey, you’re not upset about not being my partner anymore, are you? I mean, I kind of just gave you the boot when Peter showed up, thinking this would be a relief.”
“Me? Upset about not having to deal with your trash-talking on the ice? Never.” His grin widens. “God bless Peter for taking my place. I can’t skate gracefully to save my life, and I told you I would be in it until you found another partner on the ice.” Leo sets his fork down and grabs my hand across the table. “As long as I’m your partner everywhere else.”
I turn back to my plate of chicken, swirling my fork in the sauce. “Butthere is one thing I need to tell you.” I hesitate, the words catching in my throat. I don’t want this to ruin our evening, but if I don’t say it now, I might lose my nerve. “Peter asked me to move to Seattle. And I’m considering it.”
“I know, and I’m glad,” Leo says with a soft smile. “Your dad told me. And honestly? I think you should consider it.”
“My dad?” I set my fork down. “You were talking about me?”
Leo leans forward slightly, his gaze on mine. “I thought it was time to tell him how I felt about you.”
Worry twists in my stomach. I shouldn’t have let Leo go to him alone. He’s one of Dad’s players—it’s an unfair power dynamic, and I should’ve been by his side, so Dad would know where my loyalties stand. “How did he take the news?”
Leo exhales, his expression guarded, but there’s something in his posture—a tightness in his shoulders—that makes me uneasy. “About as well as I expected, considering you’re his daughter.” He hesitates for a beat before he adds, “But it made me wonder if I should start looking for another team. Somewhere closer to you.”
“But what about your life here?” I ask. “Your friends, your team. Everything you love is here.”
“Except you ,” Leo finishes, squeezing my hand.
“You’ve never lived close to your parents, and it’s always worked out,” I say. “You do long-distance relationships really well.”
“That’s different. My parents love their home in Virginia. I couldn’t pay them a million dollars to move, and truthfully... they’re not nearly as cute as you.” His lips curve up on one side, and I get the feeling he’s trying to make me feel better.
Before coming to Sully’s Beach, I would’ve taken this chance in a heartbeat. But I’m a different person now. It’s not just about being the best anymore. It’s about making a life worth living, realizing that until I do, I’ll be homesick for Leo and my life here. Because here’s something no one will tell you: An ordinary life with the person you love is the most extraordinary life there is.
He reaches across the table, gently tipping my chin up until my eyes meet his. “I can see the hesitation in your eyes,” he says softly. “Don’t overthink it. Just go for it, and I’ll figure out a way to move closer to you. This is everything you’ve wanted—you’ll finally be on your own and your parents won’t be breathing down your neck anymore. This is your chance.” He smiles faintly, his thumb brushing my jaw.
I shake my head. “That was when I was trying to get away from my parents—before you. And you told me nothing made you happier than playing for the Crushers. How could you think of leaving?”
He shrugs. “Professional hockey is all about moving around. You can’t get too comfortable in one place.”
His answer leaves me hollow. I might be getting what I wanted, but it feels like I’m taking away Leo’s life—the things that make him happy. The things that make him Leo.
“But this is only for a year, at most,” I remind him. “You can keep playing for the Crushers, and we’ll see each other when we can.”
The light in his eyes slowly dims. “But we hardly see each other now, and we’re living in the same house.”
My mouth opens, but before I can say anything, his phone rings. He glances at the screen, his brow creasing. “It’s Tina’s number. Hang on.” He stands, walking back into the house to take the call.
I sit there, staring at the empty space where he’d been. I knew this happy bubble I was living in with Leo wouldn’t last forever. For so long, my dream of skating had been the only thing I cared about. But now I’ve realized I don’t want one thing anymore.
The back door creaks open, and Leo walks back outside. His face has lost its color, and instantly, I know something’s wrong. I can see the way his shoulders slump, the tight line of his jaw. Even after all these years away from him, I still know him better than anyone else.
“What is it?” I ask, standing.
“It’s Tina,” he says. “She was in a minor car accident tonight. She’s okay, but a little banged up. I need to go to the hospital. I’m so sorry to cut this short.” He glances at the table, at the half-eaten meal and everything left unfinished between us. Even though he tries to hide it, he’s clearly torn about leaving. “I’m sorry, Vic.”
“I’ll go with you,” I say without hesitation, gathering dishes from the table. “We can have dessert later.”
“Victoria,” he says. “You know how things go with Tina. This part of my life isn’t easy.”
“I know that,” I say, meeting his eyes. “And I still choose to go with you. You were there for me when my mom showed up. And now, I want to do the same for you.”