33. Eric
Chapter thirty-three
Eric
T he past couple of months have gone by in a blur of skates on ice and drills that make my legs feel like jelly. Every day feels the same: intense training, review sessions, and endless practices to keep our edge as we fight our way toward the playoffs. The focus feels good, grounding in a way I haven’t experienced in a long time. I signed the two-year contract with the Avalanche back in January, and that’s added a sense of stability I didn’t know I needed.
Our fake relationship, or whatever you want to call it now, has somehow turned into something I look forward to. The public loves the sporadic posts and appearances we make together. Jessica’s support has become this constant in my life, a source of strength. The lines between what’s real and what’s for show have blurred, and I’m not so sure it matters anymore. With her, I feel like I can just… be. And somehow, she’s right there with me, like she’s been here all along.
It’s late March now, and as I walk into the locker room after practice, there’s this electric energy in the air. We’re on the brink of playoffs, and everyone can feel it. I pull off my gloves and take a seat, savoring the satisfying burn in my muscles. My mind drifts to Jessica. We’ve fallen into a routine, living together at Coach Stanton’s place. A part of me wonders if I should start thinking about getting my own place… with her, if she’d want that.
Just then, Coach Stanton walks over, grinning. “Nice work out there, Gator,” he says, giving me a hearty slap on the shoulder. “You’re in playoff shape now, that’s for sure.”
“Thanks, Coach,” I say, feeling the pride of his words settle in.
He glances around, as if to make sure we’re alone. “Listen, Eric, you’ve been staying at my place for a few months now. I can tell things are good between you and Jessica, but have you thought about finding a place of your own?”
I look up, surprised by his suggestion. It makes sense, but the thought of taking that step feels huge, like I’d be signaling to Jessica that I’m in this for real, not just until the season ends. “With Jessica?” I ask, almost testing the idea out loud.
“Of course with Jessica,” Coach says, his tone humorous. He turns serious. “You know, that girl’s had a lot on her plate. Jason used to put a lot of pressure on her to keep an eye on you, report back on whether you’d sign the contract or not. She’s refused every time. Even risked her job for you.”
I blink, taken aback. Jessica never told me. I knew her boss, Jason, had been keeping tabs on me, but I had no idea Jessica stood up to him. Risking her career just to protect my privacy? She’s gone above and beyond anything I could’ve expected. I feel a sudden rush of pride and something else, something deeper that I’m almost scared to name. But it’s there, and it’s real.
“I… had no idea,” I say, feeling an ache in my chest as I think about all she’s done for me. I shake my head, grinning. “She’s incredible, isn’t she?”
Coach’s face softens. “She is.” He chuckles, leaning back. “You’re a lucky man, Eric. Times like these don’t come often. You’ve got family back in your life, you’ve got a woman who’s got your back, and your career’s on track. Take it in, embrace it. Life’s short.”
The truth of his words hits me. Life is short. It’s easy to forget that in the chaos of practice and contracts, but he’s right. I’ve been given a second chance with my mom, a new beginning in my career, and a chance at something real with Jessica. She’s been there every step of the way, steady as the Colorado mountains around us.
“How’s Linda doing?” Coach asks, his tone curious, bringing me back from my thoughts.
I smile, thinking about my mom. “I’ve flown out to Vegas twice since January. She’s doing great. She’s even started working with the recovery center on a documentary. My mom’s turned her whole life around all over again in a big way, and now, she’s helping others far beyond the rehab center who are trying to do the work to recover and live a full and happy life. It’s… amazing.”
Coach nods, pride clear in his eyes. “Sounds like you’re both on the right path, Eric. Don’t take any of this for granted. You’ve got something special here.”
As he walks away, I feel the truth of his words settle around me. I’ve got something special with Jessica, and it’s time I start treating it like that. We might have started this as a way to navigate the season, but now it’s real. I don’t want to pretend anymore.
The other guys filter out, the energy of the locker room slowly ebbing away. But I stay behind, sitting in the silence, letting Coach’s words sink in. I’m not one to talk about my emotions—hell, most days, I don’t even know how to handle them—but there’s something grounding about being with Jessica, like she makes everything simpler just by being there.
Life really is short, and I’ve spent too many years worrying about things I can’t change, too many years pushing people away because I was afraid of being let down. Jessica’s different, though. She’s shown me loyalty, trust, and a commitment I’d never expected. For once, maybe it’s time I let someone in all the way. Not because of convenience or because it’s part of the deal, but because I want her here with me—for real.
I grab my phone and type out a quick text to Jessica.
Me: Hey, do you want to go house-hunting with me this weekend?
A minute later, my phone lights up with her reply.
Jessica: House-hunting, huh? With you? I’d like that.
I read her response, a grin spreading across my face. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know one thing for damn sure: I want Jessica in it. I blink as a vision of her in a white dress walking down the aisle toward me flashes through my mind. It thrills me instead of scares me. Am I ready to go that far with her?
Standing up, I grab my things, heading out of the locker room with a new sense of purpose. There’s a whole lot of life to be lived, and I believe I’ve finally found someone I want to live it with.