Chapter Fifteen
ISABELLA
Ireach for my phone and see that it’s six o’clock. I’m so tired because I spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to shut off my brain. Most of my thoughts revolved around my doctor appointment, but that wasn’t the only thing keeping me awake. I was also thinking about Austin.
Lately, it feels like I can’t stop thinking about him and about how much I enjoy being around him. Everything feels complete when we’re together, like a puzzle with all the pieces. And there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he feels the same way.
Being with Austin is different from anything I’ve experienced before.
We understand each other in ways I never expected.
Hockey and ballroom dancing couldn’t be more opposite, but what comes with these careers is very similar.
We both know what it’s like to perform under pressure while people watch, judge, and critique every move we make.
We both understand the sacrifices, the demands, and the expectations.
It’s a constant feeling that no matter how well you do, we need to do better, work harder, and never fall short.
I’m sure a lot of people feel this way when it comes to their careers, but they don’t have to do it all in front of the world.
And yes, we chose these paths, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy.
There have been moments when I’ve questioned whether all the pressure and sacrifices are worth it.
I felt that way after my injury, when everything I had worked for suddenly felt uncertain.
When it seems like your whole world is crumbling around you, doubt has a way of creeping in, no matter how strong or determined you are.
I felt so terrible for Austin last night.
I’m still learning about hockey, but even I could tell the game had been a disaster. The team seemed to lose all momentum, and by the end of the night the disappointment in the arena was obvious. Austin tried to put on a brave face afterward, but I could see how much it bothered him.
More than anything, he felt like he had let people down. And I have felt this many times.
I did my best to lift his spirits, but I also encouraged him to let himself feel. Pretending losses don’t hurt doesn’t change the reality. He’s paid to perform to his best abilities and falling short cuts to the core.
Eventually, we stopped talking about hockey altogether. He didn’t want it to consume our evening, and thankfully it didn’t. We laughed, teased each other, and talked about other things. By the time he drove me home, the frustration that had been hanging over him seemed lighter.
At least, I hope it was. If I made him forget about the game for a few hours, I consider that a win.
It’s very early, but I send him a quick message. He told me he was expecting a rough day ahead, and afterward the team is heading out of town for some away games.
Good morning. I hope the coach isn’t too hard on you today. I’ll let you know what the doctor says.
I hit send and smile to myself.
Austin asked for a full update as soon as I leave the doctor. He was so cute when he told me he was going to miss my boot. And maybe I will too, which is wild.
I can’t deny that I never would’ve met him if this hadn’t happened.
And I guess that’s one of the bright spots in an otherwise difficult experience.
I’ve always believed things happen for a reason, and maybe this is one of those situations.
Maybe one stupid injury led me exactly where I was supposed to be.
I stay in bed for a few more minutes before finally accepting that I’m not going back to sleep. I’m too anxious about the day to stay still.
As soon as I hear baby babble, I hop out of bed. I love when Jude comes to visit in the mornings.
After quickly brushing my teeth, I head to the kitchen.
“Hello, everyone,” I call. “Hello, baby boy. Auntie Isabella is so happy to see you.”
I kneel next to his highchair and cover his chubby cheeks with kisses.
“Good morning. Today’s the day. How are you feeling?” Sammy asks.
“I’m okay,” I admit as I pour myself a cup of coffee. “A little nervous.”
“The doctor knows what he’s doing,” Mom reminds me as she gives Jude a spoonful of baby food.
“I know. I’m just anxious to get my leg back.”
This sounds so silly, but it’s true.
“You will when the time is right,” Mom says confidently.
I sit down in the chair beside the baby. “So, what’s on little Jude’s calendar today?”
This kid has more of a social life than most people I know.
“He has baby music class this morning,” Sammy says, “and then we’re going shopping for Halloween decorations.”
“That sounds like a great day.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Sammy agrees.
She joins us at the table. “So, how was Austin after the game last night?”
I cringe. “As bad as you could imagine. He tried to play it off at first, but of course he was upset. It’s a lot of pressure having that many people watching every game. He doesn’t want to let the fans down.”
Mom nods knowingly. “It’s so nice that he cares about the fans that much.”
“How are things otherwise?” Sammy asks, a mischievous gleam appearing in her eye.
“What exactly are you referring to?” I ask innocently, even though I know exactly what she means.
She’s asking how things are between Austin and I on a personal level.
She snorts. “You know.”
A broad smile immediately spreads across my face. “They are great,” I admit.
Sammy lets out an excited squeal and rubs her hands together. “I knew it. His face completely lit up the second he saw you last night,” Sammy says with a grin.
“He’s been doing that since the first time he met her,” my mom adds.
Heat fills my cheeks. And I’m sure they’ll notice me blushing.
“Did you tell him about your conversation with Dexter?” Sammy asks.
“I did.”
“And?”
“And it went well. Better than I expected.”
Sammy exchanges a look with my mom.
“So now there’s really nothing standing in your way.” Mom pauses. “Well…other than distance.”
Ah, yes. My mother’s not-so-subtle reminder that Austin lives here and I’ll be returning to California—thousands of miles away.
“Have you two talked about that?” Sammy asks.
I nod. “Yes. But there’s not much to discuss right now. I told him I was staying through the holidays. Beyond that, he knows my life and career are in LA. And with his career he understands what it’s like to move to new cities far away from family and friends.”
The room falls quiet for a moment.
“Anyway,” I say. “I’m going to get ready. I’m going to think positively--today is going to be a good day.”
“Wow,” Sammy says. “Your whole energy is so different than it was a month ago.”
I smile. “Honestly, I feel like I’m finally coming out of a dark tunnel.”
“Is that because your foot is getting better,” Sammy asks, “or because of a certain six-foot-three hockey star?”
I laugh.
Honestly? It’s a fair question.
“Maybe a little of both,” I admit. “And on that note, I’m hitting the showers.”
Sammy snorts. “That sounds like hockey lingo to me.”
I roll my eyes as I head toward the bathroom, but she has a point.
Truthfully, everything feels different lately.
My confidence and outlook have changed. Plus, I wonder if getting the extra closure with Dex lifted a weight I’d been carrying for the last year.
And Austin has absolutely played a huge role in this shift too.
Somewhere along the way, he reminded me what it feels like to look forward to things again and to find joy in every situation.
The tears are falling before I can stop them. I’m sitting in the examination room staring down at my bare leg. The boot is off. I’m officially free, and for some reason I feel like with the boot came the huge release of other emotions. The appointment couldn't have gone any better.
When Doctor Kemp told me I was officially graduating from the walking boot, a rush of feelings I’d been holding back for months came to the surface. It’s an odd mix of relief, joy, excitement, and panic.
There was no way to stop myself from bursting into tears. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting me to throw my arms around him or sob on his shoulder, but after everything this injury has taken from me, I couldn’t help it.
Of course, this isn’t the end of recovery.
Doctor Kemp quickly reminded me that there’s still a long road ahead.
I will have months of physical therapy, rebuilding strength, regaining mobility and balance.
I will have to retrain and put in the work to get back to where I was.
Not to mention the collection of ugly supportive shoes and some heel lift things.
It’s going to take time and patience—which is something I’ve never been good at.
But even with all the instructions and work ahead, I couldn’t be happier.
For months, the progress felt slow and at times like I would never reach these big milestones.
And now, here I am. I still don’t have a timeline for returning to full activity, but for the first time in a while, that doesn’t bother me.
As soon as I leave the exam room, I sit in a chair in the waiting area and pull out my phone. I have so many people to contact. My friend Natalia, Elise, my instructors, my family, and Austin.
He’s the first person I text.
I’m boot free. I’m so happy I cried on the doctor’s shoulder. Hope your day is going okay.
I hit send even though I still haven’t received a reply from my earlier text. Not that it’s surprising because he warned me today would be brutal.
After last night’s ugly loss, the coaching staff was expected to have plenty to say. According to Austin, that usually meant a long day of watching clips, an extra-long practice, and intense conditioning drills. Obviously, he was dreading every second of it.
I send a few more messages letting everyone know that the boot is history, and I’m one step closer to returning home.
After I type the words, I feel another rush of emotion.
Is it possible to want to be two places at once?
As anxious as I am to get back to my life, a part of me hates the thought of leaving my family—and Austin.
“A Halloween party sounds fun. Count me in,” I exclaim.
I’m stretched out on the living room floor, playing with Jude while Sammy and my mom fill me in on their shopping trip.
Somehow, since this morning the shopping trip has evolved into planning a full-blown Halloween party, complete with decorations, a menu, and a guest list. The planning is already underway, and some evites have been sent.
“You and Austin should do matching costumes,” my mom suggests, speaking as though we've been together for years. “You are inviting him, right?”
“I’ll ask if he’s available,” I tell her. “They might have a game that night.”
“They don’t,” my mom says smugly. “We already checked.”
I glance at Sammy, who shrugs innocently. I don’t believe for a second that she isn’t a part of this grand idea.
“You checked the Bears schedule before picking the date for the party?”
“Of course we did,” my mom says with a laugh. “We’re not amateurs.”
“Mom.”
“What? This is Sammy and Dane’s first party in their new home, and we want everyone there. And since the team doesn’t have a game, Abby and her fiancé can come too.”
“Wait. So you planned the party around the Carolina Bears game schedule?”
“Obviously,” Mom says like I should know this.
Sammy grins. “There may even be a spreadsheet.”
“A spreadsheet?” I repeat.
“Hey, you know how good at party planning I am,” my mom adds proudly. “You have to admit that you had some of the best birthday parties.”
She’s not wrong. My mom can put together an event better than anyone I’ve ever met.
A few hours ago they were going to sing songs with a bunch of babies. And now we’re looking at the party of the century. Even I’m already excited about it.
I continue to listen as Sammy and Mom chat about menu options while my mind shifts to Austin. The thought of inviting him sends a flutter of excitement through my chest. It’s just another opportunity to spend time with him.
A lot has happened in the last few hours. My foot is finally healing, and I have a Halloween party to look forward to. I haven’t felt this excited for the future in a very long time.