Chapter Seventeen
ISABELLA
Admittedly, I feel like a completely new woman. Even if Austin says he’ll miss the boot, I won’t.
"Look at you. You must be thrilled right now," Eloise says the moment I walk into Coffee Corner Café.
I grin and slowly spin in a circle, proudly showing off the absence of the infamous gray boot I've been dragging around. "I feel like I’m getting my life back,” I admit.
Eloise laughs. "You're glowing."
"I’m sure it sounds silly, but that’s how I feel."
"You're probably dying to get back on the dance floor," she adds.
"Oh, I am," I exclaim. "Unfortunately, it's not going to be that easy. The doctor cleared me, but I still have months of physical therapy ahead of me. It will be a lot of work, and I’m sure it’ll be frustrating.”
Eloise winces. "Well, that’s a bummer. And it sounds exhausting."
"It probably will be," I admit. "But at least it's progress. For the first time in a while, I can actually see the finish line."
"I'm sure you'll breeze right through it," Abby says confidently from her spot at the counter. She's dressed in black scrubs, visiting during one of her longer breaks between patients.
"That's the plan,” I tell them. “I’m not good at taking things slow.”
"Besides," Eloise says, "you've already survived the hardest part."
I nod. "You're right. Compared to everything I've been through, a little physical therapy sounds like a dream."
"And that's exactly the attitude that's going to get you through it,” Abby says. "In other news, have you talked to Austin today?"
Heat immediately creeps into my cheeks. It's almost embarrassing how quickly hearing his name brightens my mood.
"He texted me this morning," I say. "It sounds like the road trip was a success."
Abby nods, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. Nick was beside himself after that last home game. I was not looking forward to dealing with another loss."
I frown. "I know. I felt so bad for all of them. I've had performances where everything went wrong, and it's heartbreaking. You spend weeks preparing, put everything you have into it, and then it just falls apart in front of everyone. It's hard not to internalize that as failure."
"Exactly," Abby says. "Nick was miserable for days."
"The pressure those guys deal with is unreal," Eloise calls. "People see them on the ice for a couple of hours and forget they are human."
"Yes, they don't see the practices, the travel, the injuries, or the constant criticism," I add.
"Or the mood swings after losses," Abby adds.
We all laugh. "Or those."
Eloise sets a cup on the counter before turning back toward me with a knowing smile.
"So…you and Austin? I’m guessing things between you two are moving very quickly.”
A rush of excitement washes over me. Hearing other people say it out loud makes my heart flutter. "Yes," I admit, unable to stop smiling.
The two of them exchange a look.
"Have you two talked about the future?" Eloise asks.
Abby nudges her arm. "Don't be so nosy."
"I’m not being nosy," Eloise says innocently. "And you brought Austin up first.”
I laugh. "It's okay. We've talked about it a little. Right now we're just enjoying these next few months together and we’ll see where things go after that."
"That’s a good plan," Abby says.
"It sounds very mature," Eloise adds.
"We're still figuring things out,” I pause. “But it’s going really well.”
"Well, I tried asking Nick if Austin had said anything," Abby tells me, "but as usual, he’s completely oblivious. Even if Austin has mentioned you, Nick isn't sharing a single detail."
"I can appreciate him keeping his friend’s confidence,” I say.
"It might be hockey player code," Abby says. "They can discuss plays and strategies for hours but ask one question about emotional things, and suddenly they go silent."
Eloise snorts. "That sounds about right, but I don’t think it’s only hockey player code.”
We all laugh, but underneath the jokes, a calm feeling settles in my chest.
Right now I don't feel rushed or uncertain about what's next. Austin and I are building something one day at a time, and for now, that's enough.
I grin. “It’s okay. Thanks for trying, though.”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Eloise suddenly exclaims. “We got the party invitation from Sammy. I’ve already picked out our costumes. Brad isn’t exactly thrilled about it, but being newlyweds has its advantages.”
“It’s going to be so much fun,” I say with a laugh. “What costumes did you choose?”
“Jessie and Woody from Toy Story, obviously.”
Abby snorts. “Brad would go along with whatever you wanted, he knows better. Otherwise, he'd be sleeping on the couch for a week.”
Eloise flashes a smug grin. “Actually, eight days.”
We all laugh.
“I love the Toy Story idea,” I tell her. “Austin and I are being incredibly original and going as hockey players.”
“Oh, don’t tell Nick that,” Abby groans, dropping her head dramatically into her hands. “I’m still trying to convince him to wear an actual costume. If he finds out he can just throw on one of his jerseys, I’ll never get him into anything else.”
“Good luck with that,” Eloise says. “You’re fighting a losing battle.”
“Trust me, I know.”
The conversation drifts to work and Abby’s wedding plans, but my thoughts keep circling back to Austin.
The team is scheduled to get back later today, and I can’t wait to see him.
It’s only been a few days since he left, but somehow it feels much longer. I miss seeing him after games, hearing about everything that happened behind the scenes, and our late-night conversations that seem to stretch longer than either of us intends. Mostly, I just miss being around him.
Thankfully, I won’t have to wait much longer.
“Anyway,” I say, glancing at the time. “I’m meeting Sammy and my mom at the farmers market, and I promised I’d bring them some of your pastries.”
“They are fantastic,” Eloise agrees without a hint of modesty.
“Yes, they are,” Abby agrees.
Eloise beams at the praise as she fills a bag with pastries straight from the oven. The sweet smell hits my nose as soon as I pick up the bag.
“Tell Sammy I expect a full review,” she says.
“I will.”
After saying goodbye, I head out the door. I’m looking forward to spending the day with my family and counting down the hours until Austin is home.
The second Austin opens the door, I launch myself into his arms. He barely has time to react before I'm wrapped around him, clinging to him like it's been months instead of just a few days.
The moment his arms close around me, everything else fades away. I sink in, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne and letting myself relax for the first time since he left.
"It's definitely nice to be home," he says, resting his chin on top of my head. "But this makes it even better."
My heart races hearing him say that. I close my eyes and soak in the feeling of being back in his arms like nothing else exists.
When I finally pull away, I spread my arms dramatically. "Notice anything different?"
Austin studies me carefully, his eyes moving from head to toe. "Hmm…" he says thoughtfully. "I think it's something with your hair. Did you style it differently?"
"No."
A grin spreads across his face as he takes both my hands in his.
"I'm kidding. You look as beautiful as ever. Only now you're glowing, and I’m guessing it’s because you’ve lost the boot."
I clap my hands together. "I feel like I'm on top of the world. I'd probably be dancing right now if I were actually allowed to."
He chuckles, but the sound feels off. It’s almost like he’s forcing it.
A knot forms in my stomach. Something is wrong.
"So," I say, leading him toward the couch, "tell me about the road trip."
We settle onto the cushions, our shoulders brushing together.
"Well, we won both games," he says.
"Which I already know."
He smiles slightly.
"And that's good news, right?"
"Very good news,” he agrees. “It should buy us a few days of peace with the coaches and the organization."
I nod, but the uneasy feeling doesn't go away.
Austin usually lights up when he talks about hockey, especially after a few much-needed wins. I expected him to be replaying the big moments, but tonight he seems distracted.
I study him for a moment. "Austin, is something wrong?"
His expression immediately changes as he lets out a long breath. "I got some unexpected news while I was gone," he says quietly. "And honestly, it's thrown me off a bit."
My heart starts racing. "What kind of news?" I ask quickly. "Is it serious? Is your family okay? Is someone sick?"
He immediately shakes his head. "No. Nothing like that."
Relief washes through me. "Okay, that’s a relief."
He reaches for my hands and laces our fingers together. "I found out there's a potential trade being discussed."
I blink. "A trade?"
For a moment, I just stare at him. I know hockey players get traded. It's part of the business. But imagining it happening to someone you care about is different.
"So you might be leaving town?"
"Yes. Me and my teammate Rico."
A lump instantly forms in my throat. There are suddenly a thousand thoughts racing through my mind. And I have so many questions I want to ask him.
"So when would this happen?" I ask. "And where would you go?"
Austin sighs. "Nothing's finalized yet. The negotiations are ongoing."
"So there’s still a chance it might not happen?" I ask, in a more hopeful tone.
"It's possible."
But this doesn’t sound convincing at all.
"If it does happen, when would you leave?"
His gaze meets mine. "I could be gone tomorrow, or week from now. It all depends on how fast the deal goes through.
My chest tightens. Tomorrow?
"Unfortunately, I don't know," he adds.
The reality of him leaving sets in, and the uncertainty makes it even worse.
"So you wouldn't get any notice?"
He slowly shakes his head. "No."
I look down at our intertwined fingers. Just an hour ago I was floating on air, excited to see him after his trip.
"Where would you be going?" I ask softly.
"The Golden State Seals."
I stare at him. Golden State?
"Wait. Is that team in California?”
"Yes,” he says. "It's kind of ironic, isn't it? I might end up on the West Coast before you do."
Despite everything, I can't help smiling. The idea of him leaving is gut-wrenching, but if he goes to California, we would be closer when I return home.
The timing is all wrong, but suddenly the distance between our dreams doesn't feel quite as impossible.
"Wow," I whisper. "If only the timing were different."
He leans forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. "I'm sorry, Isabella."
"For what?” I ask. “This is part of your job.”
His thumb brushes over my hand. "I've been in a daze since I found out. I was actually going to wait until I knew for sure before telling you."
"What changed your mind?" I ask.
"My parents. They told me I should tell you immediately."
A smile spreads across my face. "You told your parents about me?"
He nods. "I did. I hope that’s okay.”
I laugh. "Of course it's okay. You're a huge hit with my crazy family. My brother is completely starstruck. He’s going to be so upset if you have to leave.”
Austin smiles. "Your family is great. They've been so nice to me."
"I can’t believe you still think that even after my mom dragged you into all my ex-boyfriend drama."
"Which I willingly participated in,” he reminds me.
"Yes, you did."
His smile softens.
"I called my parents after I heard the news. We need to keep it private until a deal is finalized, but I needed to talk to someone.”
"I totally understand."
For a moment, neither of us says anything. Then he squeezes my hand.
"I also told my parents how amazing you are,” he says. "And I told them how difficult it’s going to be if I have to leave you."
The tears I've been fighting begin to fill my eyes. "I don't want you to leave yet."
He looks at me, leaning his head on the back of the couch. "I don't want to leave you either."
Before I can react, he pulls me into his lap and wraps his arms around me.
He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, studying me carefully.
"Isabella, I think I'm falling in love with you. I know it’s new, and hopefully me saying this doesn’t freak you out.
My parents suggested I be honest with you, especially since we may not have a lot of time if the trade happens. ”
His words completely undo me. And the tears slip down my cheeks before I can stop them.
His forehead presses against mine.
"I think I've been falling for you since I first spotted you on your crutches,” he whispers.
I laugh through my tears. I hated those crutches, but if they helped Austin notice me then they may not have been so bad.
"I'm falling for you too,” I tell him, all my emotions pushing to the surface.
His smile lights up his entire face, and this time it’s not forced. For the next hour, we sit together on his couch, talking, kissing, and pretending everything might not be on the brink of changing.
The trade might happen, and it could be tomorrow. But as I rest my head on his shoulder, I realize there's no point worrying about things neither of us can control. All we can do is make the most of the time we have. And tonight, that's enough.