Chapter 21
Emma
Two Months Later
Dreading NHL Draft Day
I can’t imagine Joey living across the country, but I’m afraid that’s what will happen. Bailey spilled the beans that the goalie for Levi’s team is retiring after this season. Bailey said Levi is putting in a good word with the Anaheim Ducks organization, hoping they will draft Joey. I’m sure my boyfriend will jump at the chance to play with Levi again.
Joey and I are as close as two pearls in a clamshell as my grandma would say. We do everything together and I can honestly say that I’ve fallen head over skates in love with the man and I have no doubt he feels the same way I do.
As the NHL draft date draws closer, I’m beginning to dread the day. It’s a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach kind of dread that makes me feel physically ill every time I mark a day off the calendar.
I feel guilty that I’m not happy about what might be the best day of Joey’s life because it may well be the end of our relationship. No matter how many times I wrack my brain for solutions, I simply can’t see myself giving up my bakery. I try to show a happy demeanor around Joey, but my friends know how I’m really feeling.
It’s two days before the draft. Mia and I are filling cupcake tins this morning while Blake is away at an early class. “Just tell Joey how you feel,” my friend says. We’ve got a big party planned at Joey’s house—that’s how far I’ve taken the “I’m excited” ruse. Otto also has a good chance of being drafted, but it’s really going to be Joey’s big day as rumors are he might be the number one draft pick.
I blink back a few tears, “How can I ruin what he’s been working so hard for?” Draft day probably even eclipses the Frozen Four championship for him. The Golden Stars played in that illustrious event again this year, losing to perennial-winner Michigan. Joey's goal tending was masterclass, even though they lost. The NHL teams are clamoring at his door. He’s talked to so many scouts representing teams from all over the US and Canada, I can’t keep track.
After filling her tin, Mia comes over and stands beside me. “What’s going to ruin him is if you don’t go with him. Joey is counting on you two being together. If that’s not going to happen, you need to speak up now. Maybe he’ll adjust his plans so you can be together.”
We’ve talked about getting married. He hasn’t popped the question yet, but I expect him to do so once we know where he’s going to end up. At a minimum, he thinks he’s going to be at least two states away, even though the Boston Bruins are almost in our backyard, but that storied franchise isn’t looking for a goalie at this draft.
My lips wobble with emotion. “I’m so conflicted. I want to be with Joey, but I don’t want to give up my dream.” Tears flow unchecked down my face. “I’ve worked so hard to make my bakery a success. All those early mornings. All the times I thought I’d have to shut down the shop. Now that I’m finally making a decent income, why would I close the place?” My voice cracks with emotion and I blow out a frustrated puff of air. “What am I going to do?”
Mia squeezes my arm, her expression filled with sympathy. “I’m sure others are giving you the advice that you can open another bakery wherever Joey ends up, but every inch of this place shows all the love you put into it and that’s difficult to leave.”
She’s right. As my eyes sweep around my shop, I see every fixture that I lovingly selected and scrimped and saved to purchase. The glass front bakery case...The black and white checkered floor...The top-of-the-line commercial oven.
It would feel like leaving a piece of me behind.
“Maybe you'll catch a lucky break. You and Joey deserve to be together,” Mia says with a half-smile. She’s always been a supportive friend, but I know she’s grasping at straws to cheer me up. I appreciate the effort, but I need to face the fact that for Joey to chase his dream and for me to keep mine, we’re going to have to make a long-distance relationship work.
My heart feels like it’s cracking in two over this no-win situation.