Epilogue
Three Months Later
The draft happens without me.
I defer a year, like I'd been considering. Use the time to finish my masters, work with the team's sports psychologist, build connections in mental health and athletics.
My father hasn't spoken to me since the championship game. Maya moved in with me for the summer, working a job and taking online classes, loving the independence.
Lennox got a summer internship at The Athletic, writing about sports culture. Her articles are brilliant and already getting attention from major publications.
We're making it work.
Tonight, we're at Isla and Sebastian's apartment for dinner. It's become a regular thing, the four of us, sometimes with Ivy and Lennox's other friends, eating takeout and playing board games like normal people.
"So," Sebastian says during a lull in conversation. "Heard you're eyeing a coaching position for next year."
"Thinking about it. Assistant coach for the women's team. Help build their program while I finish my degree."
"That's a good move. Different from NHL, but still hockey."
"Different is good. I'm learning that." I look at Lennox, who's arguing with Isla about something. "Sometimes the unexpected path is better than the planned one."
"Couldn't agree more." Sebastian raises his beer. "To unexpected paths."
We toast, and I think about how far I've come from that first morning practice where Lennox observed me with hostile eyes.
How we went from enemies to adversaries to something real and complicated and perfect.
How I went from being my father's puppet to being my own person.
How falling for a journalist who challenged me ended up being the best thing that ever happened.
My phone buzzes.
Maya: How's dinner?
Me: Good. Lennox just beat Isla at Scrabble. There might be violence.
Maya: Tell Lennox I said congrats. Also, I got accepted to Thornhill for next year. Full academic scholarship.
I stare at the text, then show it to Lennox.
"Oh my god," she says. "That's amazing!"
"What's amazing?" Isla asks.
"Maya got into Thornhill. Full ride."
The room erupts in congratulations and excitement.
Me: That's incredible. I'm so proud of you.
Maya: Thanks. Couldn't have done it without you showing me it's okay to choose your own path. Love you.
Me: Love you too.
I pocket my phone and pull Lennox close.
"Your sister's coming here," she says, smiling. "This is going to be interesting."
"She's excited to be near us. Fair warning, she's going to want to hang out constantly."
"I can handle Maya. She's my favorite Lynch."
"Hey!"
"Second favorite," she amends, kissing me. "But only because you're slightly better in bed."
"Slightly?"
"Okay, significantly. But don't let it go to your head."
Too late. Everything about her has gone to my head, my heart, my entire being and I wouldn't have it any other way.
THE END