Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
DECLAN - JUNE
“You look stunning,” I say to Sutton. She steps out of the hotel bathroom and does a little spin.
She’s wearing a black dress with spaghetti straps. Her hair and makeup are done. She’s camera-ready. I’m so proud she’s going to be beside me. I need her.
“How are you doing?”
“Nervous as hell.”
She smiles. “I think in this case nerves are okay.”
“I know we said we would handle it if things don’t go our way, but can we? Will we?”
She puts her hands on my cheeks. “We will.”
“What if they couldn’t pull it off? What if they don’t want me?”
“They do.”
“My dad says he doesn’t know. They’re not telling him anything. That’s not a good sign.”
“They’re keeping their cards close to the vest. It’s okay. No matter what happens tonight, we’re going to be fine. Nothing else matters.”
I want to believe her. I’ve tried not to be too hopeful or too negative. It’s a fine line.
“We should go. Don’t want to be late to the most important night of your hockey career.”
She helps me with my tie, and then my phone rings. We both freeze.
“Could be the car service,” she murmurs.
I nod once. “Probably.”
“Declan?”
“Huh?”
“Answer it.”
I pull it from my pocket. It’s a Massachusetts number.
It’s the call. The call that changes my life. I thank the man and hang up.
I can’t stop smiling.
“What?” Sutton asks. “Tell me!”
“Boston, baby!”
She screams and dances around. “I knew it!”
My dad sent a car to pick us up and take us to the KeyBank Center.
We walk in, and the place is crawling with media and fans. A few people shout my name. I smile and wave. When Sutton tries to step away so they can take my picture, I keep her hand in mine.
My dad is across the room talking to someone I don't recognize. He flew in last night, and we had dinner. Just the two of us for the first time in longer than I can remember. It wasn't easy. There were long silences and things left unsaid, but we got through it. He's here. That's what matters.
He catches my eye and gives me a short nod. I nod back.
The room is full of guys I've competed against for the last four years. Some of them I respect. Some of them I've wanted to put through the boards. Now we're all sitting in the same room, waiting to find out where our lives are going.
We make our way inside and take our seats. You can smell the nerves in the air. Anxious fans, players, and family are all waiting. My palms are sweaty.
She’s holding my hand. I don’t know whose palms are sweatier.
I look at her. She's not nervous. She looks completely serene. I don't know if she's faking it for my benefit or if she actually believes Boston will pick me, but either way, it helps.
Boston is on the clock.
I watch the Boston representative move toward the podium. The room suddenly feels very far away, like I'm watching it through glass. I can barely breathe. I didn’t even know how badly I wanted this until right this very moment.
Then he says my name.
It doesn't feel real. I hear it clearly, but for a full second, my brain refuses to process it. Sutton squeals and starts clapping. I don’t know how I do it, but I get to my feet. She's hugging me, and then my dad is there.
“Told you I’d get it done,” he says into my ear.
I nod. Yeah, he’s gloating, but in this case, I’ll let it slide. He just made my day.
I walk onto the stage, and a black-and-gold jersey is high above with my last name on it.
I shake hands with the rep while people clap and celebrate. My eyes find Sutton in the crowd. My dad might think he did this, but it wouldn’t have been possible without her. I wouldn’t have the dedication and drive to go pro. One day, he’ll see that.
I pull Sutton close when I can, jersey in hand, cameras still flashing.
This is it. Everything I worked for, everything I chose, everything I fought my father and my own fear to get to.
I did get my cake, and I’m going to feast on it.