Kailyn
After we left Coach’s office a couple days ago with a plan set in place, things have been better all around.
Hannah and I officially filed harassment claims against Eric and now we’re just waiting to see what happens next.
HR plans to talk to him, which is a good first step, so it’s just a waiting game at this point.
They were also made aware of Jake and I’s relationship.
After questions about the complaint filed against us, making sure that no rules were broken or professional boundaries were crossed, they’ve declared that we are in the clear and we won’t face any consequences or penalties.
It’s good to know that this time around HR is taking things seriously and doing a full investigation into our allegations, especially after Hannah was dismissed last time. Right now, there’s nothing I can do but sit back and wait it out, which is easier said than done.
I just have to trust that Coach and the team have our backs and be prepared to fight this if it comes down to it.
On a brighter note, Jake and I are officially going to have our first date since getting back together. With our schedule it’s been hard to find time to make actual plans, and I’m really excited to spend some quality time with him outside of hockey and work.
I finish applying my mascara and take one final glance at myself in the mirror before walking out of the bathroom and into my bedroom to finish changing.
When I asked what we were doing, he said he would cook dinner at his place and it would be just a casual, intimate date, so I decided to dress up a little.
I’m wearing one of my favorite dark blue floral boho style dresses that has off the shoulder sleeves, a cut out drawstring under my bust and flows just above my knees. I’ve paired them with my white wedges that I stole back from my sister.
I’m also wearing my favorite lingerie underneath, a lace baby pink set. I wasn’t sure if I was going to wear it, only because of my cycle, but luckily it ended yesterday, and I’m feeling a surge of confidence in myself, especially after Jake reminded me of the power and beauty that I hold.
I bought it when I was back in L.A. and needed a pick me up one day.
I’d been feeling really insecure that day, one of my coworkers that I thought was my friend telling me that I was too fat to ever be attractive to any man.
I had been walking around the shops by myself when I saw this lingerie store, and on the mannequin was this beautiful set that I couldn’t take my eyes off of.
The worker who saw me, also a beautiful plus sized girl like me with an hourglass figure and soft hips, brought me in and encouraged me to try it on.
I was hesitant at first, not feeling very beautiful or sexy, but when she told me about how she felt more powerful in lingerie, that it gave her back her confidence, I felt like it was a sign that I should try it on.
Once I stepped into the dressing room and tried the set on, I instantly felt that power and confidence she was telling me about.
I didn’t have anyone at home to wear this for, wasn’t going to show myself to anyone, but wearing it made me feel sexy just for me, and I hadn’t had that in a long time.
When I needed a pick me up, a reminder that I was beautiful, I would put it on just for me and walk around admiring my curves and my figure.
It made me feel proud of myself, of the body that I have and the beauty that I saw staring back at me.
I’m grabbing my purse and walking out the door when an incoming text pops up.
Jake
Hey beautiful, dinner’s almost done. Can’t wait to see you
I’m leaving my place now. I can’t wait to see you, too, handsome
I walk over to the elevator, making my way down and out to my car, hopping in and starting the short drive to his place.
A few minutes later, I’m pulling up and parking in his driveway, smiling to myself as butterflies fill my stomach, before getting out of the car and walking up to his front door.
He’s right there before I can even knock, opening the door with a sexy as hell smile painted across his face.
He’s also dressed casually in a black T-shirt that stretches thin over his muscles tucked into a pair of grey slacks that do little to hide what’s underneath.
“My eyes are up here, baby girl,” he teases, and I can't hide the blush that paints my face.
“I know, but I couldn’t help myself,” I tease back, and he laughs before extending a hand out to me, lacing our fingers as he guides me into his house.
I take the opportunity to look around, noticing how spacious and cozy his place looks.
His walls are painted in warm white tones that are offset by the beautiful and cozy looking dark grey sectional in the living room.
The floor plan is an open concept, his kitchen having no wall separating it.
There’s no dining table, but he does have an island in the middle that has four stools set up.
I continue into the house, not letting go of his hand as he follows closely behind.
As I continue to scan the room, I notice the pictures that line his walls.
Many of them are professional shots of him in the NHL, some are with his teammates, some are by himself, but there’s one picture that really captures my eye.
Right in the center of them is a picture from the day he was drafted to the Blaze.
It’s of him, holding his brand new jersey with his last name, surrounded by Coach Davenport and his dad who has such a bright smile on his face.
Next to it is another picture of him and his dad.
I’m assuming from the very first game he scored in based off the puck that he’s holding.
Jake lets go of my hand as he steps even closer and places his hands on my waist pressing closely into my back.
“He was so proud of me for making it into the NHL. It was the happiest I had seen him in a while.” The softness in his voice tells me that this conversation means a lot to him, so I sink back into his muscular chest and let him know I’m here for whatever he wants to say.
“It wasn’t long after that he was diagnosed with cancer, and it took everything from him.
” His voice trembles. “I wanted to quit, stay home, and be with him. I hated that I was away when he was sick and needed me, but he told me that he didn’t want to see me give up my dreams just to watch him slowly whither away.
When I made my first goal, I remember he was sitting in the family box.
I looked up to see him jumping up and down, screaming about how excited he was.
It was because of everything that he did, every sacrifice he made, every job he worked and practice and game he took me too that I got to where I was. ”
Tears wet the top of my head as his arms tremble, so I turn around to face him, hurt in his deep brown eyes.
I reach up and wipe at his cheeks, holding him to me and giving him all of my strength, because I know how important his dad is to him.
“He was so incredibly proud of you. You were his pride and joy, and even though he’s not here to see you play or live out your dreams, he’s right here, in your heart and he’s watching you from wherever he is, smiling and probably telling everyone he can that his son is an NHL superstar. ” That earns a small chuckle from him.
Any game that his dad could attend during his high school years, he would tell anyone and everyone, strangers included, that his son was going to be an NHL superstar one day.
“I just miss him so much. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t missed him.”
There’s not much I can say in a situation like this.
The pain someone can feel when losing someone they love is heartbreaking and devastating.
I wish I could take that pain away from him, bring his dad back, but I can’t.
All we can do is keep his memory alive and remind ourselves of how proud he was. How much he loved his son.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all sappy on our date.” He releases me to wipe away the tears coming out of his eyes.
“It’s okay. I’m glad you got to share those memories with me.”
“Me, too. I never really talk about him with anyone anymore. I’m grateful I get to have this moment with you.” He smiles at me, and then leans in and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “Come on, dinner’s ready.”
We walk over to the kitchen where he has a bottle of white and red wine sitting on the counter, as well as plates and set ups. He bends over to pull the pan out of the oven, and the savory smells of fresh garlic bread and alfredo pasta waft into the air, making my mouth water.
Setting the pan down, he turns to me and starts to plate the food. “I hope this is okay, I know it used to be one of your favorites.” He smiles sheepishly as his movements slow, and I take a step forward, placing a lingering kiss on his lips.
“This is perfect. And yes, it’s still one of my favorites.
” Smiling, he finishes plating the dishes before he reaches into the cupboards, grabbing two wine glasses.
“I also wasn’t sure which one you’d like.
I texted Lainey to ask, and she said either a moscato or a red rosé, so I got one of each.
She also told me that sometimes alcohol affects your PMOS, so if you don’t want any, I have plenty of other options. ”
This man is so thoughtful and so perfect. If I wasn’t already in love with him, this would definitely seal the deal.
Because I am in love with him. I never stopped being in love with him, even when I thought the worst of things after we ended. Even when I was at my lowest, I still held Jake Spencer in my heart, because deep down I knew no one could ever fill that space like he could.
“The red is perfect.” I smile at him.