Chapter 30 #2
We all decided to head back to the hotel to rest after such a long day. I just want to sleep; the exhaustion is bone-deep. I pull a fresh night shirt on and walk into the living area of my hotel room, where Carson is waiting for me to finish my shower.
“Your phone’s been ringing.” He chuckles.
“Oh, really?” I grab it, and it’s Liam trying to facetime me. I answer the call laughing already. He’s on the other end, and it looks like he’s in a room full of people.
“Congratulations, my little Olympian! We’re going to Korea!” He screams, Kevin and Kane are shaking their head behind him in the frame.
“Thanks, Liam. I miss you guys.”
“Aww, miss you too, little flower. Look, we had a watch party for you!” He pans the camera around the room, and it’s Sam, Kelly, Avery, Dillan, and nearly the entire hockey team. They all cheer and congratulate me.
“Congrats, man!” Sam yells.
“Thank you guys, oh my god.” I feel so overwhelmed, my hands quivering a bit. Carson comes up behind me and helps me hold the phone up.
“Hey, Carson.” Liam drawls, batting his eyelashes so hard they might start shedding. I roll my eyes, laughing at how shameless he’s being right now.
“Hey, Liam.” He chuckles.
“Well, we just wanted to say congrats, and we’ll see you when you get back! You guys have fun.” He winks at the camera, making us both laugh.
Absolutely nothing is happening tonight. We’re both just short of passing out.
“Thank you again, guys, it means so much to me.” And I do mean that, they have no idea. I have never felt so much support collectively in my life. It’s always been just me and my parents, and now I feel like I’m leaving something so near to my heart behind so soon, too soon.
When the call ends me and Carson get settled into bed, this has to be the best feeling in the world. If this were my last day on earth, I would be happy with how I lived. I don’t know what more I could ask for, and now lying in Carson’s arms.
“I’m so proud of you.” He says softly, pulling me closer into his body.
His heartbeat lulls me to sleep.
* * *
Because we didn’t get to celebrate back in Boston, I extended my parents’ stay, and we all returned to New Jersey together. Carson insisted on taking care of the rest for me. Which we did have a little spat about because I want him to focus on work. But he won in the end.
We’re at his family’s favorite Korean restaurant he mentioned before. I’m sitting next to him, and my parents sit across from us. The drinks finally come out, and Carson makes sure to pour my parents’ drinks, mine, and when my dad pours his, I try to bite back a smile.
“Where did you meet?” My dad says.
“Oh. At the rink. Carson is the Captain of the New Jersey hockey team, Dad.” I gush, hoping he’s impressed.
Please be impressed.
“Good.” He says, eating more of his meal.
I let out a small sigh of relief because that’s as good as it’s getting with my dad, and I’m ok with that for now.
At least he’s not chasing him away, and honestly, I think he might actually secretly like Carson.
I saw them chatting for a bit about soccer, my dad’s favorite sport.
Also, it’s just impossible not to like Carson, though my dad would find a way.
“You should come to Seoul sometime.” My mom says, smiling.
“I definitely will!” Carson promises.
I look over to him and smile shyly. I’m so happy they’re all getting along.
I was a bit worried since I’ve never brought anyone to meet my parents.
I also can’t tell if they’re being nice because of that.
But I don’t care. This all feels like a dream, and if it is, never wake me; let me live out my lifetime just like this.
We finish our meal, and it’s time for my parents to head back to their hotel. The frigid air hits me as we step into the parking lot. I turn to them to say my goodbyes for the night. I’ll see them again at the airport tomorrow before we part ways. I need to stay in New Jersey for a bit still.
“You were amazing, Juyeon-ah. We’re so proud of you.” My mom hugs me tightly. Dad stands close behind her and nods. I smile at him, I know he wanted me to win gold, but I’m proud of myself. I worked hard, and I did well. I’m going to the Olympics.
That’s enough for me.
“I’ll do better next time, Dad,” I say, my smile faint.
“This time was good.” He says, patting my neck lightly. Tears are welling up in my eyes again. So much crying lately. I think this is the most I’ve cried since not making podium all those years ago.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Stop crying.” He says.
“Ok,” I say, crying anyway.
Carson is still standing by, letting us have the moment. He walks up and bows to my parents, “It was nice meeting you.”
“It was nice meeting you too. Thank you for taking care of Juyeon.” My mom tells him, giving him a hug.
“Of course, he’s precious. I’ll take good care of him.” He says, smiling when my mom laughs a bit.
“He is.” She says.
My dad gives Carson a once-over, and they exchange a little nod.
“Don’t forget to visit when you’re back home, or your mother will be upset.” My dad says, but I know by now that means he’ll be upset.
He wants me to bring Carson to visit them at home, and I couldn’t be happier right now. Their car pulls up, and my mom gives us a final hug before getting in, and they head off. I turn to Carson, who’s looking at me expectantly.
“I think your parents love me.” He smirks.
“Oh, here we go. You’re so smug.”
“I mean, I’m the perfect son-in-law if I do say so, and I’m rich.”
“Sure you are.” I roll my eyes.
“Am I not?” He says, stepping into my space and wrapping his arm around me.
“I would like to withhold my comments.”
“So proud of you, Julian.” He says, his lips hovering over mine.
“Thank you…Thank you for being here for me, Carson.” I close the distance first, pressing my mouth against his in a warm and slow kiss.