Chapter 36
Olivia
Six months later
I grab the last box from the living room and look around the empty house. I have so many good memories here from when my dad was alive. Happy memories of us watching hockey together and him helping me with homework as best as he could. I have sad memories too, of holidays spent alone and lonely nights when all I would do is sit quietly at home and avoid people.
I’ve been renting out the house for the last five months, but when the tenants decided to leave early and I found out Grams fell and broke her hip, I decided it was time to sell. I’m using the money from the sale to get Grams set up in a nice assisted living community in Grand Marquee which is only a 10 minute drive from Robbie’s house. No, our house.
I’ve been living with him since March and I’ve never been happier. The nonprofit youth hockey foundation is taking off wonderfully. Robbie and Alex not only manage the day to day tasks, but they also coach the little kids. When I’m not helping on the marketing side, I’m down on the ice as well helping out.
The NHL offered me a five year contract to referee at the AHL level and I accepted. This is exactly what I hoped out of my career and I am well on the path of making it to the NHL, despite all the setbacks life tried to throw at me. I’m lucky to have a partner who understands my dream and encourages me to pursue it every day. And if it doesn’t work out, I always have the foundation to return to.
While this is Robbie’s project, I couldn’t help but feel included as well from day one. When I’m not traveling for my job, I plan to continue working part time at the foundation. There’s something really magical about seeing the smiles on those kids' faces when they come in for practice.
It reminds me of my early days in the little leagues and how hard my dad tried to make ends meet. I’ve talked to several parents and guardians and most of them are in similar situations, which is why we are planning to host a variety of donation events to help pay for kids’ gear. Thankfully, Robbie’s connections with the team are still strong and they are more than happy to partner up with the foundation and give back to the community.
Robbie comes up behind me and puts an arm around my collarbone, pulling me back into his chest. “Are you ready, love?”
I nod and take one last look at the house. “I’m ready. Let’s go home.”