Chapter 39 Choose Your Own Adventure Beau #2
“I did. I fucking rocked that thing, and the best part is, I can keep up with my influencing. Maybe shift the focus to analyzing pro games. Especially with the new women’s hockey league starting up.
I can inspire so many more girls. But I’m going to adjust my image.
Just be myself. The crazy cat lady who loves everything about hockey. Let it all hang out, you know?”
I set her down, pressing my forehead to hers. “You are incredible.”
“Miss Wilder?” A smooth but unfamiliar female voice interrupts our moment.
The smile slips from her face, lips pursing in annoyance. “Yes.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to come down here to personally congratulate you and the team. Plus, Miss Leighton said you wanted to arrange a meeting.”
Luna pulls away from me so fast there’s almost a breeze, running a hand through the tangled strands of her hair.
“Seraph… I mean, Miss Blanchard?”
Oh shit. Seraphina Blanchard. I straighten my back, turning toward the woman with my most practiced Whitaker smile, but I take a step back so Luna can speak to her.
She’s not in business mode, wearing jeans and a crisp pink button-up shirt. But she still looks like the titan she is. Smooth and polished, but still friendly and open. That’s a skill I need to learn.
“It’s okay. You can call me Seraphina.” She holds out a hand to Luna, who gives it an enthusiastic shake, then turns to me. “Mr. Whitaker.”
“Lovely to meet you. You can call me Beau,” I tell her.
“You’re not what I was expecting,” she says to me.
“You mean I’m not my dad?”
She laughs. “Maybe that’s it. But, Luna, you were amazing out there on the ice.
Makes me miss my college hockey days. The thrill of the chase, the high of scoring a goal.
Which is why I’m so intent on expanding the women’s league.
Give all the female hockey players out there a chance to shine and show everyone what we’re made of. ”
“I agree. The work you’re doing is incredible,” says Luna, and I can tell she’s trying to keep the fangirling in check.
“And that brings me back to another piece of business. I want you to know I never authorized cutting Lakeview out of the running for my foundation’s deal.
It was an overeager PR assistant who put out that information.
I always intended to come out here to meet you two in person.
But I’ve been a little busy getting the league in order and didn’t get a chance until now. ”
“Oh. I just want you to know it was never a lie. Beau and me. It’s real. It wasn’t a publicity stunt. I love him.” Warmth fills me at those words. I can’t get enough of hearing her say them.
“Yeah, you do.”
She elbows me. “Shush. But really…”
Seraphina gives us a glossy red-lipsticked smile. “Don’t worry, I never believe what the media has to say. You wouldn’t believe some of the lies I’ve read about myself in the paper.”
“I can only imagine.” We’ve had such similar upbringings. I really can empathize.
Luna looks at me, nibbles her lip and turns back to Seraphina. “So then is there any chance? Lakeview is still…”
“In the running for the partnership? My decision was made weeks ago.”
My heart aches at the devastation on Luna’s face, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right for our teams.
“It’s you guys. Lakeview is officially getting the Blanchard Foundation sponsorship.
I wanted to tell the two of you in person before it goes public.
That’s why I came here today. The charity event and the calendar are really a testament to how well your two teams have come together this year.
I love seeing it. We need support and cooperation between the men’s and women’s teams.”
“Really?” Luna’s mouth falls open, and she turns to me. The shock on her face mirrors the feeling rippling through me.
“Yes, really.” She reaches out for a handshake.
A man in a dark suit steps up behind her, whispering something in her ear. “It was lovely to meet you, but I do have to head out. I’ve got a plane to catch.”
“Thank you so much.” Luna has stars in her eyes, and I can almost see her vibrating with excitement.
“My pleasure. I’m looking forward to working with Lakeview next year and also seeing where your careers take you after graduation. Perhaps we’ll get another opportunity to work together.”
“Absolutely,” Luna says, and I nod my agreement.
Seraphina gives us a wave and mouths an apology as she answers a call then walks away.
Luna claps her hands and hurls herself at me, and I reach out to catch her.
“We did it!”
“No, you did it. I was just along for the ride. You’re fucking amazing.”
We crash together in a victory kiss. Her hands cup my cheeks to pull me closer, and as always, it’s a little easier to breathe when I have her here in my arms.
Wright’s is already packed when we get there.
It’s a lot. Sensory overload. The lights, the music thumping beneath the roar of conversation and laughter.
But I take a deep breath, grab Luna’s hand and shut my eyes for a moment.
It’s almost as if I can feel her energy flowing through me, and I know I can handle this.
There’s a hand-painted sign above the bar that reads “CHAMPS” in sparkly gold letters, and someone’s taped a grainy printed picture of Luna’s game-winning goal to the jukebox. They acted fast.
It’s loud and messy. Two things I never thought I’d like. But it’s familiar, and it feels like home. I’m going to miss this place when we graduate.
Maisie is holding court near the pool table, recounting the third-period play-by-play with lots of enthusiastic arm gestures.
Beth is flirting with the bartender. He’s so engrossed in what she has to say, the other bartender is shooting him dirty looks as the line grows.
JJ and Hail are in a heated debate over which team has the best retro jerseys of all time.
And somehow Cece has ended up in a conga line with three players from the women’s third line and a guy in a ghost onesie. That one is a total mystery.
Luna leans into me as we slip through the crowd, her hand warm in mine.
“You good?” she asks over the noise.
I nod. “More than.”
It’s not a performance this time. Not a mask. I actually mean it. But I also know that when it’s too much. When I need to leave, she’ll understand. Because she understands me, and she accepts me. I’m finally learning what a genuine partnership is about. And this is it.
We find a quieter corner near the back. Someone hands us drinks. Someone else tries to get us to join karaoke. Luna promises maybe later with a wink and then turns to me, eyes soft.
“You know what this feels like?” she asks.
“Victory?”
“Well, yeah.” She grins. “But also… full circle.”
And she’s right.
The same people who were trying to tear her down. Judging us as fake and trolling her social media are here celebrating the win. Because she turned the narrative around. She didn’t quit, and neither did I. We did this together.
Maisie hops up on a table and raises her drink. “To women in sports!” she yells. “And men who finally get their heads out of their asses!”
A smattering of cheers rings out. Luna laughs so hard she nearly spits her drink out. I hold my hands out and duck my head in a bow.
She leans in. “You’re lucky you’re hot.”
I kiss her cheek. “You’re lucky I’m reformed.”
She gives me a look. “Are you?”
I shrug. “Work in progress.”
After more toasts and a slow song that pulls her into my arms in the middle of the bar, we step outside for air. The night is clear and quiet. The buzz of celebration hums behind us, muffled by the door.
She wraps her arms around my waist, and I lean down to kiss her hair.
“You still sure?” I ask. There are so many layers to the question. She’s got the job offer, and I’ve got my draft plans. It’s not going to be easy. What happens if I get drafted to the other side of the country?
She doesn’t hesitate. “Always.”
And this time, I believe her.
Because for the first time in my life, I’m sure of me, too.