Chapter 6
I wake up to the smell of coffee and thoughts of Niko still on my mind. Last night was incredible. I wasn’t expecting any of it, but am so glad I got to spend part of my night with him.
He’s surprisingly an amazing dancer. Our bodies molded together effortlessly, moving in tune with one another on the dance floor.
It was so much fun. My aura was humming the entire night.
And it’s all because of Niko. There’s something about him that calls to me, and I’m dying to be near him again to see if the same energy is present.
I reach over to my nightstand and grab my phone to reread his last text one more time.
Niko
I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun. Sweet dreams, Sadie.
And here I go, smiling like an idiot again.
I can’t recall the last time I smiled this much, especially over a man.
Shaking myself out of it, I hop out of bed and prepare for my morning meditation.
I open Spotify on my phone and turn on my sunrise playlist. Skipping over to the window, I slide open my curtains to allow the morning sun to shine through.
Pausing for a moment, I take a second to admire the golden light reflecting off the Fox River.
I’ve lived in a multitude of places, many of them more picturesque than Green Bay, but there’s something about the calming effect of still water appearing glassy and untouched.
It brings me peace and it’s the perfect backdrop to my meditation session every morning.
Music. Natural light. A beautiful view. All that’s missing is a calming scent. I open the drawer of my nightstand and pull out my basket of essential oils. I head to the bathroom to fill the tank of my diffuser.
As I walk back to my room, I notice Ellie and Lincoln sitting at the breakfast nook canoodling. Those two are sickly in love, and I really need to find my own place soon.
One thing at a time, Sadie.
Once I get my diffuser going, I grab my meditation cushion and get settled in front of the window. Taking a seat, I inhale a deep breath and begin my simple morning meditation routine.
Some people start their mornings with a cup of coffee or immediately scroll on their phone.
I, on the other hand, choose meditation.
There are so many benefits to starting your day with a quick and simple meditation session.
Not only can it help reduce stress and anxiety, but it also improves your emotional well-being, can increase your energy, and promotes better sleep at night.
My morning routine consists of deep breathing, a body scan, and daily gratitude and affirmations. It only takes about ten minutes before I’m repeating my final affirmation.
“I am worthy of love, respect, and happiness.”
Feeling worthy is something I struggle with.
I come from a family of lawyers and doctors.
While I’m proud of my siblings for joining my mom’s law firm or working in medicine like my father, I wish they could say the same for me.
They just don’t understand me and they don’t even bother trying anymore.
It wasn’t easy being the black sheep of the family, but I love what I do and that’s what matters.
I wish that’s all that mattered to my parents.
One more deep breath and I’m officially ready for the day.
Hopping up off the floor, I grab my phone before heading out to the kitchen with the lovebirds. I find Ellie practically sitting in Lincoln’s lap, and he’s whispering something in her ear causing her to giggle like a fool.
“Morning, Mom and Dad,” I sing-song to them as I open the fridge.
Ellie jumps off Lincoln and he smooths down the front of his shirt. I laugh at their embarrassment, but it also doesn’t go unnoticed that they do their best to make me feel comfortable, even if they are stupidly in love.
“Morning, Sades.” Ellie stands from her chair and walks over to give me a hug. “How’d you sleep?”
Oh, you know…I had multiple dreams about the charming captain of your team. But I think I’ll keep that little tidbit to myself for now.
“Like a baby. We closed down the bar last night.”
Lincoln chuckles before turning and resting his arm over the back of his chair. “Sorry we snuck out of there early. I don’t usually like to hang around the team at bars like that. They see enough of me at the rink. They deserve to blow off some steam without their head coach hanging around.”
Grabbing a yogurt, I close the fridge and sit down across from him at the table. “I’m sure that’s the only reason you two left early.”
Ellie groans at my joke but Lincoln doesn’t miss a beat. “You’re right. We wanted to come back here and—”
“Nope!” I cut him off. “Do not go there.”
Lincoln chuckles but thankfully doesn’t continue.
Ellie joins us at the table again; this time she sits in a chair instead of Lincoln’s lap.
I look over to her. “I missed you guys, but it was nice getting to hang out with them like that outside of work.”
Ellie smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re a part of the team now, Sadie. I think you’re going to do some real good for these guys as we get ready for playoffs. I can’t believe we finally get to work together.”
It will never get old seeing my best friend live out her dreams as the second-ever female coach in the NHL.
I’m so glad I decided to move here after the yoga studio I was the lead instructor at in Denver closed.
Ellie opened her home to me for as long as I needed, and I ended up moving in with her around the holidays.
With nowhere to go and no plan in mind, she didn’t think twice.
Never once has she judged me for my decisions and dreams of opening my own yoga studio or retreat.
She’s supported me every step of the way and continues to do so as I try to find my way here in Green Bay.
She’s the first person in my life who has truly accepted me for who I am. I may dance to the beat of my own drum, but these days Ellie is dancing right alongside me. She’s my person.
I take a bite of my yogurt and glance back at Ellie to see her staring at Lincoln again.
She may be my person, but I’m afraid I’m not hers anymore.
I’m so beyond happy she’s found a love like theirs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. I never thought I wanted that. But seeing them together, I’m starting to feel like I’m missing out on something special.
Boyfriends have never really been my thing.
Every time I thought I found someone who understood me and supported me, they eventually let me go.
“We just don’t have anything in common.” “I can’t be with someone who doesn’t have a serious career.
” After all my attempts in college, I decided that guys just don’t understand me and I’m better off alone.
How will I ever find someone who accepts me for who I am the way Ellie has? I’m the quirky girl who senses auras, loves goat yoga, and owns a chakra wand. I’m definitely not the one they’re swiping right on.
“Sadie?” Lincoln’s voice snaps me back into reality.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. What was that?”
He smiles at me and wraps his arm around Ellie’s chair. “I asked if you were heading to the rink today. Wasn’t sure when you planned on getting started with the team.”
I perk up at his question. The thought of working with the team fills me with a buzz of excitement. I can’t wait to start doing what I love again.
“Yes! I mean, yeah, I’m heading there in a little bit to meet with the athletic trainers.
They want to learn more about how yoga can help with recovery and also aid in injury prevention.
I also would love to meet with Katie if she’ll be there.
She said some of the guys on the team don’t utilize her as much as they should and she thought maybe I could help bridge the gap there. ”
Lincoln nods as he takes another sip of his coffee.
He sets it down on the table, seemingly deep in thought.
“I think that’s a great idea. I know some guys can be funny about mental health.
It’s just the way it is with athletes sometimes.
I’ve talked to a number of players about how it has personally saved my life, but a few of them still can’t buy in.
Maybe you can open their eyes to their mental well-being without putting a label on it.
Therapy isn’t a dirty word, but some guys don’t see it that way. ”
Ellie nods along as Lincoln talks, admiration clear in her eyes. I don’t blame her. Hearing a man talk openly about therapy and mental well-being is hot. Who knew emotional intelligence could be so sexy?
We all have eyes. We all know Lincoln is nice to look at. But he’s even more beautiful as a person. Ellie hit the jackpot with him, that’s for sure.
“I’d love to be another resource when it comes to mental health and maybe even teach them a few things along the way.
You guys really have no idea how excited I am to work with the team.
Yoga can be so freaking beneficial for athletes.
I know it’s almost playoffs and I don’t have a lot of time, but I really want to help you guys prepare for the postseason.
I think you’ll see a major difference in your players’ mentalities after a few sessions with me. ”
This time, Ellie turns her smile toward me. Instead of admiration, I think I see pride in her eyes. “I have no doubt you’ll be good for this team, Sadie. You’re magic. I don’t know how else to say it.”
Her compliment gives me an extra boost of confidence that sends a beaming smile stretching across my face. She may have found a new person, but she’s still my biggest fan. Maybe we’re allowed to have multiple soulmates, and Ellie’s just found another one.
Ellie looks down at her watch and scoots her chair back screeching across the floor. “Shoot. I told Sloane I’d meet her at the rink a little early to talk about Connor. She said he might be questionable for the next game.”
She leans down to kiss Lincoln, and before she can pull away he grips the back of her head to deepen their kiss.
“Ew, gross. Get a room.” It comes out in a loving, teasing type of way and causes them both to break out laughing, thankfully ending their make out session.
“We already did.” Lincoln’s voice is cocky as he waggles his eyebrows at me.
I push away from the table and raise my hands in the air. “TMI, Lincoln. I just lost my appetite.”
He laughs and stands from the table, grabbing my yogurt and what’s left of their breakfast. Lincoln starts washing the dishes, and I skip over to Ellie.
“Mind if I tag along with you? Maybe I can sit in on your meeting to learn a little bit about the injury protocol? I might have some unconventional ways to help with recovery.”
Ellie grabs her keys off the entryway table and leans down to put on her shoes. “I don’t mind at all. I think that’s a great idea. Your certification in mindfulness has helped me fight so many demons and helped me stay focused under pressure. I bet it would help a ton with injury recovery.”
As soon as I’m done slipping on my purple Nikes, I reach over to Ellie and give her a giant squeeze.
When I finally let go, she moves her head side to side, loosening her neck after my assault. “What was that for?”
Ellie cocks her head, waiting for an answer, and I can feel Lincoln’s eyes on me from across the kitchen.
Doing my best not to get choked up, I swallow before answering. “For always seeing the best in me.”