2. Chapter Two

I did it. I made it to graduation day! I received not only my bachelor's degree but also a master's in applied physiology and kinesiology. I'm graduating at the top of my class with honors. Fuck ya! Dammit… I am going to have to watch my language when I get home. Because I am going home. Well, home adjacent.

I've gotten so many job offers that I don't even know where I want to go. I've sat down, contemplating every single offer, and they blow my mind. I received three offers from the NFL, two for the NBA, and four from NHL teams. How is it possible that I got this many offers before I even graduated?

"A little birdie told me several of your teachers have sent out recommendations for you."

I arch a brow. "How do you know that?"

Jess snorts a laugh. "I'm the local gossip, girl. It's my job to know everything that goes on in this school."

I laugh. "Well, we graduate in three days. It won't be your school for much longer."

"A pity really." She laughs. "Do you know which offer you'll accept?"

I shrug. "I want to work with the NHL, so I'll have to decline the other offers."

Her eyes glitter with excitement. "Which teams offered you a spot?"

Pulling out the offers again, I list them. "Let's see. Tampa Tiger Sharks, Michigan Lansing Lynx, Missouri Mambas, and the Washington Wraiths."

She hums. "Those are good choices. Tampa's not that far away. You wouldn't have to move. You could stay in the sun and sand. Missouri is often called misery, so I'm not sure you want to go there. Michigan's hella cold in the winter, and so is Washington."

"I grew up in Washington, so the cold isn't a turnoff."

She arches her brow. "You do realize you've been here for five years? You are not cold-weather ready, girl."

I shrug. "It shouldn't be that hard."

She huffs before falling onto my bed in our shared dorm. "Whatever. I assume by your tone that you are heading up North. Michigan or Washington?"

My brows pinch as I debate. Though it isn't much of a decision. It would be nice to be close to home again. "I'm thinking Washington. I miss home."

"Whatever girl. I'm staying in the land of sun and sand."

"You're going with the NHL, too, right?"

She hums. "That's the plan."

"Well, don't leave a girl in suspense! Where are you going?"

She smirks as she says, "I got an offer with Tampa, too."

I laugh as I slap her arm. "You wanted me to choose Tampa, too, so we could get a place together."

She shrugs. "Can't blame a girl for trying. But I'll make sure to bug you when our boys meet on the ice." She holds out a fist for me to bump.

Bumping mine to hers, I say, "See you on the ice, then."

Looking out over the sea of students, I meet my classmates' eyes and finish my speech. "So get out there and do your best. Congratulations graduating class of 2025!"

Everyone erupts from their seats and throws their cap in the air. I can't stop smiling as I make my way down the steps and off the stage, being careful of my ankle. While working, I always wear a brace, but otherwise, I leave my ankle free and clear. My physical therapist says I don't need the brace anymore, but I want to avoid any more accidents.

In the years following that awful day, I slowly regained strength in my ankle, and I've since been able to get back out on the ice. I've been teaching the kids here in town how to skate, and each of them begged their parents to come to my graduation.

One of the little girls I taught for the last three years races up to me. Wrapping me in a hug, she squeals, "You did it!"

I smile and pat her back. "Yes, I did, Suzzy. Thank you so much for the hug." Looking around, I find several more of my students. One of the few boys shuffles forward, holding out a card he had hidden behind his back. "What do you have there, JJ?"

His smile is adorable, his front teeth missing, as he says, "We got you a card, Miss Liz."

Taking the card from the little boy, I say, "Thank you!" When I read it, I have to take a deep breath. It's a handmade card that reads, "We will miss you." I look at each of the kids. "I'll miss you all too."

Suzzy jumps up and down as she cries, "Open it!"

Biting my lip, I nod. When I flip it open, I see that each of the kids drew something small and signed it. My eyes burn as my gaze meets each child before shifting to their parents. They all look at me with teary smiles of their own.

"We appreciate everything you have done," one of the parents says.

I shake my head. "It was my absolute pleasure."

Another parent speaks up. "We know they didn't pay you much to teach the lessons, but we really do appreciate everything you did for our kids."

"We made a call to the rink in Seattle and the surrounding areas," Suzzy's mother says. "We told them you would be an incredible asset, and that they should reach out to you. I'm sure you'll be busy with the new job but still."

"No. I really appreciate the thought. Thank you." A hand squeezes my shoulder softly. I look over to find my dad standing there with a smile.

"We need to get going, kiddo."

"Right!" I nod and look back at the kids. "Alright, everyone! Remember everything I taught you, and make sure you get up, no matter how many times you fall."

All the kids yell a chorus of, "Yes, Miss Liz!"

I hold my arms out. "Okay everyone! Group hug!"

The kids squeal as they all squeeze in close. I make sure to pat each kid on the head, so they know how much I care. It's my mother who eventually says, "So sorry to ruin the group hug, but Miss Liz has a schedule to keep if she wants to get to work on time."

As much as I hate leaving these kids, there is a new life waiting for me. "Okay, kiddos, disperse!" I call with a laugh. They all squeal and rush back to their parents. My dad pats me on the back as I slowly turn toward the parking lot.

"You did good, Liz."

"Thanks, da."

He kisses the top of my head. "Let's get you settled in Seattle. It's going to be nice to have you home."

I nod. It will be nice to be home. There are only a few weeks left for me to get settled before I start my new job. It may be the off season, but that doesn't mean there isn't a job to do. I need to learn the players' names that I'll oversee and make sure I have a system down for treating the players before the regular season starts. Four and a half months before the season starts, then the real fun begins.

…I didn't realize that two of my boys would come to mean more to me than I was comfortable admitting. I oversaw ten men who would have my back no matter what. They were my boys, but I'd fall for not only one but two of them. The bonds I'd make with my boys would be stronger than I ever thought possible. Our friendships stronger than any bond Emmitt and I ever had. A love I never thought possible…