17. Calvin

CALVIN

T he locker room is buzzing as I enter to clean my things, whispers dying as all eyes turn to me. News travels fast, apparently.

“Is it true?” Luc asks, hobbling over on his crutches. “You're leaving the team?”

I nod, not trusting my voice. Declan and Emile are there too, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.

“But why?” Emile blurts out. “We're so close to making the playoffs. We need you, man.”

“Yeah. Especially with Luc out at the moment,” Declan adds. “You can't just quit on us, man. We need you!”

“And what about your contract? Your fans?” Emile presses. “You're just going to walk away?”

I take a deep breath, facing my teammates—my brothers. “Guys, I appreciate the support. Really. But the higher ups said I had to choose. And I’m choosing Olivia.”

Declan’s brow knits tight as he pulls his head back. “You’re seriously walking away over a girl? You couldn’t put a pin in it until after playoffs?”

I don’t even have the chance to open my mouth before Luc answers for me. “He’s in love, Declan. You can see it written all over his face.”

“It's not just about love,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “It's about standing up for what's right. The way they're treating her, treating us... it's not OK. And I won't be part of an organization that forces people to choose between their hearts and their careers.”

“But you're choosing,” Emile points out quietly.

“Yeah, I am. Because some things are worth fighting for.” I empty my locker, the familiar routine now tinged with finality. “Look, I know the timing sucks. And I hate letting you guys down. But Olivia... she's everything. My future. The kind of love you don't walk away from.”

The guys exchange glances, and I can see the moment understanding dawns in their eyes. Emile steps forward, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

“I get it, man. When I thought I’d have to choose between hockey and Sara, I was ready to do the same thing.”

I nod, pausing to glance back at Emile. “Thanks, man. That means a lot.”

Luc hobbles closer, a wry smile on his face. “You know, as captain, I should be pissed at you for abandoning us. But as your friend... I'm proud of you, Cal. It takes guts to walk away from everything for love.”

“Yeah, well, Olivia's worth it,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “She's everything to me.”

Declan shakes his head, disbelief etched on his features. “I just can't wrap my head around it, man. I mean, I get that she's special, but...this is your career we're talking about. Your legacy.”

I take a step forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I know it's hard to understand, Dec. But my legacy, my career...it doesn't mean a damn thing if I don't have Olivia by my side. One day, you’ll meet someone who knocks you off your axis and you’ll understand. She's my future.”

“Shit, you're really serious about this.”

“Deadly serious,” I confirm, my voice steady even as my heart races. “I love her, guys. More than I've ever loved anything. And if the team can't accept that, then...then I guess it's time for me to hang up my skates.”

Luc nods slowly, a glimmer of understanding in his gaze. “I get it, man. When you find that one person who makes everything else fade away...you gotta hold on tight. No matter the cost.”

I shoot him a grateful look, relieved that at least one of my teammates seems to grasp the depth of what I feel for Olivia.

Declan sighs, running a hand over his close-cropped hair. “I still think you're crazy. But...if this is what you need to do, then we've got your back. Right, boys?”

Emile and Luc nod in agreement, and I feel a swell of emotion in my chest. These guys...they're more than just my teammates. They're my family. And knowing they support me, even if they don't fully understand my choice...it means everything.

“Thanks, guys.”

I continue packing up my gear, each item heavy with memories. My trusty skates, worn and molded to my feet. The lucky stick I've used for every game this past two seasons. The jersey I've worn with such pride, the Nighthawks logo a badge of honor over my heart.

It hits me then, the finality of what I'm doing. I'm leaving behind the only life I've ever known, the dream I've sacrificed everything for. And for a moment, the enormity of it all threatens to swallow me whole.

But then I think of Olivia, of her brilliant smile and fiery spirit, of the way she makes me feel like I can take on the world. And I know, with bone-deep certainty, that I'm making the right choice.

Because she's worth it. Worth the risk, the uncertainty, the upending of everything I've ever known. She's my forever, my endgame. And I'll gladly walk through fire to be with her.

I finish packing, zipping my bag with a heavy sigh. This isn't the end of my story. It's just the start of a new chapter, one I'll write with Olivia by my side.

I sling my bag over my shoulder and turn to face my teammates one last time. “Take care of yourselves, guys. And kick some ass out there for me, yeah?”

Declan grins, pulling me into a rough hug. “Always, man. This team won't be the same without you.”

Emile and Luc echo the sentiment, each embracing me fiercely. And then, with a final nod and a lump in my throat, I walk out of the locker room—out of the only world I've ever called home.

The moment I’m alone in the hall, I pull my cell out of my pocket and type out a quick message to Olivia. I’ve no doubt she’s facing a situation very similar to the one I am right now, and all I want to do is run to her and comfort her.

Me:

I'm coming to you.

Her reply is almost instant.

Olivia:

Don't bother.

My heart leaps into my throat, panic rising as those little dots dance on her side, telling me she’s typing out another message. I grip the phone tighter, willing it to give me good news, some explanation that makes sense. The screen lights up with her next message.

I'm already waiting at yours

Thank fuck!

I let out a shaky breath, relief and love and anticipation swelling in my chest. She's there. Waiting for me. Ready to face this mess together, united.

I pick up my pace, practically sprinting through the halls and out into the parking lot. Olivia is my future, my forever. And I'll be damned if I waste another second without her by my side.