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And with my latest pitch to Coach, I think it's possible.
Rounding the corner, I'm ready to put down my bags and prep for the next few hours.
That is, until a hand falls on my shoulder from behind.
I turn, my gaze clashing instantly with George Corso's.
As in the owner of the Chicago Blades. The big boss. The man who could crush my career with a stroke of a pen.
“Jacob,” he greets coolly, a hint of something unreadable in his voice.
I straighten, chin lifting. “Mr. Corso. Good to see you.”
"Is it?" His sharp eyes catch mine below a head of grey-streaked dark hair, and I can practically feel him dissecting me piece by piece. "I heard about....you and Gabi."
I adjust the shoulder of my bag on my shoulder. "Figured you had." I clear my throat. "Of course the press likes to run with bullshit."
"Not just the press." Another pause. "You know how I feel about distractions on my team, Jacob. Especially during playoffs."
"I understand that, sir."
"Do you?" He steps closer, and for a second, I think he's going to sock me one. But instead, his voice lowers, turns almost...confidential? "You know, to be honest, when I heard about the two of you coming together, I had my doubts."
"Doubts, sir? What, uh, whatever for?"
"Well, one of my players dating my new Public Relations Manager? Don't get me wrong. Gabriella seems to be a fantastic woman. But as you now know, having a relationship in the spotlight means things can get...messy."
I don't know whether to be relieved or offended. "Well, sir, with all due respect, Gabi and I have always been professional enough to keep our personal lives separate from work."
"That's what I like to hear. So, this relationship of yours, just to be clear...was never a farce? It’s not some publicity stunt like the press was making out to be?"
I open my mouth and close it again, unsure of how to answer.
Because the truth is, when Gabi and I first started this fake engagement ruse to save my ass from a PR disaster, I'd known something was wrong. Something was off. From the very start.
Because fake relationships shouldn't make you feel the way I was feeling. Like I'd lay down my life and limb just to hear her laugh. Like I'd move the moon and heavens just to see her smile.
Like I'd do anything and everything possible to make sure she was always safe and happy.
Even if it meant she was safe and happy in a life without me in it.
I take a deep breath and meet his eyes. "No, sir. It was never a farce. Not a single moment of it."
"Good. Glad to hear it. Some of us are not so lucky." His own eyes drift before he nods. "Well, that's all I needed to hear, then. Carry on."
And just like that, he turns and walks away.
I stand there for a few minutes, letting his words sink in. About my relationship. About his feelings about love.
Maybe the whole world was faking happiness and love, trying to hold onto something that was never truly there.
But for the first time in a long time, I know one thing for certain.
I've never had to fake a single thing when it came to Gabi.
Not the way I feel about her. Not the way she makes me a better person every day. And definitely not the love that has grown between us, despite all odds and obstacles.
And if I could come to that realization, so could she.
