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Lex nods, seemingly encouraged by the commentary, though I can’t shake the gnawing feeling inside me.
“It’s like they’re stepping out from his shadow,” she murmurs, her gaze flickering between the match and my face.
I'm not sure my face can hide the heartbreak I’m feeling for Jacob, but I try to put on a brave front.
Is that truly what Jacob wanted? To blend in and support his teammates, while sacrificing his moment to shine?
The crowd roars as the Blades make a perfectly timed play, sending chills down my spine. I want to cheer, but all I can think of is Jacob.
His dreams. His pain. And what he might be feeling sitting on the bench, watching it all unfold without him.
I take a deep breath, feeling the tightness in my chest as the commentators continue to praise the Blades’ newfound unity.
But I know the truth.
This wasn’t just Coach's call. It was Jacob’s.
Even as they highlight the sacrifices being made, they can’t see the weight of that choice resting heavily on his shoulders.
His pride is taking a hit, I know, and the ache in my heart deepens at the thought. Yet, there’s that glimmer of resolve in him.
As I watch the game unfold, a pang of familiarity strikes me.
Jacob has stepped back for the team, just as he has done for me time and again these last few weeks.
Overwhelming guilt washes over me for not realizing the true extent of his selflessness.
I join in the cheering as the Blades score another goal, but my mind is still on Jacob.
“He’s taken a step back, hasn’t he?" Lex whispers, watching the screen. "To support the team?"
I nod, my throat almost too tight to speak. "He's always been like that."
"But you see it now, don’t you? How much he really cares about everyone else? How much he cares about you?"
"More than I ever realized. And now he's not even on the ice to see it pay off."
"Maybe that's not what he needs. Maybe this is the bigger victory for him."
I can see that it is, in a way.
It’s a big deal for Jacob to put the team first and let them find their way, even if it means missing out on the glory.
It's a lesson in his selflessness that I never fully grasped until now.
My throat burns, tears stinging my eyes as I glance over at Lex. "Thank you for helping me see it."
She smiles, squeezing my hand. "That's what friends are for." She looks at the screen, then at the chicken wings on the table, before grabbing her car keys. She sighs. "I really did want those wings. But I'm sure we can catch him before the game is over."
"Catch who?"
"Okay, so I'm going to blame that on pregnancy brain. You know who. A certain sandy-brown haired, blue-eyed, hockey player who deserves a little recognition."
I laugh as a tear takes a tour down my cheek. "Right. Let's go give him the credit he deserves."
Standing, Lex grabs the keys, and we make our way out of her apartment, my heart pounding with anticipation the entire time.
Chapter 28
