Page 86 of Hockey Player Seeking Fan

“Because you love him,” she says simply. “And when you love someone, they bring out all the positive traits inside of you, and they bring out all the love. And hey, it's okay to love him.”

“I know it's okay to love him,” I admit finally. “But I'm scared. I'm scared what's going to happen when I finally come to terms with the fact that he doesn't love me.”

Sabrina blinks and nods slowly. “I don't know what to say,” she says. “All I can say is that if that moment comes, I will be here for you—and I'll love you double the amount that he could ever love you, okay?”

I reach over and squeeze her hand and nod. “Thank you,” I say simply.

“So, are you ready for your game?” I ask Tyler as I lie back in my bed.

“Not really,” he says. “But I’m not going to tell my coach that.” He chuckles. “We’ve got practice early tomorrow, and then we’ve got the game the next day. If all goes well, we’ll win the championship. And if all doesn’t go well, we’ll be losers.”

“But you would still be second place.”

“That’s nothing.” He bursts out laughing. “Second place is as good as last. In fact, it’s worse than last because you came so close you could almost taste it, and then you failed.”

“Well, I hope you don’t fail,” I say. “Shall I come to the game?”

“Do you—if you want,” he says. “You were my good luck charm at the last game.”

“I don’t know about that, but it was fun watching you skate around the ice. And now that I’m almost a figure skater?—”

“What are you talking about? Almost? You could be in the Olympics, Erica.”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks for that. But…”

“What? Johnny Weir called me last night and was asking about you.”

“Very funny.” I giggle. “I sucked. But I appreciate the sentiment. You were a good teacher.”

“Well, when I have a student like you… So, Erica. Erica.”

“Yes? Tyler. Tyler. Tyler.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m in my room.”

“In your chair?”

“I’m in my bed.”

“Ooh. And what are you wearing?”

“Are we having phone sex right now, Tyler?”

“Right now we’re just talking. Why? Would you like to have phone sex?”

“No, I was just curious why you were asking me what I was wearing.”

“Because I’m lying here right now naked, and I was wondering if you were naked, too.”

“Would you like me to be naked?” I say lightly, hoping that no one is standing outside my door with a glass, trying to listen.

And by no one, I mean my brother… or Sabrina.

"Hold on a second," I say as I jump up out of the bed and walk over to the door. "What are you doing?"

"I'm making sure my door is locked, just in case someone comes in."