Page 93 of Melt His Heart

“Your phone’s been ringing.” He chuckles.

“Oh, really?” I grab it, and it’s Liam trying to facetime me. I answer the call laughing already. He’s on the other end, and it looks like he’s in a room full of people.

“Congratulations, my little Olympian! We’re going to Korea!” He screams, Kevin and Kane are shaking their head behind him in the frame.

“Thanks, Liam. I miss you guys.”

“Aww, miss you too, little flower. Look, we had a watch party for you!” He pans the camera around the room, and it’s Sam, Kelly, Avery, Dillan, and nearly the entire hockey team. They all cheer and congratulate me.

“Congrats, man!” Sam yells.

“Thank you guys, oh my god.” I feel so overwhelmed, my hands quivering a bit. Carson comes up behind me and helps me hold the phone up.

“Hey, Carson.” Liam drawls, batting his eyelashes so hard they might start shedding. I roll my eyes, laughing at how shameless he’s being right now.

“Hey, Liam.” He chuckles.

“Well, we just wanted to say congrats, and we’ll see you when you get back! You guys have fun.” He winks at the camera, making us both laugh.

Absolutely nothing is happening tonight. We’re both just short of passing out.

“Thank you again, guys, it means so much to me.” And I do mean that, they have no idea. I have never felt so much support collectively in my life. It’s always been just me and my parents, and now I feel like I’m leaving something so near to my heart behind so soon, too soon.

When the call ends me and Carson get settled into bed, this has to be the best feeling in the world. If this were my last day on earth, I would be happy with how I lived. I don’t know what more I could ask for, and now lying in Carson’s arms.

“I’m so proud of you.” He says softly, pulling me closer into his body.

His heartbeat lulls me to sleep.

* * *

Because we didn’t get to celebrate back in Boston, I extended my parents’ stay, and we all returned to New Jersey together. Carson insisted on taking care of the rest for me. Which we did have a little spat about because I want him to focus on work. But he won in the end.

We’re at his family’s favorite Korean restaurant he mentioned before. I’m sitting next to him, and my parents sit across from us. The drinks finally come out, and Carson makes sure to pour my parents’ drinks, mine, and when my dad pours his, I try to bite back a smile.

“Where did you meet?” My dad says.

“Oh. At the rink. Carson is the Captain of the New Jersey hockey team, Dad.” I gush, hoping he’s impressed.

Please be impressed.

“Good.” He says, eating more of his meal. I let out a small sigh of relief because that’s as good as it’s getting with my dad, and I’m ok with that for now. At least he’s not chasing him away, and honestly, I think he might actually secretly like Carson. I saw them chatting for a bit about soccer, my dad’s favorite sport.

Also, it’s just impossible not to like Carson, though my dad would find a way.

“You should come to Seoul sometime.” My mom says, smiling.

“I definitely will!” Carson promises.

I look over to him and smile shyly. I’m so happy they’re all getting along. I was a bit worried since I’ve never brought anyone to meet my parents. I also can’t tell if they’re being nice because of that. But I don’t care. This all feels like a dream, and if it is, never wake me; let me live out my lifetime just like this.

We finish our meal, and it’s time for my parents to head back to their hotel. The frigid air hits me as we step into the parking lot. I turn to them to say my goodbyes for the night. I’ll see them again at the airport tomorrow before we part ways. I need to stay in New Jersey for a bit still.

“You were amazing, Juyeon-ah. We’re so proud of you.” My mom hugs me tightly. Dad stands close behind her and nods. I smile at him, I know he wanted me to win gold, but I’m proud of myself. I worked hard, and I did well. I’m going to the Olympics.

That’s enough for me.

“I’ll do better next time, Dad,” I say, my smile faint.