Page 7 of Power Play

“That’s true.” Lucy nodded matter-of-factly.

“You guys know Jason?” I asked.

“Yes, although not as well as you seem to,” Lucy said with a grin. “What’s the story there?”

Colby leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “I can’t wait. I hope it’s as good as yours,” she said to Lucy before turning her attention back to me.

I couldn’t keep up with them. It was like they were having a second conversation I wasn’t participating in even though I was in front of them.

“So?” Lucy prodded again.

“We dated,” I answered simply.

“Like ‘relationship’ dated or ‘hooked up a few times’ dated?” Colby asked.

I was about to tell her that it was none of her business, but after everything that happened in the last forty-eight hours, all the fight I had left was gone. I needed someone to talk to, confide in, and maybe even get advice from. These two women strolled into my life and it had to be a sign. I caved.

“Jason and I dated for two years in high school. He lived next door in a sponsor’s home.”

“Wait,” Colby held up her hand. “He dated you while in the Major Juniors?”

I nodded. “We kept it a secret and agreed that we would break up if it affected his game or my grades.”

They shared a look before turning back to me.

“So? You guys had to break up?” Lucy asked.

“No, actually, we managed to fall in love without either of us having to compromise. I stayed on top of homework while he practiced. I cheered him on at his games and he helped me study for tests and the SATs. Against all odds, we made it work.”

“Sounds perfect, so what happened?” Lucy’s voice softened.

“I have no idea,” I swallowed and forced myself to skip past those memories. I couldn’t allow myself to think about it. Not now. “After his season ended, he went home to graduate from his school in Canada. We planned on me visiting that summer. We planned on me attending the draft with him. After all, he was there when I got my acceptance to Michigan State. We shared in big events. I thought we were going to share our lives.” I shook my head. “I was going to finish college while he established himself in the League. We knew we’d both be busy, so it would work. Neither of us had to feel bad about not having much time for each other. After I graduated, I’d find a job in whatever city he was in and eventually we’d get married.”

“That’s heavy,” Colby whispered. “So, he went back home and what? What actually happened?”

“Nothing,” I replied. “He didn’t answer my calls or reply to my messages. I tried for months and finally gave up.”

“Wait, what?” Lucy nearly growled. “That idiot just ghosted you? After two years?”

Colby watched her friend with sad eyes, then focused back on me. “Lucy went through something really similar. Almost too similar.” She cringed. “She and Colin were college sweethearts. Supporting each other and planning their future, then he left and ruined it.”

I peeked at Lucy who seemed to calm down. “It took five years for us to find each other again.”

“It’s been four,” I admitted.

Her shoulders dropped. “Oh, Taylor. I’m sorry. I know what you’ve gone through, and I know the pain.”

I believed her. I recognized the look in her eyes. It reminded me of myself. “But you guys worked it out?”

She smiled. “It took both of us traveling to another country, but yeah, we worked it out.”

“That’s a long, glorious story for another time,” Colby interrupted. “We’re here to learn about you.”

“I already told you what happened.”

She shook her head. “No, you told us what happened then, and what you’d planned on happening in the future, but what about the four years between then and now?”

I let out a chuckle. “That isn’t exactly a happy story either.”