Page 80 of Remember Me

He sighs and looks out the window as he answers.

“It felt like the done thing, you know? You probably don’t remember this, but when we graduated and found out I was going straight to the Seals instead of a farm team first, this was the first thing I purchased. You even said then it didn’t feel like it was something I’d live in. You were right because, even before your accident, I basically lived at yours when I wasn’t playing.”

I reach for him, and he envelopes me in his warm arms and I rest my head on his shoulder. I soak up every inch of him: the feel of his soft hoodie against my skin, the smell of cedar from his cologne tickling my nose, and the deep sigh of contentment I hear coming from his chest. “So, we’ve basically been roommates forever?”

He chuckles as he comes to sit next to me and we start to watch another episode of The Great British Bake Off while we wait for our food to arrive.

My phone pings with a text.

*Puck Sluts Group Chat*

Alyssa - Barbeque tomorrow at Mom’s

Alyssa - Spread the word to the guys

Kayla - On it

Charlotte - I’ll tell Jake

Charlotte - He said he’ll tell Codey

Alyssa - I’ll let Theo know

She’ll tell Theo, huh?

The intercom rings and it’s the doorman letting us know our pizza and ice cream is here and is on its way up. We put the ice cream in the freezer for now and devour our pizzas in record time. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. I can feel my eyes closing as I lean against Jake. “Ok, sleepyhead. I think it’s time to go to bed.”

I couldn’t agree more, I’m dead tired. “Let's go. You’ll need to lend me something to sleep in if that’s ok?”

“Baby, I have no issues with you sleeping naked next to me.” He waggles his brows as he passes me one of my crutches and we make our way to his bedroom.

Once we’re inside, I can see this room is much more lived in, and as he said, the place where he spends the majority of his time when he’s not playing. There’s what looks like a super king-size bed on the far wall with views from those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows again. A door leads to a walk-in closet and ensuite, and there’s a huge tv hanging on the wall opposite the bed with various games consoles underneath. But what really grabs my attention is a bookshelf filled with books and photos.

I wander over for a closer look. There’s one of him and his sister at her graduation, one of him and his teammates, one of his mom and who I assume is his dad, and then one catches my eye. It’s us, with me in a San Diego University hockey jersey. “When’s this from?”

“When I got drafted to the NHL. You don’t remember?”

I shake my head before going to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I grab Jake’s T-shirt and slip it on. As we both get into bed and face each other, I ask him.

“Will you tell me about it?”

Jake - Age 18

Draft day is upon us and to say I’m nervous is an understatement. Me and Jacques, my teammate and friend, are currently sitting with his parents, my mom, Alyssa, and Louis—Jacques’ brother—in Buffalo, New York, waiting for the draft to begin. And of course, Lottie is here next to me. I couldn’t not share this moment with her.

San Diego has the first pick, and it's heavily rumored that choice is going to be me. I try not to pay too much attention as, one, I don’t want to get my hopes up, and two, as long as I get selected in the draft, I don’t mind if I’m first or seventh. There’s quiet in the arena as the draft gets underway, and it’s not long before Darryl Jones, the GM of the Seals, takes to the stage, jersey in hand ready to make his choice. “The San Diego Seals’ first draft pick is…from San Diego University, Jake Smithson!” The crowd roars and I cannot believe what I’ve just heard—it’s almost like an out-of-body experience. I hug my mom and sister before scooping Lottie up.

“You did it, J! I’m so proud of you.” She wipes the tears from her eyes.

I head up to the stage to shake Darryl's hand, collect my jersey, and pose for photos.

We don’t fully celebrate until the draft is completed; I can’t until I know Jacques is going places too. We don’t have to wait long, my boy is drafted in the fourth round to Boston. It’s bittersweet. I’m so proud of him, but I’m sad that after college we won’t be playing together anymore. However, I will be playing with Louis, which softens the blow.

“Ah, Mon Ami, you will have two years away from me before we are reunited again.” Louis ruffles my hair and kisses my head.

Lottie takes so many photos of us with my new jersey, and ones of just us. She’s my biggest cheerleader and best friend, and I’m so glad she’s here with me right now—even if it did take a lot of convincing.

I’m living my dream, playing in the NHL for the team I have loved since I learned how to skate. How is this my life? I just wish Dad was here to celebrate with me.