Someone tries to ask a question, but I keep going.
“So here's what I need to say. I'm done. I'm done with Nova, the party boy persona. I'm done living my life for your approval. I'm done trying to be whatever version of me gets the most likes or the best headlines.”
I look directly at one camera. “I'm just Liam now. And if that's boring to you, if that's not entertaining enough, then go follow someone else. Because I'm not going back to who I was. Not for anyone.”
The room erupts in shouted questions, but I'm already standing, pulling Avery up with me.
“Thank you for respecting my privacy as I figure out what this new chapter looks like. And congratulations again to my team. We won a fucking Stanley Cup tonight, and that's what really matters.”
I start walking out, pulling Avery with me. The reporters are shouting questions, but I don't look back.
Cole's voice cuts through the chaos. “The man has spoken. Respect that. This press conference is over.”
I don't hear what happens next because we're already through the door, down the hallway, and I'm pulling Avery around a corner where we can finally be alone.
“That was—” she starts.
“Necessary,” I finish. “I needed them to understand, and I needed you to understand.”
“Liam, you basically broke up with your entire public persona on live television.”
“I know.”
“You're going to lose fans. Probably endorsements.”
“I don't care.” I cup her face in my hands. “Don't you get it? I don't care about any of that anymore. The only thing I care about is you. Is us. Is building a life with you that's real.”
Tears run down her cheeks, and I brush them away with my thumbs.
“You're insane,” she says.
“Probably. Is it working?”
She laughs through her tears. “Maybe.”
“Just maybe?”
“I'm scared,” she admits. “You hurt me, Liam. Really hurt me.”
“I know. And I'll spend however long it takes proving that I won't do it again.” I rest my forehead against hers. “I love you, Avery. The real me loves the real you.”
Then she's kissing me, and I'm kissing her back, and nothing else matters.
When we finally break apart, we're both breathless.
“We should probably get out of here,” I say. “Hudson is waiting.”
We make our way through the back corridors, avoiding the main areas where celebrations are still happening. Hudson has the car ready at the private exit, and we slide into the backseat together.
“Hudson,” I greet him. “We won the Cup!”
“Congratulations, Mr. Novak. Excellent game.”
“Thanks, man.” I pull Avery close. “Now take us home. I need to properly celebrate with my girlfriend.”
“Your girlfriend,” Avery says, testing the word. “Is that what we are now?”
“That's what we've always been. We just forgot for a few weeks.” I kiss her temple. “I love you. I'm in love with you. I want to wake up next to you every morning. I want to strip you naked.”
