We follow behind Connor, coming around the corner to join the rest of the team. I join the line up in my normal spot as Kailyn walks past me, turning in my direction to give me a wink and then walks off toward Hannah who I can tell has a shit eating grin on her face
“I’m glad you both got that time together, it looks like it was exactly what you needed.”
Turning to Connor, I give him a grateful smile. “After your advice the other day, I didn’t want to hide behind my fear. She’s the only one for me, and it’s time I finally started living again.”
“Good, because it’s a great look on you, friend.”
The loud speaker booms, announcing us back on the ice, and for the first time in my NHL career, I have more than just myself to play for.
Chapter 22
Kailyn
“So, he just pulled you into a supply closet and kissed you? Where was I during all of this?!” Emilia exclaims as she takes a big gulp of her wine.
“I mean, obviously you were off doing your literal job, while she was getting all hot and heavy with her man,” Hannah teases, and all the girls burst out into fits of laughter.
It’s been a couple days since the last game, the team having a couple days off from practice and games, so the girls and I decided to have a girls day at my place and treat ourselves to charcuterie and wine while we all catch up.
While I shouldn’t really be eating this much cheese and drinking wine with my PMOS, since it makes me feel bloated, there’s always moments for a cheat day and with my girls, I’m glad to indulge in some of the simpler pleasures life has to offer.
Of course, the minute the wine started flowing and our lips started moving, Hannah had to spill about my heated looks with Jake. That leads us to now with them allgossiping and squealing like lovesick fools, while I feel like my face is on fire from all of the attention I’m getting.
“Come on Kay, you know it’s all in good fun. We're really happy for you.” Bellamy leans her head on mine and snuggles me under the blanket.
We’re in my living room, which has a U shaped sectional backed up to a wall of sliding glass doors that lead to the patio and overlooks the beach down the road, where I watch the sunrise most days. I also have a smaller couch that is on the opposite side and one love seat. It’s spacious enough for my large family and friend group, while not feeling too cramped and clustered.
“Just don’t forget about your girls when he whisks you off into the sunset,” Hannah teases.
The girls all nod in agreement, laughing along, and it makes me so grateful to have them.
“I know that you have your own insecurities and have gone through so much to get here. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve grown into and the work that you’ve done. You’re a fighter and I love you so much, sis.” Lainey snuggles me from the other side, and the tears that I had tried to stop come out in full force, her words hitting right where I needed them.
“Thanks, baby sis.”
“Couldn’t have said it any better myself.” Emilia cheers, her wine glass lifted in the air.
Hums of agreement come from the group.
“Alright, alright.” Sitting up, I wipe the tears from my face and try to turn to a new topic. “I’m glad that you all are happy for me, but I can’t be the only one who’s the focus of attention tonight.”
“Yeah, but your love life is so much more interestingthan anything I have going on right now.” Hannah sips her wine.
“I mean, I’ve got nothing new. I’ve been too busy with competition season for anything other than hookups,” Bellamy adds in.
“When has that stopped you, Miss Popular?” I tease.
“What can I say, everyone loves me because they know they’ll have a great time.”
Bellamy has always been proud of who she is. She knew that she was bisexual by the time we reached middle school and Lana Harris asked to sit next to her in class. In seventh grade, I caught them making out under the bleachers of the football stadium. The following week, I caught her making out with Lana’s brother, James.
I’ve always loved her for who she is and that she embraces herself in a world that can be cruel and hurtful, especially in competitive figure skating.
“Oh trust me, I know. The amount of times I facetimed you while I was away and you had someone in your bed, or when you came and visited me and still managed to bring someone back to my apartment. You, my love, know exactly what you’re doing.”
“Good for you, Bellamy. Honestly, the more the merrier, I say. Sometimes dick is overrated. Like, just because youhaveone doesn’t mean you need to be a dick,” Emilia says as we all agree in unison.
“Cheers to that!” Hannah raises her wine glass in cheers as the liquid sloshes over the edge. It’s not enough to make a mess, but her hand is definitely covered in wine now. “I’m glad at least three of us are getting some, because the only way I’m getting any action is with my trusty vibrator.”
