Page 67 of Melt His Heart

I close out the text thread with a chuckle. I guess it’s decided, I’m going to see Carson in Ohio. This will be interesting. From what I’ve learned about hockey so far, the fans don’t like it when an opposing team’s fans show up to their games. Not that I have any team merch to wear to the game anyway, but I’m sure Kevin does. I wonder what wearing Carson’s jersey would be like. I stop myself before I can get into any delusions for the night.

I check the team’s schedule to make sure their game aligns with my skate schedule. I’m sure I could take a day or two off. Can’t do much anyway.

But still, wow. Look at me taking not one but two days off.

If Julian from about a few months ago could see me now. He’d probably kill me. I laugh to myself and stand up into a stretch before heading over to my bed and getting comfortable under the covers.

I wonder what he’s doing right now.

Chapter 23

Me and Liam decide to have a little sleepover at my flat the night before our little hockey adventure. Kevin will come pick us up before we head to the airport in the morning. The pot on the stove bubbles with soup. I figured I’d make him dinner; he said he’s never had Korean food before, so I’m excited. I make my way to the door, still in my apron and get the door for him.

“Hey there! I brought the goods!” Liam grins, holding up a bottle of merlot.

“Thank you.” I say, giving him a light hug, “Hey, hey, shoes.” I laugh. His shoes are still on as he’s walking toward the kitchen.

“Ah, you’re right, you’re right.” He says, removing them and following me, “Ooo, I like it, I like it. Very you.” Liam hums, his eyes bright with interest.

“Thank you.” I smile.

I finish setting everything out on the island, and Liam takes a seat, his smile beaming at all the food, “Oh my god, Julian, this looks delicious” He grins.

“This is doenjang soup. My mom used to make this all the time.” I laugh, handing him a spoon and some chopsticks.

“All hail your mom. This is amazing.” He says in between chewing, “So, your sexy hockey man, what are you going to say?” He adds, raising his brows.

“I haven’t gotten that far.” I take a spoonful of my soup, and he’s right, it is good. I’ve got to make this for Carson next time. Now that I’m thinking about it, I haven’t made him anything yet.

“Are you still mad at him?” He asks, worry in his voice.

“I don’t know..I don’t think so?”

I’ve thought about this a lot the past day or so, and I just really want us to get past this. But I’m not sure how Carson is feeling. And now it’s too late to just send him a text. It’s so long since we’ve spoken, it would feel so impersonal and cold. I also still wouldn’t know exactly what I want to say to begin with, so it doesn’t really matter.

I just know my missing him severely outweighs any other emotion I feel towards all of this.

“Well, that’s a start. I think once you guys see each other and get to kissing, you’ll be fine!” Liam grins.

“Of course you’d say that.” I chuckle.

“Hey, you’d be surprised how much just making out can help.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know, remember?”

“Oh, right, you being a virgin and all.” He says, and I burst into laughter.

“You’re definitely not helping,” I say.

Me and Liam spend the night watching rom-coms and critiquing the actions of the characters. Liam says I need to watch romance movies, maybe that will help me with my other little dilemma, but this stuff is often so unrealistic to me. I can’t see how it could possibly help.

Or maybe it’s not the unbelievable parts of it all but the bigger meaning I can take from it. I don’t know. But he loves this kind of stuff, and honestly, I can see why. It just sucks you right in. I’m really getting into it with him as we both jump up and yell at the screen; the lead actor choosing to hide his feelings again instead of telling the lead actress how he feels.

“That’s you.” Liam giggles.

“It is not! Shut up!” I pinch him, and we both fall into another fit of giggles.

I have the sudden thought that I’ll miss Liam so much when it’s time for me to head back home.