Page 87 of Buzzer Beater

It was true. Even the most stubborn of us, including me, who’d sworn off women, was now in a relationship. Anything was possible.

I’d always thought relationships would cause more drama. Just give me another thing to worry about, and I was busy enough. I didn’t want nor need the added pressure of worrying about someone else. I looked over at Lucy and smiled. I wouldn’t trade having her back in my life for anything, though. This was the best thing that could have happened to me.

My life felt fuller. Like the missing piece was found and I was whole. She was the love of my life and I couldn’t wait to see what our futures would bring.

“We should get back to the rooms and start bringing our stuff down,” Chloe said. “The vans will be here in half an hour.”

I groaned, annoyed Chloe was always so on top of things. I wanted to forget about getting back. Why couldn't we stay here and start a hockey team in Cancun? That seemed reasonable.

We were walking down to the lobby, me pulling Lucy's and my luggage behind us.

“The sooner we get back there the sooner we’ll live in the same zip code,” she said.

“Have you heard back from your boss?”

She shook her head. “Not yet, but I feel good about it.”

I nodded, but I wouldn’t feel good about things until she was in my arms in Salt Lake, as a permanent resident.

The rest of the group gathered together, and Chloe ran out in front of us. “We need a group picture!”

A few of the guys groaned but I knew better than to fight it. Chloe found some victim to be our impromptu photographer before posing everyone together. She rushed back and stood next to Reese. We posed and tolerated this while the poor soul clicked away.

“Okay, I took a bunch so there should be a good one.” The woman handed Chloe her phone and hurried away.

“You know, I think this should be an annual thing,” Noah suggested.

I turned to Noah and nodded. “I think you’re right.”

To my surprise, everyone else agreed. Sure, there had been some moments of drama and times we got on each other’s nerves, but this had been a great experience for all of us.

Madeline chimed in. “I think it’s a good idea for all of you to take a break and relax. Check out for a little while.”

“Well, the doctor said it, so we have to listen.” Erik joked as he put his arm around his wife.

“I’m not a doctor.” She rolled her eyes.

“You cured me. That makes you a doctor.”

She opened her mouth, but two black vans pulled up.

“Here’s our ride.” Chloe called out.

We loaded up and before I could say goodbye to the resort we were on our way to the airport.

Our group moved as one mass through the baggage check line then to security. I kept Lucy by my side, stealing kisses as frequently as possible.

We made it through security and walked directly into an overly bright and colorful store.

“Did I miss something?” Reese asked with a pained voice.

I looked at him. “What?”

“I don’t remember walking through a store entrance.” He sounded legitimately concerned about his sanity.

Chloe laughed. “This is forced last minute shopping. We have to go through this store to get to the terminals.”

And with that the women dispersed. Lucy squeezed my hand. “I’ve got to get to my gate. I’m boarding in just a few.”