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I SIT IN THE audience between Holden’s mom and Josephine. Brandon and Dan are both seated at the end. I can see where Holden, Caleb, and Jason are all together, playing around and having the time of their lives as they wait for their names to be called. Already feeling like I’m going to cry, I don’t know how I’m going to get through seeing three of the closest people to me, graduate from college.
When it comes time, they stand up and get in line with other students. My heart skips as I see Holden look right at me and blow me a kiss. Heather coos and Jo fakes a gagging sound.
“You turned my best friend into a sappy little shit.” Brandon quips. “Thank you for that.” All of us laugh, knowing the thank you was completely sincere.
“Just wait until they have kids.” Dan points out. “You think he’s soft now. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
The thought of having kids with Holden excites me and scares the shit out of me all at the same time. While he may be graduating, I’m only going into my junior year. I still have half my college education to get through, and that’s assuming I don’t want to go for my Master’s. Just as I internally start to panic, my boyfriend steps up to the stage.
“Holden Rivers, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s in Engineering.”
The five of us stand up and cheer loudly, watching as he happily walks across the stage, shaking all the required hands and taking the fake degree. Of course, the real degrees get mailed out or you can pick them up at the office if you choose.
Right after we’re done cheering for Holden, we still have to cheer two more times.
“Caleb Sutter, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Marketing.”
“Jason Vaughn, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management.”
Jo screams loudly for her boyfriend, with his family sitting right behind us. By the time those three names are called, Heather, Jo, and I are all in tears. Heather passes each of us a tissue. We thank her and do our best to keep our makeup in place as we wipe away the tears. I look over to see even Dan’s eyes are wet. Brandon notices as well.
“Oh god, I’m surrounded by crybabies.” He groans jokingly.
IT TAKES FOREVER, BUT once the ceremony is over, we’re finally able to go outside and find Holden. As soon as I see him, I run and jump into his arms. He catches me with ease and inhales as if being away from me made it hard to breathe.
“I am so proud of you.” I tell him, kissing his cheek more times than necessary.
“I believe we all are.” A voice I don’t recognize rings from behind me. I get down and turn around.
“I’m sorry.” Holden replies. “Who are you?”
He puts his hand out all business like to shake Holden’s. “Michael Hagerton.” He replies. “I’m with the NHL – more specifically the Boston Bruins.”
Holden’s eyes widen, as do Brandon’s and Dan’s. “It’s very nice to meet you sir.” My boyfriend replies.
“You as well.” Michael answers. “I believe someone from our agency contacted you a couple of years ago, inviting you to join us at the NHL Draft.”
I’m taken back and I turn to him quickly. He glances at me, but then back to Michael. “Yes sir. I declined because my education is important to me.”
“And you graduated Summa Cum Laude. That’s quite an accomplishment, son.” Holden nods. “Now that you’re done, however, we would like to officially extend you another invitation. The higher ups of the Bruins are very interested in your talents.”
Pride fills my entire body, watching what I would think is his biggest dream coming true. He doesn’t seem happy though. He’s smiling, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Not the way it did when he asked me to marry him, and not the way it did when he found out he finished school with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“
Thank you.” He responds. “I’ll definitely think about it and let you know.”
Michael hands him his business card and shakes his hand again. “I’ll be looking forward to your call.”
As soon as he walks away, everyone is congratulating Holden – both on graduating and being invited to the NHL Draft. Once they’re done, we’re all ready to get out of here. Holden wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me close.
“So, the NHL huh?” I ask, still looking for that excitement in him.
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I’m not really sure I want to go.”
“Seriously?” I’m shocked. “I thought this would be your dream.”
“My dream, is you. Now come on, we have a graduation party to get to.”
