Page 74 of The Do-Over Girl

“I’m happy for you, Mia, glad you and Dylan are together and happy.”

“We are. I’m glad too.” She hugs me again. “Open your gift. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

I sit with the package on my lap and unwrap it, curious and having no clue what it could be. After I tear off the gorgeous paper and reveal what it is, I gasp.

“A pair of ice skates! Pink ones!”

“Wait til you see the special monogram we had put on them. Custom,” Mia says.

I open the box and read the monogram, “Coach Kali, Best Ever – APA Hockey 4Ever.” It’s sweet and heartfelt and whatever lumps of emotion I felt before are nothing compared to the boulder-sized lump lodged in my throat now.

“This is the best gift I could imagine. I don’t know if I’ll ever dare skate in these skates because I don’t want anything to happen to them. I’ll treasure them forever. Truly.” I take the time to hug and thank each girl, then give Mia an extra hug before we all leave. The girls are going off to their celebration at the pizza place and I’m…I don’t know what I’m doing to celebrate, but I’m starting by joining the crowd around Nash.

After the fan and media frenzy, television interviews, and the crowd lingering far longer than usual, I finally get to go home with Nash to the inn, but we’re not alone for long. Archie, Nikki, the Zappolas, Steve, and Charline all converging to celebrate with champagne. When Mia and a few cheerleaders show up, I wonder if the entire town needs this celebration because none of us can seem to let go of the moment. Except maybe Nash. I know he’s thinking about the tournament.

“I have an announcement to make,” Nikki says, “The town council has authorized a parade tomorrow down Main Street, starting at the gallery and marching down to the arena. Starts at noon. The cheerleaders, the school band, and, of course, the team, in uniform.” She looks at Nash for confirmation.

He shrugs. “May as well enjoy it while we have the moment.”

I hear the words he doesn’t say because it won’t last.

He exchanges a look with me. Then he crosses the inn’s crowded front parlor and wraps his arms around me.

“Let’s blow this party,” he whispers in my ear. I shiver.

When we’re alone and spent, I lie on my side, my head propped up and staring at him, with only the moonlight streaming in the window. But even with his face in shadows, I can see he’s preoccupied.

“What is it?” I know the answer, but I want him to tell me. I want to make him feel at ease, to bring him back into the present.

“Next week,” he says, “we have the benefit game on Saturday afternoon and the gala that night.” He meets my eyes. “And I’m looking forward to it way too much.”

He doesn’t say because I should be here in the moment with you, but the way he gathers me in his arms then tells me.