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My mind raced with possibilities. This was an incredible opportunity. And so much opened up if I was in Seattle during hockey season.

“Can I take a few days to consider everything?” I asked carefully. “This would be a big move.”

“Of course.” Stella nodded in understanding. “I’ll send you more information as soon as we hang up. We can set up another call later this week to discuss more and answer any questions you may have. I do hope you’ll say yes but understand it’s a big ask.”

After we said our goodbyes, I sat back in my chair, overwhelmed by the morning’s developments. The project was exactly the kind of work I’d dreamed of doing. That it was in Seattle felt like the universe was either helping us come together or playing a cruel joke.

First things first, though. Ethan and I needed to have lunch in a couple of hours. Then, maybe, we could talk about what this might mean for us.

TWENTY-NINE

ETHAN

The locker room was silent as I toweled off after my shower. Most of the campers had already left, heading out to enjoy the lunch break.

After giving up trying to sleep around three, I hadn’t been sure how I’d have the energy to make it through the day after an exhausting weekend. After working around the house for a few hours, I came in to shoot pucks a little after six.

My outlook on the day had only improved when Andre and I ended up with similar ideas for lunch invitations. The exchange of pastries earlier seemed like a positive sign, but we had a lot to work through.

I pulled fresh clothes out of my locker, dark jeans and a soft blue T-shirt—nicer than my usual camp attire of sweats—for our meetup.

“You’re overthinking again.” Liam’s voice startled me. He leaned against the doorframe, coffee cup in hand. “I see it in your face.”

“Maybe a little.” I sat down to lace up my sneakers.

“So lunch with Andre?” He settled onto the bench beside me.

“Yeah.” I got up to check my hair in the small mirror on my locker door, trying to make it just so. “We’re meeting at Special Blend.”

“Good.” He nodded.

I waited, sure he had more to say. “No advice before I go?”

“Do you want any?” Liam asked, studying me.

I shook my head with a small smile. “I think everyone covered it last night.”

“Exactly.” He grinned. “You know I’m here if you need to talk after.”

“Thanks,” I said as I closed my locker.

He stood and clapped me on the shoulder. “Now go get your man.”

I hoped that Andre wanted to be my man as much as I wanted that. Despite our history, including yesterday’s blowup, I was more attracted to Andre than anyone else ever. When I wasn’t around Andre during the past few days, I’d been searching for ways to be with him.

Even when we were in high school, while it had felt like he was bullying me sometimes, there was also the fact that I’d wanted to do the things he’d asked me to do. I wouldn’t tolerate being berated or made to feel bad, but if we could communicate effectively like Austin and Kyle did, I believed we had a decent chance of success. Even if that chance had to play out long distance.

My heart started hammering as soon as I approached Special Blend. Through the window, I saw Andre already seated at our table, reading his phone. He smiled at whatever was on the screen. Unlike yesterday’s tension, happiness softened his features.

A good sign for our chat.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door. The wonderful scent of coffee and baked goods wrapped around me as conversations buzzed throughout the packed cafe. Andre looked up at the bell’s chime, and our eyes met.

I walked back to the table, and he rose just as I got to him. He stepped forward as I came closer, narrowing the gap between us.

“Hi,” I said softly.

“Hey.” His smile reassured me.