Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Every moment with them felt like a unique one like they were recharging my very soul, giving me more motivation and drive than ever before, even when they aggravated me. Ever since meeting them and having our worlds collide, I became a better hockey player and a sharper captain, striving to prove myself and lead my team to victory.
And when things weren’t about hockey, I had fun with them. I laughed at their dumb, little teases and jokes because they genuinely warmed my heart. I stared at them far too long because they were ridiculously handsome and charming in their own ways. My type was every single one of them.
But was I their type?
It was obvious from last night that I didn’t fit in Hugo’s world. His life was full of wealth and status, and I didn’t have great wealth or a great status right now. Why would he let someone like me into his life? Why would any of the guys when all of this doubt and judgment surrounded me?
I closed my eyes as I felt more tears trying to form in there, not wanting to let any more slip out. I was so sick of crying and thinking, but I couldn’t stop. Everything felt like it was breaking apart and slipping through my fingers, and I would soon be left with nothing.
None of the guys that I had come to truly care about. No international tournament that would give my team amazing press and support. Hell, my scholarship could even be at risk if I couldn’t figure out a way to raise the money. What if I was kicked off the team?
My throat grew tight as I forced myself to sit up, my head aching. I had to stop listening to myself, or I wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed at all. I needed someone to talk to, and whenever I was feeling really down, I always went to the same person for comfort.
“Mom?” I spoke once I dialed her number and heard her pick up.
“Hey, sweetie!” she greeted me, sounding tired but cheerful. “How’s everything going?”
I had to force myself to swallow the lump in my throat so that I could respond without getting choked up.
“Not the best,” I admitted. I didn’t want to worry her because she had enough on her plate, but I just needed some words of encouragement or a nudge in the right direction because I couldn’t remember ever feeling so lost before.
“Aw, what’s wrong?” she asked, already sounding worried.
I didn’t want to tell her the full story because I didn’t want her to freak out and think that I wasn’t focusing on my grades or hockey.
“I don’t know if I’m cut out to be the captain of this team. I don’t know if I’ll be able to achieve what I want to,” I spilled, dodging around the details but still touching on my actual feelings.
“There’s no one more determined than you,” my mom assured me. “You’ve achieved everything you’ve worked toward, and this won’t be any different. Maybe the stakes feel higher, but they chose you as their captain for a reason.”
But they didn’t think that their captain would be caught up in so much controversy that could blow their chances at playing at the international level.
“What if I fail them?” I asked.
“Then, you’ll dust yourself off and do better,” my mom replied. “No one is perfect, Leah. No one can be in life. Instead of beating yourself up, think about everything you’ve accomplished so far.”
I had done a lot within the past year. I got into Yale on a hockey scholarship. I became captain and goaltender of a great team. We won our last tournament and got invited to another one in Germany. Meanwhile, I kept my grades at a decent level and met a group of special guys who made me feel things I had never felt before. A lot of bad things had been happening lately, but it didn’t drown out all the good.
I just needed to remember that.
“You’re right. I just need to push harder,” I said.
Somehow, I would figure out how to get funding in time for the tournament. I didn’t care if I had to spend all day washing cars or mowing lawns. I would have to figure out other ways to boost my reputation, but getting my team to the tournament would certainly help. That was my first goal in mind.
“Just a little, sweetie. Oh, I hope you know how proud I am of you!” my mom sighed happily. “I wish I could watch you play or just see you.”
A bittersweet smile crossed my face as my chest ached. She had no idea how much I missed her and Madison.
“After the tournament, I’ll try to come home for a weekend,” I promised her. I didn’t care to go back to my hometown, but I would for my family.