"I need a place to stay. Talon had this huge place with extra rooms. It felt like it was meant to be. There's plenty of room for the three of us here without living on top of each other."
"Are you planning on moving back permanently?"
"Yep," he answers and leans in close to me. "Can you keep a secret?"
I raise my eyebrows. "I have no problems with secrets."
If he only knew.
"It'll be announced next week, but I'm going to be the new head coach of the Springbrook Gladiators."
"Really?" That's unexpected. I know Foster had a love for hockey that was as deep as Cole's, but once he gave up on playing, I thought he’d given up on the sport entirely.
"It feels like a good time to put roots down somewhere, but don't tell my mom I said that. I've loved following Cole around for the last few years, becoming a small part of the game I love. Helping the players with their nutrition and workouts has been fun, but I'm ready for something different. It feels special having the opportunity to train the next generation under a great program in my hometown."
"You'll be amazing at working with those kids, but isn't coaching a bit of a…" I don't finish my thought, not wanting to offend him.
"A pay cut?" He finished for me. "Are you worried I can't support you on a high school coach's salary?" he teases.
I shove him in the shoulder, "I'm learning to support myself. But, yes, I would think working for pro teams and players would be much more lucrative than a public high school team."
"I'm paid well by my clients and can maintain much of my work remotely. I haven't blown my money and have a nice cushion saved. I'm not worried about my income." He looks at me with seriousness and holds my hand in his. "The most important part is returning home and making a life for myself here."
How he looks at me makes me think he means I'm a part of that life. Does he want to be friends? I need to confront this head-on, reminding myself about communication being the top priority.
"Please tell me you’re not staying here because of me,” I blurt out. That didn’t exactly come out the way I intended.
He laughs, "It’s not just you. I need this new beginning in my life. I’ve been working away my life but never stopped to think about what I was working towards. I know what it's like not having you in my life, and it wasn’t great. I’ll do anything to keep you here with me now.”
"You know that Talon and I are trying something, too?"
"We’ve talked. Neither of us cares.'
"I won't choose between the two of you. I want it crystal clear that it won’t be like before."
"I'm all in. However, you want to do this."
Well, damn, I'm all out of protests now.
“Okay."
He leans closer and puts a hand behind my neck, pulling me in. "Then let's seal the deal," he says.
And then his warm, soft lips are on mine, and all my reservations about this fly away. I have two roommates now, and I may be dating them both. For the first time in years, I feel something that I think is hope.
I watch Foster put the last of my mom’s boxes in the back of the pickup truck we’ve rented and shut the tailgate. I stand on my front lawn and stare at the only house I’ve lived in, knowing this is the last time I will call it home. The house sold quickly and, as predicted, above the asking price. After signing off on closing tomorrow, we’ll have enough money to catch up on other bills.
Over the last week, I’ve moved most of my belongings into the room that Talon gave me in his house. It’s at least three times the size of my space here, with a king-sized bed and an ensuite with the most amazing shower I’ve ever used. There are so many jets and a rainfall showerhead. He initially refused to take rent money from me, but we’ve negotiated a compromise for me to take pictures of him for social media instead of cash. Despite my new living arrangements and luxuries, I’m still sad about losing this home.
Foster comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my stomach, resting his head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry you have to go through this, pretty girl.”
“Me too. It was time to move on, but not under these circumstances.” I smile, “Now I have to live with two boys...ewwww”
His chuckle vibrates my chest, “I promise we’ll take it easy on you. If it's okay, I want in on that deal you made with Talon. I could use a photographer to help me out. I’ve hired a few people in the past. I can pay in whatever you need.”
I nod, “I can do that, no money needed.”
“We'll discuss payment later. I’m going to drop off these boxes. You take as much time as you want here. Make sure we didn’t leave anything behind.”
