“If the team will allow it. I mean, they’re gonna have rules.”
He paused like he was surprised that I didn’t find the idea more exciting.
“I know the Lions’ schedule could make it hard for you. But like I said, we’re gonna make it work one way or another.”
I smiled. Part of me wanted to let him in on my secret, but another part wanted to keep him in the dark for as long as possible.
“Worst case scenario is that we get married and I support both of us for a while,” he said. “Maybe a really long while. That doesn’tbother me. I figured the same thing would’ve happened if my original dream had come true.”
“The one about having a wife and three sons?”
“Yeah.”
“So, I’m going to be your wife now?”
He paused, knowing I was kidding, but refused to fall into that trap.
“You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?”
“I think I do,” I said.
“Would it bother you if you did something else for a living other than play hockey?”
“I don’t think I’ll have to.”
“You know what I mean, don’t you? But I think your time in hockey really will come. You believe in yourself.”
“I really should.”
He paused, and lifted an eyebrow, like he knew there just had to be some underlying meaning to my comment. I summoned every last ounce of strength to keep a smile from appearing on my face.
“Something’s going on,” he said. “Why don’t you tell me?”
“No, why don’tyoutellme. You’re the mind reader, aren’t you?”
He half-smiled. A relationship with this kind of banter could never be all bad. I would just tell him. I’d hoped to wait for the perfect moment to come, but figured that would never happen.
“I got a call from Leon Purvis,” I said.
My boyfriend shook his head, either in disbelief or like he didn’t know who the hell I was talking about.
“Huh?” he said.
“Leon Purvis. Toronto Maple Leafs. Big shot. Wears a suit and tie everywhere.”
“I know who he is. But why would Leon Purvis be calling you?”
I paused.
“You give up?” I asked.
“Sure, what did he want?”
“Come on, Kayden, you’re not really going to make me come out and say it, are you?”
He paused, lips moving, considering all possibilities. And then his eyes widened.
“The Leafs want to draft you too?” he asked.
