After dinner, the speeches started, and before I knew what was happening, Colton stood.The crowd was silent as he reached down and gently tapped me on the arm.I’d forgotten I was supposed to go up on stage with him while he gave his public apology.
“Are you coming?”he whispered.
I swallowed hard, then stood up, smiling at the people sitting around the table while placing my clutch and phone down.We walked hand-in-hand to the side of the stage, then he paused, waiting for me to climb the stairs first, which I did carefully.As I took the first few steps, I quickly remembered why I didn’t drink.
Colton approached the podium while I sort of stopped and stepped off to the side, but when he looked over his shoulder at me, I remembered telling him I’d be right beside him during the entire thing.
I took a step forward, making my way over to him, taking hold of his hand as he held it out for me to take.Then he turned to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.Colton Fox,” the emcee said, stepping off to the side.
Colton stepped up to the podium while I stayed beside him.
“Good evening.I’d like to take this opportunity to first say thank you to Guy Larson, Coach Thompkins, to the assistant coaches, my teammates, and to all the sponsors for being here this evening.As you all know, each year we take a night to welcome in the coming year, we celebrate our successes, we honor those of us who have decided to retire, and those who played an exemplary game the year prior.
“However, this year, there is something else that we are doing.An apology.During the end of last season, I was dealing with some personal issues, after having recently ended things with the love of my life of six years.I’d been partying it up after the last winning game of the first round of playoffs and needed a ride home.Lorelai Anderson was the one who drove me home, and once we arrived, a reporter cornered me outside of my home.They began pressing the issue about my breakup.If anyone knows me, I keep these personal matters to myself, but somehow they’d found out.
“As they continued to press with the questions they soon started in on Miss Anderson.The next thing I knew, I was being thrown in the back of a police car.Articles were printed, rumors started, charges are pending.I’m sure you’re all wondering why I am here tonight.
“First, I’d like to apologize to my teammates for leaving them during the most important part of the year.It was because of me, the stress I caused to my brothers, and the absence from the games that made us miss the cup.I’d also like to apologize to the owner of the Dominators, Guy Larson, a man who has given me another shot at redeeming myself.Thank you for your patience and guidance.I’d also like to apologize to my fans.I’m sorry I let you down.It won’t happen again.
“Now on to the next announcement.I’m happy to say that after many hours of conversation, the love of my life has decided that we deserve another chance, and I am happy to introduce you to her tonight.”
I looked out at the crowd and lifted my hand in a small wave, really wishing I’d never agreed to getting up on this stage as I noted all the cameras that were flashing in the crowd.
“I also want to say how excited and lucky I am to be with the Dominators for another season, and this year, we won’t let you down.All the way to the winning goal, boys!Now, enjoy the rest of the evening, and we will be happy to answer any questions anyone might have tonight.”
Colton nodded to the emcee, and then with his arm around my waist, he guided me over to the side of the stage we’d come up.The moment we were back down off the stage, I grabbed his hand.
“I’m just going to slip into the ladies room.”
“Sure, is everything alright?”he questioned.
I nodded.“Just need a moment,” I said, leaving him and heading right for the ladies room.
The moment the door to the stall closed, I took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled.I’d never imagined being up there in front of all those people would be as overwhelming as it was.I’d also never imagined how the speech I’d written him would affect me, or how he’d look at me when he said the love of his life.
I’d almost cried right there.
I’d never known what had happened between us for things to end the way they had.I’d also not given it very much thought until we were up on that stage and I’d listened to him speak those words.It didn’t matter if he meant them or not; it just affected me for some reason.
I ripped off a square of toilet paper and dabbed my eyes, then I flushed, opened the stall door, and stepped out, meeting Aurora face-to-face.
“Emma?Are you okay?”she asked, concern filling her voice.
God, did I seriously look like I’d been crying?
“Yeah, I’m fine.I don’t know what came over me.When I came off that stage, suddenly I wasn’t feeling very well.”
“Oh, yeah, stage fright.You’ll get over it.”
“I hope so.It was very overwhelming up there.”
“Let me go and get my purse.My doctor gave me something to help with that.It’s nothing serious but should help you take the edge off.”
“Oh, no need.I’ve just taken something.I was hoping it would kick in soon,” I said, rubbing my stomach.
She gave me an odd look.“Where’s your purse?”she asked.
