Read Online Frozen Barriers by Sara Shirley - Free Book Online Page B

tell. IDK?! It was gr8 seeing u today, we ought to catch up more when you have a little xtra time. Call me.
    Apparently, Jeremy is now going to make sure I have Suzanne to keep an eye on me as well. At least he didn’t say anything to her about the kiss in the parking lot. I know for a fact if she finds out, she’ll take it upon herself to know every single detail. Most of the stuff I’ve learned about sex and human anatomy I give credit to Suzanne after our afternoon shopping for her prom dress.
    I save Suzanne’s phone number into my contacts just in case and move onto the next text.
    I see you are already avoiding my phone calls. Don’t worry. I’m not giving up just yet.
    Listen to “I Won’t Give Up.” Know u are worth it. Goodnight, Emily. Don’t wait too long to start living your dreams. Someday they might actually come true.
    I return to my bedroom as I pull up YouTube to search for the song he mentioned. I lie down on my large comfy comforter, hugging my pillows as I stare at the sheer fabric draped over the top beams of my four-poster bed. I hear Jason Mraz’s lyrics pour out of him and into my soul. This hockey player, who throws punches during games and is the epitome of rough and tough, references a song about not giving up on “us,” and even if I need my space, he’ll be there when I figure it all out. I’m not even sure how or why a stray tear falls down the side of my cheek. In twenty-two years, my parents have never given me one ounce of love or support for what I might want to do in my life. Then, there’s Jeremy, who I’ve been around for all of about four hours, and he’s somehow connected with me more in that short time, and it honestly scares the shit out of me. I don’t even think; I just roll over, grab my phone, and start typing.
    I’m not sure when and I’m not sure how you managed to actually see “me,” but I don’t wanna be someone who walks away so easily. Give me time to think, and I’ll make time for “us” and that date. You have my word this time. Night, Jeremy.
    I jump off my bed and walk to my French doors, grabbing both handles and opening them into the room. Walking outside onto my small balcony, I sit under the starry sky and lie back in the chaise lounge. I shut my eyes slowly and see his big, brown eyes staring back at me. I’m not sure how my life just got even more complicated than it was yesterday, but maybe it’s time for me to really consider my future. What if this is my last chance at the Olympics? I know this isn’t forever. I’ve just got to figure out how my parents will handle that revelation. Jeremy might be willing to fight for me to go one direction in life, but I know for a fact, my parents will be fighting for me to go in another direction.
     

    As I’m finally sitting in my apartment living room after getting all my hockey gear for the new season ready to go, “Sail” pumps through my stereo system, mentally preparing me for what hopefully will be another successful season with the Monarchs. The bass gets my blood pumping. In not so many words, I have to wonder if not being drafted into the NHL is a blessing in disguise since I’m still living in the area near my family and friends instead of moving all over the place. With the Monarchs, the pay isn’t nearly as good; however, the number of games is significantly less and that still allows me to spend time helping out with the kids in Pee Wee hockey at my old rink. During the regular season, I’ll typically swing by and help out my old coaches, and the kids think it’s great.
    Just as I’m packing everything into my hockey bag, my phone starts ringing. I glance at the screen, and see it’s Dave. He and I go way back to Pee Wee hockey at the Forum. It’s funny in so many ways because he never really left the rink and is currently the front office manager at the Forum and sometimes fills in at the pro shop. He’s one of my best friends, and if he’s calling, he must either be