V

On the first day, Jack took you out for dinner as a form of apology. You two had a lot of laughs and none of you wanted to end the night. He decided to walk you back to your house because he didn’t want anything to happen to you. 

“I’m really sorry about the ball” Jack said for the hundredth time. 

“It’s alright. I guess that ball was a sign” You joked. 

“I’m glad that you’re feeling fine. I was scared that I got you a concussion” Jack admitted. 

“So taking me for dinner is an alternative to a hospital visit?” You laughed. 

“We can say” Jack smiled. “What’s your plans for tomorrow?” 

“Beach with my girls” You told him. 

“Then see you tomorrow on the beach” Jack hugged you and watched you when you walked into the house. 

On the second day, Jack found you laying on the beach with your girlfriends. He knew from his sister that it’s rude to pull you away from your friends so he decided to introduce all his friends to your friends. Quickly, you all bonded as a group and since that day, you’ve been doing everything as a big friend group. 

On the third day, Jack dragged you away from the group. It was 6 pm but none of you wanted to leave. You and your girls brought snacks when the guys took care of drinks. It was a big picnic that was going on for several hours now. 

“Where are we going?” You asked Jack. 

“I wanted to spend some time away from them” Jack admitted and tucked your hair behind your ear. “Only with you” 

“What’s the plan?” You whispered. 

“No plan, just being here together” Jack said. 

“I like it” You told him. 

You two sat on the sand and watched the ocean. You’ve been talking about your lives. You found out that Jack’s a hockey player in Nashville and he found out that you’re studying fashion in  New York. Word to word, you’ve realised that you have way more in common than you thought. 

On the fourth day, you and the rest of the group decided to go for dinner to a restaurant. The guys picked a table outside so you could be way louder than inside. You’ve been joking about every subject possible and tears were running from everyone’s eyes. It was a cosy atmosphere and no one wanted to break it. 

One of the guys proposed to go to the club and everyone agreed. After two drinks, the group split up and everyone was in someone's arms. Only you and Jack were standing alone by the bar with drinks. 

“Why are you not dancing with someone?” Jack asked you. 

“I don’t like dancing in the club. Too many creeps around” You shrugged. “You?” 

“Only one girl caught my eye and she’s not dancing” Jack said casually. 

“Are you talking about me?” You played with your straw. 

“Yes” Jack admitted. 

You didn’t know if it’s the alcohol in your bloodsystem or you felt brave but you kissed Jack. He immediately kissed you back. His hands went on your waist and pulled you closer to his body. 

“You taste like lime” Jack said when he pulled away from you. 

“And you taste like whiskey” You laughed. “Just because I kissed you, that doesn’t mean I want to have sex with you” 

“That’s alright” Jack said. “Kissing you is fun and I don’t need anything more” 

On the fifth day, you and your girlfriends decided to stay in the house. All of you felt hungover and didn’t feel like going out on the beach. The tv was playing love island, you’ve been sitting in face masks and drinking water with lemon. This is the exact reason why you all came here - to spend time together. 

Jack was looking for you but he couldn’t find you in the usual spot. The guys were wondering if last night was a mistake and you all just disappeared. They tried to call each one of you and your friends but no one picked up the phone. The guys shrugged it off but Jack felt like his confession ruined everything. 

On the sixth day, you and your friends went to the beach for the last time. You planned only half of the day here because you needed to pack before going back home. The guys spotted you 30 minutes later and came by. All of you acted like nothing happened until they started asking questions. 

You admitted that it was a girls day yesterday and none of you had phones in the living room. They understood and everything was back to normal. Jack knew it’s your last day here and laid on your towel next to you. You’ve been cuddling and laughing about the drama over who's the better couple in the love island. 

On the last day, the guys arrived at your doorsteps at 5 am. You and your girls had a flight back at 9 am and needed to get to the airport and through all the control. They offered to drive you there. You sat in a car with Jack. The ride was quiet which was weird because silence never crept between you two. 

“This is it huh? You’re going back home and I’ll never see you again” Jack said. 

“Stop. You have my number. Call me and text me. I’ll do exactly the same thing. We might not be together here but we have phones to keep us connected” You told him. 

“I’ll miss you” Jack admitted. 

“I’ll miss you too. I’m so happy that you hit me with that ball” You kissed him. None of you wanted to break the kiss until one of your friends knocked on the window. 

“I guess we need to leave the car” Jack laughed. 

“I will miss you guys” You hugged everyone. “Meeting you was great” 

“You better answer the group chat or our girl here” One of your girls pointed to another. “She’ll find you. She’s in FBI training program” 

The guys looked scared when they heard it on which you and your girls laughed. 

“How about the same place, next year?” Jack proposed. 

“Hi Matt” His mum hugged him. “And you must be Y/N. It’s nice to finally meet you. Matt was talking about you non stop” 

“It’s nice to meet you too Mrs. Rempe” You smiled. “I brought a cake” 

“How thoughtful. Good thing Alley didn’t make one” His mom joked. “Come inside” 

“I’m telling you, it’s gonna be alright” Matt whispered. 

You followed Matt into the house. It was cosy, just like you imagine from all the stories you heard. The kitchen was busy. His mom and sisters were preparing food for the barbeque. You didn’t know what to do so you just stood next to Matt. 

“Hi” Matt said. 

“Hi” Steph looked up. “Y/N, hi” His sister hugged you. “It’s so nice to meet you” 

“Hi” Alley hugged you. “Matt was talking a lot about you” 

“I’m here too” Matt waved to them but he was ignored. 

“We heard. Help mom with a salad, we have to talk with Y/N” Steph told him and dragged you on the couch. 

You sat with them on each side. You didn’t know what to say so you waited for them to start. They were looking towards the kitchen to see if Matt was listening to them but he was deep in a conversation with his mom. 

“We’re so happy to meet you. You’re way prettier than in the photos that Matt showed up” Alley said. 

“Thank you. You two are gorgeous” You replied with red cheeks. 

“I know it’s awkward for you. I felt the same when I met my husband’s family for the first time” Steph said. “But really, you don’t have to feel embarrassed or anything. We’re happy that you’re dating Matt” 

“Yeah, I haven’t seen him that happy since he told us about his debut game” Alley told you. “We can see that he’s madly in love with you” 

“And I’m madly in love with him. Matt is an incredible guy and I have never met someone so passionate like he is” You said. 

“We know that he might be difficult sometimes so feel free to talk to us. We’re not enemies, we’re here to make your life easier with our baby brother” Alley said. 

“Thank you” You replied. “It’s really nice of you” 

“Everything’s ready, let’s go to the garden” His mom announced. 

You stood up from the couch and walked to Matt. None of you said anything, just smiled. Matt got the chair for you and his sisters were looking carefully at the interactions between the two of you. He was keeping you close, like he was scared of losing you. They could see that he cared about you. 

“Matt, could you start the grill?” His mom asked him. 

“Sure” Matt said. “You’ll be alright?” He asked you quietly so no one could hear. 

“Yeah, go” You kissed his cheek. 

Matt was responsible for the grill and the meat. You, his sisters and his mom were talking about life and joked about everything that was going on. It was a comfortable situation. Matt was looking at you from time to time and could see that you’re not nervous, just happy. 

“Here’s the meat” Matt placed the food on the table. 

Matt finally joined the conversation. In between eating, his sisters were telling you all the embarrassing stories from Matt’s childhood. You were laughing like crazy with every story you heard. He was just sitting there, trying to defend himself but his cheeks were ridiculously red. 

Two hours later, the laughs died and you’ve been just sitting outside, enjoying the time together you have. It was so nice to be here with Matt and his family. You already felt like a part of them. With his sisters you exchanged phone numbers and Alley created a group chat just for the three of you. 

“I don’t have a place for anything else” Matt sighed, full of food. 

“Not even for my brownie?” You asked him. 

“You made a brownie?” Steph asked. 

“Yeah” You blushed. “Matt told me that it’s your favorite cake so I decided to make it” 

“For your brownie, I always have space” Matt kissed your cheek. “I’ll go and cut it” 

When Matt left, his mom finally spoke. 

“Matt really loves you Y/N” His mom said. “You probably heard that already but his gestures… he’s a gentleman for you. I never saw him like that” 

“That’s true” Alley said. “He was keeping you close to himself, like he was trying to shield you and his hand never left your body” 

“He also was looking at you and reading your every emotion with ease. He knew when you wanted extra food, when you felt anxious, when you felt cold” Steph said. 

“I really love him too. He’s incredible and I can feel his love every day, in his every gesture. I can’t imagine my life without him” You smiled.

“What are you talking about?” Matt said and walked with a tray of brownie cut into pieces. 

“Okay” You looked at him and saw his red face and shoulders. “You look like a crab” 

“I know, I need help with your fancy bottles” John said and you laughed. 

“Go to the bathroom and start pouring water in the bath” You ordered him and stood up to search your drawers for helpful products. “But don’t put hot water on, cold one” You yelled. 

You opened your drawer with skin products and sighed. There were so many bottles that it made you wonder why you have so many things. Some of them you never even used, just bought and they were standing there. 

You found all the needed things and promised yourself to clean the drawer when you’ll have time. It was summer so you had plenty of time but you didn’t feel like wasting that time for cleaning. It’s for university time, you muttered to yourself. 

“Sit in the bath” You giggled when you saw John standing in the middle of the bathroom. 

“God, it’s cold” John said as he sat in the bath. 

“Good, we need to cool your body” You looked at your watch. “15 minutes and you’re out”

“15 minutes?” John asked you. “I’m not gonna survive” 

“You’ll be fine” You told him. “In the meantime, I have some skincare for you” 

“Are you gonna pamper me?” John asked. He couldn’t hide the excitement in his voice. 

“Yes my pretty princess” You laughed. 

You grabbed a cotton pad and poured micellar water. Gently, you started cleaning John’s face from all the dirt. You put a headband on him to keep his hair from falling on the forehead and giggled and the view of John in your pink headband. Lastly, you put a sheet mask on his face. 

“Oh it feels so nice” John said. 

“It’s aloe vera. It’ll help you with the sunburn” You told him. 

When John was laying in the bath, you washed your face and clipped your hair away to put a sheet mask on yourself. You were sitting next to the bath and keeping him company. 

“I don’t know what’s in this mask but it’s doing miracles” John told you. 

“Glad you like it because it wasn’t a cheap one” You joked. 

“I’ll buy you a hundred more” John said with closed eyes and you laughed.

15 minutes went quickly and you took off John’s mask from his face. He took it as a sign to stand up and finally leave the cold bath. You handed him a towel and took off your own mask. 

“When you dry yourself, I’ll put aloe vera on you” You told him. 

“You’re a goddess woman” John kissed you. 

You started rubbing the aloe vera on John’s shoulders and felt tired. He was a tall guy, way taller than you so reaching the top of his back was like a workout for you. With a big sigh, you stood in front of him and started applying the lotion on his chest. John was looking at you carefully, how your hands were roaming his chest and arms. 

“You can apply it by yourself on your legs” You stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. 

You grabbed the bottles and took them back to the drawer but you weren’t done. You took out different ones to take care of John’s burned face. You threw them on the bed and waited for him to join you. 

“Lay on the bed” You ordered him. 

“Okay” John had a cocky smile. 

“We’re not having sex” You rolled your eyes. “I need to take care of your face” 

“Aww man” John was disappointed but all you did was laugh. 

“Oh shut your mouth and put the headband on your head” You told him. 

You sat on John’s waist and put a cleanser on his face. His eyes were closed and you were rubbing the product into his face. Next you took a serum and warmed it up in your hands, before applying it on his face. Lastly, you took a face cream with spf to get him a little ease in the pain. 

“All done” You leaned and kissed his lips. 

“Thank you, I already feel better… and pretty” John stole a kiss from you. 

“You’re always pretty” You looked into John’s eyes. 

“Said a walking goddess” John replied. 

“Feeling better?” You asked him. 

“Yeah, I don’t feel like I’m burning. I don’t know what magic you did but it worked” John put a hand on your hips. 

“Let’s just say I know how to deal with a sunburn” You giggled. 

I saw the Golden State Bridge and this thing is way bigger than I expected. I already sent you all the pics but I felt the need to tell you about it here. I love you so much and I miss you like crazy. It’s a shame that I can’t be with you here but I hope your playoffs are going great! Well I know that they’re going great because I watched the game 7 against Buffalo. I’m so proud of you!!!!!

Bring it home, lots of kisses 

You send the postcard from San Francisco. It was a habit of yours that you started sending Juraj postcards when you were away from him during his season. He tried to be as little as possible on his phone and concentrate on different things. When he got a postcard from you for the first time, he admitted to you that he loved it. 

You went with your girls for a California trip and in every city you were sending him a postcard. Juraj was sending you photos that he got and how happy he was to read them. It was your thing and he adored it. 

Dear J

I went to my first basketball game but I have to tell you that I’m not a fan of this sport. The atmosphere is way better in Bell Centre. Also you weren’t there so I didn’t have anyone to look at. I love you and I miss you. I should be back for the home games. Hope you’re doing good and nothing is bothering you!!! Habs in 5 right? 

Lots of kisses 

Juraj was smiling, especially at the last sentence. He loved how optimistic you were no matter what's going on. He was excited when he read that you’ll be home for the home games and knew that he needs to be better for you. 

As promised, you got back home for the games but unfortunately, his team was losing badly. You tried to stay positive but it was tough when Juraj was walking around all sad and defeated. 

After the season ended, you and Juraj decided to go for a little trip to New York. You always told him that you wanted to visit Brooklyn and Long Island. Juraj felt like it’s gonna be a good time to take you there and to forget about the last round. 

“The bagel is so good” You told him after the first bite. 

“Right? The guys showed me this place in my first year and since then, always when I’m in New York I need to eat it” Juraj said. 

“What’s the plan for today? Or we have no plan just walking around?” You asked him. 

“I’d say no plan” Juraj said. “But I was thinking that we should write a postcard to my sister” 

“What? You want to write her a postcard?” You were excited to hear it. 

“Yes. What do you think?” Juraj asked you. 

“I think we need to buy one. Good thing I always carry a pen in my purse” Juraj laughed at your words. 

The next step was finding a postcard. You saw the most beautiful one with a Statue of Liberty that was covered in glitter. Juraj was sceptical about it but you were confident that his sister is gonna love it. 

“Go on, write” You told him. 

“I don’t know what” Juraj looked at you. 

“Anything” You said. 

“You do it” Juraj handed you the pen. 

“That’s your sister” You pushed the pen back into his hand. 

Juraj was sweating over this postcard for 5 minutes and came up with nothing. You wanted him to do it but you could see that he’s clueless. With a sigh, you decided to help him do it. 

Hi

We’re in New York baby!!! This city is so big and beautiful but not as beautiful as Montreal. It’s nice to have a little getaway from the hockey world but you can see football and basketball things everywhere. You need to come here one day so we can do it together like three Musketeers!!! 

Lots of love from Juraj and Y/N

“What do you think?” You gave Juraj the postcard to read. 

“I think it’s great” Juraj smiled. 

“You look incredible” Will said and put his hands on your waist. “We should go before I throw you on the bed and rip everything out of your body” You laughed at his words. 

It was the first time that you weren’t spending the 4th of July with your family. You asked if you could celebrate with Will and they immediately agreed and your parents planned a trip to Hawaii for the weekend to celebrate there.

Will’s family was welcoming to you and with happiness agreed for you to join them. You tried to help his sister with baking while Will and his dad were responsible for the barbeque. It wasn’t your first time having dinner with his family but it was the first time that you were involved in holidays with his family. 

“Having fun?” Will asked and kissed your cheek. 

“I always have fun with Grace” You told him. “Can I have a sip?” 

“Sure” Will handed you the can with drink for which he came to the kitchen.

“Thanks babe” You gave him back the can. “Please don’t burn anything” 

Will only laughed at your words. The cake was in the oven and you were watching him through the window. He was talking with his dad and mom. Grace returned to the kitchen and scared you when she tapped your shoulder. 

“It’s just me. I’m not that scary” Grace joked. “Could you help me take the salads and snacks to the garden?” 

“Yeah, sure” You told her. 

You and Grace did a couple trips from the kitchen to the garden before everything was settled down.  You sat down next to Will who started putting food on his plate. He did the same for you, knowing exactly what you’d like. After 30 minutes, you heard the ring and stood up to turn off the oven but Will stopped you. 

“I got it” Will kissed your head. “Please eat, I can see that you haven’t touched anything” He whispered into your ear. 

Will was always protective over you and saw things people couldn’t see. He knew about your unhealthy relation with food. He knew about your struggles in high school. He never forced you to do anything but he wanted you to at least eat a little bit so you wouldn’t faint like it happened in the past. 

You didn’t even notice that you hadn't touched your food. You were so involved in a conversation with his mom and dad that you haven’t eaten anything from the food that Will put on your plate. 

“The cake smells delicious” Will said when he got back. 

“Y/N’s recipe” Grace said and you blushed. 

After two hours, the food disappeared from the table. Will’s parents and sister went back to the house to clean and left you and Will alone in the garden. You wanted to help them too but they said that you’re a guest and you’re not allowed to do anything. You’ve been cuddled into Will on the bench. None of you said anything, just stared into the sky and enjoyed the moment you had together. 

“I didn’t even notice that I haven’t touched the food” You admitted quietly. 

“I know that you didn’t do it on purpose but I see you and I hear you” Will placed a kiss on your neck. 

“Thank you for that” You told him. 

“I love you” Will said. 

“I love you” You squeezed his hand. 

You and Will were in a bubble and didn’t notice Grace who sat on the chair next to you two. When the music started playing you realised that she’s back here with you two. The song Party in the USA was on and Will started singing to it. Soon after, you and Grace joined him and had a little karaoke moment in the garden. 

Around 9 pm, Will went for his parents because it was time to watch the fireworks. You stayed alone with Grace. 

“I heard you and Will” Grace said. “I think it’s beautiful that he cares so much about you. I don’t know the background or anything and I truly don’t care but all I heard was enough for me to know that he loves you” 

“I love him too. Will was my rock throughout college and I own him a lot” You admitted. 

“I’m sorry for asking but why don’t you move with him to San Jose?” Grace asked you. 

“I… Will never asked me for that and I just thought that, I don’t know, that he doesn’t want me there” You shrugged. 

“You know that he wants you there. My guess is that he’s scared to ask you to drop your life in Boston just to be with him” Grace said. “Ask him about it”