Page 24 of Retaking the Shot
As I stood to leave, I whispered my goodbye. “Rest in peace, Jonah. I hope wherever you are, you’re at peace.”
It startedto become a nightly thing, whether I was on the road or not. I would pull up The Click app and start chatting with people, and that was exactly what I did once I got settled into my hotel room for the night. We were in California and facing the Kings the next night.
Looking4Luv12: Hey there! How’s it going?
StickWhisperer95: Hey! Good. You?
Looking4Luv12: Same here, just checking my messages and saw you were online
StickWhisperer95: Just checking my messages too
Looking4Luv12: Anything good?
StickerWhisperer95: Not sure. Whatcha got? ??
Looking4Luv12: Well let’s see … What are your interests? Anything you’re passionate about?
StickWhisperer95: Hmm … I enjoy the outdoors, maybe some late-night stargazing. How about you?
Looking4Luv12: Nice! Besides saving lives, I’m into photography. Love capturing moments. Also, a bit of a foodie – always on the hunt for the best tacos in town
StickWhisperer95: Ah, a nurse, a foodie, and a photographer. Sounds like a great combo. Favorite taco spot so far?
Looking4Luv12: Can’t disclose my secret taco haven just yet. What about you? Any favorite hidden gems?
StickWhisperer95: Well, let’s just say I have a thing for cozy, hole-in-the-wall bars. The quieter, the better
Looking4Luv12: Something special about those kinds of places. By the way, I gotta ask – what’s the most impulsive thing you’ve ever done?
StickWhisperer95: Spontaneity is the spice of life, right? Once booked a last-minute flight to the Bahamas. Ended up having an unforgettable vacation
I instantly remembered the trip Baylor and I had taken after last season. I hadn’t spoken to him since he got traded to the Rangers. I missed him, but with the stuff with Ford being front and center, I hadn’t thought to reach out. It wasn’t because I didn’t care for Baylor. I did, but what I felt for Ford was unlike anything else and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still love him. After all, I had wanted to give us another shot.
Looking4Luv12: That sounds amazing! I’m all about seizing the moment too. Ever been on an unplanned road trip?
StickWhisperer95: Haven’t had the pleasure of just getting on the open road and driving. You?
Looking4Luv12: I did last summer. Drove from Boston to Austin and over to LA. Then up to Seattle before heading back to the East Coast. Did a little circle of the USA with my ex. Sorry to mention the ex
StickerWhisperer95: No worries. We all have them right?
Looking4Luv12: For sure. So what’s your idea of a perfect day?
StickWhisperer95: Let’s see, a perfect day ... probably chilling with my friends, eating good food, drinking some beer, and relaxing—hopefully with my man by my side. How about you?
Looking4Luv12: Sounds amazing! For me, it’s all about laughter, good food, a good cup of coffee, and a sunset walk. Simple pleasures, you know?
StickWhisperer95: Sounds like we both have the same perfect day in mind. Anyway, I gotta get some sleep. It’s been cool chatting with you again. Chat later?
Looking4Luv12: I’m up for it! Until then, take care
StickWhisperer95: You too
The following morning,I put on a Bruins sweatshirt and a pair of gray sweats and went down to breakfast to meet the guys. A lot of them were already waiting in line for the made-to-order omelets, so I joined at the end.
Cardinale, one of the rookies, stood in front of me in line. “Morning, Coop.”
“Morning. Did you sleep well?”
