Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
The reporter moves on to another question, but the damage is done. By the time the interview wraps up, it’s like I’ve been through three overtimes and been dragged behind the bus for an hour.
On the ride back to the hotel, I lean my head against the cool window, hoping it’ll ease the pressure in my skull. My teammates are rowdy, celebrating the win, but their laughter is as painful as needles stabbing into my temples.
I close my eyes, and all I can think about is Riley.
Her laugh. Her smile. The way her hands felt on me the other night, soft but sure, like she knew exactly what I needed without me having to say a word.
More than anything, I just want to be with her. Relishing her touch against my scalp and her quiet, shushing sounds that calm the drum beat in my skull. Being inside her, enveloped by her warmth and softness, as she gives me the pleasure I need, is the heaven I didn’t know I was searching for. She’s the only thing that quiets the noise in my head; the only person who makes me feel like I’m more than just the shadow of Carl Drayton.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, squinting at the screen.
Riley: Congrats on the game, superstar. Color me impressed.
Despite everything, I smile, and it’s a relief. I type back, my fingers moving instinctively.
Jacob: Thanks. Wish you were here.
Her reply is almost instant.
Riley: I wish I was, too. Although, Coach might not appreciate an interloper on the bus. When are you back?
I smile at the image of her surrounded by my rowdy teammates, probably at the center of it all, giving them shit about being hockey hos.
Jacob: Tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you.
Riley: Me, neither. Get some rest, okay? How’s your head?
Shit. She’s noticed the headaches are regular enough to ask, which makes me nervous. I don’t want to hide things from Riley, but I can’t risk her highlighting the issue to anyone else.
Jacob: Fine. All good.
I exhale, and the tension in my chest eases slightly. She doesn’t have to know about every single one. If I use the pills more frequently, I won’t look so broken by pain all the time.
Riley’s got this way of making life manageable, even when my head is pounding, and the weight of the past and my responsibilities are pressing down on me.
I tuck my phone away and close my eyes, picturing her face. One more night. Then I’ll be home, and she’ll be in my bed, and everything will feel right again.
EASTERN ICEBREAKERS INSTAGRAM PAGE
Photo: A dynamic action shot of Jacob mid-stride, stick poised for a pass, intensity etched across his face as he dominates the ice during the away game.
Caption:
Another stellar performance from Jacob Drayton leads the team to a commanding victory! With 2 goals and 3 assists, Jacob’s skill and precision were unmatched tonight.
But the buzz doesn’t stop there—fans and analysts alike are drawing comparisons between Jacob and his legendary father, Carl Drayton. Known for his aggressive style and natural leadership, Carl made his mark on hockey history. Jacob, however, is carving his own path, proving game after game that he’s not just following in his father’s footsteps—he’s blazing his own trail.
“I’m focused on being my own player,” Jacob shared post-game. And tonight, he showed us all exactly what that looks like.
Drop a comment if you were cheering for the team tonight and let us know—what did you think of Jacob’s performance?
#HockeyStar #JacobDrayton #GameChanger #TeamVictory #NCAAHockey #OnTheIce #DraytonLegacy #AwayGameWin
Comments:
“Why’s Jacob got a problem with being like his father? They look alike. They play alike. It’s just disrespectful to not be proud of his father’s legacy.”
“Why do people love comparing the new generation to their fathers? Let them have their own careers and their own styles. It’s not fair to make someone live in the shadow of the past.”
“Why are there so many of these hockey families? Nepotism is unjust. They get an unfair advantage and take up places in the sport that others could benefit from.”
“Jacob Drayton is so fluffing hot. I’d love to get my hands on this stick and see if his performance off the ice is as stellar. #showusyourstickjacobdrayton”
“What’s the obsession with the Draytons? There are other players on the team who deserve the spotlight too once in a while.”
27
HAYES
Riley’s message comes with an unexpected invitation that I don’t know how to respond to.
Riley: My dad’s out this evening. Do you want to come over and look in your dad’s box?
It’s the first time she’s mentioned the box since Jacob blew up about it, and I’m still not sure how I feel. Curious? Absolutely. Nervous? That, too. Carl Drayton wasn’t a great father but he was still our father. A weird guilt accompanies the idea of sifting through someone else’s curated memories of him. And more guilt for not telling my brothers about my intention. Shawn will want a look at the box at some point, but Jacob is so resistant that telling him what I’m doing is impossible.