I'm Yours (Bold As Love 2)

“Of course. I’ll go and find Aunt Diane.”

Emily

“This is a great event you have. What do you raise money for,” I ask as I dance with Jake’s uncle.

“We raise money for children with cancer who specifically want to play hockey.”

“That’s awesome!”

“It is. Look, the reason I asked to dance was because I wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay…” I was nervous. What could he want to say to me? His eyes searched mine as he formed the words in his head.

“What are your and Jake’s plans for the future?”

The question caught me off guard. “We…we haven’t talked about it.”

“Oh. Emily, I’m just thinking of Jake here, so have an open mind.”

I nodded as my stomach churned with nerves. He took a deep breath and said, “It has been Jake’s dream since he was a little boy to play in the NHL. He has the talent to do that. He has always wanted to go to one college and one college only. I just don’t want him to give up any of his dreams for a girl. I’m not saying you aren’t worth it, but if you loved him, wouldn’t you want him to chase his dreams?”

I bite my lip and nod.

“He loves you Emily. He said he would do anything for you and that scares me. I don’t want him to give up his lifelong dream for something that could eventually end. He could regret those decisions. Sometimes, love just isn’t enough. Just think about what I said when you guys do discuss the future. Okay?”

“Okay,” I mumble as the song ends. Roy leads me to where Jake is talking to another player on the Pens. Jake’s face lights up when he sees me and I manage a small smile as Roy’s words bounce around in my head.

“Hey Sweetness,” Jake says with a kiss to my temple. “How was your dance,” he asked.

“It was fine.”

The player and Roy excuse themselves and Jake leads me to our seats. We end up sitting at the same table as Sidney, but I tune out all the sounds around me. Would Jake really give up his dreams for me? Would I allow him? Would I want him to give up his dreams for me? No. Not at all. I love him and want him to do whatever it takes to pursue his dreams. Even if it means sacrificing us. Jake’s voice brings me to the real world as he leans in and whispers, “Are you okay?”

I try to smile and nod.

“You sure,” he asks.

I place my hand over his and say, “Of course.” I can tell he doesn’t believe me, but he lets the subject drop. Dinner is served. We eat a salad and some delicious pasta with a steak. I stay silent as every one around me chatters. Why hadn’t we talked about our future? Was it because we were just high school sweethearts? Was it because, while he loved me, he didn’t think we would last?

I couldn’t tell you what happened after we ate. I was so lost in thought and panic. I really didn’t want to lose Jake, but I didn’t want him to give up even the tiniest detail of his dream. Would we go to different colleges? How far away would they be? Long distance relationships never work. Why haven’t we talked about it?

“Emily, what’s going on,” Jake asks again while we dance.

“Nothing.”

A bit of anger flashes through his green eyes. “That’s bull Emily. Come on, Sweetness. You’ve been quiet and in another world since you talked to my uncle. What did he say? That’s what is bothering you, right?”

I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it here,” I tell him.

“Sweetness, if that’s the case, we will leave right now. I don’t like seeing that fake smile. I want to see your real smile.”

“Jake, we are not leaving over this. Please, just let it rest until we get home.”

“I want to talk about this now, Emily.”

“Fine.” I take his hand and move around people dancing or mingling and make my way outside. This wasn’t how I wanted to talk to him, but it would work. Outside, there were two benches on each side of the double doors. I went to the wooden bench on the right and took a seat. Jake sat down beside me and turned towards me.

He reaches out and cups my face in his hand. “What’s bothering you, Sweetness?” he asks in a gentle voice. His eyes are full of concern.