Chapter 4: Big Leap

Troy

On a flight to Pittsburgh, United States

Finally, the big day. A new city. A new life. A new challenge. A new hockey routine. A new home. New teammates. A new arena.

This is the Big Leap.

I'm finally going to fill big shoes. The big shoes of the NHL.

It's huge, and it's terrifying. I'll be surrounded by grown men, and here I am, barely out of adolescence, no beard, and, well, still a virgin-or as they say, a late bloomer.

I'm naturally a confident and driven guy, but this moment feels like a crucial step in my life, where all my dreams are coming true.

Matthieu called me last week to let me know that his niece would also be living with the family because she got accepted into the University of Pittsburgh for medicine.

I wonder what she's like. A book genius versus a hockey prodigy. Oof, quite a mix in perspective.

She's 18, accepted into an American university, and on a scholarship. Wow, impressive and intimidating. I'm not bad at school-I manage-but I didn't skip two grades. Then again, I've always played hockey with older guys, so we're probably equals in some way.

I've never really taken the time to look at girls my age. Hockey consumes my entire life, yet the fact that I've never been intimate with a girl troubles me. Am I normal or flawed?

I'm not unattractive-I'm muscular, tall, athletic-so nothing particularly off-putting. So why does my mind drift to things other than hockey right now? I'm on the brink of the biggest change in my career, and my thoughts decide to wander.

WHY?

The seatbelt sign dings for landing, jolting me out of my thoughts. I push them aside.

I step off the plane and head toward the arrival gate.

I scan the crowd, looking for Matthieu, who's supposed to pick me up.

I spot him towering above the crowd, waving at me.

I join him with a smile. But he's not alone-not alone at all. He's surrounded by fans and local and national TV journalists. A security cordon has been set up.

My god, the media circus begins, along with the madness of the Puck Bunnies. Those girls are a nightmare. As a talented player, we're quickly warned about these toxic girls. I want nothing to do with that type around me or my team. They're poison to team spirit in the locker room.

My stomach tightens. I take a deep breath as I reach Matthieu. We shake hands, and immediately, the journalists start firing questions. They ask how I feel about all the attention since my draft.

I stay calm and respond professionally and politely:

"It's part of the job, and it's normal for the media to be drawn to novelty and excellence."

A few more questions, some autographs for fans, and Matthieu and I finally get into the car. It's escorted by a police motorcycle to help us leave the airport without trouble.

After a long silence, Matthieu asks how the flight went.

"It was a bit chaotic at boarding, but it was calmer after that."

"Not too stressed?" he asks.

"A little," I admit. I can't lie to him.

"Are you hungry?" he asks.

"Yes."

"Craving anything in particular?"

"I'll let you decide."

We stop at Five Guys to enjoy a good burger. It's always great to grab something quick from this restaurant. It's not part of my sports diet, but one small indulgence won't cause irreversible damage.

We get back on the road toward the house. The closer we get, the tighter my stomach feels, and my heart races. I think about Elizabeth. I can't wait to meet her, yet I dread this first encounter, as if my inner self is warning me of something monumental.

Matthieu tells me the kids are at the pool in the backyard with the babysitter. Anna and Elizabeth are at a beauty spa, getting ready for tonight's gala.

"I'll show you your room as soon as we arrive. Then you can join us at the pool. Afterward, we'll change for the gala, and the girls will meet us there. Do you have a tuxedo?"

"Yes," I reply.

"I'll let you rest for a bit."

"See you later," I say.

The door closes.

I turn to my luggage and pull out my tuxedo, placing it on the bed alongside my polished shoes.

I let out a nervous sigh and sit at the foot of the bed.

Just a few more hours before THE MEETING.

My heart pounds with anticipation. I did some research on her online, but the photos I found are from her childhood.

She was a cute little redhead with a mischievous smile and sparkling eyes.

I take a deep breath and head to the bathroom.