In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

FORTY FIVE

In the depths of my heart, there's a love that burns for Jack. It's a flame that refuses to be extinguished, no matter how hard I try to deny it. His presence in my life has been both a blessing and a curse, for he's the measure against which all other men pale in comparison.

he's my definition of perfection. His tenderness knows no bounds, his affection a gentle caress upon my soul. He's the kind of man who would move heaven and earth just to see a smile grace my lips.

But sometime perfect doesn't that it's working.

It's a bit addicting, actually he's addicting. His essence lingers in my thoughts, a sweet poison that I can't seem to purge from my system. Every moment without him feels like an eternity, time stretching infinitely until our next encounter.

It's been a week since I last heard his voice, since his laughter filled the room, and I feel like I'm just floating through time without him. After what happened, when Jack was okay and everything, I went back to Braden like everything was normal. But deep down, I was just in shock.

Braden used to be my rock, you know? But lately, even his presence feels... I don't know, lacking. The happiness I used to feel with him has just disappeared, leaving behind this empty feeling that won't go away.

Tonight I anticipate seeing Jack, as the Rangers take on the Devils at the Prudential Center.

My brother invited me to go, and this time, I couldn't come up with any excuses to decline. It's 5:15 pm, and as I'm still curling my hair, I'm racking my brain for a reason to bail.

Luke asked if I was coming, and I gave him the same uncertain response.

I've opted for light blue washed jeans paired with a cream-colored hoodie and a black leather jacket. I don't want to draw attention from either team on the ice.

As I'm styling my hair, I can sense the vibes of stress coming from Braden. Usually chill, he's now showing signs of serious worry. The Rangers' position in the Metropolitan ranking is on thin ice, and it's weighing heavily on him, as it should. They're barely holding onto fourth place, with the Devils right behind them in fifth. Tonight's game isn't just another match—it's a major moment that could totally shape the rest of their season.

For Braden, it's not just about winning; it's about keeping their spot in the series, about fighting hard to lock in their spot in the playoffs.

Deciding not to go to the game solo, I hit up Olivia to join me. She's super pumped about the idea of Braden and Jack being in the same place. Like, talk about a major moment.

The thought of Braden and Jack in the same room sends a shiver down my spine, a mixture of nerves and anticipation swirling in my stomach. The dynamics between the two couldn't be more different—Braden, steady and reliable, and Jack, totally unpredictable and captivating, like a whirlwind of emotions.

As Olivia arrives at my apartment, I can feel the excitement building in the air, a tangible buzz of anticipation that seems to crackle with every step she takes. With a quick glance around the dimly lit room, I slip on my high-heeled boots and sling my purse over my shoulder.

As we head towards the door, I pause for a beat to shoot off a quick text to my brother and Braden, wishing them all the luck on the ice tonight. The glow of my phone cuts through the darkness around me as I tap out the message with eager fingers. It's just a little something to show my support for the guys who hold a special place in my heart, even if they might not fully get how much they mean to me. To cheer them on, you know?

Text sent, I take a deep breath and swing open the door, stepping out into the night air with Olivia by my side. The city's buzzing with life, a mix of car honks and distant voices.