My blood is pumping so fast through my veins that I’m afraid I might stroke out. I am exhilarated and scared shitless, a duality of emotion that causes my skin to tingle and my throat to tighten in anticipation. Raising my hand, I knock on Alex’s hotel door. I had been waiting impatiently for Garrett to text me after their game against the New York Vipers, telling me that Alex was back in his room. I flew to the Big Apple with the help of some scheming from Garrett, as a surprise for Alex’s birthday. Alex never said a word about his birthday, and we were so new in our relationship, I never thought to ask him when it was. I was overcome with guilt when Garrett mentioned it to me at Thanksgiving. He pulled me aside before he left and asked if I was planning anything special. I blinked at Garrett, almost not understanding his question, then regained my senses. I practically hissed at him, “When’s his birthday?” Garrett gave me a wide grin and whispered back to me, “Next week—November thirtieth.”
