JAX'S POV
The Tampa sun beat down on us outside the arena after the win. Kids and families waited behind the barriers, holding jerseys and posters, yelling our names. I usually kept these quick, but today I took my time. Mila stood a little ways back, watching like she always did, clipboard in hand but that soft smile on her face.
A little boy with a goalie mask too big for his head pushed forward. "Mr. Kingston! Can you sign my puck? You're the best!"
I crouched down to his level, taking the marker. "What's your name, kid?"
"Tommy! I wanna be a goalie like you someday."
I signed it big and added a quick drawing of a save. "Keep practicing, Tommy. And remember, it's okay to be scared sometimes. Just show up anyway." The words came out easy, but they hit close. Jess's texts from Bosto
