Before you start reading I want to remind you guys this is Book 2. While it can be read as a stand alone, I do recommend reading "Fear of Falling" first just because those characters will make an appearance in this one. But you don't have to. 

Also, as most of you know I had to change some things in the story. The hockey team is no longer the Maple Leafs, they are called 'The Toronto Knights' now. Yes I know there is the Vegas Golden Knights (my home team). The Stanley cup is now 'The Cup Championship'. And finally the NHL is now 'The League'.  I had to change it because of copyright. Could get in a lot of trouble for having the real names. Your girl is too broke to be sued. 

Just wanted you guys to know that so you don't get confused or comment why it's changed. I promise I do know the real names and stuff. :D

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this story as much as I do!! Happy Reading! :)

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Tasha

"You do realize something will go wrong on this vacation right?" I said through the phone as I moved around my office.

"Don't say that you will jinx us!" My best friend Josie Scott scolded. I laughed but knew I was right. Something always goes wrong on vacations. Whether that be forgetting to pack underwear or being put in the wrong hotel room.

"Are you excited to go?" I asked although I already knew the answer. This vacation was the only thing Josie could talk about for the last few weeks. Literally every single day she had to remind us all about it and talk about things we could do while there.

Almost a month ago out of the blue, Josie one day sent a group text to all seven of our friends and suggested we all go on a vacation together. She was adamant that we all needed a good vacation and why not all of us go.

Her boyfriend Wyatt, and his teammates Trevor and Bryton had hockey starting in two weeks so it would be one of the last times they can leave for awhile. Plus Josie wanted to celebrate their Cup win with something more grand than the little party we had a few months back.

It's not everyday your best friends boyfriend, star player of the Toronto Knights, wins the biggest game known to the hockey world. I definitely didn't think a year ago I'd be going on a trip with three of the biggest names in hockey, yet here we are. 

"Of course! Are you packed yet?"

"Jo, we leave in three days."

"So? You don't want to forget anything!" I've known Josie for years and knew how she could get. We've only been on a few trips together, mainly small ones, but she's the type to pack days ahead and then stress that she forgot something. It wouldn't surprise me if she already had her bags packed and sitting by the door ready to go. She's the 'airport dad' who gets there hours early, makes sure everyone has their tickets, and waits at the terminal impatiently.

"I promise I'll start packing when I get home from work." I said as I went over to my desk to grab my notepad. My next client was set to come any moment.

"Remember we will be there five days." She reminded me.

"I will. Thanks mom." I teased knowing she meant well. "I better go babe, have a client coming. I'll text you later."

I barely ended the call when a knock sounded on my office door.

"Come in." I called, snatching up a pen as soon as the door opened. I smiled at the sight of my next client, a young seventeen year old girl who I've been seeing for the past three months.

"How have you been Lily?" I asked as I took a seat in my chair across from hers.

"Good." I held back a smile at the fact she didn't stutter and was actually looking at my face. When Lily first came to me she couldn't sit still for longer than a minute, always messing with her hands, clothing or hair. She wouldn't even look up at me for the first few weeks. The poor girl had such bad social anxiety, along with a few other things, which was why she was here.

I was pleased with the progress we've had the last few months. In just a short amount of time I've seen Lily slowly come out of her shell more and more. She held conversation now and even cracked some jokes.

It was people, or kids, like Lily that made me love my job. I knew I wanted to help people growing up. At first I thought being a nurse was the path for me but as soon as I got to college and realized exactly what the entailed that dream changed. Wasn't until I was a Junior that I finally found something I wanted to do, something I was good at. Being a counselor was my calling. Helping people overcome things and become better versions of themselves.

Like most people my job could get hard. A bad day with a client, hearing things from clients that affected me emotionally. But even with that I still loved what I did. Made me feel like I was making a difference, even in a small way.

For the next hour I sat there and talked with Lily. Occasionally writing down notes about her progress but I gladly sat back and let her speak.

"I...I think I'm going to go hang out with some girls from school on Friday." Lily said, her words surprising me.

"Oh really?" That's the first time she's ever mention hanging out with anyone from school. One of the main reasons her parents brought her to me was because she wasn't making friends at school. She was shutting herself off from talking or meeting people. So hearing her say this brought a smile to my face.

"A girl from my history class asked me." Lily said shyly. She played with her fingers as she spoke but I could tell from her body language she was excited.

"That's great Lily. Are you guys going to the mall?"

"The mall and maybe a movie."

"I'm proud of you Lily. This is a big step for you. Going out and making friends is exciting."

"Yeah." She whispered. I knew she was nervous and I had a feeling she may try to talk herself out of going. Setting my notepad aside I sat forward a bit.

"I promise it will be fun. Just be yourself and don't overthink. Be in the here and now, okay?" My voice was gentle as I spoke. I didn't want to push her but I also wanted her to know she doesn't need to be in her head and overthink the situation. Which I knew she tended to do.

"O-Okay I can do that." She nodded.

"But always remember if you don't like something or don't want to do anything, say something or call your parents, kay?" Again she nodded. Seeing the clock above her hit an hour I slowly stood up. "When I get back you can tell me all about it." Definitely going to be one appointment I'm looking forward to having.

"Thank you Ms. Davis." When Lily stood up I noticed she was standing a bit taller and looked less nervous about it.

"Anytime Lily." With a soft hand on her back I lead her out of my office with the promise to talk next week.

Once Lily was gone I closed my office door and sat back in my chair with a sigh. It was always a good day when one of your clients grows, especially someone as young as Lily. With no other clients coming in today I let myself sit there a bit longer, rolling my neck at the stress building in my shoulders. Maybe I do need this vacation.

Hearing Josie's voice in my head, I knew I better head home soon and start packing. Last thing I wanted was to forget something because I waited last minute. And I didn't want another call from Josie asking if I had packed yet. Three times is enough.

It was only 4:30 but with no one else coming I tapped my intercom, telling the girl at the front desk she could go home early. There were multiple counselors in the building but they had their own assistants, while I shared one with another counselor. But the other counselor didn't take clients on Wednesday's.

With a grateful thank you my assistant gladly went home, leaving me alone in my office. I welcomed the peace and quiet as I twirled in my office chair. I had some paperwork I needed to get done and sorted before our trip but I took a moment. With back to back clients it can be a bit exhausting.

Knowing the sooner I get my work done the sooner I can go home to a glass of wine. Inwardly groaning I sat up and got to work on finishing up on some things, the want to go home urging me to get it done faster. 

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