And what a life it’s been.
Owen and I are so unbelievably happy. Each day is an adventure, and I swear I fall for him more and more with each passing second. He’s so supportive and thoughtful. There is always a new plant waiting at home for me, and he even enjoys going to different nurseries all over South Carolina. We’re also going to stop at a few in Nashville. We still work out daily, and he yells at me for not eating enough. He brings snacks to me at work, and he is always trying to feed me. Things are just fun, and each day, we grow. Together. The biggest thing, though, and probably my favorite, is I’m happy with me.
Am I running around in a bikini? Not yet, but maybe one day. Am I the skinniest? Nope. Am I even back to my size fours? Not even kinda. I’m a thicc—with two Cs—fourteen, and I’m proud of that. I work hard at work and even harder in the gym, with Owen right by my side. I’m still trying to convince him to get his thyroid checked, but he refuses, and truthfully, I like him thicc too. I love him. He was there when I graduated, front row and the loudest one at the graduation. When I was officially hired here, he threw me a massive party, and I felt so loved.
That’s probably my favorite thing about him—he just loves, so very much.
“Oh, Nico. I’m so happy for you.”
“Me too,” he says, looking away. “Even Aviva has noticed a difference. I’m more involved, and I don’t disassociate as much.”
“That’s wonderful.” I almost cry as I write down the notes, and since I know this is probably my last chance, I close my tablet and look back at him. He looks at me for a second and then glances away. “Nico, can we talk off the record?”
He looks back at me, but it’s only for a second before he shrugs. “Sure?”
I take in a deep breath, and I feel my confidence coursing through my veins. “I don’t know if you know this, but you being this incredible, fantastic goalie while having autism is mind-blowing. You are what every parent of an autistic child wants for their kid. And I think that if people knew their child could have the potential to do what you do, we’d have more people with your superpower.”
He shakes his head. “It’s hardly a superpower. I obsess over things, and then my anxiety gets in the way. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
“But you fight it. You overcome it. And look at you, Nico. I’m in awe.” He finally meets my gaze. “I really want to extend an opportunity for you to go public and to bring awareness.”
Terror is in his eyes. “I don’t want people to treat me differently.”
“They won’t, but if they do, then they aren’t the people for you,” I promise. “But I don’t think they will. I feel like you’re going to get so much support and we’re gonna help so many people, as well as kids.”
He looks away once more, and I hold my breath. “Can I think about it?”
I look like a bobblehead, I’m nodding so quickly. “Absolutely. Also, I have a proposal for how I want this all to happen with the media, and then for the program I’d like to start.”
I hand him the proposal I’ve worked on for a countless number of hours, and he reads the title. “Ice Hockey and Puzzle Pieces.”
I beam. “I wanted something more than autism. I wanted to celebrate hockey but also how complex all people with autism are.”
He looks back down at the proposal and reads for a second. “This is very impressive.”
“Thank you. I’ve worked very hard on it because I believe in it and you.”
He doesn’t look up at me, but he nods. “I’ll honestly consider it.”
“Awesome. And talk to Aviva, see what she thinks.”
“I will. I’m sure she’ll be supportive.”
“I know she will,” I agree, and he nods, looking back down at the proposal.
Before I cry with excitement, I give him a wide smile and head out of the room. I send my notes to Dr. Tembalt with a message wishing him a nice two weeks since I’ll be gone. The pep in my step is over the top, but I’m so excited.
I want so desperately for my plan to work and to help people. That’s always been my goal. It started with Evan Adler, and I succeeded—for him, even if his hockey career was the sacrifice. I thought that was enough and I was going to be so happy. But really, it took Evan bringing Owen into my life for me to be truly happy.
I head to my desk and gather my things. As I shut down and lock up my computer, I hear London say, “You heading out?”