Miles Dempsey

I stepped into Target on a Tuesday afternoon, taken aback by the bustling crowd. Shouldn't everyone be at work or school? Thankfully, I was wearing my go-to disguise, a New York Yankees cap and sunglasses. It might not be much, but it usually did the trick.

Shielding my eyes behind the sunglasses, I scanned my surroundings. The checkout lines stretched endlessly, and a pang of regret hit me. I'd only come here for two things, and now I wished I'd chosen a different store. My attention was drawn to two guys in line, holding vases and bouquets of flowers. My gaze traced over the rest of the people in line, revealing an array of chocolates, flowers, candy, and stuffed animals.

Pulling out my phone, I glanced at the date. February 14. Valentine's Day. What a ridiculous holiday.

My minds been all over the place. I hadn't even realized Valentine's Day was approaching. Not that I cared; I wasn't in a relationship. Still, I couldn't help but wish I'd chosen a different day to venture out of my house.

Since I was already here, I headed over to the razor section. Mine had given out that morning, and I needed a new one for our upcoming game in New York. With that sorted, I sought out the supplement and vitamin aisle. Melatonin was my current need; sleep had eluded me for the past two weeks.

"Miles Dempsey?" A voice I didn't recognize pulled me from my thoughts. I turned towards it, finding a young kid standing there, clearly a fan. Shit. "Oh, man, I knew you looked familiar!" His grin was infectious. I couldn't be an asshole now. I just hoped no one around us had overheard. "Hey, man. Nice to meet you." I extended my hand for a dap, which he eagerly met.

"I can't believe I'm meeting you. I'm such a huge fan," he declared enthusiastically. "Can we take a picture?" I rarely said no to a picture, so I snapped a quick picture with the kid. "I don't want to take up your time, but you're a big inspiration to me. I'm from Vancouver, I play hockey at school, and I'm...adopted too."

His words strike me like a lightning bolt. While the world knew this fact about me, hearing it from someone else still caught me off guard. I hadn't met anyone who shared that in common with me and were fans of mine.

"It's just crazy to me how much I look up to you and we have that in common. I don't know if you have yet but I actually just reconnected with my birth parents last year. It was...mad. In a good way of course. Anddddd I'm rambling, let me shut up." He chuckles awkwardly. In that moment, my heart raced as fast as his words.

My thoughts had largely avoided my birth parents since Christmas, until now. The reminder was a slap to my face. "It's okay, no worries. Thank you, man. I'm glad it went well for you; that's really great. You enjoying the season so far? I hope we're making you proud." I tried to keep things light and put him at ease.

His brown eyes light up and he nods eagerly. "Hell yeah! Will you say hi to Jason Tayler for me? Would you mind saying hi to Jason Tayler for me? I'm Adam. He's my favorite player after you and Vail." Tate. Deciding to make the kid's day, I dialed up JT and Tate on FaceTime. We chatted briefly with each of them. Luckily, no one seemed to notice me except Adam.

After our farewells, I grabbed my melatonin, and left the store. As I hopped into my car, my heart rate slowly returned to normal. I tried not to dwell on the reason behind my rapid heartbeat. What were the odds of crossing paths with that kid today? Someone who looked up to me and shared my backstory.

The only difference was that he had met his birth parents, and I hadn't.

And I never would.

My phone rang, interrupting my ugly thoughts. Kaitlyn's name flashed on the console. My brows furrowed, but I answered. "Yes?" I greeted. "Shush. Oh - you! Hey, Miles! Want to join Tate and me for dinner tonight?" Kaitlyn's usual cheerfulness came through my speakers. I could tell she was talking to Tate in the background just then.

"Isn't it Valentine's Day?" I questioned, though I knew the answer. "Yeah, so what?" Kaitlyn responded quickly. "Can I talk to Tate?" I interjected. The only way I could decipher Kaitlyn's meaning was through Tate. "Sure thing," she sing-songs.

"Hey, buddy." Tate's voice comes through the line. "What's going on there?" I inquired, wondering if there was a reason behind Kaitlyn's invitation. "She doesn't want you to be lonely tonight," my best friend teased, his mouth sounding like it was full of something. "Tate Vail! I did not say that!" Kaitlyn yelps in the background.

I roll my eyes and furrow my brows. The sound of struggling comes through the speakers of my car and then Kait's voice is back. "Don't listen to him, Miles. I'm inviting you because the three of us don't even celebrate the holiday to begin with so we should spend it together. And make fun of it at the same time."

Well that makes sense. Kind of. "Oh. Okay. Uhm, thanks for the invite, Kait, but I'm gonna have to pass," I tell her. If I wasn't currently in my head, I probably would have taken up her offer. "What, why? Don't listen to Tate, he's just being an ass. Come over, Miles." I shake my head, despite her not being able to see me. "It's not that. I'm just tired from yesterdays game, I wasn't trying to do anything today. Plus it's my first two day break from that asshole. I'll see him on Thursday at practice."

"Heard that!" Tate shouts in the background, causing a smile to tug at my lips. "Okay, well if you change your mind, we'll be here. See you soon." I exchanged goodbyes with Kaitlyn and ended the call. I'm almost at home again. The kid was probably already waiting for me in the driveway. I'm lending him the car again to take Ember out today. I didn't know it was for Valentine's Day but it's all clicking now.

The date they went on this past weekend went 'great'. Those were his exact words. It seems like the kid is finally out of the doghouse and back in little Ember's good graces. I've never seen him so happy which makes me glad they mended things.

While they were all good, it seemed like they had thrown their difficulties at Nola and I. We were the ones on the outs now. Sure, it isn't as bad as JT and Ember's relationship at one point, but it's not great either. Nola claims she isn't upset with me anymore but I can see through her so easily. I'm surprised she keeps on lying to me at this point. The only reason I don't say anything is because I don't want her to be upset.

Not talking to her isn't fun though and I'm currently bored out of my fucking mind without her. I was thinking about calling her today to see if she wanted to do something but I was too much of a pussy to do it.

Just like I thought, JT's standing on the front step as I pull into the driveway. He stands quickly and rushes over to the drivers side. "You FaceTimed me thirty minutes ago! How long was your conversation with that kid?" he asks. I shrug, and get off the car with my bag. "Hey, have you talked to Nola today?" I ask. He hops into the seat after me and shakes his head. "No. I think she's still at practice," he tells me.

I nod my head. "Please be careful. And have fun," I say, making praying hands. "Always, Demps. See you later." He wasted no time, pulling out of the driveway once I was out of the way. I entered the house, setting my bag on the kitchen island. It was only three in the afternoon, and Nola's practices usually ran till five, maybe six.

Still, I decided to shoot her a text. I fished my phone out of my pocket.

Miles: Have any special valentine's day plans or do you want to spend it together?

My brows furrow at the text I just sent. Does that sound like I'm asking her on date? Fuck, it does.

Miles: By that I just mean spend it at my place or yours doing absolutely nothing.

Okay, now I sound dumb.

Deciding I don't want to dig myself deeper into this whole, I shut off my phone and wait. The worst thing she can say is no.

Then I'll wallow in self-pity.

***
Nola Scott

As soon as the clock struck five o'clock, I left the ice. After a week of combining weight training with skating, my body still ached. I headed to the shower at the practice facility, opting for ice-cold water. Usually, I preferred hot showers, but right now, my body craved the cold.

After my shower, I changed into some fleece shorts and a matching UCLA pullover. It was still a bit chilly for my legs to be almost all the way bare like this but I was on my way home anyway. I slicked my hair back into a low bun with my blue scrunchie, slipped on my shoes, and was out of there.

Some girls were still practicing and I'd give it to them tomorrow. my progress had been impressive, exhaustion had taken over. I strived to push myself without overexerting my body. Once in the car, I grabbed my phone and scrolled through messages. Valentine's Day wishes had arrived from my parents, siblings, and even my cousin Sienne, who adored the holiday.

Two texts from Miles caught my attention.

Miles: Have any special valentine's day plans or do you want to spend it together?

By that I just mean spend it at my place or yours doing absolutely nothing.

My stomach fluttered at his messages. Although we hadn't been as close the past few weeks, I still missed his presence. He was someone I felt comfortable around, and since life's been stressful, I craved some comfort. Especially when he was just a fifteen-minute drive away, not over an hour like my parents.

Ember wasn't home today either. She'd been texting me about her date with JT. Their happiness made my heart swell. The fact that my favorite people were in love—or at least "in like," as Ember put it—made me feel like a sap. May as well not be a complete loner at home.

Nola: sure. my place? i can pick you up right now if you lend JT your regular car.

I lock my phone after putting on some music and leave the practice facility. It's about twenty five minutes away from Miles' place. My phone rings with a phone call as I leave. It's Miles. I press the green answer button with a smile.

"Regular car? Seriously," he deadpans. A laugh escapes my lips. "The Lamborghini is the show-off car. The BMW is the casual day car," I tease. I knew he'd say something about me calling the BMW a 'regular' car. "Fine. Just because I've never been to your place or been the passenger while you're driving. I like trying new things," he says. I roll my eyes. "I'll text you when I'm outside."

We hung up, and I drove while jamming out to music. When I arrived, Miles was waiting outside. He wore a graphic t-shirt and shorts that were even shorter than mine. "Please don't kill me," he pleaded as he settled into the passenger seat. "I'm a great driver, Dempsey," I retorted, and he gave me a playful look. "Alright, Scott." He emphasized my last name.

After he buckled up, I maneuvered out of his posh neighborhood. "No exciting date tonight?" I teased. He shook his head. "And you?" he asked in return. "Definitely not. Believe it or not, I wouldn't ditch a hot date for you," I joked. His lips curled slightly, and he nodded. Our conversation turned to figure skating and hockey, keeping us engaged for the rest of the drive home. Not much was new on my end, considering I was consumed by practice.

He said hockey was going well. I'd been so absorbed in my own sport that I hadn't kept up with his. I made a mental note to find time to attend one of his games. Luckily for me, I would have Ember to keep me company now that her and JT were on speaking terms.

When we reached my place, I was relieved to find it clean. I typically stayed in my room, so any mess usually didn't extend beyond my personal space. To my surprise, even my room was clean. "I like your place," Miles commented, looking around. It was simple and had some girly touches.

A white couch sat atop a colorful carpet Ember and I had chosen together. A glass coffee table stood before it, featuring an unlit vanilla candle. A tall lamp occupied a corner, and a light-up sign on the wall behind the couch read 'Better Together.' A bar cart next to the TV was fully stocked, though it wasn't really used since we bought it.

"Thanks. Want something to drink?" I point to the bar cart. "We also have water and Diet Coke." He smiles and shakes his head. "I'm good for now. Thanks, Scott." I nod and sit down on the couch which he follows me to. "Everything okay?" I ask him. Although we hadn't been talking much lately, I sensed a shift in his mood since he got into the car.

Running his hand through his hair, he avoided my gaze. It was a habit of his when he wanted to evade discussing something uncomfortable. Eventually, he turned his head to look around. "Where's your room?" he asked. "Down that little hallway." I gestured toward the concealed door. "Can I see it?" he asked, surprising me. "Sure," I responded, a hint of unease in my tone.

Miles waits for me to lead the way. Thankfully, my room was orderly, with everything in its proper place. He surveyed the space, its predominant shade of white with splashes of pink and blue in the decor. He walked to the floating shelves on the wall, which displayed various picture frames. Each frame contained a different person on them. Some of them had the same person more than once if it was a family picture.

He picks up the one with me and my parents, staring at it for a while. I come up next to him and look at it too. A smile creeps onto my lips. "That was my senior year. I had just won my biggest competition. I was the highest score of the night," I tell him the story behind the picture. His expression, however, remained impassive, and concern gnawed at me. He set the frame down and continued to gaze.

His gray eyes scan all the pictures, unspoken emotions emanating from him. "What's wrong?" I ask, my voice coming out in a soft whisper. Miles finally turns to face me and his eyes beg for comfort. "A kid came up to me at the store today and told me I was his biggest inspiration," he finally says, his voice strained. My lips lift in a smile at his words but his stay in a straight line.

"I've heard that one before. Doesn't mean it doesn't mean anything to me anymore, it does. It always will. But then he told me..." He looks physically sick as he swallows hard. Miles looks away from me again and back at the picture of me and my parents. "That he's adopted too," he reveals. Oh, gosh. We've had this conversation before. I know how hard this is for him to talk about. "Miles..." I start but he cuts me off.

"He told me that him and I were alike and that's why I've been an inspiration to him and one of those similarities we shared was the fact that we're adopted." Miles chuckles bitterly, walking over toward my bed. "Get this, he's also met his birth parents. Just last year, he said. It went great. Good for him, eh." As hard as his voice is right now, I see how the sadness in his eyes.

I want to reach out and touch him and comfort him, but I give him space. "Do you want that? To meet your birth parents?" I ask carefully. I think I already know the answer. He's told me before that he tried to find them. Before I messed it up... God I still feel terrible for that. He wouldn't be feeling this way if it wasn't for me messing up his chances at talking to his parents.

"Yes. I do. But I don't," he replies quickly. "Why don't you?" I ask another question. His chest rises and falls more rapidly than before. Normally, I'm the one not looking at him but he's the one avoiding my gaze now. "What if they don't want me? But- wait, get this. What if they do? But not because of just me." He shakes his head. "Because of Miles Dempsey. That's going to suck even more then them not just wanting me period."

I sigh. "You are Miles Dempsey." He scoffs. "You know what I mean. The fame, the money. What if they're drawn to me only for that reason? Then what?" He looks at me like I have the answers. I wish I did. "Then- then screw them! You don't need people who only want that. You already have two incredible parents, Miles. They're the ones who have raised you and loved you unconditionally. It'll suck, but...you already have something amazing waiting for you back home and you know that."

God, I suck at this. Pep talks are not by forte.

"If I already have something amazing then why am I searching for more? Does that make me a terrible person? Be honest. Don't sugarcoat it, Scott," he pleads. I shake my head quickly. This time, I close the gap between us. "You're not a terrible person, Miles. And neither are the countless others who've sought out their birth parents before you. Just because you have amazing parents doesn't mean you can't explore what might have been."

My words don't immediately steady his breathing. I look down, brushing my middle finger against his. His breath hitches, and when I meet his gaze again, he's staring at our joined hands. "If you want me there when you meet them, or even when you talk to your parents about it, I'll be by your side. Just ask. I'll be there," I whisper. His gray eyes meet mine, and my heart flutters. There's just something so... familiar about him.

I can't quite put it into words.

He nods, finally regaining control of his breathing. "Thank you," he rasps. I offer a faint smile and nod in return. Taking his arm, I guide him to sit on my bed. The mattress dips under our combined weight. "Can we stay here? Maybe watch a movie or something?" he gestures toward my TV.

I'd never turn down a handsome blue-eyed boy, especially one named Miles. "Absolutely."