At the start he was okay with that. I don’t know if it was because he thought we wouldn’t get serious or if he thought I would change my mind. Now, as the draft gets closer I can see the wariness in him. A New York scout has all but told him they are picking him and he’ll be taking their offer. He is moving to the other side of the country and he deserves it. Truly, he is special. He might think I’m everything, but Liam has more potential than most. He is a master on ice and he should share that with the world, even if it’s going to wreck me when he walks away.

“Come with me,” he whispers, as though he knows what I’m thinking. It’s not the first time he has asked, but I always give him the same answer.

“I can’t, you know I can’t.” My words are resigned.

“Ellis, I—” My hands cover his mouth. I can’t hear those words. My heart is already half broken, I can’t have it shatter.

“Please. Don’t say it,” I beg, but Liam’s fingers circle my wrist pulling them away.

“I have to, I love you. I want you with me. You and hockey mean everything to me and I don’t want to let you go.” I can see the battle in his eyes.

“I want to build my life here, I have plans of my own. I can’t throw them away.” It would just prove Eleanor right, I think.

“Ellis, please.” Now it’s his turn to beg, and it slices at my weakened defences to hear him plead for me. For us.

“Your life is going to be amazing Liam, I know it. You will be the best player in the league. Women will want to be with you, men will want to be you. I can’t stand in the way.” The truth in my words hurts me more. Having fibromyalgia means I need more than most. More care, more time, there are things he won’t be able to give me. He will be travelling for games, he will have to train like hell – especially when he first starts. I couldn’t bear to make him feel like he isn’t enough, doing enough.

“You won’t be in the way, you’ll be by my side.”

“Being judged by millions of women who think I’m not good enough,” I say, my voice shaking. “Never able to go about my day because sports reporters will be all over us, whether you win or lose.” If all goes to plan, Liam will be a famous athlete, and everyone in the world will have a say in what woman he deserves. I can’t listen to hundreds of people tell him how much better he could do.