Turning thirty shouldn’t be a big deal—unless you’re a minor league hockey player starting to realize the big leagues might never call. It’s a tough pill to swallow.

But then, out of nowhere, I get my shot. The L.A. Phantoms are in the playoffs for the first time in decades, and with their roster decimated by injuries, they call me up.

I’m ready to warm the bench, but with a solid season behind me, they’re willing to give me some ice time. This is the chance of a lifetime. Until she walks in.

My first love. The one I never forgot.

But dating her...

Turning thirty shouldn’t be a big deal—unless you’re a minor league hockey player starting to realize the big leagues might never call. It’s a tough pill to swallow.

But then, out of nowhere, I get my shot. The L.A. Phantoms are in the playoffs for the first time in decades, and with their roster decimated by injuries, they call me up.

I’m ready to warm the bench, but with a solid season behind me, they’re willing to give me some ice time. This is the chance of a lifetime. Until she walks in.

My first love. The one I never forgot.

But dating her could risk everything we’ve both worked for.

How are we supposed to choose between the future we’ve dreamed of and the past we never let go of?