My Hockey Alpha by Eve Above Story PDF

Chapter 0478

Nina

The brightly lit mall, covered in colorful banners and flashy storefronts, was a stark change from the gentle green and blue hues of Mountainview. It wasn't a regular occurrence for us to come to the mall, but when we did, it was always fun.

I always loved browsing the sale racks, trying on funny hats, and pointing out unique displays. But today, I was just happy to be near Enzo. His hand was warm in mine as we wandered through the mall, surrounded by the buzz of Saturday shoppers.

"Let's check out that store," I suggested, nodding toward a trendy boutique. "I've been wanting to get something new,"

Enzo grinned. "As you wish."

The store smelled like vanilla and lavender, with tall racks of clothes neatly organized by color and type. My fingers brushed over soft fabrics, lingering on a few summery outfits. I eventually picked out a few things that caught my eye and headed to the fitting rooms.

And yet, as I stood before the mirror in a beautiful green dress, I found my eyes drifting to my midsection. My belly still looked a little more pronounced than usual. For a second, I felt a strange mix of insecurity and concern. I tried to push it away, blaming it on bad lighting or an unflattering angle, but the feeling persisted.

"Hey, babe, how's it going in there?" Enzo's voice broke through my internal monologue as he peeked into the fitting room.

I twirled awkwardly, watching his eyes for a reaction. "What do you think? Does it look okay?"

Enzo smiled. "It looks perfect. You should get it."

I paused, though, glancing nervously in the mirror. My hand lingered on my belly. "It's not... too tight around my stomach?"

Instantly, Enzo shot me a warning look. "You look stunning, Nina. You always do," he assured me, his eyes eamest. "And healthy, too. Don't start obsessing over your size."

soothing my self-consciousness, but a part of me was still uneasy. "You're right, I shouldn't obsess," I agreed, even though something deep within

thought to myself. "I'll just have

to another. We were midway through our window-shopping

store.

soft, involuntary sigh escaped my lips, accompanied

the shift in me instantly, his arm snaking around my waist.

guard, I feigned indifference. "I'm not upset; I was just looking, that's

brown eyes twinkling. "Nina, I know you far too well for you to pull that 'just looking' nonsense on me. Is this like

his shoulder, enveloped by the comforting smell of his

my job," he quipped, pulling me closer. "I might as well double down on it now, seeing as how I won't be around in a

"Hey! Don't go bringing that up

Enzo laughed. And so

lightness in my step. The words that Enzo had uttered just the day before-"new beginnings"-now felt even more meaningful.

anything, it gave me even more hope for

be able

damp earth and fallen leaves. Lori, Jessica, and I set off on our Sunday morning hike,

how did your chat with Enzo go?" Lori asked, navigating a rocky stretch with practiced ease. "I'm assuming you

a moment, measuring my words. "You're right. We did talk about

I still couldn't quite comprehend. A mixture

glances. "You sound disappointed." Jessica said

little," I finally admitted, feeling vulnerable beneath my friends' knowing gazes. "I didn't

good sign, you know? At least you've got a glimpse of what you want in the future.