“No, no, no, it’s the third left past the light, Dad.”

“Ohhhhh, sorry, I see now. MacAllister Street? Is that it?”

“Yep, that’s the one!” Ali chewed her lip as she glanced over at James. He gave her shoulder a squeeze. Oh my god, they just need to get here already Ali was thinking. She’d never been so antsy in her life.

“So then I stay right?”

“Yeah, you’ll see a sign for our neighborhood on the right, so you turn there. It’s like a brick sign, kind of?” She waited on the phone, listening incase her parents needed further direction. James was looking out the window above the kitchen sink to see if he could spot them.

“Uh oh! I think I see your car!” her father said.

Ali turned quickly to go out the front door to see them in. She hung up as she saw their car come around the corner of the cul de sac, pulling into the driveway behind her SUV. She hurried down the sidewalk to greet them, taking her dad in for a hug first, then went around to hug her mom.

“What gorgeous little neighborhood!” Wendy said, giving Ali a kiss on the cheek. “And what a large house.” Her eyes gazed up at the home her daughter and James occupied; wondering how two young people could use all that room.

James walked down to where the welcoming party was being held, watching Ali interact with her parents for the first time. He felt his heart racing, and he tried to tell himself he had this in the bag. As he got closer, he noticed how in-shape Wendy was right away. He was also able to tell immediately who Ali got her eyes from; Wendy had the same large, expressive brown color Ali had, and the same little crinkle in her nose whenever she laughed. Ali's father was much taller than both Ali and Wendy, maybe even the same height as James. He had thick black hair and a genial smile.

When Jeff spotted James walking down the sidewalk, his smile became even bigger. “Well there he is! James Neal himself.” Jeff extended his hand to James, who took it firmly in his own.

“So great to finally meet you, Jeff” he said, feeling the strength in his handshake.

Wendy and Ali moved up the sidewalk now, and James opened his arms when he caught the eye of Wendy. “Heyyyyy Mrs. D.” He took her in for a big hug.

“Oh James, it is so good to finally meet you.” Wendy held his face just as she would have done with Ali’s, getting a good look at him. With a happy exhale, she took him into her arms for yet another hug.

“Okay mom, don’t suffocate him, please” Ali said jokingly. She and James looked at one another, and James gave her a comforting smile.

“I can see it already” Jeff said with a laugh. “There’s love in those eyes, Wendy.”

Wendy nodded at him. “I told you hun, it’s the real deal with these two...no pun intended, James.”

“Of course.” James had to chuckle. “Here, let me grab those.” He reached for the suitcases, despite Jeff protesting, and carried them towards the house as the group made their way up the sidewalk.

“Quite the place you got here” Jeff said, nodding at the house. “How many square feet?”

“Little over 3800” James answered, grabbing their suitcases. “75% of that is taken up by Ali’s clothes.”

“Says the man with 800 suits” Ali fired back with a smirk.

The four of them entered the house, and James immediately went upstairs to place their luggage in the spare bedroom. When he was out of earshot, Wendy leaned in close to Ali.

“Well you were not kidding when you said how handsome he is in person” she whispered. “I never realized he had such unique eyes – what would you call that color, anyway?”

“I have yet to figure that out” Ali said, leading them down the foyer hall. She felt a few of her butterflies ease up in her stomach, except her mom gushing over James was a little awkward. “So would you guys like to see the place, or would you rather relax for a while?”

“Of course! Show us around” Jeff said. “I could use a stretch of my legs.”

So Ali showed her parents around, much in the same manner she once did for Brittany when she gave her the grand tour. James and Jeff hung together, discussing construction and detailing of the home and sharing a few laughs in between. When Ali showed them to the room they’d be sleeping in, Wendy immediately noticed the flowers and was flattered by Ali’s attention to detail. James was impressed, and when Ali glanced back at him, he gave her a wink.

Once Jeff and Wendy were acquainted with the house, the four of them relaxed in the living room. James and Ali sat together on the couch opposite her parents, who took up the two plush chairs nearby. Ali had this odd feeling that her parents wanted to watch her and James together. His hand rested comfortably on her thigh as they sat together; Ali’s one leg draped between both of his as she sat on her side. This is how they were, though: they always kind of fit together wherever they sat. Now, two adults were staring at them like they were the Couple of the Century. There seemed to be a permanent smile on both Wendy and Jeff’s faces.

The conversation trickled over to the game later that night. Ali explained the details of when and where they would pick up their tickets once they got to Consol, and James extended the invitation for them to wait for him outside the locker rooms after the game.

“I can’t tell you how appreciative Wendy and I are for all of this” Jeff said, shaking his head in awe. “I know you weren’t even born yet when I went to my first Pens game, James - but I never guessed I’d be sitting in one of the Pittsburgh Penguin’s living room, or watching how happy my daughter is with him.”

James looked at Ali and patted her thigh. “I do everything I can to make her happy, and I hope I never let you or Wendy down when it comes to that.”

He’s unreal. This isn’t real. He doesn’t exist. Ali felt the butterflies return. She suddenly realized how happy she was that she never told her mom about James’ past slip-ups. It might be a whole different ball game if she had, and she breathed a tiny sigh of relief.

James checked his watch. “Well….I hate to, babe…But it’s about that time.” When he stood up, Ali joined him.

“I’ll be right back” she told her parents, and followed James upstairs to their bedroom. They were both totally silent until Ali closed the door to the bedroom behind them. “They love you, James.”

“Are you sure?” He looked a little nervous. “They’re both really cool, Ali. I see where you get it, now.”

Butterflies. “You’re sweet.” She leaned in and kissed him, then stood back watching as he gathered his stuff together. “You and my dad really seem to be hitting it off. I can tell because he went from being weird to normal in less than ten minutes.”

"They’re both so easy to talk to” James said, shoving his compression shirt and pants into his bag. “Now I just have to impress them on the ice.”

Ali sighed. “Babe.”

“No. No, arguments.” His eyes focused on her. “This is real. I have to knock it out tonight. I gotta give them something to go home with, so they can tell all their neighbors and friends that their daughter’s boyfriend plays hockey like the fucking superstar she thinks I am.”

When he admitted this, James never felt so nervous. It occurred to him that he hadn’t played a hockey game for a girlfriend, a serious girlfriend, in years. His heart was racing just thinking about it. If there was anything James Neal loved more than hockey, it was a challenge in hockey. Tonight would be a challenge.

He watched as Ali stepped forward and took his gym bag from him. She set it on the floor, took both his hands in hers. “You could sit on the bench all night and I’d still love you” she said. “You could sit on the bench all night, and my parents would still love you. For once, James – you’re with a girl who cares more about you than your talent on the ice. My parents are no different.”

James looked down and nodded. But this is why I have to impress you even more tonight; for that very reason. He very slightly glanced up and met Ali’s kind gaze, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a smile. “Mean that?”

“You know I do.”

They squeezed one another’s hands, then their mouths met in a tender kiss. James wished he could explain just how in love he was with this girl. He wanted to give her more than just a puck hitting the back of a net. Too much testosterone made him want to perform for her on the ice and not just win the game, but win Jeff and Wendy’s approval. The next three days, he would do just that, and it began tonight on the ice.


* * *


The crowd in the arena was already loud. Somewhere nearby, in the opposite tunnel, the Los Angeles Kings were filing out and onto the ice. A low rumble of ‘boos’ could be heard, but was quickly drowned out by the sound of the Pens’ intro music.

James tapped the blade of his skates into the rubber floor, shifting his weight from one foot to the other in anticipation. Dupuis came over and tapped James on the helmet.

“You okay, man?”

“I’m good, yeah.” He stared at the ground as the announcer’s voice could be heard hyping the crowd up for their arrival on the ice.

“Tonight's the night her parents are in town, isn't it?”

James nodded.

Outside, the cheers were getting louder. Staying true to form, Dupuis tapped the butt of his stick on James’ helmet, and James tapped him back.

Arreeeee Yooouuuuuuu Reeeaaaddddyyyyyyy!!!???

The Pens formed a line within the tunnel, and James fell in with the rest of the guys. Geno came over and bumped knuckles with him before taking his usual spot behind Crosby.

Please welcome: YOUR….PITTSBURGH…..PENGUINS!!!

Fleury led the procession out onto the ice. One by one, the Pens jumped out under dimmed lights, the goal horn blasting all around them. James tapped a few hands that were dangling over the tunnel as he exited, then leapt onto the ice. In the stands not too far away, James knew Ali and her parents were watching him right this second. The next 60 minutes of play was about them, and no one else.

As they announced the performer for the National Anthem, James filed in beside his other teammates at center ice. Across the line, the starters for the Kings also lined up. As James took his helmet off, he noticed a cameraman walking slowly by them. The cameraman paused just to the left of James, so he knew then he’d be on the jumbotron during the Anthem. He removed his helmet and a glove, ran his hand through his hair, and gave the camera a little smile. He stood staring at the ice for the duration of the song.

In the stands, Ali stood beside her parents in front row seats close to center ice. James came through again, getting yet another set of jaw-dropping seats for her and her family. She wore his home jersey proudly, and when she saw James give the camera a smile before the National Anthem, she took that as a smile just for her.

Because this was the last game before the Thanksgiving holiday, there was a special dedication to local Service members, and then the announcer called all of the Penguins out onto the ice. James formed a circle with the team, and they all raised their sticks.

Ladies and Gentlemen: from Your Pittsburgh Penguins and all of us here the Consol Energy Center – we’d like to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving weekend. We are appreciate having all of YOU as our fans!

The team faced the crowd, holding their sticks in dedication to the fans. The lights went up all over the arena, and for the first time, James could spot Ali and her parents in their seats. He could see they were cheering, and Ali’s eyes were on him alone. That smile was all it took for James to be ready for this game.


* * *


From incredible view where Ali and her parents sat, the game was as intense as any. Only four minutes into the game, Sid scored, putting the Pens on the board early. James was as on point as ever, skating flawlessly and with energy she hadn’t witnessed before.

“Shit! He flies, doesn’t he?” Jeff said as James zoomed past their seats.

Ali was too busy watching, mesmerized by the skills he had on the ice. It was funny to think back to him helping her skate backwards in Whitby, but made her smile all the more.

Currently it was James, Malkin, and Bennett on the ice chopping away at the Kings tough defense. James had a huge hit against one of the Kings, sending him into the boards and knocking him on his ass. The crowd went wild, and Ali stood up and cheered loudly for him.

“Good god that turns me on” Ali said, sitting back down. She saw Wendy look at her with wide eyes. “Oh I don’t care, Mother! It does!”

The crowd began to cheer again as Malkin sprinted towards the net, his feet flying as fast as he was moving the puck. Two Kings flanked him, so Malkin passed the puck to James, who sent a wrist shot right for the net. John Quick had no trouble catching it in his mitt, stopping the play with no goal.

Ali watched James skate slowly around the back of the net, shaking his head in dissatisfaction. He glided over to the face off zone on the opposite side of the ice. His back was to her, so when he bent over with his stick on the ice, Ali smiled to herself. When James was on the ice, he was in his own little bubble, but it was where he belonged. Given the level of comfort he had with his teammates, one would never guess he moved from Dallas just a few short years ago. His presence was always so unmistakable; being one of the tallest players on the team, he occupied not just one of the lead spots on the roster, but was intimidating to opposing teams.

This notion always made Ali want to laugh. Clips of James on the jumbotron before and during the game made him out to be this larger-than-life, don’t-fuck-with-Neal kind of force. She supposed it was true. James was as harmless as a fly, but here he was, flipping hockey players over his shoulders like they were as light as feathers. His lanky form multiplied in size thanks to padding, but he really did have a major impact in every game. When James hit the boards, they shook more; when James fired the puck at the net, it went faster and harder than others; when James was in full sprint mode, he ended up on the other end of the rink quicker than most.

The puck dropped now, and James and Malkin’s chemistry went to work. They were able to keep the puck in possession in front of the net for a short period, but the Kings were able to steal it away and force it down to the other end of the rink.

Ali and her parents watched intently at commotion along the side boards, where three or four players were all vying for the puck. When the mess broke up, James had the puck.

“GO BABE!” Ali jumped out of her seat and watched as James dashed past on his way to the net. He passed the puck to Malkin who came up from behind. Malkin faked a shot, passed behind him to James, who fired top-shelf, nailing the back of the net.

Ali pounded the glass excitedly when James got the goal. In fact, everyone in the arena went wild; the goal horn blasting for the second time that period. James was surrounded by his teammates as they hugged him and congratulated one another. Wendy and Jeff were on their feet cheering as well, each of them giving Ali a hug.

It wasn’t James only goal of the game. After the first intermission, three minutes into the second period, he had a redirected goal by Kunitz during a quick shift change.

And by the third period, with two minutes on the clock, James scored his third goal of the night – giving him his first hat trick of the season.

Ali actually had tears. She was so proud of him. She was proud to be his girl, and was proud to wear his number. Wendy and Jeff were celebrating in their seats, cheering louder than Ali thought she ever saw her dad cheer before. Her dad even took the hat off his head and threw it over the glass to join the shower of other hats that fell onto the ice.

From his spot on the ice, James skated past his bench to bump fists with the rest of his team. On the jumbotron, THE REAL DEAL – JAMES NEAL! was heard, and the crowd went nuts all over again. James breathed a sigh of relief at that moment. He’d gone out tonight with the intent of giving Ali’s parents something to be proud of; he wanted to give her the game she wanted, and he did everything he could to give her that.

Now, when his name was called, James skated in a small circle with his stick raised humbly in thanks to the crowd. The Ice Crew was still busy cleaning up the hats all over the ice, so James used that moment to point his stick at Ali and her parents behind the glass. His heart beat in double-time when he saw her blow a kiss to him.


* * *


James gave more than 20 minutes worth of interviews after the game. He was patient, despite how badly he wanted to be with Ali. Hat tricks didn’t happen every day, so he wasn’t minding all the attention it brought, even if he was antsy to get out of the locker room.

He showered and quickly threw on his black suit, purple button-down, and black tie he had on earlier. He felt the most excited he felt all night when he walked out the doors and into the hallway. Ali was right there waiting, looking gorgeous in her baggy jersey, with her loose hair and bright eyes. She trotted excitedly towards him, and James caught her in his arms, squeezing her tight and kissing her.

“Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. AMAZING! Our first hatty together, baby – I can’t BELIEVE it!”

It was the reaction James hoped for. The reaction he needed, though, would come from Wendy and Jeff. They were next to approach, smiles on both their faces.

“That was fucking outstanding, Neal.” Jeff shook his hand, then hooked him in for a brief hug.

“Wow…thanks” James said, feeling a little special. “Guess we’ve reached that level of comfort now, eh?”

Jeff laughed. “You bet! Unbelievable game tonight. In all the games I’ve ever been lucky to go to, I’ve never been able to catch a Hat Trick. My daughter couldn’t be dating a better Penguin, let alone a better hockey player.”

Couldn’t be dating a better hockey player. Yes, he heard those words, but James had never been told those words before.

“I, uh….I really don’t know what to say, I guess” James stammered. He just gave 20 minutes worth of interviews, and now suddenly he found himself speechless. Beside him, he felt Ali pat his back as she curled into his side. She was so proud of him; she wanted to hang on to him all night so that everyone could see that she was with The Real Deal.

“Nothing to say, hun” Wendy replied happily. “Although I should say thank you for those seats!”

James laughed. “Anytime you want them again, you just ask.”

As they stood together in the hall, a few of the other players emerged from the locker rooms behind them. One of them was Sidney Crosby. When Ali glanced over her shoulder, she saw him and he instantly smiled.

“Hey Ali” Sid said, and Ali released James enough to at least give him half of a hug.

“Long time no see, Sid.”

His face was still flushed pink from the game and his smile was warm. “It’s good to see you! I didn’t know you’d be here tonight?” He said this with a bit of question, his eyes flicking towards James.

“My family’s in town for Thanksgiving tomorrow.” Ali continued. She nudged Sid in the side. “My dad will likely shit his pants, but would you like to meet them?

When she turned and pulled Sid forward, it opened up the little circle which they’d all been standing in. Both of Ali’s parents drew their breath in sharply at seeing their daughter just casually speaking with Sidney Crosby.

“Mom, Dad – This is Sid. Sid – this is my mom, Wendy, and my dad, Jeff.” Even as Ali said this, she felt James arm close around her waist.

“It’s a real pleasure Wendy, Jeff.” Sid shook both their hands.

Jeff looked totally stunned. He adjusted the neck to his Lemieux jersey, laughing a little. “Wow, Allison – you sure know how to spoil your parents all in one night, don’t you?”

She laughed. “Aw, Dad - Sid’s as good of a friend as he is a player, isn’t that right, babe?”

“Great teammate, great friend.” James smiled at her, wishing Sid would just keep his distance from Ali at all costs. This was his night to shine, not Crosby’s.

“So did you enjoy the game?” Sid asked Wendy.

“Amazing seats to watch an amazing game! What’s left to say?” She laughed nervously and Ali rolled her eyes; it was so painfully obvious how smitten her mom was already with Sid.

“We should probably be heading out, eh?” James gave Ali a smile. “Big dinner to cook and all tomorrow.”

Sid looked impressed. “Whoa…you’re cooking, Nealer?”

James nodded, scratching at his hair. “With some help, of course.”

“Cross your fingers we don’t blow the house up” Ali replied with a smile. “Thanks again for stopping to say hi. Don’t be a stranger.” She gave him a very subtle wink, and Sid picked up on it right away.

“You either.” He turned to head out, patting James on the back. “Good luck tomorrow, man. You’ll need it.”

“Hardy Har, Crosby.”

Sid waved at Wendy and Jeff. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend here. You have a very special daughter, so I am glad I got to meet you both.” He turned to leave, giving Ali one final smile.

James followed Sid with his eyes, trying not to let his blood boil any further. Ali pinching him in the side brought his attention back to her.

“Cmon, Hat Trick Stud.” Her fingers slid into his, clasping gently. “I want you to myself the rest of the night.”

When James looked at her, the sparkle in her eyes said her focus was for him and him alone. Why he let Sid get to him in that moment, he didn’t know. After all, James got to go home with Ali…night after night after night, hat trick or not.

But James did get a hat trick.
And he impressed Ali's parents, winning their approval and praise.

He smiled to himself. Thanks, Sid - but I don't need any more luck. I've already got everything I want.


* * *


Later that night, after Ali and Wendy both decided to head to bed, James and Jeff stayed downstairs in the living room talking. They were both working on their second beer, already deep into hockey talk and laughing with one another as they covered all sorts of topics. James was really starting to enjoy Jeff, and found a pretty easy bond with him. If Ali thought boyfriends were supposed to be afraid of her dad, James must be missing something, because he thought Jeff was great.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Jeff said.

James nodded. "Shoot."

Jeff leaned forward off the chair, elbows on his knees. "You love my daughter, right?"

"More than you know" James said with confidence. "More than I've loved any other girl, that's for sure."

Jeff nodded. "Well I want you to know that she is absolutely head over heels for you, James. I see it in the way she looks at you; I hear it every time she talks about you." He paused. "And that girl......that girl is my everything. She deserves the absolute best."

James waited for more, if there was any, but Jeff stared down into his beer.

"Jeff, listen...” James leaned forward, mirroring his stance. “Ali deserves the best and then some. I've surprised myself these past months being with her…Shit, I've surprised just about everyone who's ever known me" he said with a chuckle. His eyes met Jeff's, and he searched for his words, desperate to say it right. “I guess what I’m trying to say here is that you don’t have anything to worry about.”

The two men, though involved heavily in Allison’s life in very different ways, both loved her just the same.

“I love her, Jeff.” James held his gaze assuredly. “I can actually see myself with her, you know? So…if you think my habits on the road are a problem or could be an issue—“

“—No, no, James.” Jeff shook his hand at him. “It’s not about any of that, though I’m not sure how you guys do it…resist, I mean. Week after week.”

James bit his lip. For a while, I didn’t...

“I just want to know you’re going to take care of my baby girl the way she deserves to be taken care of.”

“I have, and I will” James answered.

Jeff leaned back into the chair, satisfied. He smiled at James and lifted his beer. “Good talk?”

James lifted his beer. “Great talk, Mr. D.”

They each took a swig of beer, and James contemplated telling Jeff the plans he was making for him and Ali over the next couple of months. He wanted to tell him about Colorado and what he wanted to do while he was with her there…..but given the safe ending they just reached, James decided to leave it for another time.


* * *

Notes

....a teeny bit of foreshadowing, anyone? ;)