Stacey folded the last of her and Tyler’s laundry. January was almost over and she had just finished putting the last few touches on her and Tyler’s new home. They bought a small 3-bedroom home in Revere about 5 miles from Boston.
Tyler was away on a trip to Carolina. The Bruins had beat the Hurricanes 5-3 with Tyler netting an empty net goal and an assist. “It was such a great game!” Tyler had told her on the phone just before she started the laundry. He would be home later that night and the next two game would be at home.
Tyler’s birthday was the 31st and Stacey wanted to throw him a party on the 30th, since it was an off day. She had been planning it for a while with a few of the other guy’s girlfriends. Tyler would be 21. Legal drinking age in America, even though he had been of legal age in Canada for a few years.
Stacey couldn’t wait. She was going to make all of his favorite snacks and she knew he’d love the presents she got him. Of course she had also invited her friends from Boston U, but so far Sammie was the only one who RSVP’d. Stacey had tried contacting Trisch, Kassidy, Benny and even Lindzey, but none of them replied. They hadn’t since Stacey left for Switzerland.
“They’ll come around eventually.” Sammie told her
Stacey didn’t think so. She didn’t know what she had done to make them hate her. No matter how much Sammie assured her they didn’t hate her, Stacey couldn’t help feeling that they did. She couldn’t help but to feel like she had done something wrong.
“Honey, I’m home.” Tyler called into the house
Stacey smiled and gave him a kiss “Good trip?”
“Of course! Did you see my empty net goal?” he asked
Stacey nodded “You know it.” Stacey watched every away game and when she couldn’t go to a home game, she recorded it. She had started a job at a coffee shop in Boston and it was hard to go to every game, but her boss usually tried to give her game days off.
Tyler had insisted on Stacey not working, but Stacey wanted to. She didn’t want Tyler to spend all his money on her, even if he made millions. She liked working.
“Did I play good?” he asked unbuttoning his shirt.
Stacey nodded “You always do, Ty.” Tyler only gotten the one goal, but he had put in 2 assists and his plus/ minus rating was +4. He also hadn’t taken any penalties, which was good.
Tyler smiled “Tomorrow we play the Devils. Can you go?”
Stacey nodded. She had gotten the weekend off “Yep.”
“Good.” Tyler smiled before giving her a kiss. “Bed time?”
Stacey nodded and followed Tyler into their bedroom. She helped him get changed into his pajama pants and they climbed into bed, falling fast asleep.
Stacey woke up the next morning to an empty bed. Tyler had already left for the morning skate. Stacey stretched, climbed out of bed and went to the kitchen. She pulled a bowl out of the cupboard and poured herself some cereal. She pulled the morning paper over and flipped to the sports section seeing a piece on Boston U. Her former team had won 3-0, with Sammie earning her 2nd shutout of the season. Stacey was glad they were doing good, but was still angry they had gotten rid of her.
A while after breakfast, Stacey started getting ready. Like usual, she and Tyler would be going out for lunch before they would take their game-day nap. The Devils were a tough team to beat, but Stacey knew they’d be able to do it. She had gained a soft spot for the Bruins after meeting most of the guys on the team and seeing them play, but the Rangers were still her number one team.
“Honey?” Tyler called as he walked inside “Are you ready to go to lunch?”
“In a few!” Stacey called back from their bedroom
“Okay, I’m going to go shower.” he replied
“Okay…do you have a place in mind? Or do you want me to pick?”
“You pick.”
Stacey nodded “How about Volle Nolle?”
“Sounds good to me.” Tyler called back over the sound of the water.
“Alright.” Stacey played with her hair and waited for Tyler to be finished. After a few minutes, he came out of the bathroom in his towel. Stacey whistled and laughed.
Tyler smiled and gave her a wink before going into the bedroom and changing into jeans and a Bruins hoodie. “Ready.”
“Good…I am starving.” Stacey grabbed his hand and they headed to the car, driving to Boston to go to the sandwich place. Volle Nolle had become one of Stacey’s favorites. She loved their Pesto Chicken.
After ordering their food, Stacey grabbed Tyler’s hand and smiled “I can’t wait for the game tonight. It’s going to be good.”
Tyler nodded “The Devils are tough, but we’re ready.”
Stacey smiled “So…what kind of dessert do you want for your birthday?”
Tyler thought for a moment before smiling “A icebox one!”
Stacey looked at him confused “A what?”
“You know…chocolate cookies and whipped cream? My mom has this recipe. I can have her send it to you.” he smiled
Stacey laughed “Okay, good.”
Their sandwiches got there so the conversation stopped and they just ate and enjoyed. After lunch, they headed home and got ready for their nap. Stacey curled up beside him on their bed after setting his alarm and fell asleep.
Soon enough, it was time to head to the arena. Tyler put on his suit and Stacey put on her black sweatpants with a Bruins hoodie Tyler had gotten her. They headed to the rink and Stacey dropped him off at the main door. The game wouldn’t be starting for about two hours, so Stacey decided to do some more shopping for the party.
Stacey walked up and down the isles grabbing plates, cups, napkins and plastic silverware. She grabbed a box of toothpicks for some “finger foods” and she started getting some beer, champagne and vodka for the party. Stacey put a case of Bacardi in her cart when she heard a voice that she did not want to hear.
“Stacey Summers?” the all-to-familiar male voice said from behind her.
Stacey spun around to see Noah James, her ex-boyfriend. “Noah…hi.”
“Stacey! Wow…it’s been forever! How are you?”
“I’m good thanks.” Stacey said, trying to be polite. Noah and her had briefly dated after Stacey and Matthew had split. Noah had broken things off with her when he found out she had been engaged before.
“That’s good. I’m married now. You remember Felicia Tinston? I married her we have a three month old.”
Stacey nodded politely “That’s great. I have to go.” Stacey quickly finished shopping and headed home to put things away before driving back to the arena for the game.