“Mel, you have to decide. If you want to leave you have to face management, or get over it.” I was stunned.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“I’m being honest with you. Look, you’re just pissed off. Go home, get your mind off of things and give me a call tomorrow.” Anthony’s face was turning redder with every word.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him. It was almost automatic.

“Hey, I’m sorry for whatever happened” Anthony said with kind eyes.

I gave him a soft smile before grabbing my purse and leaving. It was a rare cold, but sunny day in Pittsburgh and all I could think about was getting back into my warm bed. I drove quickly down Forbes avenue and the drive seemed like a dream. I was on auto-pilot and I was lost in my thoughts as I passed the dead, grey trees mixed between the dull buildings.

When I pulled up to my building I noticed a familiar car in front of it. I parked in my one-car garage and attempted walking by him without speaking.

“Mel” he called softly. I rolled my eyes and listened to the click-clack of my wedges on the concrete.

“Mel, please”

I kept walking.

“Melissa, I didn’t mean to-“
“Shouldn’t you be at the game?” I asked entering the building without looking at him.

“I’m not playing.” He solemnly squeaked.

“What?” I asked turning around on a dime forcing him to go to great lengths to stop before running into me.

“I’m uh…scratched for the game.” he said staring at his feet.

“Oh” I replied. I turned back around and pushed the up button on the elevator.

“Mel, you have no idea how sorry I am. I completely fucked up. I was so out of line. You have every reason to hate me, but I don’t want you to leave. You don’t have to forgive me, but you can’t leave the team like that. We need you.”

I stood straight dying for the elevator doors to open. I heard him, but didn’t show it.

“Mel?”

“Shut up.” I said as the ding of the elevator doors opened for me. He followed me in and stood slighty behind me and I could feel his body heat on me. The elevator moved slowly and I couldn’t take feeling him so closely. I turned and stepped away from him, leaning against he wall.

“Why?” I asked demandingly.

“I just-I was mad. I really really like you and I thought you liked me too. I’ve been getting mixed signals. I just thought-“

“You know what your problem is? You think every girl in the world wants to suck your dick. Well you know what, I’m not a groupie or a puckslut who cums in her panties over a picture of you sitting on the bench. I don’t care if you look cute high-fiving a little kid or anything like that. Why? Cause now I know who you really are. You’re a cocky little shit. “

“ I deserve that.”

“Damn right you do.” I took a deep breath and exited as soon as the elevator Dinged. I took quick steps and angrily removed my key from my purse.

“I just-I’m so sorry.”

“Just leave me the hell alone, Sid.” I said exhausted. I turned my key and shut the door behind me. My dog Lucky jumped on me as soon as I walked in. He at least provided some sort of comfort during my crappy day. After petting him for a while and giving him a few treats I threw myself on the couch and turned on the tv. After a few minutes of watching the game I passed out.



Melissa woke up to a loud knock. She instantly sat up, coming out of her deep sleep. She sleepily walked to the front door and opened it without even looking through the peephole.

“Hey Beautiful.” James’ smooth voice purred.

“Hey” she smiled up at him. Despite the bag of take out in his hands he gave her a huge bear hug.

“I got Chinese!” He smiled giddily, giving her a peck on the lips.

“Yes! She said pulling him inside. He set the large paper bag on her table and started digging in her drawers for some silverwear.

“You were great tonight” She grabbed a bottle of cheap moscato from the fridge.

“Babe, you were asleep.” James laughed, taking a big bite of his eggroll. She sat across from him and he put a hand on hers.

“So. I caught the highlights on the NHL network” she smiled and his eyes lit up before darting away.

“Are you okay?”

“Jesus, James. I’m fine.” She said crossing her arms. James, tired from the game and just the stress of the day, ate his food in silence. Melissa did the same. She put the leftovers in the stainless steel fridge and the glasses in the sink. Without a word she went into her bathroom and washed her face. James, felt like crap. He just wanted his happy, teammate/girlfriend back.

He walked in her bedroom after turning off the lights in the rest of the condo. He slowly took his sweatpants and shirt off and laid sexily on her bed. When she returned in her underwear she nearly began coughing from laughter.

“What are you doing?” She cackled.

“Come closer” a half-naked James called. She walked to the edge of the bed and jumped on.
“I’m sorry I’ve been in such a fowl mood.” She cuddled up to him.

“I understand. You’ve had a rough day,” he pulled her closer into his arms.

“James” Mel looked up at him, eyes teary.

“What’s wrong sweetie?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”