All of me

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Katie asked as I came out of the bathroom before heading to my room.

Adam had just texted her and told her about their open practice tomorrow morning.

“What time is it at?” I ask

“Its at 11:30 at Wilmington...that’s like 45 min from here”

“Ahh! I have lab at 10 and then have to meet up with my group for my seminar project. I’m sorry! Ask Mel if she wants to come with you.”

“Aww, I understand. Yeah I’ll ask her tomorrow! Night Emms!”

“Night!”

I left around 9 to catch the T, the girls were still in bed. I grab my stuff and head for the door. Lab and seminar dragged. I finally get home around 3. I go to drop my stuff down, as Katie texted me.

Emma, me and the girls are going out to lunch with a few of the guys after practice. Text me if you need anything! - Katie

Great.

After a few hours, the girls came home. And by the looks of that smile, it must have gone pretty well because Katie was on cloud 9.

“How was lunch guys?”

“It was really good! I wish you had come though” with a frown on her face.

“Yeah me too! Maybe next time.”

“Definitely! So...Reilly was there” looking down at her keys and then looking up at me.

“How was he?”

“He’s good. He asked about you...He wants to see you Emms. He thought you didn’t want to see him, that’s why you didn’t show up today. Don’t worry though I made it clear that you didn’t hate him and told him the real reason why you couldn’t come.”

Great. He thought I hated him. That was not true at all. Now I felt horrible but I’m glad Katie said something to him.

“Does he really want to see me? I think its better if we didn’t see each other though. It wouldn’t work out anyway. I’m really busy with school and all.” She didn’t buy it.

“Yeah sure you do, Stop making excuses...I know you want to see him just as much as he does, I know you all too well Emma Thomson!”

Hmm I didn’t really need time to think about it.

“Ok...so when is the next open practice?” I finally gave in.

“THAT’S MY GIRL! On Thursday!!” as Katie jumped up and down on her seat.

I laughed as I took a spoonful of my pasta, “I’ll be in my room.”

That Thursday, I got up early and fixed the girls some breakfast before we headed out. I made so much food but didn’t really eat any of it. I had lost all of my appetite.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Mel asks curiously

“I’m not really that hungry” looking at Katie who gave me a secret smile. She knew me too well.

I go to my room. I put in a pair of dark jeans, one of my long sleeve white shits and brown leather boots. I just left my naturally wave brown hair down. It looked decent.

“Cute shirt!” I pointed out as Katie came into my room wearing her McQuaid T-shirt.

“Thanks!” followed by a classic hair flip.

Mel was driving with Katie in the passenger seat. The closer we got, the more anxious I became. My palms were sweaty and my heart was about to come out of my chest the closer we got to the parking lot. I didn’t know so many girls went to these things. These girls went all out, jerseys, signs, etc. It was crazy. I held the door open for Katie and Mel but before I sat down with them I went to the vending machine to get a bottle of water. Maybe that would help me calm down a little bit. As I start going down the stands to my seat, I let go of the door and the door slams behind me. Shoot.

As I put my head up, it was as if everyone had stopped what they were doing and looked towards my direction. I didn’t think the door slammed that hard but since it grabbed everyone attention I guess it was pretty loud. Why is this happening. I slowly put up my hand and mouthed sorry to who ever was looking. As I walk down the stairs I see Marchy, and he waves with a big smile on his face. I smile back and wave. I finally get back to my seat.

“What happened?” They both started laughing.

“Just trying to make myself more awkward then I usually am. What else is new.” As I bury my face in my hands.

Apparently Reilly hadn’t noticed anything, thankfully. He had be talking to the coach the whole time. McQuaid skates in front of us and waves.

“Someone finally decided to show up!”

“Just for you McQuaid”. A smile spread across his face.

“Uh huh, Sure.” He skates towards Reilly. They were talking and nudges him towards our direction. He looked towards our direction and then he finally found me in the crowd and a smile spread across his face. I return the smile and a slight wave.

Practice wasn’t long, maybe an hour, an hour and a half max. It was nice to see all the serious players goofing off with one another on the ice. Its a side of them that you usually never see. I was glad I came.

As practice ended, some of the boys made their ways to our bench. Marchy and McQuaid were one of the first players to come out of the locker room. I gave each of them a hug. Reilly was one of the last players to come out. As he walked up, he had a uncertain look on his face. Not sure what my reaction to him would be.

“Hey guys” he said to the group and turns to face me.

“Hey Emma” as I walk over and to give him a quick hug. He held me into his arms for a bit longer than I expected. Marchy winks at me as he walks by. I lightly punch him in the arm.

“You guys should come to the game tomorrow. As you might know, we play the Red Wings...” Adam states as he squeezes Katie who is by his side. “Its going to feel so good when we crush them...right Smitty?”

“Haha! Don’t sound too cocky over there McQuaid” I said laughing.

“Since Brendan plays for them, we certainly shall. If we don’t, I won’t hear the end of it!” Reilly said as he shook his head and started laughing, tightening his grip around my waist.

Causing chills to rush down my spine.

“Guess we will find out tomorrow, won’t we?” Katie said as she looked up at McQuaid and gave him a peck on the lips. I couldn’t stop smiling. They were too cute together.

“So you guys are coming?!” Reilly looked down at me

“I mean, yeah I guess...” as I stick my tongue out at him. I stand on my tippi toes and whisper in his ear “I just love teasing you”.

“Oh I see what you did there. I’m surprised you remember anything from that night since you had a little much to drink... ” Laughing

I playfully push his away. He catches up.

“We should get going since everyone left.” Mel said.

By then Reilly had his arm around me as we walked out of the arena. I grab his phone and asked him to unlock it and added my number.

“You’re welcome.” as I handed back to him.

“Thank you!” as he tightened his arm and squeezed me by his side.

Notes