*next day*

I had basically spent the entire morning and afternoon watching Netflix so when I got hungry, I got some tacos at my favorite Mexican restaurant. By the time I got to my place, it was already six.

Sharpie and Abby had both texted me around 5 to remind me not to procrastinate.

Oops.

The thing wasn’t until ten, so I had four hours to get ready. That should be plenty of time.

As I was opening the door to my place, Kaner stuck his head out of his door.

“Hey Kare, do you want to ride with me to the club? You know, that way I know I can get home safely while I’m drunk and stuff,” he grinned.

Rolling my eyes, I entered my apartment and yelled over my shoulder, “Alright Kaner, pick me up at 9:30 and don’t be late. The door’s unlocked.”

“Like always. Don’t you think you should start locking your door? What if someone breaks in?” he said.

“Nah, it’s easier to leave it open, that way I won’t have to get up and open the door for you guys. It’s not like you knock either way. And people who don’t live here can’t go past the lobby without our permission to come up, duh,” I said steeping inside my place.

“Oh. Right,” he said. “See you in a bit!”

He stuck his head back inside and closed his door.

I shut my door and set my keys in the bowl by the door, taking off my hoodie and tossing it on the couch.

I walked over to my room and entered my massive closet. Not as big as Abby’s but comparing it to my old place’s closet, this could be another room.

All my “nice” clothes were separated from all my jerseys and shirts. I even had the jerseys and shirts organized by sport and team. That stuff took up about 90% of my closet.

I retrieved the black dress I had chosen to wear and left it on my bed as I made my way to the bathroom.

After my refreshing shower, I blow dried my hair and my hair ended up in these really beautiful soft waves cascading down my back. Those were the benefits of having really nice curly hair. I don’t really have to worry about my hair getting frizzy or anything like that. My hair was getting pretty long. It was almost reaching my waist.

Do you have any idea how long it took me to grow it out? Freshman year of high school, I had gone to get a haircut and the lady completely fucked it up. I said 2 inches and she cut of nearly 4. Apparently, I needed it.

It had ended up a little bit above my shoulders.

Bitch.

But alas, my hair has finally grown out and has reached the length I have always wanted.

It might have taken a couple of fucking years but all good things to those who wait, right?

Once I finished with my hair, I started on my makeup.
I really wanted to look nice tonight, so I took my time with my makeup.

For my eyes, like I told Abby, I decided to go with silver and black smoky eyes. I loved the way it looked but it was always a pain in the ass doing it. When I first learned it, it took me a couple of weeks before I mastered it. It’s honestly the only thing I know how to do with eye shadow.

Once I applied eyeliner and some mascara, I was done.

My eyelashes are long enough that I don’t have to go through the struggle of wearing false eyelashes.

I didn’t wear anything else like foundation and all that stuff. I was never comfortable with that. I felt like I slapped on a bunch of goo. Some girls can pull it off and look flawless but I really didn’t like it, let alone know how to use it.

When I was done with my makeup, I painted my nails red. I thought it would look good and stand out with all this black.

While my nails dried, I walked back into my room and decided to watch some Sherlock.

Oh, how I love that man.

I had to refrain from watching another episode so I would have enough time to change. Besides, according to my clock, Patrick was going to be here in an hour.

I chose a matching lacey bra and panties I had just gotten from Victoria’s Secret last week and slipped into the dress. Psh…and Sharpie said I didn’t know how to girl.

Who am I fucking kidding, I still don’t. Whatever.

Do you know how difficult it was for me to walk into Victoria’s Secret and not freak out from all the lingerie and pink? Seriously, some of the lingerie was practically thin pieces of see-through fabric sown together! And I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but I’m not a huge fan of the color pink, so imagine how I felt walking into PINK.

This is why I don’t go out much. Too much fucking effort.

Looking around my closet, I finally found the black pumps I was going to wear.

I checked my phone and it was 7:45.

I decided to go on my laptop and watch some Psych.

***
An episode later, I checked the time and saw that it was 8:28.

Ugh, I was hoping to squeeze in at least half an episode more, but Kaner should be here soon.

Quickly, I walked over to my full body mirror to see how I looked.

I was stunned when I finally looked at my reflection.

I don’t think I’ve ever looked this good. Like, ever. Seriously.

What the fuck. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to pull this off, but it seems like I did.

I felt kind of… pretty.

Oh god I actually look like an actual girl, a normal girl.

I heard someone knock on my door and Kaner walked in.

“Hey Karen are you ready to g-”

Kaner stopped halfway as he entered my room.

“Holy shit.”

I turned and looked at him.

He was still standing there staring at me.

“What do you think?” I asked timidly.

When he didn’t reply, that’s when I really started to freak out.

Oh shit, I done fucked up. He doesn’t like it. Shit. It’s too much isn’t it? I look like a fucking, hooker don’t I?

Why isn’t he saying anything for heaven’s sake?!

A minute and a half later, he finally said something.

“I think I wanna stay here with you and keep you all to myself and not got to the club at all,” he said, slowly looking up and down at me.

“So, I take it I look nice?”

His eyes widened even more. “Nice? Ha! Babe, that’s an understatement. You look…god…you look…I don’t know…” he said exasperatedly as he ran his hand through his hair. “Shit, you look fucking beautiful. Perfect. Bangable. Sexy as fuck. Hot. Perfect. Fucking breathtaking. I can’t just choose one. Did I mention perfect?”

I blushed and looked away. God, I feel like that’s all I ever do when I’m around these guys lately.

“ ‘Bangable’. It’s every girl’s dream to look like that,” I thought to myself.

“Thanks Patty Cakes,” I said. “Uh, I think we should go now, yea? Is Tazer going with us?”

“Nope, he’s meeting us there. He says I take too long to get ready anyway.”

I chuckled. “You do take a while to get ready Kaner.”

“Yea well it’s not my fault I gotta look good to impress the ladies,” he said snaking his arm around my waist. “Although I feel like I’m going to have eyes for one girl only,” he said, squeezing my side.

Rolling my eyes, I shoved him off and walked out of my bedroom.

“You don’t need to impress anyone, Pat. You’re Patrick fucking Kane. Every girl in Chicago wants you,” I say to him.

“I know.” He smirked and walked ahead of me to hold the door open for me.

“Wow, such a gentleman,” I say, impressed. I’ve always loved his gentlemanly side. He can be so sweet at times. Sometimes I wish he could find a good girlfriend. Someone who won’t go out with him just because of who he is. But those kinds of girls are rare.

I don’t think anyone has any idea of what a great guy Patrick Kane really is.

When we walked out of our building, Kaner flagged down a taxi for us and we were on our way to the club.

“So…what’s up with you and Man-Child?” Kaner asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve seen the way he looks at you and how you guys flirt sometimes. Well, a lot of times,” he said looking over at me.

“Oh, well. I don’t know. I think he’s pretty cute and really sweet. That’s mostly it. There’s nothing going on between us though.”

“Oh really?” Kaner raised an eyebrow. What was this kid up to? “So, any idea why Jonny was kind of pissed this evening right after he went to talk to you?”

“Um…well, when he walked in, I think Brandon was about to kiss me.” I looked down, blushing at the memory.

“He what! No way!”

I swear Kaner can be such a girl at times. Maybe it’s because he grew up surrounded by girls. Poor kid.

“Yep. Jon was kind of awkward about it. And kind of pissed too. Actually he’s usually always pissed when it comes to the guys and me. Like he doesn’t want them to talk to me or hug me and stuff. What’s up with him?”

Maybe Kaner can confirm what Sharpie had told me earlier.

“Well it’s obvious isn’t it?” he rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Our dear Jonny Boy likes you.”

Okay. So he thought so too.

“Sharpie said the same thing to me yesterday,” I said, looking out the window. “Do you really think so?”

“Karen, I think the whole team would agree with me.”

I looked down at my hands and toyed with my rings.

“I don’t know Pat, I don’t see it with Tazer. Brandon is always flirting but Jonathan doesn’t do anything. He doesn’t flirt. And I swear sometimes I feel like he’s going to kiss me but he always chickens out.” I tell Kaner.

“Wait, Jon’s tried to kiss you?”

“Yea, like two times already. The first time was the first day you guys came over and the second was when we had a movie night at my place and you knocked out. He gets a little closer to me, stares at me and then at my lips, but then…I don’t know…he freaks out or something and backs away and changes the conversation.” I frowned and looked down.

Patrick stayed quiet for a bit.

“Do you like him?”

The question caught me of guard.

“What?”

“Do you like him?” he said. “Do you like Jon?”

I stared at him for a second.

Do I like Jonathan?

That felt like a silly question because I already knew the answer to that. Of course I liked him. I’ve grown to like him as more than a friend. All those times we hung out together made us closer. He knows me better than most of the guys, besides Kaner.

He’s an absolutely incredible guy.

“Yes, I do. But damn it, I also like Brandon. And unlike Jon, he’s actually shown interest in me.” I rolled my eyes. Guys were so fucking complicated.

“Then do something about it. Let him know you’re interested. Flirt. Make him jealous and see how he reacts. If he’s too chicken to do something then forget it. Don’t waste your time on a guy like that. Even if that guy is Jon. Brandon’s doing all the right things. Now it’s up to you to decide,” he said.

“Why do you want me to get a boyfriend so bad Kaner?” I say giggling. It’s like he’s turned into Cupid or something.

He laughed along with me a bit before getting serious again.

Looking back up at me he replied, “Because you deserve the best. And I think Jonny can be that guy for you. He’s the perfect guy for all your firsts. Your first boyfriend, your first kiss and other firsts,” he said winking. Perv. “I think he’s perfect for all that. But on the other hand, I think Brandon is too. Tazer is too stupid and too chicken to make the first move right now.”

I sighed and leaned on Patrick’s shoulder. “This is why I’ve been avoiding all this stuff. Its too damn complicated.”

He chuckled and laid his head on mine. “I know, sweetheart. But it all pays off in the end.”

The cab had pulled up to the club. Kaner paid the fair, ignoring my protests to let me pay my share.

He held his hand out towards me and helped me get out of the car.

“What are you thinking about babe?” He snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me towards him as we walked up to the club.

I smiled up at him and chuckled. “Honestly, I was just thinking about how you’re such a gentleman and how you’re so sweet and just amazing in general. I just can’t believe you don’t have a girlfriend.”

He smiled and looked down. “You’re too sweet. And I think I’m only like this with certain women, like my sisters, my mom, the other guys’ wives and obviously you. Other women don’t really give me the chance to be like that. Some automatically think I just want to sleep with them. It’s the way the media has portrayed me as over the years. I’m not even like that anymore.”

Hearing this made me kind of sad. Kaner has changed over the years. He’s very respectful when it comes to women. I’ve seen how he gets when he talks to his mom or his sisters. He’s also very protective. Especially with me.

Whenever he’d see a guy he thought “looked like a douche” check me out, he’d immediately pull me closer to him and put his arm around me. The guys would almost instantly drop their stare.

It wouldn’t bother me or annoy me if he did that. I understood that he had his reasons and he was just looking out for me and I really appreciated that. Unlike Jon who basically interrupts and ruins my moments.

“Girls are definitely missing out on a great guy.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

“Thanks Cupcake. And Jonny and Man Child are definitely missing out on a perfect girl.”

I blushed and he pulled me closer to him.

We entered the club and looked around for the guys. It was dark inside but Patrick was able to spot them.

“I see Jonny,” Kaner said, leading us towards the group of guys sitting at a table.

The guys looked up at us as we made our way over there. Their jaws dropped and some drinks spilled when they saw us.

Smirking, I thought, “This should be fun.”




*Jon’s POV*

“Seriously Brandon, you better do something about Karen before someone else takes her from you.”

I looked up and Shawzy, Kris Versteeg, and Corey were smirking at me.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I took a sip from my drink and avoided their gazes.

“Well, I’m trying. But…I think she likes me,” Brandon said. “I…uh…we almost kissed this morning.”

My hand gripped my beer so tightly, my knuckles where white.

“But, hey if you like her Jon, I’ll back off.” Brandon stared wide-eyed at me. I almost wanted to tell him to do just that, but that wasn’t fair for him.

“Nah man, it’s cool. We’re just friends anyways.” I looked away, avoiding their gazes and finished my beer.

“Yea right. ‘Just friends’ my ass.” Shawzy rolled his eyes at me and the rest of the guys chuckled along.

“Seriously man, go for it. I see how she looks at you. She’s definitely into you.” Corey playfully punched Brandon and all the guys agreed.

“Unless a certain Captain wants to man up and make the first move.”

I turned away and tuned them out. They continued talking about Karen and I could feel them staring at me when they mentioned her name, waiting to see how I’d react. It was getting really annoying after a while. I mean, yea I thought she was a great girl, but we were just friends. At least that’s what I was trying to convince myself of.

There have been multiple moment were all I wanted to do was grab her and kiss her. I’d kill to kiss her. Her lips always looked so smooth and perfect. She didn’t even need makeup too look beautiful. She had this natural beauty that was so breathtaking.

That’s such a cliché thing to say but it’s the truth.

But there was always something that would stop me and I could clearly see the disappointment in her eyes. I hated doing that to her, but if I was going to kiss her, I wanted it to be perfect. I haven’t felt a connection like this with a girl in a while and I just didn’t want to ruin the great relationship we had.

The guys interrupted my thoughts when they all stopped talking and gasped.

I didn’t know what was going on so I followed their stare and saw Kaner coming in with a girl.

“Woah.”

“Is that...?”

“Fuck.”

“Holy…”

They sat there gaping at them and I understood why once they got closer.

Kaner had the most perfect girl I had ever seen in my life by his side.

“Bro, that’s Karen,” Corey slapped my arm, never breaking his gaze.

It was too dark in the club to notice any details but I finally recognizing her all too familiar features.

She looked…perfect.

I gasped once I saw what she was wearing tonight.

“Shit,” I murmured.

Once they got to us, all the guys stood up and sputtered their hellos, struggling to greet the beauty in front of them.

She blushed lightly and looked down, fiddling with her rings; something I’ve come to learn was something she did when she was nervous.

I got up and walked over to her and lightly kissed her cheek, inhaling her beautiful, intoxicating scent.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” She smiled up at me, once again taking my breath away.

“You look…” I couldn’t even finish my sentence. There wasn’t a word that accurately described how amazing she looked.

“Is it that bad?” She looked up at me, biting her lip nervously.

“God no! You look perfect, Karen,” Brandon said, walking over to her.

Karen smiled and looked away, blushing even more. “Thank you Brandon.”

I felt a pang of jealousy as Brandon took her hand and led her to the empty seat between both of us.

Great. I couldn’t even tell her how amazing she looked. What was wrong with me?

Kaner came over to me and put his arm around my shoulder. “You better do something Jonny boy. Before it’s too late.”

I sat back down and watched her as she talked to Brandon.

She met my gaze and gave me a small smile before returning her attention to whatever Brandon was saying. I didn’t listen to what he was saying but he must’ve said something funny because she broke into a laughing fit along with the rest of the guys.

Her laughter was the most beautiful, melodic sound my ears have ever heard. I could just stare at her for hours, watching her face flush red whenever she got embarrassed, watching her get so caught up in someone’s story causing her eyebrows to scrunch together and watching her bite her lower lip when she’s nervous or when she’s concentrating really hard on something.

Everything was going fine until a high-pitched squeal interrupted my thoughts.

“Oh my god! Jonny!”

Fuck.

Notes

ANOTHER UPDATE
2 IN 2 DAYS WHAAATTT
I think that's a new record.
hey, this chapter's pretty long huh? wooohooooo!!!!!!
Guys i can't stop watching Sherlock. I think I'm addicted. bUT I REGRET NOTHING
Anyway. Hope you enjoy it!
My brain hurts. I'ms till trying to figure out what the fuck is gonna happen next.
Y'ALL ARE THE BOMB DOT COME
STAY FLAWLESS BITCHACHOS
I don't know why I said bitchachos, but I've been dying to say it.
MWUAAAHHH (that was me giving y'all a big ass kiss)
xx
-A