One Step at a Time

“Who’s this girl hanging around your house? I almost didn’t believe it when I saw her, I knew there would be one girl out there for you! About time too!” Patrick Sharp said as I turned to meet them. I blushed so badly when he said that.

“I must say she is beautiful too.” Andrew Shaw said. I laughed at that part “Thanks guys, but I just moved in actually, and I’m Quenville’s niece. I’ve been friends with Kaner though, since, gosh, almost forever.”

“Dang, you’re the coach’s niece and moving in already? Going a little fast aren’t you? What brought you here of all places?” Keith asked, Jon touched my back and whispered that he’ll be back in a few minutes. I looked at him concerned but he smirked at me, I nodded and watched him go.

“Oh, it’s a really long story…” I got quiet. Well, quieter.

“We have time. Hey, no pressure, sorry about coming on so hard.” Keith reassured.

“No, it’s okay. I was actually born here, and moved in middle school to Colorado to be closer to family, but I got into it with my ex and had already been thinking about moving back here. Uncle Q offered me a job with the team, and I missed the city life. But, my ex cheated on me again and I was fed up with it. Kane offered to let me live here and I took it. So here I am.”

“Well, welcome back. I’m sorry, but I don’t think we ever got your name though. And, what will you be doing with the team?” Sharp questioned.
I took a drink of my Coke and put the cap back onto the bottle, “ Wow, talk about a bad first impression, I’m down here in sweatpants and not saying my name. It’s Alisa, and I’m going to be an assistant equipment manager. I can’t wait, I heard you start practice next week, correct?”

“Well welcome to Chicago, again, Alisa. We’ll be glad to have you, and you’re correct, out at Notre Dame actually. I’m sure you’ll have your hands full, but we’ll try to keep it fun too.”

I smiled, “Thanks guys. It’s so great to be home and get to know…” I was cut off by an alarm which sounded like it was coming from a bull horn which made me jump and everyone turned to see what was going on. I walked from the kitchen to the large group of guys in the living room and found a spot to stand against a wall. Cheyenne came up to me and sat next to me, I leaned down and pet her.

“I was wondering where you were, you don’t happen to know where your brother is, now do you?” She yipped and jumped up to lick my face, I laughed and hugged her. I stood up and she laid down next to me with her head on my foot.

“Aye boys! I have an announcement to make.” Jonathan said through a bull horn. He was standing in front of the tv, to block the team’s view.

“You always have something to say !” Kaner yelled back at him. I laughed and Kaner looked at me and waved me over to an empty spot on the couch, I shook my head and he came over to stand next to me.

“Yeah, and remember who you live with!”

“Oooooo, so scared.” Kaner teased at Jon, which Jon responded with a very, unkind gesture of the hand. I laughed and he smirked at me.

“Anyways, before I was rudely interrupted by asshole over there,” Jon glanced over at us,” I have someone I would like to introduce, and someone who will hopefully be working with us for quite a while.” He looked over at me and grinned, “Come over here.” I looked around and saw Jon begin to walk towards me and wrap his arm around my back and took me over to the center of the living room. I was so embarrassed and wondered where Uncle Q was. “Guys, this is Alisa, she is going to be out assistant equipment manager.” I looked around and blushed.

“Hey, let me just say it’s a pleasure to be back in Chicago, and an even bigger pleasure to be able to work with every one of you guys, I promise not to be that much of a downer, I’m normally a lot more energetic and social than this.” They all laughed and clapped for me, I looked at Jon and begged for him to let me go, smiled and nodded and let me go back to my kitchen area. I hear a bunch of the guys make comments about how attractive I was, which was nice, seeing they saw something I didn’t, and my shyness and humor, (another thing I didn’t see). I made my way around and met every one. They all seemed like a great group of guys and I felt blessed to be able to be around all of them.

Notes