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Maybe Someday

Until Then

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea Bec.” I said to my friend over the phone.

She’s currently trying to get me to re-design her brothers house here in Pittsburgh. Normally I would jump at a chance like this. I’m a struggling artist and have a knack for interior designing. The problem with this job is that Becca wanted to do it behind her brothers back. While he was up in Canada with their family for the summer I was supposed to transform his place.

“Oh, come on Annie! It’s not that big of a deal!” She insisted.

“Becca! It’s HIS house!” I sighed frustratingly, “I can’t just go in there without his permission!”

“Sure you can!” She said so simply I laughed. “Besides, I’m giving you permission and so is my mom. If anything goes wrong-which it won’t-I’ll take the blame.” I stayed silent, muling it over. “Ann you have to help! He’s been there for two years and his house is practically vacant! Seriously every wall is white. He doesn’t even have groceries, he eats out every night, or at his teammates place!”

At this point she was practically begging, if she was here in Pitt right now she’d probably be on her knees.

“Okay,” I sighed reluctantly knowing there was no use in arguing with Rebecca Neal. Being the only girl with four older brothers she always got her way in the end.

Becca squealed and thanked me over and over before letting me go.

Rebecca and I met almost two years ago when she barged into my studio begging to buy one of my paintings in the window. It was James Neal, #18 of the Pittsburgh Penguins scoring his first goal as a Pen. I didn’t usually do sports in my artwork but I was a Pens fan and when I saw the picture online I got a jolt of inspiration. I wasn’t planning of selling it, but she explained he was her brother, even showed me her ID to prove it. We became instant friends and despite the fact that she lives in her hometown back in Canada, we stayed close. She comes down for James’ games and I’ve visited her up in Canada throughout the year, which is why I’ve never met James. Although I have gotten close to the rest of the Neal clan during my visits. But I could never deny the ‘celeb’ crush I have over James. He’s gorgeous, and talented, and from all the family stories I’ve heard, and overall great guy. I’m actually kind of glad I’ve never had the chance to meet the superstar because I knew I’d turn into a blubbering mess. Putty in his hands.

And now here I am standing outside said superstars house. God, what have I gotten myself into? I was excited for the job, but also nervous. I need the money, and I love decorating but, now I’m standing here without him knowing. Going into his house to furnish the whole place, without him knowing.

‘I feel like a complete stalker!’ I texted Becca

‘LOL!:) You’re not a stalker! You’re a close family friend doing James a huge favor! Now get started! Send me picks of you ideas!’ She texted back almost instantly.

I sigh and slide my phone back in my pocket. And with Bec’s words of encouragement get started. I give myself a grand tour minus the master suite and decide that Becca was right. It’s like a ghost town in here. There is absolutely no color in this house. Besides the dark brown cabinet colors of the kitchen that is. The only furnishings he had was a basic living room, guest room and I’m assuming bedroom. Although, I am not stepping foot in his room. That didn’t even cover the outside. A garden definitely needed to be added, and outdoor furnishings. He has a pool, fire pit and grill but no chairs, tables or coverings.

This was going to be a piece of work! I started out taking measurements and then deciding with Rebecca and Mrs. Neal’s help what to do with the empty rooms. Then I began sketches and picking out paint colors. I only hope James would like it in the end.

A month and a half later James’ house was practically finished. On the first floor, I put in a dining room, formal sitting room, re-designed the living room and added on to the kitchen. I changed two empty rooms downstairs into guest rooms, the third one I made into a gym. James had all the equipment but he had stuffed it all into the garage. I also mad a little mud room next to the garage entry way. Upstairs near his bedroom I made an office. The room next to it I left empty. Mostly because I was running out of ideas and all I could imagine it being was an art studio. It had a small balcony and a perfect view of the backyard. It would have been a sanctuary. I also wanted to leave James with something of his own. This way he could turn it into anything he wanted. I didn’t want to take over his whole house. Then I added one more guest room in the room farthest from the master suite (for privacy). The room next to it I turned into a trophy room.

When I finally had the guts to step into the master suite I found all of James’ awards, medals, sticks, pucks, pictures, articles, etc. just lying of the floor. The one painting that was hung up was the painting I had sold to Becca. I moved it all into it’s own room. He deserved it.

When I got to the basement, I had so many ideas but then had to realize this was not my house. So I turned it into a ‘man cave’. All equipped with a bar, pool table, ping pong table, fuse ball, and a poker table. On the far end I placed a tv with a large leather couch so he could have friends over to watch sports or to play video games. There was one room off of the basement and I guiltily changed it into something I wanted, which was crazy but I think he would enjoy it as well. I made it into a small screening room. I’ve always wanted one since I was a teenager watching Cribs on MTV. And now even though I’d never get to use it, I still felt happy creating it.

Outside I planted like crazy throughout the front and backyard. I don’t care if he was a guy, every house needs a pretty garden! I added lounge beds by the pool, chairs and tables for the deck and even had a speaker system installed. I had transformed this house and it was amazing!

I sent pictures to Rebecca and she gushed over it. It felt amazing to have turned this house completely around. I was happy but also insanely nervous for James’ reaction. At least I wouldn’t have to see what that would be!

Rebecca gave me notice when James made his trip back home. The day of I stocked the fridge and pantry with some of his favorites. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 7 so at 5 I came over to cook him dinner and leave heating directions. It was the least I could do after taking over his house. A peace offering.

I had music playing softly from the ipod dock and was singing and dancing along when movement across the room caught my attention. I jumped and let out a squeal as my eyes focused on a very amused and slightly confused James Neal.

“Oh my god!” My hand flew up covering my now pounding heart. James walked over and paused the music. “What-I’m so sorry um-you weren’t-I didn’t think-” James chuckled as I stumbled over my words causing me to blush, embarrassing me even more.

“Um you weren’t supposed to be here. I thought your plane didn’t arrive until seven.” I peered at the clock which read 6:15. James raised an eyebrow.

“Caught an earlier flight.” He stated simply and I nodded. “I should probably be worried some girl I’ve never met is in my house but since my house has completely transformed, I’m guessing you’re part of Rebecca’s ‘big surprise’?”

I nodded, “I can’t believe she didn’t tell you everything. She was supposed to! This wasn’t my idea!” I moved my arms gesturing to the house. “Becca and your mom kind of forced me into it.”

James chuckled, shaking his head. “I should’ve known they would do something like this. I’m sorry they roped you into it. How do you know my family by the way?”

“Oh! Becca and I met about two years ago at my studio. She was buying one of my paintings, which you have by the way. I know your parents from visiting this past year. I’ve met your brothers too, just not you. You always had hockey.” I stopped to take a breath and James flashed me another smiles as a look of recognition crossed his face.

“Oh! Annie, right?” I nodded, relieved he had at least heard of me. “Yeah, my family talks about you a lot. And I’ve seen you in their pictures on facebook, guess I didn’t put it all together. It’s nice to finally meet you Annie.”

He stretched out his hand and I stepped forward to shake it.

“So you did all of this to my house?” He asked amazed. God I hope it was a good amazed.

“Yes, I did! I hope you’re not upset, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine!” He cut me off. I breathed out a sigh of relief, “More than fine actually, this place looks great! And it smells great too, are you cooking for me?”

I blush at his question and glance down at the food to advert his gaze, “Y-yeah, I thought after a long flight some home cooked food would be good.”

“Amazing, I don’t even know what to say, thank you!” I nodded and smiled at him. He stared back at me gazing deeply. I was caught in his gaze and silence filled the room. He was so much more gorgeous in person.

“Well, I guess I should be leaving now.” I said quickly finally breaking eye contact and began to get my stuff ready.

“Wait! Don’t you want to stay? For dinner, I mean?” He asked politely giving me another heart-melting smile.

Was James Neal really asking me to stay for dinner? I stuttered slightly not knowing what to say. He’s probably just being nice, I mean I am his sisters friend. Either way there was no way I could stay. I can hardly get out a sentence if front of this guy. I need to get out and clear my head. Besides growing my crush on James would not make my life any easier.

“Sorry, I can’t-I uh-have plans with a friend.” I lied while picking up my bag. “I only made enough for one anyway.” I gave him a tight lipped smile.

“Oh, okay.” He said, disappointingly? “Maybe next time then.” He recovered quickly and walked me to the door. I nodded along having a hard time getting my mind around the ‘next time’.

As I drove away from his house I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. My work was over, and I would never get to step foot in that house again. That beautiful house, which I foolishly fell in love with. And James, I don’t even know what to think about him. All I know is that my brain simply cannot function when I’m around that gorgeous hockey god.