If We Ever Meet Again

Michael was still trying to acclimate to the weather in Nashville, and the people, when Mike Fisher and his wife invited him to lunch. Since everyone at the lunch was taken, Michael decided there was no need to dress up. He walked into the restaurant in a plain white v neck and looser fitting shorts. Fisher came and greeted him, "Hey, Michael, we're over here." Mike led them back over to a long table filled with some more teammates and some people Michael didn't recognize. Carrie, Mike's wife, smiled at Michael and said, "I have a special seat for you down here!" Michael nodded. As he approached the seat Carrie was directing him to, Michael noticed a girl across from the seat who appeared to be alone. "Michael, this is Courtney. She's new to town. I figured ya'll could help each other figure out Nashville."

The long, brown curls immediately caught Michael's attention. Next, her piercing blue eyes, then her full lips. Michael smiled and sat down. "I'm Michael Del Zotto, but you can call me DZ." "Courtney Caig." They shook hands. "So what's good here?" Michael asked, examining the menu. "I brought Courtney here when she first got into town. She seemed to like the rice bowl, but I always stick to burritos." Michael grinned at Courtney, "You mind if I copy you?" She smiled sweetly. "No problem. They're pretty big, I couldn't finish the whole thing." "Well, maybe we should share one. I could probably eat five if I let myself." Michael puffed out his cheeks. "Sure," Courtney smiled "but you have to order!" Michael smiled with more ease than he had in a while. "Fiine." He fake complained.

When their food came, Carrie volunteered to switch seats with Courtney so DZ and her could share the rice bowl better. "No, no," Courtney protested. "I insist!" Carrie practically forced Courtney out of the seat. Courtney briskly walked around the table and slid into the chair next to Michael. He caught the smell of her perfume as she sat, Michael had to bite his tongue to resist groaning. Courtney smelled amazing. He hadn't been with a woman in a while and she looked so good. The food was really good, but Michael didn't know. He was completely focused on everything about Courtney. From the way she talked, smiled, ate and once even stuck her tongue out at Michael; he couldn't focus on anything or anyone else.
"So where are you from?" Michael asked, swallowing the rice in his mouth. "Oklahoma," Courtney smiled softly. "You miss it there?" Michael pressed. "A little-if you think Nashville isn't a hockey place, just go to Oklahoma." She sighed. "Wait, you know hockey?" Michael looked surprised. "Yeah, a little," Courtney looked down, blushing. "Cool! So have you been to a Preds game yet?" DZ asked, slurping down the rest of his water. "No, you all haven't been in town for a while." "Oh yeah, well will you come to the next home game? We could use your support!" Michael beamed. "I'll see if I can make room." Courtney blushed again. Why does she keep doing that? Michael wondered. She's beautiful. She probably gets guys asking her out all the time.

The group walked out together. "Courtney, you should come back to our place and hang out." Carrie suggested. Courtney sagged a little. "I'm still trying to get my place settled, plus I start my job tomorrow." Michael sagged at her response. "Want me to walk you to your car?" Michael offered. "I'm good." She smiled sadly at DZ. "Well, I'm gonna walk you anyways." Michael smiled at Courtney. She smiled at the ground and they branched off from the group.

When they got to Courtney's black Mustang, Michael smiled hopefully, "See you around?" "Hopefully," Courtney said. "Thanks for walking me." "Pretty girls don't walk around the city alone." Michael smirked as Courtney blushed. "Bye," Courtney reached up and pecked Michael's cheek. As she drove off, it was Michael's turn to blush and grin like an idiot.

Notes