Love You in All Your Forms

Claire would be lying if she said she isn't nervous for the game tonight. Not only is the relationship with Dominic very undefined, but she knows A LOT of people within the Detroit organization. So word will get back even if her family isn't present at the game. So she decides to try and stay on the down low today. Her usual cruising of Twitter and Instagram is replaced with a cup of coffee and the issue of The Hockey News she downloaded on her iPad. There is a piece on her grandpa, father, and uncle she wants to read (And she secretly likes keeping up with the hockey scene). A text pops up on her phone: HEY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT TONIGHT? Dominic. Claire smiles and says: YEAH, ARE YOU? A minute later: OF COURSE! MAKES IT EVEN BETTER THAT A SPECIAL FRIEND IS GOING TO BE THERE.

Claire blinks, perplexed. WHO?

YOU.

Claire blushes despite being alone, in the safety of her own apartment. Claire checks the time: 11:30. She doesn't know what to say, so Claire finishes her coffee and decides to take a shower.

After spending way too long in the shower, Claire gets out and its 12:30. She throws on some casual clothes and decides that she wants to meet with an old friend. Even if it means compromising her position. "Hey, Z? It's Claire. You're in NYC, right?"

Claire walks into the Vietnamese restaurant and sees the large Swede sitting towards the back. "Henrik!" He looks up and grins. "Liten Claire!"

Henrik Zetterberg met Claire when he was new to Detroit and she was a sweet 14 year old girl. Her family went (and still go) to many Red Wings games. She had met multiple players, but there was something about the young, bright eyed Swedish boy that intrigued Claire. They talked frequently and Claire sported a Zetterberg jersey zillions of game nights. Claire was one of the first people to hold Henrik's children, and he wouldn't have had it any other way.

As Claire made her way back home, she felt relieved from talking to her dear friend. Henrik always could talk her down-and into trouble, but that was all in good fun. Upon arriving at her apartment, Claire headed straight back to her shower. That's her thing: she showers when she's nervous or excited. Claire blasts a mix of old and new: Nirvana, Maroon 5, The Police, OneRepublic. After showering she puts on a pair of black skinny jeans, a sheer, white top, and black booties. She applied makeup, dried her hair, and layered accessories. Claire checks the time as she is putting on perfume. It's 5, and she decides to leave to beat traffic.

The lady at the ticket counter had Claire's ticket with a note attached from Dominic: Hey Claire, I hope you're not mad at me about that text. I've told Henrik's wife you're coming, and your seat is next to her. Claire sighs. She feels bad for not responding, but she's never been in a real relationship. Not that this is a relationship, Claire thinks.

Therese is extremely welcoming to Claire. As warm ups begin, Therese says "Henrik tells me you're an artist." Claire smiles. "Yeah, I've done a few things around. Nothing big, yet." Therese nods, "Henrik also tells me Dominic has a crush on you." Claire blushes. "Claire, you need to know something. Dominic hasn't had an obvious crush on anyone since Katie. You are the first person he's shown visible interest in." Claire nods. First Dominic's text, now this. She definitely likes him, but Claire doesn't want to rush him.

The game is all the reasons Claire has always loved hockey. Fast pace, hard hits, finesse, and most importantly- Dominic. She couldn't keep her eyes off Dominic the whole game. Therese lead her down to the family room, waiting for Dominic and Hank to come out of the locker room. Claire smiles and pleasantly chats with a few of the other wives. Finally, Dominic comes out. "Hey," he beams. "Great game," Claire grins. They head out into the hallway. "So some of the guys are going out, if you want.." Before Claire can answer, Henrik Zetterberg rounds the corner and says, "Oh, Claire can definitely handle a drink, or five."

Notes