The Wall

The team was gathered for the bus ride to the airport. Kevan was watching the guys interact with Hadlee. She seemed to fit in well.

Hadlee turned to Marchand. "Bradley Keith behave yourself. Try not to end up in time out for trying to out asshole that Subban guy." Brad groaned "It's the penalty box." She shook her head "If you act 5 it's time out." The entire team laughed including Cam Neely who was watching this exchange. Hadlee petted Rask and told him he was prettier than Price. Kissed Dougie for luck. Hadlee set her sights on Kevan.

"Play nice with the other boys. Don't start any fights, but you better damn well finish them." she winked at Kevan. He started laughing. He heard Cam clear his throat.

"Hadlee Reynolds" Kevan said as introduction to Cam Neely " This is Cam Neely."
"Yes, Sir Bradley explained who you are and your legacy here. I am pretty sure it was in the same storyline as the statue guy." replied Hadlee as she shook his hand.

"Miller" he said "I thought you were smarter than this." Cam watched as Miller, Dougie, Rask, and Marchand all turned on him.

"Smarter than what sir?"

"Smart enough that you would have taught her never to listen to Marchand." laughed Cam

"Though she gave you boys some pretty sound advice. You should listen to her Miller."

"Not my fault she adopted the squirrel" replied Kevan

"Aww that was my daddy's first day of school speech for my hellion brothers." said Hadlee clearly charming Cam. He then told the boys to load the bus.

Kevan realized for the first time in his playing career why the married guys wanted to get home from road trips. In grand Bruins traditions they had all harassed Hadlee until she kissed him goodbye, then proceed to cat call, whistle, and act like degenerates. Leaving Hadlee at the arena parking lot had been so hard.

After dropping Kevan off at the bus Hadlee had went straight to the court house for morning docket. It went by quickly. The afternoon docket however drug by. She had picked up some winners in what she liked to call the felony lottery. By the time she made it to her office at 3 pm Hadlee felt like she had ran a marathon. She kicked her shoes off and opened her bottle of water. She was sorting through her email when her office door opened. Mark came inside. Hadlee continued to face her computer screen.

"Hadlee, aren't you even going to say hello" he asked

"I usually only greet people who I invite into my office. I am swamped Mark. Did you need something." she replied coolly.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot." he stated "Let me take you to dinner tonight."

"Sorry, I have plans tonight." she stated.

"What plans could you have for tonight bored with the hockey guys already?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but my friends are coming over for dinner and drinks."

"Tomorrow then" he said looking as if he was doing her a favor.

"Mark, I am not interested. Kevan and I have decided that we aren't going to see other people. I'm going to try and find his game on tomorrow and watch it. I am flattered but I don't date co-workers."

"You know nothing about hockey or how these guys are Hadlee." he sneered "Miller will be banging some barfly puck bunny before the game starts tomorrow."
Hadlee heard a knock on the door. Mr. Shaunessy walked in. "Hadlee everything okay?"

"Mark was just offering to take me to dinner. He was explaining the finer points of hockey to me. I didn't realize he thought he knew so much." said Hadlee sweetly.

"Remember what I said " stated Mark as he left her office.

"Hadlee are you sure everything is okay." asked Shaunessy

"I'm fine. However, if he insinuates again that I am a puck slut or Kevan is going to cheat on me with the first girl he finds in Canada I won't be responsible for my own actions." she growled. "I am trying so hard to be professional. I am only telling you now because you love my guys."

"I'll talk to him." Shaunessy replied.

"No it will make him worse. I will just ignore him."

"If that's what you want dear. How are they going to do in Montreal?"

"Kevan and Marchy said they are ready. Rask was stopping everything at practice last week. I hope Milan's wrist is 100%." she said.

"You are learning Miss Reynolds" he smiled and shut her office door.

Hadlee replied to all her emails and shut down her computer. She flopped down in her Fiat and drove home. She changed into her Bruins pj's and started supper. Kayleigh and Caroline wanted lasagna. She was putting it in the oven when Caroline flounced into their apartment.

"I am going to have to report a break in." said Caroline sarcastically " who are you and what are you doing in my kitchen."

"Smart ass" laughed Hadlee "I know i've become the chick who abandons her friends when she gets a boyfriend."

"It's okay I bang Tyler Seguin 7 ways from Sunday." smiled Caroline "So all is forgiven."

"What's up with you and Seguin?" asked Hadlee.

"Nothing, we text. He makes me laugh. Awesome in bed, on the counter, and in the shower." she sighed "He's in Dallas. Nothing serious. Could be a friends with benefits when he visits Brad. However, his instagram account shows him wrapped around Miss Texas today. So, I don't think I am going to be waiting for him."

"So should I be sorry or happy?" inquired Hadlee walking into the pantry.

"Happy" replied Caroline "What are you digging for?"

"Bleach wipes for the counter! I don't want cooties in my lasagna."

"Trust me it would be worth it!" laughed Caroline.

"Poor Blacker" replied Hadlee.

"Not so much" said Caroline looking at the floor.

"Caroline" admonished Hadlee " They are like best friends how could you sleep with one of them then the other."

"Let's just say those boys are super close"

"Sweet baby Jesus, Caro! You didn't?"

Kayleigh chose that moment to walk in the door carrying a box of cupcakes. "She didn't what?" asked Kayleigh.

"I confess" said Caroline "two hot hockey players are way better than one."

Kayleigh turned 5 shades of red. She then asked in a small voice which ones Caroline was seeing. Caroline explained about meeting Jesse and Seguin. Kayleigh seemed relieved. She opened the top of the box and showed the girls the cupcakes. They were a golden cupcake with a cinnamon sugar butter cream. The cupcakes had cereal for garnish. Caroline stuffed half a cupcake in her mouth. She was moaning about how good they were while she finished the cupcake. Hadlee peel the black wrapper off the cupcake and broke the cupcake part in half. She then inverted the pieces. Kayleigh and Caroline were both shaking their heads. Hadlee took a bite. "What? It's the perfect cupcake to icing ratio! This is amazing Kayleigh." Kayleigh blushed again.

"Totally awesome K" agreed Caroline reaching for a second cupcake "So what overly complicated and dramatic name have you given this one?"

"I...uhh.." Kayleigh stammered " I think I am going to call it 63"

"What you run out of French frou frou things?" laughed Caroline.

"I" said Kayleigh "Brad has been over to the shop a lot. He likes the bacon chocolate ones. So I was playing around with something based on what he said he liked. He loves Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. I even found a picture of him and brother eating it out of the Cup."

"So because he has been coming in and buying cupcakes you made him a special cupcake." asked Caroline "Because I come into the shop like every other day and I don't have a special cupcake."

"Come to think of it" teased Hadlee " Neither do I."

"Hadlee you totally have the Blue Velvet one." said Kayleigh in a tiny voice.

"Brad asked me for your number" smiled Hadlee " I haven't given it to him yet. I wanted to ask you first since you are dating that weird hipster bro."

"I've told you we are just friends" said Kayleigh

"So are we giving the Little Ball of Hate your digits?" quizzed Caroline "I mean he does have his own cupcake."

Hadlee retrieved her phone from the dock. She fired off a text to Brad.

Hadlee: Hey still want Kayleigh's number
Brad: Yes :)
Hadlee: I will give it to you on one condition.
Brad: Name your terms Hadlee Belle. Millsy is standing over my shoulder.
Hadlee: Hey doll! Miss you!! Bradley Keith Marchand you cannot treat her like some puck bunny. You can't use her then ignore her. I can't have another guy I know do her that way.
Brad: Millsy is smiling that goofy ass smile he gets around you.
Brad: I really want to take her on a real date. I've talked to her a lot over the past week or so. I'm not gonna make weight if you don't give me her number.
Hadlee: She made you a cupcake!
Brad: I know I love those bacon ones.
Hadlee: No! She made you a cinnamon toast crunch one. She is planning on calling it SixtyThree. She doesn't do that for just anyone.
Brad: I might propose based on cupcakes alone
Hadlee: Bradley Keith Marchand!!!!
Brad: I promise not to pull a Seguin on her. In fact you can be there for our first date. After we play the Caps Thursday night. Millsy and I will take you girls out. No bars. Real dinner.
Hadlee reply was Kayleigh's number. Hadlee was listening to Caroline and Kayleigh discuss Brad. Caroline was giving her the info on Brad's conquests. Kayleigh was quieter than usual.

Hadlee pulled the lasagna out of the oven.

"I gave Brad your number." said Hadlee "He is planning on asking you to come to the Caps game and out after. No bars. Real dinner. Him on his best behavior."

"Will you and Kevan come with us?" asked Kayleigh

"Yes" she then narrowed her eyes at Caroline "Caro will come too."

"Me" stated Caro as she was picking cheese off the corner of the lasagna "I don't have any desire to be a fifth wheel on this squishy googley eyed love fest.

" I want you at the game" pouted Hadlee "I need you in case I get confused. Brad and Kevan can round up one of the other guys and round it out. No harm no foul. "

"I wouldn't mind getting my hands on Louis or Carl Soderburg" she said dramatically "Think I can learn Swedish in 2 days"

Hadlee laughed. "I will see what I can do."

Caroline agreed. They fixed their plates and poured large glasses of wine. The girls took their plates into the living room. Hadlee turned the TV on in time for the season premiere of the Bachelor. The girls enjoyed their wine and meal. They took turns commenting on the girls first impressions and what they were wearing. The farmer bachelor was hot for sure, but Hadlee wouldn't trade Kevan for him. After the Bachelor Kayleigh crashed on the couch and the girls headed to bed.

Hadlee looked at the Bruins jersey laying on the side of the bed where Kevan would sleep if her were here. She crawled into her bed and took a picture of the jersey laying beside her. She sent the photo to Kevan.

Hadlee: Not the same. I miss you. Hope you are having fun.
Kevan: Miss you too babe. We had a good practice. Brad and I stayed in tonight.
Hadlee: You don't have to stay in. Do what you normally do.
Kevan: I promise you don't want me and Marchy out doing what the guys normally do.
Hadlee: Since you are being a good boy what did you all do? Me and the girls watched the Bachelor and drank too much wine.
Kevan: I know. Brad has been texting Kayleigh. We watched it here.
Hadlee: I have corrupted you!!!
Kevan: Definitely babe.
Hadlee: Caps game double date....how about triple date?
Kevan: triple???
Hadlee: I believe you owe Dougie a date with Caroline.
Kevan: I forgot
Hadlee: Work it out. I will make it worth it.

Hadlee's ipad then signaled that she had a Face Time request. Hadlee hit the button and was greeted by a shirtless Kevan. "No fair" she said "Brad gets to snuggle you with no shirt." Kevan laughed. Brad then stuck his head in the frame and waved. "I love you Hadlee Belle. Kayleigh is coming to the Caps game." Brad shirtless back retreated as Kevan swatted at him. She heard Brad say he was going to go find Dougie and the door click shut. Kevan shook his head.

"You were supposed to wear those Bruins pjs at my apartment."

"Um, they looked comfy." she said "Plus I like them. I don't trust you around my night clothes."

"I'll be good I swear" Kevan held up his fingers like a boy scout.

"Not buying it Miller." Hadlee sat the iPad on the pillow beside her. Kevan realized she had arranged the iPad like he was in bed with her.

"So i can be replaced by an iPad" he asked

"Nope" she said " Did you listen to any of the music?"

"Yeah. I don't think I sound like that Brantley Gilbert dude."

"Only when you are growly." she yawned.

"Go to bed Hadlee" he said "I'll talk to you after morning skate."

"Don't wanna" she drawled "Talk to me until I fall asleep.'

"About what" he asked.

"Don't care hockey, the bachelor, or whatever. I just miss you."

Kevan started telling her about the shenanigans on the flight. He told her about them getting booed in the airport at Montreal. Kevan watched as she fell asleep as he talked about practice. Hadlee was asleep with her face laying on his jersey. Away games sucked.
Hadlee spoke briefly to Kevan between morning skate and lunch. He told her that he and Brad were going to get lunch and then take a nap.

"A nap?" asked Hadlee

"Yeah, it a hockey thing. We generally nap for a few hours before a game." he explained

"We expend a lot of energy. It helps with stamina."

"Sure, Miller" she laughed " We think the game will be on the NHL channel. So pizza and hockey at my place."

"Or you could have pizza and hockey at my place" he said "Caroline and Kayleigh are more than welcome. Marchy will bring me home and take the girls wherever they want to go."

"I'll talk to the girls."

"Or I can come to your apartment" he replied "Your choice. I just want to come home to you"

"Judge is coming. Go nap." she said "See you tonight."

The rest of the day seemed to be in slow motion. Maybe she was just nervous for Kevan's first game. The girls agreed to meet at her and Caroline's apartment and then head over to Kevan's. Hadlee entered her apartment and saw Caroline in a Bruins tshirt and leggings. Kayleigh had on a soft black sweater, jeans, and a black and gold chevron scarf. She headed to her room and grabbed his game jersey. She threw on legging and a black tank. She and the girls headed over to Kevan's apartment. She stopped and introduced the girls to Greg. Greg told them that pizza would be delivered prior to the game. Hadlee told him she could take care of it. He told her that Mr. Miller had been very generous for him to ensure the girls we happy. Hadlee thanked him and went to the bank of elevators. The girls got comfy in the apartment. Sure enough the pizza came before tip off. Wait not tip off thought Hadlee. What did Kevan say face off. After finishing her pizza and getting a second glass of wine she pulled on her jersey.

"Damn, Hads" laughed Caroline " I could crawl in that thing with you. Miller in pads and skate must be a sight. Then again Tall, Hot, and Sweaty in nothing would probably be a better sight."

Hadlee smacked her with a pillow as she flopped down between them on the couch. The Habs were putting on quite and spectacle for a preseason game. Apparently, they bled Habs hockey in Montreal. She could understand that but she wanted to see the boys win their game. Especially after several of them talked about the loss to Montreal in the playoffs.
The anthems sang it was time for hockey. The puck dropped and Bergeron threw it out to one of the Bruins. It seemed like the puck was only in play for seconds when Lucic threw his gloves and got into a scuffle with Weise. Hadlee remember that there was some kind of incident during playoff. The girls watched as the fight got dirtier and helmets flew. Lucic finally knocked him to the ice. Looch appeared to be bleeding above his right eyebrow but Weise had a busted nose. Looch was beating on his chest like a gorilla as he was hauled to the time out box. Nope penalty box. The rest of the first period was relatively quiet. Marchand managed to score a goal when they were on a power play from him being tripped by Plekanec. Marchand had mouthed at him while he was being hauled to the box. Kevan played several minutes. Per Caroline he had some great hits and was setting up decent screens.

The second period started off with a bang. Plekanec checked Marchand to the board. Caroline was yelling at the refs that it was boarding. Hadlee wasn't sure but Brad got up and skated to the bench. Galchenyuk fired a puck past Rask to tie the game. Marchand and crew came out for another shift. Hadlee noticed this time that Kevan was with him. Marchand won the face off and head toward the Bruin goal. He passed the puck to Bergeron and skated farther down the ice. The puck was up against the wall. Brad was trying to dig it out. His back was to the Habs coming down ice. Plekanec crashed into Brad again. The refs didn't appear to care that Brad had again been hit in the numbers per Caroline. Kayleigh was nervous because he was still on the ice. Brad got back to his skate. Kevan skated towards Marchand. Hadlee saw him shoulder Plekanec on his way to Brad. Prust seemed to take exception to this and started mouthing at Kevan. Kevan skated towards the bench with Brad. Prust was still running his mouth as the next shift of Bruins came over the wall. With 57 seconds left in the second period Carl Soderberg snuck a puck past Price. They went to the locker room with a
2 to 1 lead.

The third period was back and forth movement. No one could seem to get the puck to land. The clock was winding down. Marchy was streaking down the ice and Prust used his stick to hook his leg. Marchand hit the ice again but was up quick as no penalty was called. Caroline was livid. The line changed and Kevan hit the ice. The Bruins won the face off. No sooner than the puck cleared the circle Caroline yelled for her to pay attention. Hadlee saw Kevan throw his gloves on the ice. He and Prust were circling each other like boxers. They latched on to each other and started throwing punches. The refs and linesman were watching them but not intervene. Both of their helmets popped off during the volley of punches. They were holding on to each others sleeves. Kevan took a hard right to his mouth. Kevan went down on his knees but popped back up swinging wildly. He caught Prust on the jaw with a hook. While Prust was rattled Kevan delivered several punches to his ribs. He and Prust finally ended up in a heap with neither of them wanting to let go. Hadlee watched as the refs and linesman separated them. Kevan's jersey was half off his body. The ref shoved him into the box. Krug brought his gloves, stick, and helmet and threw them into the box. Hadlee saw the blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. Kevan stood up and ripped his jersey over his head. He was handed a new one. Both he and Prust were in the box for 5 minutes. The rest of the game was uneventful.

"Hadlee, that boy is a beast. He finally beat Prust." said Caroline

"So that was a good thing" asked Kayleigh.

"Yeah the Habs were being dicks all night. Especially to Marchand. Prust was trying to Kevan to fight for 2 periods."

"So I should be happy my boyfriend just beat the stuffings out of him" quizzed Hadlee.

"Yup, plus that was hot Hadlee."

Hadlee wasn't sure she agreed that the bleeding was hot. She knew fights happened. Hadlee grabbed her phone and sent a text. All it said was "Hey Rocky."

Caroline and Kayleigh decided to catch a cab back to Kayleigh's. She was left alone in Kevan's apartment. She put away the left over pizza and recorked the second bottle of wine they opened. She put her wine glasses in the dishwasher. Her phone chirped as she walked towards the bedroom. She clicked on the TV in the bedroom. She looked at her phone.

Kevan: I guess that makes you Adrian.
Hadlee: Did you mess up your gorgeous face?
Kevan: No worse than usual.
Hadlee: You were bleeding.
Kevan: Prust bust my mouth. No stitches just icing it. We are dressed and will be flying out at 12:15 am.
Hadlee: When will you arrive?
Kevan : I will be at the apartment by 3
Hadlee: I will wait up
Kevan: No, go to sleep I will be so late.
Hadlee: K nite
Kevan: Good night Miss Reynolds

Kevan dropped his bag beside Hadlee's purse. He laid his suit jacket over the back of the couch. He was loosening his tie as he made his way to the bedroom. Hadlee was asleep wrapped up like a burrito in his comforter. Her iPad on his pillow. He stripped out of his suit. Draping the pieces over the chair in his room. He crawled into his bed. He could smell the limes and coconut before his head hit the pillow. He pulled the edge of the comforter and unwrapped Hadlee as carefully as possible. He covered them both. With a minute Hadlee had snuggled into his warmth. He pulled her flush against his front. Hadlee stirred.
"You're home" said Hadlee as she threaded her hand through his on her stomach. Hadlee then sat up and looked at Kevan in the glow of the TV. His mouth was busted and swollen. She leaned down and kissed his split lip. "Kissed it better." Kevan chuckled and she snuggled back into her other position. Kevan dropped a kiss on her hair. He threw his leg over Hadlee and went to sleep.

Notes