Citius, Altius, Fortius

“You just destroyed that team!” Pat says as soon as I pick up my phone.
“How do you know?” I ask, opening the door to my apartment and putting the call on speakerphone.
“We had the live feed up on my computer.” He says simply.
“First of all, who’s we? And secondly... Why?”
“We were on the plane, so the whole team was paying attention. And because I wanted to know how you did! I needed to be prepared if I was going to have a cranky Tori flying in to see me.”
“Well you could have just asked. We knew we were going to wipe them out.”
He laughs.
“You’re so cocky!”
“No! They’re just historically really bad.”
“Whatever you say.” He chuckles. “You ready to come visit me in the greatest city in the world tomorrow?”
“You’re in Pittsburgh?” I ask, messing with him.
“Fucking hysterical.” I can practically see him rolling his eyes. “No, brat. You and Aubrey are coming to Chicago tomorrow morning on a plane that’s landing here at ten in the morning. I’ll be at morning skate when you get in, but my spare key will be with the doorman, who knows who you are. When I get home, we’re going to lunch and then you’re going to experience an awesome game in front of the best fans in the NHL. And then we’re going to a bar afterwards.”

I chuckle, loving the way it’s so easy to annoy him.

“Yeah, Pat. I know the schedule. You’ve also said you’re showing us around Chicago on Sunday, too.”

“Hey, I’m taking advantage of the fact that you’ll be here!”
“I know, I know. Just don’t waste my fall break, okay?”
“You know I won’t. It’ll still be much more fun than whatever you’ve got planned in Pittsburgh when you leave me!”
“Not at all!” I laugh. “I’m going to a Pens game on Monday and spending time with my family Tuesday.”

He groans and I laugh.

“I’m gonna make you a Hawks fan.” He declares.
“I’m already a Hawks fan!” I laugh. “Just not when you’re playing my guys.”
“Okay, no. Officially no! I’m your guy. Saader is your guy. Leds is your guy. But mainly me! I’m pulling the new best friend card here.”
“You’re so selfish!” I laugh. “What about Paul? Or Beau? Or Brooks?”
“You wouldn’t know them if it wasn’t for me!” He tries. “Therefore, I should be your favorite player. And my team should be your favorite team.”
“Well that’s unfortunate. Because my favorite team is the Penguins and my favorite player is one of them.”
“Oh yeah? Who? I’ll beat them up.”
I laugh at the idea of Pat going against my favorite player in a fight.
“Absolutely not. You’d get destroyed. And I love you too much to do that to you. But if you ask for a trade and become a Penguin, I’ll be more than happy to change my loyalty!”

Pat makes a hurt sound and I chuckle. He groans a little, probably thinking about how he’ll never be my favorite player.

Which might be a lie, actually.... The more I watch his games and the more I watch him play, the more I grow attached to my curly haired friend. He’s just so damn good.

“Okay, look. Just... come to Chicago, okay?”
“I bought my plane ticket a month ago.”
“Right. But come with an open mind? I realize the Hawks will never be your favorite team. But at least consider having a second favorite team?”
“Okay, Patty.”
This time, it’s my turn to roll my eyes.

Twelve hours later, Aubrey and I are boarding our flight to the Windy City. We decided not to check any bags, since we’ll be there less than forty eight hours. Instead, we wore our heavier clothing and packed what we want to wear to the bar.

The one hour flight isn’t as easy as we’d thought, since apparently the airport in Chicago had to shut down one of its runways. We have to circle the city for half an hour before we can finally land, and by that time Aubrey and I are both thrilled to be able to just get out of there.

We grab a cab and head to Pat’s apartment in the Trump Tower. Like he said, the doorman recognizes us and hands us a key to his apartment. I can’t help but laugh when I see that it’s got the Blackhawks logo on it.

The doorman shows us to the elevator and presses the button for Pat’s floor before giving us kind smiles.

“It’s nice to finally meet you two. Mr. Kane has spoken very highly. Welcome to our city.” He says before the doors close.

“So everyone in this city loves Pat...” I chuckle.
“I don’t blame them.” Aubrey blushes.

We make our way into Pat’s apartment and I can’t help but gape at just how amazing it is. When we were in Buffalo, he told me that the reason his house there is so humble is because he lives most of the year in Chicago. That’s where he’s spent the most time and effort making his home. And it’s obvious.

The term “apartment” shouldn’t even be used to describe Pat’s luxury living space. Both my Pittsburgh and Columbus apartments could fit easily inside his, with room to spare.

Our first order of business is to poke around. Aubrey and I explore Pat’s entire apartment, aside from his bedroom. We’re amazed to find that he’s got two spare bedrooms, one for each of us, and drop our stuff in them before heading back into the kitchen.

Since we both skimped on breakfast thinking we’d grab something after our quick flight, Aubrey decides she’s going to cook something for an early lunch rather than wait for Pat to come home and go out.

As planned, Pat gets in not too much longer later, smiling and pulling us both into big hugs. But he isn’t alone.

“I think you girls know who this is. Jonny, this is Victoria McKinley and Aubrey Wright.”
“I know who they are, Kaner.” He says, smiling.

It’s absolutely dazzling, his smile. His eyes sparkle and his teeth are the definition of perfection. I feel my heart skip a beat and my palms start to get sweaty. Of course I already knew who Jonathan Toews is. And I’ve thought for a while that he’s an attractive man. But seeing him up close takes it to a whole new level.

His large frame dwarfs ours as he steps closer to shake Aubrey’s hand. She laughs and pulls him in for a hug, surprising him.

“Honey, this family is a bunch of huggers!” She laughs.
“Well okay then.”
He turns to me and gives me a small smile.
“You’re a hugger, too?” He asks.

I nod slightly and he leans in to wrap his large arms around my shoulders. He’s warm and surprisingly soft, considering the way his shirt is stretched over his bulging chest and arm muscles. My arms shake as they wrap around his torso. He smells like some type of soap and general “man,” which makes me want to stay tucked against his side.

Too soon, Pat coughs and Jon and I reluctantly pull away from each other.

“So. You’re ruining my plan already, I see.” Pat says, walking into the kitchen and poking around at the food on the stove.
“We didn’t eat much this morning and then our flight circled your city for half an hour this morning. So we got hungry and decided to make lunch instead of wait for you.” Aubrey explains, stirring the spaghetti.
“Well it smells good.” Pat states, smiling softly at her.
“Thanks.” She says, smiling back.

I glance up at Jon, who’s staring at Pat with an odd look on his face.

“Tor, can you grab drinks from the fridge?” Pat asks, getting plates down from the cabinet.
“Yeah. What would everyone like?” I ask.

“Water is fine for me.” Aubrey replies.
“Red gatorade please!” Pat answers.
“I’ll help you.” Jon says, low and right next to my ear.
I have to mask the shiver that runs through my body.
“Okay.” I whisper.

I open the fridge and grab Pat’s gatorade and Aubrey’s water, handing them to Jon. I turn back and consider my options. There aren’t many, unsurprisingly. Beer, water, and gatorade. I pick a blue one out for myself and turn to Jon.

“How’d you know?” He asks, his brow furrowing.
“What?”
“Pat only drinks red. The blue is mine since I’m here so much. How’d you know that’s what I wanted?”
“Oh. I didn’t know.” I blush. “I was getting it for myself.”
“Oh.” He blushes too. “Sorry. I-”
“Don’t worry about it.” I cut in, laughing a little. “I’ll grab you one too.”

By the time Jon and I have gathered the drinks, Pat and Aubrey are serving their food up. Pat says we’ll eat in the living room, so Jon and I take them in there. Jon puts their drinks down in the middle of the table and turns, grabbing ours as well.

Silently, he follows me back into the kitchen where Pat and Aubrey are already serving up their lunch.

“Obiad wygląda pyszne.” I say, catching Jon’s attention. (Lunch looks delicious.)
“Dzięki.” Aubrey responds. (Thanks.)

Pat doesn’t even bat an eyelash but Jon stares at us, confused.

“What language was that?” He asks after Pat and Aubrey have taken their plates into the living room.
“Polish.” I respond, scooping some spaghetti on to my plate.
He takes the spoon from my hand and our knuckles brush, making me feel like I’ve just been electrocuted. I move on to the chicken parm.
“Our grandparents are from Warsaw.” I explain, trying to take my mind off the fact that he’s so close to me. “Growing up it was just second nature to us, speaking two languages.”
“I’m like that with French.” He says, accepting my offer of the chicken.
“Being practically bilingual is one of my favorite things.”

He smiles that dazzling grin and I have to duck my head to keep from going bright red. I follow him out to join our companions.

Of course it turns out that Pat only owns two sofas. And of course my cousin and my new best friend have decided to sit next to each other on one of them, leaving the other for Jon and me. Jon clears his throat.

“Uh. Ladies first.” He says, gesturing to the couch.

I sit on the far left side, closest to Pat’s side of the other couch. Jon sits next to me. It’s obvious he isn’t trying to sit right up on top of me, but he’s just so big and the couch is really more like a love seat.

To my relief, Pat turns almost immediately and starts asking me questions about school. They’re all ones he’s asked before, but I’m thankful for his forgetful nature at this moment. It gives me time to think about something other than Jon’s thigh brushing up against mine, his skin warm through his sweatpants.

Pat and I jump right back into our comfortable banter, like no time has passed at all since we last saw each other. We go back and forth, chirping each other easily and smiling through it all. It feels natural, like we’ve been doing it forever. I have to remind myself at one point that Pat and I haven’t even known each other for four months yet.

When all four of us are done lunch, Jon says goodbye and heads to his apartment. Pat’s eyes start to droop and I realize it’s time for his pre-game nap.

“So where should Aubrey and I go?” I ask.
“What?”
“Right now. Where in Chicago should we go?”
“Why would you go anywhere?”
“You need to nap, Pat. I know you won’t be able to if we’re here. And you have to be at your best tonight. You’ve got two potential new fans riding on this.”

He smiles and pulls me in for a hug. I realize it’s the first true hug he’s given me since we got in, and it instantly comforts me. He sighs.

“Why haven’t we hugged before now?” He asks, clearly thinking the same thing I was.
“You spent almost the whole afternoon paying attention to Aubrey.” I say, the slight bitterness coming through despite trying not to.
“I’m sorry.” He says, pulling away. “Oh my god, I’m a horrible friend. I’ve totally been ignoring you.”
“Not completely, Pat. We all talked together during lunch.” I console him, feeling bad for making him feel bad.
“Yeah, but that’s still not okay. I shouldn’t have left you with Tazer so much. He’s boring. And you’re my guest and my friend and I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you, Pat. It’s okay. Honestly. Jon wasn’t that bad. And I’m just happy to finally be here with you.”

Pat finally pulls back from our embrace and leaves a kiss on the side of my forehead.

“Just remember that I’m your best friend now. Despite your obvious thing for my cousin.”

Pat blushes. Hard. And I can’t help but chuckle.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He says. “You two should go to Navy Pier while I’m taking my nap. It’s a really nice day out, considering it’s the end of October.”

“Okay, superstar.” I laugh. “Go nap.”

Pat heads to his room for his nap and Aubrey comes back out to the living room. The two of us decide to take Pat’s suggestion and grab a cab to Navy Pier. We feel silly, taking a five minute cab ride. But it’s definitely too far for us to walk in the time period we have available. We spend a little more than an hour walking around, enjoying everything that Navy Pier has to offer. Including the ferris wheel.

We take a selfie at the top of the ferris wheel with the city skyline on the back. It’s actually one of my favorite selfies I’ve ever taken, despite the red Hawks hat on my head. I post it to twitter with the caption “Hanging out in Chi-Town with Bree. Hawks game tonight! #ImSorryPens!”

Before we even get to the bottom, I’ve got a twitter response from Beau. It’s just a sad face, but he also calls me.

“You’re coming to our game in the ‘Burgh in a couple days, right?” He asks frantically.
“You know I am.” I laugh.
“Okay, good. Just checking.”

I notice that Pat is amongst the hundreds of people retweeting me (including a lot of hockey fans who have suddenly started following me?). I mention he’s awake to Aubrey and the two of us catch a cab back to his place.

As I figured, Pat’s awake and getting ready for the game by the time we get back. He’s got a very serious air about him, one I remember from our time at Olympic Training Camp. It means he’s focusing and getting himself mentally prepared. It’s one of the things that made me feel so connected to Pat in the beginning, since I’m the same way on meet days.

He tells us we’ve got an hour before we have to leave for the United Center, so Aubrey and I split off to our respective bedrooms to get ready. Aubrey takes the shared bathroom to shower, so Pat tells me to use his. I shower quickly, wanting to actually spend time to look good for the game. Especially since we’re going out afterwards.

When I get out of the shower, I notice Pat has swapped the shirt I left on the bed to change into for a women’s Hawks jersey. I can’t help but chuckle when I turn it around and find the giant 88 on the back.

“I thought jerseys were saved for girlfriends and wives only?” I ask when he comes in to check on me.
He stares at me, straightening my hair in his mirror, and cracks a tiny smile.
“Girlfriends, wives, and family. My sisters always wear my jersey when they come to games.”

I break my gaze from the mirror and fix it directly on to him, putting my flat iron down on the counter. I reach out and pull his body against mine, resting my head on his solid chest. His arms wrap around my shoulders and hold tight.

“I love you, Pat. I know that’s weird to say since we basically just met each other. But you’re family to me already. And I love you.”
“I love you too, Tor. That’s why I’m giving you my jersey. I-I feel bad because I gave Aubrey a blank one. But wearing a player’s jersey to a game is a big deal. Massive. It means the world to us. You’ll only see the wives and the really serious girlfriends wearing them. It means we trust you.” He hesitates for a second and pulls back to look me in the eyes. “I told Abby Sharp that you’re coming to the game. She knows you’re like another sister to me, so she’ll support you wearing it. But you have to know that I’ve never had a woman that I’m not related to by blood wearing my jersey at a game. You’re the very first. And some of the women will probably look down on you for that. Especially the not-so-serious girlfriends.”
“I can handle it, Patty. Don’t you worry about me.” I say, realizing the reason for his slight nervousness.
“I know you can.” He smiles, reassured. “Now hurry up and get pretty. We’re leaving in twenty.”

I finish up my hair quickly, thinking about what Pat said. The severity of me wearing his jersey tonight isn’t lost. I’m the very first non-family woman he’s ever given his jersey to. No previous girlfriends, no other female friends, not even Aubrey. Just me. It speaks volumes about our relationship, and how much he trusts me. And I find myself getting a little emotional about it.

I snap out of it quickly, though, when it’s time to leave. I adjust Pat’s tie so it’s sitting right and smooth out the creases in his suit jacket. He looks incredibly handsome, and I tell him so. Pat has his serious face on, so Aubrey and I figure it’s best to remain quiet in the car ride. He pulls into his parking spot and we get out, following him to the players’ entrance.

The first thing that I notice is that everything is quiet. You’d think, with a professional hockey game about to happen in a little while, that the place would be loud and noisy and crazy. But it definitely isn’t like that.

I feel almost nervous, walking into the family waiting room behind Pat. There’s a beautiful brunette with two little girls sitting on one of the couches.

“Hey Ab.” Pat says, making the woman stand up. She smiles and glances over at the two of us standing behind him. “This is Tori and Aubrey.”
“Hi! It’s so nice to finally meet you! Pat hasn’t stopped talking about you.” The woman says.
“Tor, Aubrey, this is Abby Sharp. She’s going to be watching the game with you.” The oldest little girl chooses this moment to run up to Pat and attach herself on to his leg. “And this little monster is Maddy.”
“Pat!”

He cracks a smile and hauls her up in his arms, giving her a hug.

“I gotta go change, okay? I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” I say weakly.

He puts Maddy down and heads out of the waiting room and I turn to watch him go. I can tell the exact moment Abby Sharp sees what I’m wearing, because there’s a huge intake of breath behind me.

“You’re wearing his jersey.” She says simply.
“Yeah, he uh... he asked me to.” I respond, blushing.
“That’s-”
“Very serious.” I say, finishing her sentence. “I know. He told me.”
“So you and Pat are.....”
“Just friends, I swear.” I promise her. “More like brother and sister.”
“Oh. Okay. I had to check, with the way he’s been talking you up for months.”

I blush, but feel like somehow I’ve passed some sort of test. Abby introduces us to her other little girl, Sadie, and the three of us fall into a short conversation. Really, just Abby getting to know the two of us.

About ten minutes later, Pat comes back in. He’s changed into workout clothes and is smiling and laughing with whoever’s behind him. He’s a completely different person than he has been the past hour. I jump up as soon as I see who’s with him, though.

“Brandon!” I yell, crossing the room to my American friend.
“Tori!” He responds, picking me up and spinning me in a circle. “You finally made it to the best city in the world!”
“No, actually I’m going back to Pittsburgh in two days.” I joke, laughing at his mock pain.
“You dare to come in here and insult our city?” A new voice says. “Insult Kaner all you want, but don’t start talking about Chicago.”
“Nick!” I laugh, hugging my other American friend.
“Hey, Tori. How are you?” He asks, chuckling.
“I’m good!”

A couple more guys fill in behind them, including Jon. I smile and nod at him, an action which he returns.

“Tori, Aubrey, meet the guys. Guys, meet Tori and Aubrey.” Pat says, simply. We don’t need much more, though. We’ve been watching Pat’s games this season and I recognize most of the people now surrounding me.

“It’s so nice to finally meet little Peekaboo’s first friend.” Patrick Sharp says, giving me a hug.

What is it with hockey players and hugs?

Aubrey and I spend a couple minutes meeting and joking with the Hawks until Jon says it’s time to get ready for the game. He and Pat are the last two out of the waiting room, holding off for a minute.

“Listen, if anyone gives you shit about wearing my jersey....” Pat starts.
“I’ll give them shit back. I can handle myself, Patty. Don’t worry.”
He smiles.
“And I’ve got her back too.” Abby says.
“Thanks, Ab. I really appreciate it.”

Pat drops a kiss to the side of my head and gives Aubrey another hug before leading Jon out the door.

“That boy loves you so much.” Abby laughs.
“I love him too.” I admit. “He’s wormed his way into my life and now I can’t even imagine not having him here.”
“And you’re sure you can’t be his girlfriend? He needs a good one.”
“No.” I laugh. “Definitely not. Pat and I are just friends.”
She gives me a look, like she doesn’t believe me.
“Okay, we’re more than friends. But there’s no romantic feelings at all. It’s like he’s another brother. Except I’m choosing him, where I didn’t get to choose the ones I already have.”

We head up to the family suite, which is filling in, and take our seats in front of a group of women in Blackhawks jerseys. Abby smiles sweetly at them, but continues on with our conversation. I immediately understand Pat’s worry, though, when I see the gathering of scantily dressed women on the other side of the suite. They all look the same, dressed “to impress” with high heels and skin-tight dresses. I don’t even need to meet them to know their type. They’re the women who will only be around for a couple weeks. They’re the ones who are trying to sleep their way through the team. Maybe even the league. And they’re the ones I know Pat’s worried about hassling me.

And he isn’t wrong. One of them, I’m not sure who, asks me before the game starts in a snotty tone if I’m Pat’s new slut. I laugh and ask if she is jealous, considering she isn’t even important enough to have a jersey yet. She gets red in the face and stomps off in her knock-off Jimmy Choos.

Abby just laughs, along with a couple of the women behind us. Abby quickly introduces us to them, and tells us in a hushed voice that these are the women we can trust. Elina Hjalmarsson, Kelly-Rae Keith, and Dayna Seabrook. They each seem sweet and we spend the rest of warm ups getting to know them. Right before the game starts a pretty blonde comes rushing in. Abby tells us she’s Andrew Shaw’s long time girlfriend (and future wife), Chaunette. She’s closer to our age than the others, and the three of us instantly connect.

During the game, to my surprise, I’m actually rooting heavily for the Blackhawks to win. It definitely doesn’t hurt that they’re playing the Islanders. Any division rival of my Pens needs to lose. But it’s a weird feeling, cheering for a team not wearing black and gold.

Aubrey and I take a couple selfies in our new Hawks gear and I post them to my twitter. I guess the Blackhawks’s official account picks up on the fact that I’m here for Pat and retweets it, instantly gaining me new followers. They also respond and tag the Penguins account, letting them know my loyalties have officially changed. If he wasn’t on the ice at the moment, I would swear Pat was behind it all.

Fortunately the guys pull through with a huge win, a 4-0 shut out for Crawford. Pat and Brandon both have goals, as well as Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith. Jon has two assists, one for Pat and one for Keith. Overall it’s a good, solid game.

Aubrey and I wait with Abby and the other women in the family waiting room after the game is over. I get a couple more snotty looks and snide remarks, but it’s no where near what Aubrey or I thought, considering Pat’s warnings.

The guys trickle out one by one, and Aubrey and I get another chance to meet them. Brandon comes right over to me, and asks if we’re coming out with them. I of course say yes (Pat made it explicitly clear we don’t have a choice in the matter), which upsets the same woman from earlier who has now joined his side. But Brandon is excited, which makes me happy.

Pat and Jon come out last and almost everyone has already left. We hop into the back of Pat’s truck and change into the shirts and heels we brought for the bar. Pat pulls up to the front of the bar and hands his keys over to the valet before helping us out.

“You ladies look beautiful.” He says with a smile.

-----------------------

Two days later I’m sitting on the plane headed to Pittsburgh with Aubrey’s head draped across my lap. She’s lucky to be peacefully sleeping, while I’m stuck questioning my life choices like never before.

After waking up yesterday morning in a strange bed with a large arm around my waist and a naked chest against my back, I realized just how stupid I had been.

-----
“Jon.” I whisper, shaking the slumbering man beside me.
“Mmmph.” He grumbles.
“Jon.” I whisper again.
“Yeah?”
“We gotta get up. Pat’s taking Aubrey and me around the city today.”
“Okay.”

I feel the bed dip and look over my shoulder, watching as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks stands up from bed and stretches his torso and arms. It really is a wonderful sight to behold.

“Do you want to shower?” He asks, catching me staring. He smiles and blushes.
“Sure. Thanks.”

I enjoy the warm cascade of water washing over me, and steal some of Jon’s soap and shampoo to clean up. Jon’s left a pair of sweats and a Hawks shirt for me so I slip them on, rolling the sweatpants at the hips so they fit better.

“Hungry?” Jon asks when I find him in the kitchen.
“Sure, thanks.”

He places some eggs and bacon on a plate and hands it over, adding a couple of slices of avocado at the last minute.

“So we should talk about last night....” He begins.
“It’s fine, Jon.” I say.
“I just-”
“It’s okay. I get it, Jon. I do.” I say, resting my hand on his arm.
He thinks for a minute.
“You know, Pat and I both have a hard time making female friends.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“I’m glad Pat has you now.”
“And I’m glad I have Pat.”
“I-I’d like to have a female friend.” He admits.
“We can be friends, Jon.” I suggest.
“Even... Even after last night?”
I chuckle.

Notes

I realize I'm absolutely horrible for never ever posting. But please forgive me.

If it's any consolation, this is part one of a MASSIVE chapter that I felt had to be split up. The second half is super duper close to being done. Probably just a couple days.

Tell me your thoughts! I love to hear them.

Team Jon?
Team someone else?