The Memories
One
"Oh my god Patrice, that was amazing!" Called out Ashlyn Brewer from the bed.
Ashlyn had become his girlfriend when they had met in Florida, and they had spent the entire summer hooking up and having the time of their lives.
Now it was September. Patrice had a job to do in Boston, Massachusetts. He had to leave immediately to make his flight, to join the Bruins in the first game of the pre-season, but he couldn't bear to leave Ashlyn.
"Call me." He said, smiling wistfully and brushing a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear.
She smiled and nodded, as he pulled on his coat.
"I will." She promised, standing up to give him one last hug goodbye.
She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and he pulled her closer, squeezing tightly.
He had known that this would be hard, but he hadn't know just how addicted he had become to her.
"I love you." He said, turning and opening the door.
She nodded, and ran a hand through his hair before shutting the door behind him.
**********
"Hey Bergy, you gotta get some of this man!" Called Brad Marchand.
They boys were out for dinner on the night before the regular season started, and Brad, Tyler, and Andrew Ference had all expressed an interest in a group of girls sitting at the table next to them.
Brad fixed his tie, winked at his teammates, and got up. He strutted over to the table and leaned on the back of a blonde's chair, causing her to look up in alarm.
Patrice smiled and turned back to looking across the table from him. There was a young woman sitting alone at a table across the room, and he couldn't help but notice that she looked oddly like someone he couldn't quite remember.
"Ashlyn?" He mumbled quietly, squinting at the young woman.
She look up and her eyes panned the room, in search of the person who had called her. It was her.
They met eyes and hers widened in shock. She quickly put her head down, but the damage was done.
"Ashlyn!" He called again, louder this time.
She looked up and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
Patrice got up and walked over to her, seating himself comfortably in the seat opposite her.
"Is that you?" He questioned cautiously.
She nodded and wiped a tear out of the corner of her eye.
"Why?" Was all he could muster.
She put her head down again and took an deep breath.
"It's a long story." She said quietly, and Patrice got the first sense of that voice that he'd longed for in 7 years.
"I've got time." He said calmly.
He was dead serious, and she looked a little frightened.
"Would you come over later tonight?" She asked timidly. "I can't right here."
He nodded, and she took his phone to write the address.
"Around ten?" She blinked hard, and he nodded.
"See you then." He told her.
His voice may have been cold, but he was dead serious and completely calm. He was confused, and he didn't know what to do with himself.
He got up awkwardly, and headed back to his own table in a daze.
"What's up, man?" Asked Brad, grinning from ear to ear.
"Nothing." Patrice lied, keeping a straight face.
"You coming to my place? Party tonight!" Brad grinned.
"No thanks." Patrice replied. "I'll pass."
