Choices
Celebrations
“Hey Hoss wait up!” Kaner shouted after me as I walked out of the United Center. Around me everyone was cheering and drinking. Just having a grand time celebrating the win of the cup. I just didn’t feel like celebrating with them. The person I wanted to celebrate with hated my guts. I slowed down my pace and let Kaner catch up to me. His signature smirk was etched on his face as he caught and began to walk with me.
“Geeze you peaced out fast. Got a hot date?” Kaner laughed as we walked toward our cars. His words made me yet again feel hollow inside. I guess people just have a way to make me feel like shit tonight. I know he didn’t mean to, hell he doesn’t realize how torn up I am even though I should be happy, but it didn’t make me feel any better.
“No, no hot date. I’m just beat. That win took a lot out of me.” I laughed as I continued walking to my car.
“No way man! You are not going home. We just won the Stanley Cup! It’s time to celebrate.” Kaner looked at me with disbelief that I wanted to go home. Hell I don’t blame him. We did just win the cup. I should be over the moon but all I could think about was her. How I wanted her to be with me right now. To celebrate this win with her. That this win was nothing without her here. But she isn’t here. She is part of my past and I’ll never get her back.
“I really appreciate it man but…” I started to say as I put my bags into my Black Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
“Dude, as your teammate and friend, I really am not taking no for an answer.” He said with a grin. When Kaner makes up his mind there is no changing it. I sighed in defeat and closed the trunk of my car. I locked my car and followed him. His grin got bigger as I walked behind him since he knew he won the battle. Stupid kid. Why can’t he just let me go home and sulk by myself. I opened the door and sat in the back next to Patrick Sharpe.
“ARE YOU READY!” Shouted Jonathan Toews from the passenger seat as Kaner got behind the wheel. Everyone cheered and I threw a smile on my face. Well as long as I was here I might as well have fun.
“THIS IS THE BEST NIGHT EVERRRR!” Kaner yelled/slurred as he threw an arm around me. We had been at the club for about two hours and everyone was already wasted. Since the owner knew who we all were we were given all the free drinks we wanted and we were given access to the VIP room upstairs. The room overlooked the rest of the club. We could go stand at the railing and look down at everyone having fun. Many of the guys would even run up to the railing cheering about the Cup win which would make the entire club cheer.
I grabbed another drink from the bar and made my way around the room. I can honestly say I don’t remember how many drinks I had drank so far. Every time my glass was empty another drink was put in my hand by the pretty bar maids that walked around with trays of every drink under the sun. My mood got slightly better with each drink, though I would bet it’s just the alcohol kicking in. I still was depressed. Yeah winning the cup was my dream. I just couldn’t stop thinking of all that I had sacrificed to get to where I was today. Some of the sacrifice was good. The hours at the gym, the hours I spent at the rink as a kid, they were all great and I would do it all over again. But if I knew what would happen between Danielle and I would I have left two teams before coming to Chicago? Would I have turned down the deal with Pittsburgh? Would I have stayed in Detroit? I honestly have no idea. My mood began to spiral down again as all the choices I have made swarmed into my head.
“Need a refill?” I sultry voice asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see one of the waitresses leaning over the table. Her brown eyes that were almost black were kind. Just like hers. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded over her shoulders. Just like hers. Her nose was ski sloped shaped. Just like hers. I couldn’t stop staring. If I did not know where I was I would have sworn it was her.
“I can come back later…” she gave me a small smile and began to walk away.
“No wait. I’m sorry. It’s been a crazy night.” I said with a laugh. She walked back and set the tray on the table before sitting down across from me.
“So tell me. On this crazy night why are you brooding when you should be celebrating?” she handed me a shot. I nodded my head and we counted to three before tilting the warm liquid down our throats. It burned but it didn’t take away the pain I was feeling.
“Maybe I just haven’t found the person I wanted to celebrate with yet.” The words came out of my mouth like velvet. I could tell she was interested. And I should be too. I’m a single guy, not bad looking I must say myself, and I just won the cup. I should be all over her.
“Maybe she is closer than you think.” She said with a coy grin. A smile crept on my face. Yeah she was forward but she was still hot. But then it all changed. Her face morphed. I could see her. Just staring at me. Pain written all over her face.
“Maybe she isn’t.” With that I excused myself and left the table in route to the nearest exit.
2008
“Lets go Pens! Lets go Pens!” the crowd shouted around me. It felt as if the room Melon arena was going to be exploded off. Everyone had some sort of penguin’s memorabilia on. Terrible towels were being waved in the air. Airhorns were going off. It was surreal. The final seconds of the game had ticked off and the game was won. The fan went insane. Cheering and yelling and chanting was all around me. The season was over and we were heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After years and years of having a subpar team, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a chance to win the 2008 Stanley Cup. We all skated to center ice and put our sticks up in the air, saluting our fans and loved ones for all the support before skating back to the bench and heading to the locker room.
“Did you guys hear that crowd? It’s.. just wow..” Malone grinned as he sat down in his stall adjacent to mine. Everyone agreed. We couldn’t believe how much the city supported us. It was just amazing. We had a tremendous season.
“PARTY TIME! Everyone meet at SevenSirens! Last one there has to pay first round tab!” Talbot shouted as we all began to leave the locker room. Everyone began to pick up their pace and rush to their cars, no one wants to pick up that tab!
“Danielle, Mady! Over here!” I shouted across the lot as I ran to my car. They stopped in their tracks and spun around trying to locate my voice. They finally realized where I was and threw back a wave and made their way over to my car.
“Good game Hoss.” Danielle spoke as she made her way to my side. I pulled her into a hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. A small grin etched on her face while Mady stood to the side snickering. Danielle shot her a look but it only increased Mady’s laughter.
“Oh stop it Mady. I put up with much worse with you and Jordan.” Danielle laughed as she climbed into the front seat. I sat behind the steering wheel and waited for Mady to get in. She got in the car and we sped off to SevenSirens.
We pulled into the parking lot along with half the team a few minutes later. The girls quickly took of their jerseys and hell did they look good. Mady was wearing grey skinny jeans with a red v-neck tanktop that had beading down the front of it. But I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Danielle. She wore black skinny jeans with a grey sheer tanktop which you could clearly see her red bra under. Around the color there were silver studs.
“Hoss… You ready?” she rapped on the window of my door. I quickly snapped myself out of my thoughts and nodded my head. How did I get blessed to meet this girl? Thank you Atlanta. I followed her and the rest of the team to the front of the club. All we had to do was say who we were and the bouncer let us right in. Some people were upset that we got to cut the line but many cheered when they realized we were the Penguins.
Since we were the Penguins we got to hang out in the VIP area on the upper level. The upper level had its own bar, which was free for the evening by the owner, with an outdoor patio that overlooked the entire city. Everyone gathered around the bar and we were each passed a shot. I handed one to Danielle and Mady as we all stood around. We looked to the stairs and saw that Orpik was the last one to get up the stairs and he was passed a shot.
“I just wanted to congratulate everyone on an amazing season. A job well done. We really showed Pittsburgh what a winning team looks like this season. I am proud to call you my team mates. We have been through a lot together. So everyone lets drink up then get ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs! We want the Cup! Oh and you got lucky Brooksy that the guys gave us free drinks!” Sidney said with a laugh. We all jeered and said here here and quickly poured the shot down our throats.
Hours later we were still at the club. I was drunking than I had been in years. But no one cared. You would have thought we won the Stanley Cup with how hard we were partying.
“Hoss you alright?” Mady asked as she came bounding next to me at the bar. I ordered two drinks and slid one her way. She let a thank you escape her lips and she took a sip. She noticed that I was distracted and followed my gaze to where Danielle was dancing with Crosby.
“You should know she isn’t into him.” She turned around so her back was now pressed up against the bar. I raised an eyebrow at her and turned around to face her.
“And you know this how?”
“I’m her best friend. We tell each other everything. Besides, they are like the same height. She wont date someone who she cant wear her favorite booties with.” Mady said with a laugh as she began to walk off.
“Mady wait!” I grabbed her arm. She stopped and looked up with a perplexed look.
“Um.. well do you think that…. Like maybe I have a…” I stuttered trying to figure out how to say that I liked Danielle. She just laughed and pulled me into a hug.
“Jesus Christ Marian. Of course she likes you. You guys have been on countless dates haven’t you? And she has loved every single one of them. You guys are perfect for each other. But if you hurt her I’ll hurt you. And so will the team. We are a family here. Now go get her!” She laughed and walked off to find Jordan in the crowd leaving me at the bar. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I was terrified. I really liked her and I did not want to ruin our friendship.
“This is amazing!!!” she exclaimed as she threw herself onto the bench next to me. She giggled and leaned her head onto my shoulder. I laughed as she snuggled into my arm. I put my arm around her so she moved her head closer to my neck and breathed in deeply before relaxing.
“You are right. If this is the party we get for making the playoffs, imagine the parties we will have thrown for us the farther we go.” I said. A smile crept to my face as she giggled again before a yawn escaped her mouth.
“Tired?” I asked. I began to rub circles on her back. She nodded her head.
“Wanna leave?”
“Hoss! You know I’m not one of those trampy girls!” She stated as she sat up on the bench.
“I didn’t mean it like that I just meant I’d take you home or…” I threw my hands up in defense before she cut me off.
“But I guess I can make an exception. Let’s go. Your place.” She laughed as she sprung to her feet. She grabbed my hands with her small hands and guided me out of the club. As we left my team mates either wolf whistled, threw atta boys at me, or just said goodbye. We made our rounds before running outside to my car. She climbed into the passenger seat and I got behind the wheel. I had stopped drinking hours ago since cabs were very expensive in Pittsburgh.
“I love this song!” Danielle shouted as Papa Roach’s Scars came onto the radio. She began to sing and I couldn’t help but laugh. She was just so carefree and I loved that about her.
Loved? Did I really just think that? But maybe I do love her. Or have the potential to love her. Hell I’m not even dating her yet I can’t love her. But I can see myself loving her. I pulled into my driveway. Danielle had gotten really quiet as she sat there staring at her nails.
“You feeling okay?” I asked as I cut the engine. She nodded and stepped out of the car and went towards the house. I tossed her the keys and she unlocked my apartment and stepped inside.
“You can tell me anything, you know that right?” I crossed the room and stood in front of her. She just kept looking at the floor. I put my hand under her chin and tilted it up to look at me. The next thing I knew her lips were on mine. And it felt right. Like it was meant to happen. Her hands trailed up and down my arms as she deepened the kiss, backing me against the wall. Her hands began to trail under my shirt and down to my pants, tugging on my belt. I wanted this but I knew it was wrong. I gently grabbed her hands and held them in mine before breaking the kiss.
“Danielle, we cant do this.” I whispered as I leaned my forehead against hers. She reached up and gently kissed me again.
“And why not? You like me. I like you. What more is there to figure out?” She took a step back and sat down on the end table next to the couch. I sighed.
“You are drunk. I really care about you. And I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow regretting everything.” I stepped forward towards her and bent down so I was eyelevel with her.
“But I wont…” she started but it was my turn to cut her off.
“I rather just not then. Danielle you mean a lot to me. Probably more than you realize. We are so close. And I’m scared. I don’t want to lose you as a friend ever.”
“You wont lose me ever. I promise.” She grinned. I grinned right back before planting a kiss on her lips.
“Good. I’ll hold you to that. Now time for bed.” I picked her up before running off towards my bedroom. She laughed the entire way as her body hung over my shoulder blades. I threw her onto the bed before climbing in next to her.
“Night Hoss.” She yawned out as she leaned back against me.
“Night Danielle.” I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before circling my arms around her and pulling her to me, never wanting to let go.
My alarm went off at nine am. I opened my eyes to see Danielle staring at the ceiling. She noticed I was awake and let a small smile etch itself on her face.
“I’m sorry about last night.” She started.
“There is nothing to be sorry about. It’s fine.” I sat up in bed a little, leaning back against the pillows.
“It’s really not. I shouldn’t have tried to get you to sleep with me. I came on way too strong.” She adverted her gaze. Fuck, she regretted our conversation. She looked at my face and she knew I was upset.
“Danielle really, it’s fine. Shit happens when you are drunk.” I began to get out of bed but her hand grabbed my shoulder, pulling me down.
“Don’t be a grumpy pants. I’m just apologizing for how I acted. Not for what I said. I keep my promises” She sat up next to me and leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Good, I really hope you do. Because you are not getting away from me that easy.” I laughed and gave her a kiss before laying back down with her curled at my side, where she would always stay, my side.
2010
I made my way into my apartment. I couldn’t stay at the party any longer. Even though it was my dream to win the cup it wasnt the scenario I wanted. I wanted her there. Every game. No matter where it was. In my jersey. Cheering my name as I played. I would play for her. But now I had no one. I reached for my phone and began to look at the old pictures of us. We were happy. There were pictures of us in nearly every city I played in. There were some of her wearing my jersey. Some from the trip we took to Venice. We never fought. Ever. So where did we go wrong?
The next thing I knew there was a voice coming from my phone. I looked down. Shit. I called her. Yes after all these years I still had not deleted her number. Pathetic right. But then it hit me. It was a man’s voice. And I knew that voice. Brooks Orpik.
“Geeze you peaced out fast. Got a hot date?” Kaner laughed as we walked toward our cars. His words made me yet again feel hollow inside. I guess people just have a way to make me feel like shit tonight. I know he didn’t mean to, hell he doesn’t realize how torn up I am even though I should be happy, but it didn’t make me feel any better.
“No, no hot date. I’m just beat. That win took a lot out of me.” I laughed as I continued walking to my car.
“No way man! You are not going home. We just won the Stanley Cup! It’s time to celebrate.” Kaner looked at me with disbelief that I wanted to go home. Hell I don’t blame him. We did just win the cup. I should be over the moon but all I could think about was her. How I wanted her to be with me right now. To celebrate this win with her. That this win was nothing without her here. But she isn’t here. She is part of my past and I’ll never get her back.
“I really appreciate it man but…” I started to say as I put my bags into my Black Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.
“Dude, as your teammate and friend, I really am not taking no for an answer.” He said with a grin. When Kaner makes up his mind there is no changing it. I sighed in defeat and closed the trunk of my car. I locked my car and followed him. His grin got bigger as I walked behind him since he knew he won the battle. Stupid kid. Why can’t he just let me go home and sulk by myself. I opened the door and sat in the back next to Patrick Sharpe.
“ARE YOU READY!” Shouted Jonathan Toews from the passenger seat as Kaner got behind the wheel. Everyone cheered and I threw a smile on my face. Well as long as I was here I might as well have fun.
“THIS IS THE BEST NIGHT EVERRRR!” Kaner yelled/slurred as he threw an arm around me. We had been at the club for about two hours and everyone was already wasted. Since the owner knew who we all were we were given all the free drinks we wanted and we were given access to the VIP room upstairs. The room overlooked the rest of the club. We could go stand at the railing and look down at everyone having fun. Many of the guys would even run up to the railing cheering about the Cup win which would make the entire club cheer.
I grabbed another drink from the bar and made my way around the room. I can honestly say I don’t remember how many drinks I had drank so far. Every time my glass was empty another drink was put in my hand by the pretty bar maids that walked around with trays of every drink under the sun. My mood got slightly better with each drink, though I would bet it’s just the alcohol kicking in. I still was depressed. Yeah winning the cup was my dream. I just couldn’t stop thinking of all that I had sacrificed to get to where I was today. Some of the sacrifice was good. The hours at the gym, the hours I spent at the rink as a kid, they were all great and I would do it all over again. But if I knew what would happen between Danielle and I would I have left two teams before coming to Chicago? Would I have turned down the deal with Pittsburgh? Would I have stayed in Detroit? I honestly have no idea. My mood began to spiral down again as all the choices I have made swarmed into my head.
“Need a refill?” I sultry voice asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see one of the waitresses leaning over the table. Her brown eyes that were almost black were kind. Just like hers. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded over her shoulders. Just like hers. Her nose was ski sloped shaped. Just like hers. I couldn’t stop staring. If I did not know where I was I would have sworn it was her.
“I can come back later…” she gave me a small smile and began to walk away.
“No wait. I’m sorry. It’s been a crazy night.” I said with a laugh. She walked back and set the tray on the table before sitting down across from me.
“So tell me. On this crazy night why are you brooding when you should be celebrating?” she handed me a shot. I nodded my head and we counted to three before tilting the warm liquid down our throats. It burned but it didn’t take away the pain I was feeling.
“Maybe I just haven’t found the person I wanted to celebrate with yet.” The words came out of my mouth like velvet. I could tell she was interested. And I should be too. I’m a single guy, not bad looking I must say myself, and I just won the cup. I should be all over her.
“Maybe she is closer than you think.” She said with a coy grin. A smile crept on my face. Yeah she was forward but she was still hot. But then it all changed. Her face morphed. I could see her. Just staring at me. Pain written all over her face.
“Maybe she isn’t.” With that I excused myself and left the table in route to the nearest exit.
2008
“Lets go Pens! Lets go Pens!” the crowd shouted around me. It felt as if the room Melon arena was going to be exploded off. Everyone had some sort of penguin’s memorabilia on. Terrible towels were being waved in the air. Airhorns were going off. It was surreal. The final seconds of the game had ticked off and the game was won. The fan went insane. Cheering and yelling and chanting was all around me. The season was over and we were heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After years and years of having a subpar team, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a chance to win the 2008 Stanley Cup. We all skated to center ice and put our sticks up in the air, saluting our fans and loved ones for all the support before skating back to the bench and heading to the locker room.
“Did you guys hear that crowd? It’s.. just wow..” Malone grinned as he sat down in his stall adjacent to mine. Everyone agreed. We couldn’t believe how much the city supported us. It was just amazing. We had a tremendous season.
“PARTY TIME! Everyone meet at SevenSirens! Last one there has to pay first round tab!” Talbot shouted as we all began to leave the locker room. Everyone began to pick up their pace and rush to their cars, no one wants to pick up that tab!
“Danielle, Mady! Over here!” I shouted across the lot as I ran to my car. They stopped in their tracks and spun around trying to locate my voice. They finally realized where I was and threw back a wave and made their way over to my car.
“Good game Hoss.” Danielle spoke as she made her way to my side. I pulled her into a hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. A small grin etched on her face while Mady stood to the side snickering. Danielle shot her a look but it only increased Mady’s laughter.
“Oh stop it Mady. I put up with much worse with you and Jordan.” Danielle laughed as she climbed into the front seat. I sat behind the steering wheel and waited for Mady to get in. She got in the car and we sped off to SevenSirens.
We pulled into the parking lot along with half the team a few minutes later. The girls quickly took of their jerseys and hell did they look good. Mady was wearing grey skinny jeans with a red v-neck tanktop that had beading down the front of it. But I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Danielle. She wore black skinny jeans with a grey sheer tanktop which you could clearly see her red bra under. Around the color there were silver studs.
“Hoss… You ready?” she rapped on the window of my door. I quickly snapped myself out of my thoughts and nodded my head. How did I get blessed to meet this girl? Thank you Atlanta. I followed her and the rest of the team to the front of the club. All we had to do was say who we were and the bouncer let us right in. Some people were upset that we got to cut the line but many cheered when they realized we were the Penguins.
Since we were the Penguins we got to hang out in the VIP area on the upper level. The upper level had its own bar, which was free for the evening by the owner, with an outdoor patio that overlooked the entire city. Everyone gathered around the bar and we were each passed a shot. I handed one to Danielle and Mady as we all stood around. We looked to the stairs and saw that Orpik was the last one to get up the stairs and he was passed a shot.
“I just wanted to congratulate everyone on an amazing season. A job well done. We really showed Pittsburgh what a winning team looks like this season. I am proud to call you my team mates. We have been through a lot together. So everyone lets drink up then get ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs! We want the Cup! Oh and you got lucky Brooksy that the guys gave us free drinks!” Sidney said with a laugh. We all jeered and said here here and quickly poured the shot down our throats.
Hours later we were still at the club. I was drunking than I had been in years. But no one cared. You would have thought we won the Stanley Cup with how hard we were partying.
“Hoss you alright?” Mady asked as she came bounding next to me at the bar. I ordered two drinks and slid one her way. She let a thank you escape her lips and she took a sip. She noticed that I was distracted and followed my gaze to where Danielle was dancing with Crosby.
“You should know she isn’t into him.” She turned around so her back was now pressed up against the bar. I raised an eyebrow at her and turned around to face her.
“And you know this how?”
“I’m her best friend. We tell each other everything. Besides, they are like the same height. She wont date someone who she cant wear her favorite booties with.” Mady said with a laugh as she began to walk off.
“Mady wait!” I grabbed her arm. She stopped and looked up with a perplexed look.
“Um.. well do you think that…. Like maybe I have a…” I stuttered trying to figure out how to say that I liked Danielle. She just laughed and pulled me into a hug.
“Jesus Christ Marian. Of course she likes you. You guys have been on countless dates haven’t you? And she has loved every single one of them. You guys are perfect for each other. But if you hurt her I’ll hurt you. And so will the team. We are a family here. Now go get her!” She laughed and walked off to find Jordan in the crowd leaving me at the bar. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I was terrified. I really liked her and I did not want to ruin our friendship.
“This is amazing!!!” she exclaimed as she threw herself onto the bench next to me. She giggled and leaned her head onto my shoulder. I laughed as she snuggled into my arm. I put my arm around her so she moved her head closer to my neck and breathed in deeply before relaxing.
“You are right. If this is the party we get for making the playoffs, imagine the parties we will have thrown for us the farther we go.” I said. A smile crept to my face as she giggled again before a yawn escaped her mouth.
“Tired?” I asked. I began to rub circles on her back. She nodded her head.
“Wanna leave?”
“Hoss! You know I’m not one of those trampy girls!” She stated as she sat up on the bench.
“I didn’t mean it like that I just meant I’d take you home or…” I threw my hands up in defense before she cut me off.
“But I guess I can make an exception. Let’s go. Your place.” She laughed as she sprung to her feet. She grabbed my hands with her small hands and guided me out of the club. As we left my team mates either wolf whistled, threw atta boys at me, or just said goodbye. We made our rounds before running outside to my car. She climbed into the passenger seat and I got behind the wheel. I had stopped drinking hours ago since cabs were very expensive in Pittsburgh.
“I love this song!” Danielle shouted as Papa Roach’s Scars came onto the radio. She began to sing and I couldn’t help but laugh. She was just so carefree and I loved that about her.
Loved? Did I really just think that? But maybe I do love her. Or have the potential to love her. Hell I’m not even dating her yet I can’t love her. But I can see myself loving her. I pulled into my driveway. Danielle had gotten really quiet as she sat there staring at her nails.
“You feeling okay?” I asked as I cut the engine. She nodded and stepped out of the car and went towards the house. I tossed her the keys and she unlocked my apartment and stepped inside.
“You can tell me anything, you know that right?” I crossed the room and stood in front of her. She just kept looking at the floor. I put my hand under her chin and tilted it up to look at me. The next thing I knew her lips were on mine. And it felt right. Like it was meant to happen. Her hands trailed up and down my arms as she deepened the kiss, backing me against the wall. Her hands began to trail under my shirt and down to my pants, tugging on my belt. I wanted this but I knew it was wrong. I gently grabbed her hands and held them in mine before breaking the kiss.
“Danielle, we cant do this.” I whispered as I leaned my forehead against hers. She reached up and gently kissed me again.
“And why not? You like me. I like you. What more is there to figure out?” She took a step back and sat down on the end table next to the couch. I sighed.
“You are drunk. I really care about you. And I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow regretting everything.” I stepped forward towards her and bent down so I was eyelevel with her.
“But I wont…” she started but it was my turn to cut her off.
“I rather just not then. Danielle you mean a lot to me. Probably more than you realize. We are so close. And I’m scared. I don’t want to lose you as a friend ever.”
“You wont lose me ever. I promise.” She grinned. I grinned right back before planting a kiss on her lips.
“Good. I’ll hold you to that. Now time for bed.” I picked her up before running off towards my bedroom. She laughed the entire way as her body hung over my shoulder blades. I threw her onto the bed before climbing in next to her.
“Night Hoss.” She yawned out as she leaned back against me.
“Night Danielle.” I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before circling my arms around her and pulling her to me, never wanting to let go.
My alarm went off at nine am. I opened my eyes to see Danielle staring at the ceiling. She noticed I was awake and let a small smile etch itself on her face.
“I’m sorry about last night.” She started.
“There is nothing to be sorry about. It’s fine.” I sat up in bed a little, leaning back against the pillows.
“It’s really not. I shouldn’t have tried to get you to sleep with me. I came on way too strong.” She adverted her gaze. Fuck, she regretted our conversation. She looked at my face and she knew I was upset.
“Danielle really, it’s fine. Shit happens when you are drunk.” I began to get out of bed but her hand grabbed my shoulder, pulling me down.
“Don’t be a grumpy pants. I’m just apologizing for how I acted. Not for what I said. I keep my promises” She sat up next to me and leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Good, I really hope you do. Because you are not getting away from me that easy.” I laughed and gave her a kiss before laying back down with her curled at my side, where she would always stay, my side.
2010
I made my way into my apartment. I couldn’t stay at the party any longer. Even though it was my dream to win the cup it wasnt the scenario I wanted. I wanted her there. Every game. No matter where it was. In my jersey. Cheering my name as I played. I would play for her. But now I had no one. I reached for my phone and began to look at the old pictures of us. We were happy. There were pictures of us in nearly every city I played in. There were some of her wearing my jersey. Some from the trip we took to Venice. We never fought. Ever. So where did we go wrong?
The next thing I knew there was a voice coming from my phone. I looked down. Shit. I called her. Yes after all these years I still had not deleted her number. Pathetic right. But then it hit me. It was a man’s voice. And I knew that voice. Brooks Orpik.
9/22/13