Hall of Fame

The next day at practice, Coach announced the teams for the upcoming games, which would be played in Carolina, then St. Louis, and lastly New York and after practice he told me that I would be traveling with the team as well. He figure it was dumb to have me at home games but not the away ones, because you never knew when a player might just have a break down.
So that is how at five that night I found myself in the back of the Star’s private jet. This road trip was much like training camp, which also meant very little rest. Therefore by the time Sunday rolled around I was glad there were no games and that the Star’s had the day off because I definitely needed some time to myself.
You see I am an introvert which means I gain my energy from my alone time, and being with the boys for almost a week did not give me much of that. I don’t mind though, it is my job after all, and as long as I have a schedule for the week then I can prepare myself. You see I am very strict when it comes to my schedule, I don’t take very kindly to people who interfere with my schedule.
So you can’t really blame me for locking myself in my apartment on Sunday, I would save my exploring for Thursday.
* * *
“You know, they say if you’re good at something, you perform it even better in front of a crowd.” I told Caleb as I skated out to where he was practicing his slap shot after practice Monday morning.
“Really,” his brows pulled together after he took another shot and look up at me.
“Yep,” I smiled, as I picked up one of the pucks from the pile he hand next to him, “they also say it takes about 4,000 reps to become muscle memory.”
“Seriously,” his eyes widen, as if waiting for me to tell him I was just kidding, but unfortunately I wasn’t.
I nodded, “so you better get going.” I smiled as I tossed another puck to him.
Thankfully I was right, and Caleb wanted this just as bad as I though he did. He was determined to perfect his slap shot, which is how I found myself out on the ice with him after morning skate the next day, as well as the day after.
So Thursday was a well-deserved day off, and not just for Caleb, but all the guys. After training camp and the preseason were over it was now time to focus on the regular season, but that wasn’t going to happen until tomorrow.
Today, I was going to do something that I haven’t gotten to do since I have gotten to Dallas, almost 3 weeks ago, and that is explore. Luckily, I knew were Walmart was, and CVS, but there had to be more, right. I mean Dallas is a pretty big city. So with my map in hand I stepped out my door, ready to explore the city.
It was just after 2 when I bounced back up the stairs to the apartment lobby. It was nice to have finally been somewhere in Dallas besides the American Airline Center. I smiled as I walked to the elevator and noticed Jamie holding the elevator open for me.
“Thank you Jamie,” I told him as I stepped into the elevator.
“Your welcome Brittany,” he smiled as he pushed the button labeled 7, “same floor right.”
I nodded, “yea.”
There was a moment of silence as the doors slid shut, but once the elevator started up, Jamie spoke. “It’s weird to think we’re neighbors and this is the first time I have seen you outside of the rink.”
“Weirder things have happened,” I shrugged. “So what is the Captain up to on his day off?”
“Just picking up a couple things for tonight,” he held up a Walmart bag. “What about you?”
“Went for a little walk,” I grinned as the elevator doors opened and I stepped out. “I haven’t really since much besides the American Airline Center since I’ve gotten to Dallas.”
“I guess that’s our fault, eh.” He gave an easy smile as we walked down the hall.
“Maybe a little,” I laughed.
“Sorry,” he smiled with a laugh that made his eyes twinkle.
“Well it’s a good thing I like you guys.”
“In that case, I’m having some of the guys over tonight to watch the Cowboys’ game, and you’re more than welcome to join us.”
“I don’t know Jamie; it’s kind of a long walk.”
He shrugged with a shake of his head, “I know, but if you change your mind, my door opens at 4.”
“Okay Jamie,” I smiled as Jamie gave one last wave before he slipped into his apartment.
“No Rousell,” I shook my head with a smile from my spot on Jamie’s couch. “I do not have a boyfriend.” I confused, with a laugh. Roussel sat in the kitchen with Jason, and Jordie, where the three of them munched on the homemade potato skin chips that I made. I have been looking for an excuse to try that recipe, and figured the boys might enjoy them. Jamie informed me that they were ordering pizza, but I couldn’t show up emptied handed, what kind of neighbor would I be if I didn’t bring any food.
“Well are you looking for one,” Jordie asked, as he picked up another chip.
I shook my head once again with a smile, “no.”
“You sure,” Jordie winked at me with a nod in Jamie’s direction. “Jamie’s single too, and trust me; he needs someone who can cook for him.”
I bite my lip as I tried not to laugh, was he serious, I thought to myself with a glance at Jamie whose cheeks were heating up, and I knew there was some truth to what Jordie said. “Well if that’s the issue Jamie’s welcome over anytime.” I smiled, hoping to ease Jamie’s embarrassment as I leaned over the back of the couch to stare at the group in the kitchen.
“Only Jamie,” Rousell asked as Jason and he played rock, paper, scissors to see who would get the last chip. Jordie sulked next to Jason, already having lost.
“You guys already have your own girlfriends to cook for you.” I rolled my eyes as Jason smiled and picked up the last chip.
“So the invitations open to all the single guys then,” Tyler asked from his spot on the couch next to me, speaking up for the first time since I arrived.
“Only the guys I like.” I turned to him with a smile as he lounged on the couch. He had his back on the corner of the couch with his left arm resting on his left leg that was propped up against the back of the couch.
He gave me a lazy smile. “Then I guess it’ll only be you and me, eh.” He winked, and I could feel my heart do I little leap in my chest. You know how many girls he’s done that do, I could hear my subconscious remind me.
“More like everyone but you,” I smiled as he leaned his head on the back of the couch with a laugh.
“I’m the life of the party.”
“Sure you are,” I swallowed, you know what that means.

Notes