The blaring sound of my alarm disturbed me from the few hours of sleep I had actually managed to get. I grumbled with annoyance, grabbing my phone and turning the alarm off.

"Morning Jame" I heard come from under the heap of blankets. My heart fluttered in my chest for a moment; ok that was a weird thing for a guy to say, let me rephrase that... Ok I'm not sure how. But, you get the idea. "How are you feeling?"

"I've been better" I replied honestly, sitting up in bed and rubbing my eyes. She sat up beside me, scooting close and wrapping her arm protectively around my waist. I loved having her so close to me; despite knowing her intentions weren't the same as mine.

"Do you and Ty need a ride to the airport or anything?" She asked, yawning. Even with her hair a mess, she still looked incredibly beautiful. It looked like she hadn't gotten much sleep; guess both of us felt the same.

"That'd be great" I smiled with appreciation. It was much easier not having to worry about my car being parked at the airport. Tomorrow night was a big for us; we could advance to the conference finals! Saying I was nervous would be a huge understatement.

I was about to speak when the loud ringing of her phone interrupted my train of thought.

"Hello? Oh hey Der"

It was Derek. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealously. I couldn't help but feel I needed to tell her about him and his assistant. But I was scared. Of hurting her. Of getting hurt. Of Derek.

"I'm with Jamie he-" but she was cut off. I sat next to her awkwardly as he practically yelled at her through the phone.

"I know we did but- oh come off it" she snarled. "Know what? I'm not in the mood Derek. If you want to quit acting like a jackass then you can give me a call" and with that she hung up the phone, letting a sigh escape. "I'm sorry about that"

"Don't be sorry" I assured her softly. "I'm gonna go get ready.. can you make sure he's up?" I asked, referring to tyler. We had about half an hour before we had to get on the road.

"Of course" she smiled, but it faltered for a moment.
I didn't know why Haley was upset; nor did I know why the pair of them had argued. But, like usual, if she wanted to talk about it, she would bring it up.

The shower felt nice against my exhausted body. I kept my phone on loud in case any news of my grandmother came up but it stayed silent as I tried to wash away all the pain and nerves I currently felt. I wanted to bring my team to the Stanley cup more than I had ever wanted anything in my entire life.
The time from when I got in the shower, to getting everything in the car and on the way to the airport seemed like seconds. I was scared; nervous; defeated. I kept checking my phone almost religiously the entire, silent ride. It was a comfortable silence; all three of us being beyond exhausted from the long night that had just passed.

"I was supposed to meet Derek for breakfast this morning" Haley finally mumbled, just loud enough for me to catch what she said.

"Shit Hales why didn't you tell me? I'm-"

"Don't apologize Jame" she read my mind, cutting me off. "If he doesn't understand my best friends well being is more important than a stupid breakfast then fuck him, eh?"

"Youre so Canadian Hales" Tyler rolled his eyes from the back seat.

"Anyway- when it comes down to it, you are one of the most important people in my life. And if he doesn't get that then we'll never work out" she chose to ignore Tyler's comment.

"That means a lot Haley, thank you" I smiled genuinely, feeling better for the first time since finding out about my grandmother. It meant the world to me knowing she'd pick me over Derek.

"Anytime. Speaking of which, your mom is going to text or call me if there's any news on your grandmother since you're be flying. I hope that's ok.. That way I'll update you whenever you land" she rambled on, averting my gaze. I felt my cheeks grow warm; I know tyler wasn't going to let me off easy.

"That's totally fine" I smiled, as she pulled into the parking lot.

"Thanks for the lift Hales" Tyler smiling, sending a suggestive look my way. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes; yep, there was NO way I was getting out of the conversation that was going to follow. He got out of the car, leaving us alone for a moment.

"I really appreciate everything Haley" I told her honestly. She smiled warmly, reaching over and pressing her lips to my cheek.

"Anytime, Jame. I'll keep you updated on your mom" my cheek tingled where her lips had just touched. "And kick their ass tomorrow night, hmm?" She added with a grin.

"I'll try" I replied with a giddy grin, stepping outside of the car. I made sure to avert eye contact with Tyler; hoping once we got settled on the plane he would drop it. But of course it's Tyler; he would never drop it.

"What?" It came out more snarky than I had intended it to.

"Jeez what's up your ass?"
"Sorry" I mumbled immediately regretting snapping at him. "Just stressed"

"Luckily your girlfriend is there to make things easier on you" Tyler wriggled is eyebrows suggestively.
"
You mean you finally manned up and asked her out? Jesus it's about time" Jordie came into the conversation. My face probably looked like I had seen a ghost.

"What, does everyone think I have a thing for her?" I asked, more rhetorically than anything.

"Yep"

"Duh"

I rolled my eyes at the both of them. This was getting tiring.

"She's dating Derek" I reminded them my chance was ruined.

"But she ditched him for you this morning" Tyler reminded me with a grin.

I didn't say anything. I wasn't sure what to say. I felt like I was lying to her; by not telling her what I saw Derek doing with his assistant. But I couldn't risk losing her; I needed her in my life. Sure, I wanted to be more than friends, but if it meant keeping her in my life, Id stay in the friend zone forever.

Notes