We had done it; we had fucking done it. We were off to the conference finals! I was beyond ecstatic; I felt like I was on top of the world. We had won the game 4-1; I couldn't believe it. It was 2-1 with five minutes left in the third; two empty net goals securing the victory.

Seguin had the hat trick; Jason Spezza with the other tally. The flight back to Dallas was amazing; everyone was in amazing spirits. I had texted Haley after the game had ended; and received no reply. I shook it off as nothing but truth be told I was nervous.

After the game we all went out for a few casual drinks before heading back to the hotel; tomorrow we would be travelling back to Dallas, getting ready to play game one of the next round, once we found out who it was we would be facing.

We hadn't spoken since she told me about her and Derek breaking up. Was she really torn up about it? Was she regretting choosing me over him? I tried not to think about it too much; but honestly I wasn't going to feel any better about it unless I heard her voice say otherwise.

"So..."

I looked up up to see Tyler looking at me intently.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer" I mumbled with a smirk. Ever since Jordie expressed his opinion being in favour of me not asking her out, I could only assume Tyler was going to drop the whole thing. I know we had been thinking of more pressing matters; namely, winning the game, but I hoped the discussion was over and done with.

"How does it feel to be heading to the conference finals, captain?"

I felt ell at ease when he asked me that. I was so glad I didn't have to defend my feelings right now.

"Nervous as hell" I answered honestly. It was something Tyler had experienced before, and something I hoped so badly to experience; and it was finally here! I couldn't believe it. We were just waiting to see who we would be facing; the Vancouver Canucks were playing the Avalanche; game seven set to be played tonight.

"I think we've got a good chance to make it all the way" Tyler spoke up, seeming a little nervous too. "Looks like Boston and Montreal in the conference finals for the east" I nodded, wondering how he would feel playing the Bruins in the finals, if we were so lucky to make it there.

"Watching the game tonight?" I asked, even though I was sure I already knew the answer.

"Duh" he answered immediately. "Haley coming over?" I was surprised when I noticed the lack of suggestiveness in his voice. He simply seemed interested to know if she would be present or not; finally I could be left alone about this!

"I'm not sure" I mumbled, honestly; my mind going back to worry. "I haven't talked to her Since our trip up here" I added, the worry evident in my voice.

"I wouldn't think too far into it" Tyler informed me, practically reading my mind. "She's been pretty busy at work lately" he reminded me. I knew she was. I knew I didn't have any real reason to worry. The thought of he telling me she made a mistake in choosing me over Derek haunted my mind, as I shut my eyes for a brief moment.





"Hey Jame, congrats!" Haley opened the door to her apartment, looking visibly exhausted.

"Thanks" I smiled, before my smile disappeared into a frown. Her eyes looked very red and bloodshot; as if she had been up late last night, crying. I cursed myself for coming over so early but I let my worrying get the better of me; I had to make sure everything was okay. "Are you okay?"

"Not really" she mumbled, stepping to the side and allowing me entrance to her apartment. I closed the door behind me, as we silently made our way into her living room. It was Uncharacteristically messy; she was typically so good at keeping the place neat.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked, a little uneasily. We both took a seat on the couch silently, so I took a moment and looked the place over. Tissues were all over the coffee table in front of us; a few empty beer cans and an empty bottle of vodka on the side table. Netflix was asking if she was still watching whatever show she happened to be binge watching, blankets all over the floor; I had the sense she slept on the couch last night.

She stayed silent for a moment, simply staring off into space. I sat beside her silently, unsure if I should say anything. I scooted closer to her, wrapping my warm around her waist, pulling her in for a hug. I guess that's all it took, because as soon as she set her head on my shoulder she broke down.

"Sorry" she muttered, wiping the tears off of her flushed cheeks. "It's been a hard few days"

"I know Hales" I muttered, pulling her closer. She rested her head on my shoulder, giving me unwanted butterflies in my stomach. Her touch was electric to me; I couldn't get enough. I only wished I could show her how I felt; but I refrained.

"I missed you" she mumbled against my chest, closing her eyes and letting out a sigh. "I'm so glad youre here" she added with a small smile. The tears finally stopped and she pulled away, still allowing my arm around her.

Her words made my heart soar; I had missed her to.

"I missed you too" I mumbled, kissing the top of her head. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to be here for you" I told her honestly. I wish I could have been here instead of hours away when she was going through all of this.

"It's fine Jame, really" she laughed a little. "Have I mentioned how incredibly proud of you I am?" She asked with a grin. I shook my head no; I loved hearing her say it. "So unbelievably proud. I'm so happy for you and can't wait to watch you hoist that cup"

"We still have this series before we even have that chance" I reminded her with a chuckle. "It depends on the outcome of the game tonight who we play"

"I say you'll be playing The Avs" she spoke after a moment of silence.

"I've got that feeling too" I replied with a nod, agreeing with her. "Whoever it is, it won't be an easy series" I sighed, pulling her closer to my body. I had totally forgotten I had my arm still around her; but to my pleasure she didn't seem to mind; she seemed to like having my arm there.

"I've got all the faith in you in the world, you know that" she grinned, pulling me in for a side hug.

"You're coming to watch the game at my place, right?" I asked, remembering Tyler had asked me the very same question just hours previous on the plane.

"Wouldn't miss it" she replied with a small smile.

"Good" I answered, focusing my attention to the TV. "So, shall I join you in binge watching whatever show it is you're watching?" I asked with a grin.

"I'm a little embarrassed but... I'm watching Gossip Girl" she bit her lip and I tried not to laugh. "Don't laugh at me, I know it's stupid" she laughed along with me when I couldn't contain a serious face anymore.

"Hey Haley?" I asked, trying not to snicker.

"Mhm?"

"It's me; I'm gossip girl" I answered with a completely serious face. She looked at me, like I had a million heads before bursting out into laughter. I swear I had never seen her laugh so hard; she was practically on the floor.

"I'm so lucky to have you around, Jame" she answered, before grabbing her xbox one controller and choosing the next episode of the show.

I knew this girl was special; no guy willingly watches gossip girl for nothing. We sat back on the couch, Haley remaining cuddled up into my side. I put my arm around her shoulders, the smile not leaving my face. Who knows, maybe I might be able to man up yet.

Notes