Intrigue

I landed in New York early Friday afternoon and was immediately engulfed into a huge by Mike. He looked amazing, in a well tailored Versace suit. God is that man wasn't gay. "Come on pumpkin, the girls are all at the hotel, getting ready." he said, picking up my bag.

We hailed the first cab we seen and headed towards the hotel. New York was beautiful, even in the day time. I had only been there twice, even though I hailed from Philly. Once when I was a little kid, on a school trip and the other time was right after 9/11, when the sadness hung in the air and clouded the skies.

Ava met Mike and I in the lobby. "Congratulations sweetheart. This is from Jon." she said, handing me a small wrapped gift. Inside was a small white gold heart, which opened to reveal tiny pictures of Madi, Brent and I. I nearly cried. Ava had caught herself a sweetheart.

We went upstairs and were joined by Ericka and Abby. The girls were bubbling with excitement and Mike was quick to deliver plans. "Massages and spa days begin in thirty minutes downstairs." He said and we squealed. "Boy do I have a surprise for you ladies tonight." Abby raised her eyebrows at me and I cracked up.

As we were leaving the suite, my phone vibrated. I checked the message and it was Brent. "Love you with all of my soul. Have fun and I will see you after the weekend. " Abby was quick to snatch the phone from me and read it aloud, causing a fit of giggling led by Mike.

"Ok, so Pat will say stuff like that but never write it. I think he is afraid I will use it as blackmail." Abby said and Ericka laughed and Mike grinned at her. "But he isn't afraid to tell anyone that Isabella brings tears to his eyes. He bawled during her birth. It was adorable."

We hit the spa and relaxed for what seemed like hours. I had an hour pregnancy massage which was amazing. I missed Madi and Brent, but was loving the away time. Mike was next to me on a table. "So I have the best surprise tonight for you girls. We are going to a charity gala hosted by none other than the hated New York Rangers." I cracked up.

"How in the hell did you manage to pull that off Mike." I asked and he gave me a devious smile.

"Well let's just say I have a friend who is very good friends with Mr. Avery himself, and leave it at that." I raised my eyebrows at Mike and he smiled to confirm my suspicions. "Now keep that one quiet big mouth." I just nodded, eyes still wide in semi surprise.

After the spa, we hit the suit for a catered lunch and more pampering. Mike had hired a stylist, hair and makeup person to get us ready for the night. "So ladies, we are hanging out with the Rangers tonight. Ava nearly lost her mind squealing and Ericka had a smile plastered to her face.

"Now Ava, don't forget about that cute, serious man that is in Vegas partying it up" Abby said laughing.

"But oh hell, some of them are hot." Abby said and I high-fived her and Mike clapped his hands.

"Oh and as if hanging out isn't enough, I hear from a little birdie that there happens to be a player auction in store, so don't forget your checkbooks ladies."

Ava groaned and I threw her a look. "Don't worry ladies. Patrick and Brent will be glad to oblige." I said and Abby quickly agreed.

We were dressed and watching a video of Ranger highlights courtesy of Mike when the doorbell rang. I answered it and a delivery man handed me a large box. There were an assortment of chocolates and bachelorette type stuff, including a tiara in beautiful crystal for me. I read the card aloud. "Hope you ladies have a fantastic night. We will show you that the Rangers are so much better than the Blackhawks. Love always the Blue and White. Michael & Ryan."

Ava nearly hit the floor. "God I love Del Zotto." She said and Abby nodded. We grabbed our pocketbooks and headed for the door, Mike leading the way.

After a short taxi ride, we were entering a beautiful ballroom adorned in blue and white from floor to ceiling. Mike lead us to a table in the front and Abby stopped and talked to several people she knew on the way in. The waiters passed out glasses of champagne to us girls and Mike sent mine back in favor of sparkling cider. He gave me a quick hug. "You look beautiful. I can almost see that lil bump growing. Have fun tonight Alex. I love you. You are the best friend a guy could ever ask for."

The lights dimmed and a few people from the team gave speeches, talking about the charity they were funding for children of NYPD and FDNY members that had lost their lives. Lundqvist spoke and I tried hard to whisper to Abby excitedly. "Oh, he is so mine. If I gotta spend a year of Brent's salary." She smiled wickedly.

"Pat's gonna kill me when he finds out I am spending his hard earned money on Callahan. At least we will be in the dog house together mama." Dinner started and the guys rounded the room talking.

Marc Stall came up to the table and Ericka nudged my leg. "Well Mr. Stall, seems you have some fans at the table." Mike said and it elicited that famous Staal smirk. "Yeah, I'll believe it when it comes down to the bidding." He said, leaning down and throwing his arms around me and Abby,

Henrik stopped by and I nearly lost my nerve. "Well ladies, I see you got Mike and Ryan's package." He said his voice dripping in the Swedish accent. "Have fun tonight, and I hope you brought your checkbook." He said winking at us.

The lights dimmed and the announcer for the Rangers walked up to the stage. I hope you are all enjoying dinner. As dessert is served, we are going to begin the auction, followed by dancing and cocktails. Enjoy the night and have fun." The crowd broke into applause as Gaborik hit the stage to begin the bidding.

Notes

One of my favorite parts of this story. So funny...