Intrigue

Waking up next to her was comforting. I laid for awhile watching her chest rise and fall rhythmically. She was curled into me, almost like a baby. I wondered what reaction I would get when she woke up. I knew we rushed into things and I wasn't sure how she would react.

She started to stir and I leaned into her and kissed her cheek. "Good morning sleepy head."

Her eyes fluttered open and she gave me a small smile. "Hey you." She rolled off the bed and into the bathroom. She came out fully clothed smiling shyly. "I will see you later. I have to go in for a few hours."

I looked at her in surprise. "But it's Saturday Alex." I whined, fully aware I sounded ten years old.

"Umm, you work on Saturdays, so do I." she commented.

"Well let me at least leave you tickets for tonight. I want you there." I stood up and pulled her into my arms.

"I'll be there, I promise" she said softly. She walked out of the room and down the steps. I could hear the whistles and cat calls. I reminded myself to fuck them up later. After a shower, I went downstairs.

"You are douche bags, thanks for making her feel uncomfortable." I spewed at Duncan and Kaner sitting in the kitchen. They just laughed it off. I grabbed my keys and coat and went out the door. I called Jon, who was happy to meet me for breakfast.

He was already sitting in a booth when I got there. "So what's up bro?" he asked as I sat down.

"Nothing really, a little stressed about Alex." I commented as I picked up a menu.

"You barely know her, how can it be stressful?" he asked looking concerned.

"Oh, I know her pretty damn well, from the little scar on her stomach to the birthmark behind her ear. " Jon just smiled.

"Umm, ok.. so did she give you the cold shoulder this morning?" he asked, signaling the waitress for more coffee.

"I don't know, she left quickly, claiming work, so I guess that could be true. I invited her to the game tonight though and she said yes." I sighed.

"Well if she shows up, then you couldn't have been that bad in bed" he laughed.

I choked on my toast. "I hope not man."

A few hours later and I was sitting in the locker room, lacing my skates and trying to shake the nervousness. I hadn't even realized we were playing the Flyers until I got here and I was afraid she wouldn't show.

We hit the ice for pre-game skate and the crowd was loud. I scanned the glass where I had gotten her tickets and the seat was empty. I tried to push it out of my head and practice. Jon skated over and laughed at me. "I don't even think you were like this during the playoffs. Relax bro. Besides, any girl that would wear your jersey over her beloved team is a keeper" he said nodding towards the glass close to the penalty box.

I looked up at her and she smiled. I could see her eyes filling up and I skated closer to her. I put my glove against the glass and she placed her hand up on it. I mouthed the words "He is happy for you" and she smiled.

I skated back towards the bench and sat down. I noticed Jeff Carter had skated closer to her and I felt my temperature rise. He looked up and smiled at her, pointed to the jersey and shrugged.

Jon caught it and he raised his eyebrows at me. "Does she know him" he asked and I shrugged.

Ten minutes into the first, Jeff skated towards me during a stoppage of play. "So how did you manage to steal away one of our faithful?"

I just smiled. "Do you know her?" I asked, curious of his answer.

"Personally no, but she used to be at all of our games. I heard the old guy died and we haven't seen her since. A few of us have wondered where she went." I just shook my head.

"She just moved here about two weeks ago, but I know she was in Philly before. I'll bring her by if she feels up to it after the game. I know she said she hasn't convinced herself to attend once since he passed."

We lost the game 3-2 in a shootout. I wasn't concerned, it was still to early in the season to stress over single points in the standings. I showered quickly avoiding the media so I could get out to her quickly. She was standing against the wall, my jersey adorning her perfect body when I came out. I picked her up in a bear hug and she laughed. "Good game there sexy. I love it when my boys win" she commented winking at me.

"Don't start Alex. Actually Jeff asked me how you were and wanted you to stop by the locker room. He said a few of the guys were wondering how you were."

She looked up at me and her hazel eyes were full of fear. "I don't know if I could."

I gripped her tighter. "Come on, I got you. Just think it was something he loved and you are following it like he wanted you to." I grabbed her hand firmly and pulled her down the hall.

We sat outside of the locker room with Jeff and Mike for forty minutes. I stayed mainly quiet, listening to her relive memories with those two. She gave them both a hug and we left after she exchanged number with them. The smile on her face let me know she was happy she went through with it. She pulled me into her as we reached the end of the hall. "Thank you" she said as she kissed me softly. I held her for awhile as she let the tears flow. She was broken, but I knew I could help her and make her smile.

Notes

Awe, Brent's a sweetheart.