Changes

Max played well against him teammates. He ended up with one goal and an assist. They lost to the Penguins though, 4-2. The girls and I had drank a lot throughout the game. The alcohol was definitely taking effect.

All of us changed in the bathrooms once the arena emptied out. Raina was first dressed. “Holy moly, girl he is gonna have a heart attack” Dani said as she looked at her. Raina had on a short black shirt and skimpy red top with the back cut out of it. She left her hair down and her makeup was done perfectly. Dani opted for a dress and killed it, it was came to mid-thigh made her curves look awesome.

I was kind of nervous about my outfit. I wasn’t one to wear skimpy clothes, but we promised each other we would tonight. I had on tight black pants and a shirt similar to Raina’s, but in grey. I could barely fit my chest in it. Leila couldn’t make the game tonight but had texted me to let me know that she was going to meet us at the club. We finally finished getting dressed and made our way through the long hallway towards the locker room.

Andrej was the first person out and did a double take. “Wow Dani, ummm....” he said looking shy.

Claude came out and whistled. “I really hope someone sent Leila the memo.” He said taking pictures with his phone.

“I did Claude. I didn’t forget bout ya.” I said as I leaned against the wall.

Danny came out behind Claude and just stared at Raina. “Ok, that is so not fair. That’s torture Raina.” She laughed and jumped into his arms, knocking him back against the wall. The guys cheered and took pictures and she gave them the finger behind her back.

Max was one of the last out, typical pretty boy. He looked good though, and he had put on his glasses, which I think he knew I was a total sucker for . “Merdi, I guess I am in for it tonight.” he said, pulling me into his chest. “You know the things I want to do to you right now. I am making myself blush just thinking about it” he whispered.

“Let’s go ladies, we ain’t got all day.” Wayne hollered and we followed him to the exit. By the time we got to the club, Sid and the guys were outside waiting. We walked in and got ushered right into the VIP section. We sat down and waited for our bottles to be brought back to us. We had opted to order several bottles along with individual orders. People like Evgeni and Wayne were picking out different liquors for everyone to try.

Claude’s phone started to ring and he flashed me a wicked grin. “She is here. I will be back." He came back with her, his hand tightly gripping hers. She had a short denim skirt on and a tight halter top, with boots on. She caused quite a few heads to stare and Claude was loving every minute of it. He gave me the thumbs up sign as he ushered her into a booth.

I was sitting with Max, Sidney, Jordan and Kris. Raina and Dani was across the room at another table. Everyone kept getting up and running around. At one point it was Jordan and I at the table. In a way I felt bad for him. He looked really uncomfortable being there. “You ok Jord?” I asked and he nodded.

“Yeah, I’m cool.” He tapped his shot glass off mine and gave me a smirk. “They love me here.” I just raised my eyebrows. “I don’t know why I bothered to come honestly. They guys just wouldn’t leave it alone. They had to make me come out.”

I handed him another shot and we toasted. I looked around and Max was nowhere to be seen. I figured he might be able to cheer him up. Jordan noticed me looking and pointed down at the dance floor, where Max was dancing with some blonde that wasn’t with us. I just shook my head at him. Within minutes Max made his way back up and threw his arm around me. I just smiled even though I was burning up inside.

Evengi sat down and poured shots, handing one to Max. A tall blonde walked by and he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to sit down with us. Within minutes, the table was filed with the guys from Pittsburgh and a bunch of bimbos. I got up finally and leaned down towards Max, letting him know I was going out for some air.

I sat outside on a bench for a few minutes by myself, sobering up in the cool air. Max came out eventually, quite drunk and kissed me on the cheek. “Callee, I think me and you are good together, but I am not ready for this. I am too young and I am gone a lot. You see how these guys are.”

I just looked at him incredulously. “Seriously Max. What I see is strong families like Danny and Raina , Andrej and Danielle and Chris and Lauren, who find ways to make it work. On the other hand, you are right, I see guys like you who will one day be retired and will have nothing else to live your life for but the memories of your hockey career. One night out with tons of girls around and you are feeling tied down already. You are pathetic.”

I walked back inside to see Raina and Dani and say goodbye. I was so mad at him I couldn’t either get upset at that point. I walked over to Raina and gave her a hug. I will call you girl. I waved to Dani and went right back down the steps. My phone was already blowing up with text messages as I walked down the street. Max had went right back in and sat down so I’m sure everyone was wondering what was going on. I got about a block away from the bar when I heard quick footsteps behind me.

I grimaced as I turned around until I seen the bright blond hair shine in the streetlight. “Callee wait up. You can’t walk by yourself.” I just nodded in acceptance. “Come on, where are you headed to?” he asked.

“I think I am going to grab a cup of coffee, I gotta get the alcohol out of my system to think straight. He kind of blind-sided me with all of this.” Jordan grabbed my hand and walked towards the next block. He walked me inside of the diner and asked the waitress to bring us two cups of coffee. He ordered a huge breakfast and I settled for a corn muffin.

“I bet you were glad to get out of there.” I said and he grinned.

“Yeah, not the best situation ever. I was immature and an idiot. I fell in love with the idea of a girl like Raina and took it took far. I didn’t realize I was just looking for someone like her and not her until I had completely caused a big mess. I’ve grown up since then. It’s been over a year now and when I look back I want to kick myself because I ruined a good friendship.” He took a long sip of the coffee. “So what happened tonight?”

I just shrugged. “He said he wasn’t ready to settle down. Which is fine. I’d rather he have done it in private but whatever, not gonna make myself all upset. I’m grown, I pay all my bills. I don’t need a guy around for me to be happy.” The waitress came by and sat our plates down.

“Wow, really gonna eat all of that?” I asked as this massive breakfast was set in front of him.

“Absolutely, I’m still growing Cal.” I cringed a little when he called me that. I was so used to hearing Max say it.

We ate as we talked. He told me about his brothers and their crazy antics. They seemed like a funny family to be around. We ended up leaving the diner after three o'clock and catching a cab back to my apartment. “Jordan, you can stay. I have two bedrooms. This way you get some sleep before your flight tomorrow.”

He looked at me and smiled. “Thanks Callee.” He went in and fell asleep quickly. I set the alarm for nine o'clock and laid in bed, looking at my phone. I had missed calls from Raina, Dani, Leila and a few text messages from Claude. The last few had been sent an hour ago and told me that Max was so drunk that he was taking him home. I switched the phone to silent and closed my eyes, praying to get a good night’s sleep.

I woke up to the alarm blaring and my bed shifting. “Good morning sunshine” Jordan said as he opened the blinds. “I have to get going back to the hotel. I called my phone from yours. I’ll call you later on ok.” I rolled back over and went to sleep.

I woke up to loud banging on the door a few hours later. I sleepily answered knowing it would be him. “What do you want Maxime?”

He sat down on my couch. “Why did Jordan stay here?”

I just glared at him. “Actually it is none of your business after last night but I will answer you because I don’t want to see you and him argue. He felt uncomfortable at the bar and he didn’t want me to travel home by myself. We got coffee and talked. End of story.” He looked up at me.

“Fine. I liked getting woken up to that call this morning from Marc.”

I slammed my hand down on the table. “Really Max, go home. You aren’t welcome here. You wanted me to give you space last night you are getting it. I’m through Max. I don’t need you, nor do I want you at this point. I have never met anyone as bipolar as you. One minute you tell me while you are drunk that you love me, the next you need space because your boys are around. Please just leave.” He walked out silently and I sat on the sofa holding in the tears I promised I wouldn’t show.

I called out of work, not even wanting to leave the house. I ordered food from the restaurant down the street for breakfast, threw on my most comfortable sweats and hung out on the couch watching a good chick flick. I must have fallen asleep because about an hour later the cell phone ringing woke me up. I looked down at the phone and seen the name “My hero” and had to crack up.

I hit the button and answered. “Callee girl, how are you?” Jordan asked quietly.

“I am ok, he was here this morning a little freaked out because you stayed, but he will live. I’m fine though, seriously.”

He laughed, “so I know you haven’t even left your place yet, maybe not even your couch. You should come hang out with us for a few days when you have time. Look at my schedule and let me know when you can do it.” I could hear Sidney in the background yelling something about good tickets and free food. I let Jordan know I would see my schedule at work and call them. Maybe a trip is just what I needed to feel better.

Notes

Men are idiots most of the time. LOL