Teach Me How to Dougie

My brain was still processing my realization. I was walking Dougie Hamilton to the hockey arena. He had just pointed to my shirt which, I realized, was one with his name across the back. Oh god. What was I supposed to say? I'm a huge fan! No, too cliché. Eh, I guess. No, way too douchey and I didn't want to dumb myself down.

"Oh yeah, actually. I'm a big Bruins fan." Too much? Too weird? Does he care? Am I making him uncomfortable?

"Oh really? Who's your favorite player?", Dougie said, with a smirk on his face.

"Well, you're definitely in my top 3." WHERE WAS THIS COMING FROM? I was usually only smooth with guys after having a drink or two. I had no idea why I was suddenly flirting with someone so easily, especially considering that someone was a very handsome, very successful professional hockey player.

"Top 3?" He feigned being offended and put his hand to his chest, acting as if I had hurt his feelings.

"Sorry, I'm partial to your goalie. And David Pastrnak is up there, too." Should I have lied? Should I have just acted clueless and been like "OMG of course I love you"?

Dougie nodded his head, chuckling a bit. "Alright, I guess that's fair. Tuukk and Pasta are pretty good." He smiled at me and I'm pretty sure my heart stopped. I couldn't help it, as a smile broke across my face and I giggled. Luckily or unluckily, I couldn't decide, we had reached the hockey arena.

"Here it is! If you go through the doors and up the stairs on the right, his office should be at the top." I flashed a smile again, getting one more good luck at those beautiful eyes.

"Thanks again. My meeting starts in a few minutes and I definitely would have been late if it hadn't been for your help."

I felt my cheeks warm up as what I could only assume was an obvious rosiness came my face.

"Oh, it was no problem. It was really nice to meet you. I- I am actually a big fan." I couldn't help myself. Smooth or not, I had never run into a player before and wanted to make sure I had the chance to express my gratitude.

"That means a lot. It was great talking to you. Thanks again." He looked at his phone and towards the stairs. "Well, I better head up." He smiled and started walking upstairs.

I waved goodbye and turned to leave. The gym was just next door, so I'd be there in a matter of minutes. But before I could get to the door, I heard Dougie yell out.

"Hey, um, wait I actually didn't get your name." He was standing a few steps up from the main floor, looking at me. I turned towards him.

"Oh, my name is Chloe." I smiled.

"I'm not sure if you're busy tonight or if you'd be interested but, if you'd like, I'd like to invite you to the game tonight."

I'm not sure whether or not I was imagining it or whether it actually happened, but I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped to the ground. Judging from the slightly amused look on Dougie's face, I was guessing the latter.

"OMG I would love to! That would be so awesome!" I am as smooth as marble. Wow. I cleared my throat. "I mean, yeah, I would definitely like to come to the game. Thank you so much."

Dougie nodded and, dare I say it, looked relieved at my answer. "Great! I'll leave two tickets at the box office and you can just pick them up under my name. See you then!"

I smiled and waved at Dougie, trying to maintain the calm exterior I convinced myself I had. He turned and booked it up the stairs, clearly cutting it close on making it to his appointment.

I walked out the door, still internally screaming. I walked back towards the same direction I had just come from, leaving the gym behind. I'd get plenty of exercise running back to my apartment and jumping up and down as I told my roommate about my exciting afternoon.

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