The Cabin by the Lake

I hadn’t seen or heard from Ryan all day on Sunday. I knew the team was there, but he never came around. I did get a lot of work done for the party tomorrow, but my mind kept wondering about last night…Why did Zac come over? We’ve only spoken here and there since the charity weekend, but we’ve never discussed his relationship. It was 10pm and my work was almost all done and organized for the beginning of the season. I walked to the lunch room to grab a snack and realized I was alone. Everyone has gone home. I went back to my desk and started to play my music from my computer out loud. I started to sing along with it and dance in my chair, almost forgetting at was in my work place. The song “Are you gunna kiss me or not” came on, and I starting to think about Zac and the cabin…

All I could think about was my next move, but you were so shy and so was I, maybe that’s why it was so hard to believe, when you smiled and said to me, are you gunna kiss me or not, are we gunna do this or what? I think you know I like you a lot, but you’re about to miss your hot. Are you gunna kiss me or not? If those lyrics weren’t direct enough for him, then I don’t know what would be. He pulled me closer, and our cupped hands became intertwined with each other. My heart raced, and I started to fumble on the words. The next chorus started to come up, and you smiled and said to me, are you gunna kiss me or not? We stopped dancing and Zac’s lips landed on mine. We kissed throughout the rest of the song, my arms going around his neck and his arms around my waist.

I paused the song to stop the memory. It was nice memory that has turned into something painful. Zac treated me so well, you’re not a one-time thing. He was literally perfect for me…and then life happened. He’s with Stephanie now, and I can’t keep thinking about the past. I went on instagram and looked at a picture Zac put up of him and Stephanie, I remember when I had a smile like hers; like nothing could go wrong. I put my face in my hands and took a few deep breaths. Why was I making everything so complicated for myself? Why am I waiting for something that may never come…especially when I have someone in my life who is willing to put up with me? I do like Ryan, so why was I pushing him away?

The season starter party is a casual event. I wore my jeans and a simple Bruins t-shirt with no player name on it. I went to the Garden early to help set up (I get paid over time, boo yeah!) Brad Marchand was there helping set up as well. Brad likes to call me “Lady” or “the one who makes me look good on camera”. I don’t think he’s ever called me by my real name. “Hey, Lady help me over here?” He called as I walked in. I dropped off my coat and camera bag and helped Brad. “What are you setting up?” He smiled wide at me, “Karaoke machine.” I laughed at his coy tone, “Oh dear lord.” I grabbed the microphone as he plugged all the wires. “Yeah, Spoons mentioned you dabble in the art form.” I laughed at his comment, “Um no, it was a one-time thing.” He nudged me, “come on lady! For me?” I shook my head, “Sorry, I don’t do things like this sober.” He laughed, “Then I’ll buy you a drink tonight!” I rolled my eyes, “we’ll see. I might be too busy trying to make you look good.” I winked, and he laughed as I walked away, “you don’t have to try too hard!” He yelled towards me. I helped some of the wives and longtime girlfriends doing table spreads and the food tables. Some fans would be joining up tonight too, but it’s mostly a small affair.

As the hours went by the party would be starting in an hour, I was talking with Chris about what shots to get. Jim came over and started to tell us exactly what we were meant to do. “Chris, focus on the fan interactions. Ems focus on the players and their wives or girlfriends. We don’t need a lot of pictures but we need some.” Chris and I nodded, “Emily, can I talk to you for a second?” Chris walked away, and my heart raced. Was I in trouble? “What’s up Jim?” He smiled at me, “You take the best pictures, so just get a little bit of everything. I don’t want to play favorites with my photographers…but you’re my favorite.” I smiled at the appreciation. “In fact, I wanted to hire you on a side job. It’s nothing big, but the wife and I would like to do some family pictures of us and the kids and our extended family in a few weeks. I could pay you a little extra.” I smiled, “Jim, don’t pay me. I would like to do this for you, as a friend.” He smiled and rested his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you Emily, for that you can enjoy some of the party. I’ll let you know when.” I smiled, “Thanks Jim.” He walked away and I started to test me camera for the lighting and focus…that’s when I saw Zac and Stephanie walk in. They sat at their table and kept to themselves, they didn’t seem happy. A few other players came in and joined their significant others…and then Ryan walked in. I walked over to him as he sat with Torey Krug and his wife.

“Hey Ry, Torey.” I gave a weak smile, but Ryan never looked up at me. I had helped Melanie with some table placements earlier. “She got up and hugged me, “She’s been a life saver today! I don’t think we could have made this place look this good without her.” Ryan avoided looking at me, but he smiled towards Melanie. “And Brad set up a Karaoke machine! Ems are you going to do it?” I laughed, “Uh probably not. I’ve only done it once in my life. And I wasn’t sober.” I heard Brad’s laugh approach us, “She’s singing tonight. I’ve already offered to buy her a drink.” Torey laughed, “I’m in, and I’ll buy you a drink too.” Ryan stayed quiet, but he smiled along. Aren’t coworkers the best? They really can come together for a central cause. Too bad this cause is to get me drunk and make a fool out of myself.

Fans came in, their portion only lasted a few hours. I took pictures of the fans, the players, the coaches, the wives, the girlfriends, the ice girls, everything. I got candid shots and posed shots. The food went fast, the drinks went fast, and the memories became endless. The fans started to trickle out, they had to be gone by 9pm. The player and faculty party started at 9. Chara gave a speech that this season is going to be a good one. Bergy gave a speech that moved everyone; we are all a team. From the players, to the coaches, to the photographers, to the water guys. Jim came over to me, “enjoy the party, your job is done for the night.” I smiled at me, “Thanks Jim.” I put my camera away and my bag with my jacket at the coat check. As soon as I walked back into the room Brad grabbed me. “Looks like this lady is off duty,” I nodded, “looks like I am.” He smiled, “Bartender, a drink for the lady!” I ordered my usual cider. “So we’ve already got a nice line up of singers!” I nodded, “Are you one of them?” He laughed, “of course! Number 1 baby.” I laughed as I took a sip of my drink. I noticed Ryan was leaning against the bar talking with a few other guys. I wanted to talk to him, but I had a feeling he wasn’t going to talk to me.

I finished my first cider during Brad’s song of “Uptown Funk”, the bartender got me another cider, “From Torey” I smiled and raised my glass to him and he returned the gesture. Brad came back to the bar, got another beer and had the song book. “Alright lady, what are you signing?” I laughed, “I’m not nearly drunk enough.” He put it next to me, “you will be! I’ve gotten a few recruits lined up so your drinks keep coming.” I laughed, “Thanks for looking out for me bud.” He smiled and drank his drink. A few more wives and players sang their slurred tunes, and after my 5th cider, I was feeling it. My emotions were getting the best of me. I noticed Zac and Stephanie were all over each other; everyone noticed. “Looks like Steph is next!” Brad said out loud as she headed for the stage and Zac got a beer. She stood there with the microphone in hand, and I rolled my eyes towards the stage. The song started and I recognized it immediately. Taylor Swift, Wildest dreams. I looked over at Zac who glanced at me. As she kept singing, the more I realized…Zac doesn’t care for me in that way. So I can’t care of him that way. “Marchy, let me see that book.” He smiled, “There we go!” I noticed a Blake Shelton song, “Gonna”. “Alright, put me up next.” Brad put his beer down and dragged me to the stage. Stephanie finished her, horrible, rendition of Taylor Swift and ran over to Zac where they shared a kiss. It didn’t faze me. Brad got the song ready and I stood on the stage, everyone looking at me, except Ryan.

I'm gonna take you for a date. Take you for a ride. Gonna get you over there on the passenger side. I'm gonna put the radio on your favorite song. I'm gonna crank it on up and get you singing along. Hey, hey. Alright. Man I'm diggin' on hittin' on you tonight. It ain't a maybe, it's hopin', I'm wishin' I wanna. It's a damn right, Hold you tight, baby I'm gonna.

I started to sing. I focused all of my energy towards Ryan. I could feel Zac looking at me, but I never broke focus. After the first chorus, Ryan was looking back.

So what's it gonna take? What's it gonna be? We can pump it on the boulevard or kick it in the country. Me and you, you and me, money back, guaranteed. Love you every night in Daytona, I'm gonna.

I was singing at Ryan now, no one else mattered. I needed the words to get to him. So show him what I want.

Love ya all night long. Till the crickets stop chirpin'. Man I ain't just flirting, I'm certain. I'm working on a long term plan. Gonna be your girl. Gonna put a little rock steady on this hand.

I finished the song and everyone clapped. Brad walked up to me and hugged me, “You just made me so happy. Thanks Lady!” I smiled, “Anything for you Brad.” I walked towards Ryan, I looked in his eyes, I never looked away. “I am so sorry about the other night. Please, give me a chance.” He didn’t respond, but he didn’t look away. “My answer is yes.” He laughed, “Yes? For what?” I smiled, “I’d love to go on a date with you.” He smiled at me big, “seriously?” I nodded, “Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at 7?” I nodded, “Sounds perfect.” I couldn’t stop smiling and I just wanted to wrap myself up in him. But, I needed to get home for my early morning of edits.

I went to the coat check to get my things. “Emily.” I turned to see Zac standing there. He walked over as I started to put on my jacket, “Are you…are you with Spoons?” I shrugged, “I’m going on a date with him tomorrow night.” He nodded, his eyes were sad. “Do you even like him?” I laughed, more out of surprise from the question. “I have liked him for a while. But I just recently realized I didn’t want to give up in him.” He crossed his arms, “What if it doesn’t work out? You work together.” I felt defensive, “If it doesn’t work out, then at least I tried and gave us a chance.” He was taken back by my words, they were an unintended shot at him. But I didn’t want him to cloud my judgment. “I have to go Zac, have a good night.” I walked out the doors, wrapping my jacket tightly around me. “Hey, Em!” I heard someone calling after me, and I turned to see Ryan with a big smile. “Hey, did I forget something?” He smiled and took me by the waist and kissed me hard. “Ry…usually you kiss after a date, not the night before it.” He laughed, “I overheard you taking to Zac.” My smiled faded for a second, “Ry, I’m sorry…” but he cut me off, “Thank you.” He kissed me again, “Tomorrow, right?” I smiled, “I’ll be the one in the pretty dress.”

Notes

Sorry for the long chapter!
Thank you all<3