Harley spent a lot of time with the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team. Mainly because her best friend Jeff Skinner was on the team. Jeff and Harley met when Harley was 7 and Jeff was 10 because their families were fairly close. Harley grew up tagging along to many of Jeff’s hockey games and Jeff would do the same for her soccer games. They were best friends, through and through and always had each other’s backs. So when Jeff was drafted to Carolina, Harley was determined to go to a university near him to play soccer. And that is what she did, she is in her junior year at South Carolina State in Raleigh and is fortunate enough to live with her best friend Jeff and her other good friend and Jeff’s teammate Elias Lindholm. They lived in a house all together and love it. Jeff was almost like an older brother to Harley and helped her concentrate on school and soccer.

With Harley spending a lot of time at the rink with the Hurricanes she got to know most of them but when Noah Hannifan was hurt for awhile and they had to call someone up from the minors, that person was Roland Mckeown. Harley had never met Roland but when she did, she was completely smitten and wanted to know more about him.

Harley had never dated or ever thought of dating any of Jeff’s teammates in thinking that it would hurt the team if she began to date someone and it were to end badly. But the innocent glances followed by the small smiles, eventually turned into Roland mustering up the courage to ask you out. For coffee. In-between the busy schedules of Harley and Roland they found a day that worked and that day was today. After Harley's morning workout and Roland’s morning skate and before Harley's afternoon classes and the nap before the game they decided they would meet up for coffee. Harley was nervous to tell you the truth, she hadn’t really dated in university, she never had the time. All her free time was spent with Jeff or the soccer team. So this was a change and she wasn’t she what to expect. There were two scenarios that Harley had brainstormed in her head. One would be that Roland just doesn’t show up and I get a coffee out of the experience which is the one I am secretly hoping for. The other scenario I have in mind is that the coffee date is awkward as heck and after an hour of suffering they would separate and this whole Roland and Harley side glance thing would be over.

“What do I wearrrrrr?” I groan to Jeff.

“Honestly Har, you are going to get coffee. Its Raleigh in December its like 12 degrees outside.” He complains laying on my bed.

“Okay so Jeffrey what does that entail?”

“Jeans and a sweater. Honestly since when have you turned into such a girl? Where is my best friend?”


“I’m still here Jeff. Its just I am really nervous about this. I haven’t dated since highschool if that even counts. I have always had my mind on soccer, until now.”

“Please don’t get so sappy, its gross.” Jeff comments pulling me into a hug.

“I love you jeffy.” I chuckle.

“Love you Har,” he kisses my cheek. “Go get ready, I hope this works out.”

I smile and head to my closet to change. I decide to wear black jeans, a white teeshirt, and a cardigan overtop to make sure I don’t get too chilly in the coffee shop. I add my large peacoat and blundstone’s on my feet and I am out the door and on my way to the coffee shop we agreed to meet at. It was only about a 10 minute walk so I walk quickly in the cold and to make sure I got there on time.

As I am walking to the cafe, I hear someone call my name from behind me. “Harley!” Someone calls and I quickly turn around to see Roland jogging towards me.

“Hey Roland.” I smile gently.

“I thought that was you,” he shows me a smile and quickly pulls me into a warm hug that ends too soon.

“How are you?” I ask as we fall into step together heading to the coffee shop.

“I’m good, its cold today though.” He comments tucking his head into his coat and the small scarf wrapped around his neck. “How are you?” He asks back.

“I’m good, coffee will be good for a day like today.” I reply.

“I was going to take you on a walk in the park nearby with our coffees but I think it might be too cold.” He tells me.

“For two Canadians? I think we are putting our home country to shame,” I chuckle.

Roland lets out a deep laugh. “That is very true,” he smiles. “Should we do our country justice?”

“Yeah,” I smile. “Lets just get hot drinks,” I suggest as we arrive at the coffee shop. Roland opens the door for me and we are welcomed by the scent of coffee beans.

“What would you like?” Roland whispers from behind me, hand on my back.

I smile at the feeling he puts on my lower back. “Hmm, I’m not sure yet,” I hum.

“How do you like your coffee? black? Those fancy coffees that I can never pronounce?” He chuckles and I can hear his smile.

“Should I say black coffee so I can seem sophisticated to you?”

“I was reading before coming that drinking black coffee makes you sound driven. Fancy coffees mean you are indecisive.”

“Wow, you studied for this,” I joke turning around to see him with a smile. “How cute.”

Roland turns pink and rolls his eyes to try and cover up his slip up. “Ya ya, whatever.”

Soon enough we are at the front of the line and the barista is waiting to take our order. I let Roland order first. “A black coffee,” he orders with a smile. I chuckle hiding behind his shoulder which gets Roland to chuckle as well.

“I will have a regular coffee, two milk, two sugar.” I smile ordering. Roland quickly hands the barista a $10 dollar bill. “Thanks,” I tell him touching his back.

“You will just have to get the next one,” he flashes me a smile and puts away the change. We shuffle down the bar to pick up our drinks. “Should we stay in for a bit?” Roland suggests.

I peer outside. “Lets go to that park you talked about.”

“Okay,” he smiles wide.

I lead us outside. “Where to?”

“Down this way,” Roland points with his head.

We fall into step talking about anything and everything. Roland tells me about hockey and him playing in the AHL and NHL. He has genuine excitement when he is talking about hockey which makes me admire him more. His face lights up talking about his game tonight and it is infectious.

I tell Roland about soccer and my program; international studies and human rights.

“What do you want to do after school?” Roland asks.

“I think law school and then work with the UN or something.”

“What about soccer?”

“The main reason I’m still playing is so I can keep my scholarship and be around Jeff,” I explain shrugging. “I love soccer but its not something I see long term for me.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, whats up with Jeff and you?”

I crack a smile. “He’s been my best friend for almost 15 years. If you’re wondering we tried the dating thing once and honestly it was the worst thing I have ever experienced. Super awkward between us.”

Roland smiles shyly turning pink.

“There’s nothing to be worried about,” I bump his hip to lighten the mood.

“So law school?” He scratches his neck swiftly changing the subject.

“Thats the plan, but I have a year.”

We walk and talk, and sit on the swings at the park and talk. I find myself opening up to Roland and really feeling comfortable around him. Our coffees are gone and the chill is getting to us but I don’t think either of us want to end this so soon.

Roland glances at his watch. “You probably have to get back for class eh?” He asks.

I shrug. “Somewhat, yeah.”

“I had a really good time today,” Roland tells me.

I crack a smile. “I did too.”

“This might be too early but can I kiss you? I had such a great time today talking and laughing and getting to know you-”

I cut Roland off by leaning up and attempting to place my lips on his. Roland gets the point and cups my face leading the kiss. Its sweet and gentle and I find myself smiling in the middle of it.

Roland pulls back with a smile on his face. “You know what?” He asks. “Do you have time for a quick lunch?”

“I could eat,” I answer smiling and taking his outstretched hand.

Notes

requested :) (I tried!) here you go @Canesfan31

comment requests!!

to make everyone feel better after witnessing this pens game :////