I Wouldn't Mind

I didn’t want to say goodbye to the team; these boys have become a family to me and I knew it wouldn’t be the same without them. I took solace in know that they were only a short flight away. Leaving this AHL team for their NHL affiliate was huge opportunity for me. I was confident in my abilities, but since it had much bigger consequence if I screwed up it made me worry that I was going to fail miserably.
I walked into the locker room after my last session with the team and was surprised to see them standing there with a sign that said “Thanks for ditching us!” A smile spread onto my face and tears sprung to my eyes, I couldn’t contain them and a few slid down my cheeks. They had gone through all this trouble to see me off and it made it that much harder to say goodbye. Dustin walked over to me and engulfed me in a hug; he was definitely the one I was going to miss the most.
“Hey now stop crying. This promotion is going to be great for you. We are all so proud of you” He cooed as he rubbed my back.
I nodded my head and stepped back away from him. I took a few second to compose myself before walking over to the rest of the boys. I gave them each a hug as we said our goodbyes. I teared up a few more times, but when I got back to Dustin, I couldn’t hold them back anymore. They flowed freely down my cheeks and were absorbed by his shirt. As he held me close felt I felt a few drops fall onto the top of my head. I looked up to see his eyes were wet and there were tracks down the sides of his face.
I smiled at him, wiping his cheeks with the pads of my thumbs, kissing his cheek before hugging him tight again. I pulled myself away from him with great difficulty and I laughed when I saw he was pouting down at me.
“Stop being such a baby, you are going to ruin your reputation with the team.” I joked.
“Screw my reputation, you are way more important.” He said seriously.
I smiled at him again before backing up and looking at the team so many memories came flooding back. I remember when they took me out for my 24th birthday and got me shitfaced. How they all got me a little gift after I had been there for one year. Most of all I remember when they welcomed me with open arms when I first started. They had no qualms about me being a female just trusted that I knew what I was doing. They meant so much to me.
“Wow guys I really don’t know what to say. You have become my family and I love each one of you. I will miss you so much when I am in Tampa. We have all grown so much in the couple years I’ve been here it is going to be a very big adjustment walking into an arena know that you all aren’t waiting for me. I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of guys.” I said proudly. “I unfortunately do have to go now I have an 8pm flight to catch. I guess this is goodbye for now.” I gave a small wave and turned around walking out of the locker room for the last time.
Walking out of the building and handing in my badge and key was so surreal. I couldn’t believe that I was leaving. I had everything but the essential for the next couple weeks packed into a moving van that was already on its way to Florida. I headed to the airport and waited in the long line of security. The plane ride was uneventful, and I had a lot of quiet time to think about everything that was going on. It was all happening so fast.
As I walked into the hotel, I was staying at till I found an apartment I smiled at the young man behind the desk.
“Hi. My name is Rylee Jones I am here to check in. The room should be reserved.” I told the guy who’s name according to his nametag was Josh.
“Just let me check. Ah Yes Ms. Jones. I have a king suite booked for you. There is no check out date listed, would you like me to add one?” Josh asked politely.
“Not yet. I am not exactly sure how long I will be staying. Thank you though.” I responded.
“Alright then here are your keys. I you have any problems or questions just call down here. I will be here until 7 tomorrow morning.” He slid two plastic key cards toward me.
I thanked him and headed to the elevator with my bags in toe. I waited patiently for the elevator before getting in and riding up to the 14th floor. The room was gorgeous with a good view of downtown Tampa. I could even see the Forum from the balcony. When I walk into the bedroom, I see an envelope with my name on it laying on the end of the bed. I pick it up, opening it carefully.
‘Dear Rylee,
Welcome to the team. We look forward to having you start with the players as soon as possible. I hope you like your room. I have someone that is looking into apartments for you. When we get a new member to the franchise from out of state, we always help find something that fits their needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I will see you tomorrow morning at 8am for your tour and you meeting with the team.
See you soon,
Steve’
I smiled at the note. This team was close, and I really hoped that I got along with them well. It always made the job easier when you enjoyed who you were working with. I set the letter down and grabbed a change of clothes and my bathroom bag, heading toward the bathroom to take a shower. I needed to get to bed so I could get up early and get ready before heading to the Forum in the morning. It was going to a nerve-racking day and I wanted to be as ready as I could possibly be.

Notes

Please let me know how you think this is going! I was hesitant to start a rewrite on this.

Josephine