not a story post but a question

So I have a question for all of you ladies that I would very much like your opinion on. Every year for the past three years my son and I have gone on a trip to Pittsburgh for a weekend to do touristy stuff and of course to see the guys play. It has become something that we both look forward to and it has been a great bonding experience for the both of us. I've never been to Canada and thought that it would be cool to see them play one of the canadian teams and the one that I really have my heart set on going to is in Ottawa. The problem with this is that it's on a tuesday which means that my son would have to miss probably three days of school. I called his school today to talk to the principal and the lady was to put it mildly, extremly rude when I asked her if it would be possible to maybe get any homework that they would have and she started giving me a lecture about how important education is and that she just couldn't believe that I would even want to pull him out of school for something as stupid as a trip. And yes those were her exact words. She then went on to tell me that if he missed any days unexcused that I would get a ticket for truancy. A ticket that would be one hundred and fifty dollars that would be issued to me since he is only eight years old. This women basically insinuated that I was a bad parent for even thinking about it which just pissed me off needless to say. Should I say screw it and do it anyway? I think that this would be an awsome experience for the both of us but I can'r decide if it would be worth all of the possible hassle that may come with it? I would love some honest opinions.

Early Morning Conversations Chapter 30

This one is much shorter than usual. Thanks to Elizabeth for the idea, and hopefully I will be able to start updating this more regularly here in the near future.


Mel's Pov

I woke up early the next morning to movement beside me. I looked at the clock and saw that it was only five o'clock in the morning, much to early for either of us to be awake. I looked over at Jordan and saw that he was sitting up looking at something small that he was holding in his hand.
" Hey what are you doing up this early? Don't you have an early practice today."
He looked at me and smiled sheepishly.
" I do but I couldn't sleep. I didn't mean to wake you up."
 " That's alright." I said as I sat up and stretched.
" What is that in your hand?" I asked as I turned towards him
" I bought this when I came to Pittsburgh. I had planned on giving it to you when you moved down here but that didn't happen I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it after we broke up. I guess a part of me always hoped that there would be a chance for me to make things right and now I have it and I don't want to let it get away from me again."
In my sleep induced haze I couldn't figure out what he was talking about and the confusion must have shown on my face because he took my hand and set a small square box into it. I took it and it suddenly dawned on me that it was a box that looked like it might contain a ring. I opened it up and saw a silver band with a small diamond.
" I know that this isn't probably the most romantic way to do this but I can't imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry me?"
I was so shocked that I didn't respond right away and he took it the wrong way.
" Look I know that it's kind of sudden but we don't have to rush it. I know that....
I leaned over and gave him a kiss to shut him up
"" There is nothing that I would love more than to marry you." I replied and he grinned so hard that it had to have hurt. He took the ring box out of my hand and took it out and slipped it onto my ring finger. I looked at it for a few seconds before looking up at him
" I know that it's kind of small and if you want I can get you something bigger." he said as he held onto my hand
" No this is perfect." I said and I meant it with all my heart " There's only one problem though." I said
" What's that?"
" I don't want to wait"
" don't you want to have a big wedding? Isn't that what every girl dreams off?"
I shrugged my shoulders.
" Yeah in the past that's what I envisoned but we have wasted so much time that I don't want to wait. I mean if that's alright with you that is."
He smiled that smile that I had fallen in love with so long ago and I knew that it was okay with him.
" Well then we'll have to start figuring out what we need to do then."
He pushed me back into the pillows and started to kiss me.
" I love you." he whispered into my ear
" I love you too."
 I felt like my life was finally getting back to normal and I couldn't wait to start the next chapter of it as soon as possible.

Sorry again

Hey guys I just wanted to do a quick post to let everyone know that I haven't forgotten about either story but I don't have my own internet and frankly I'm really struggling with where to take this story anyways. Any ideas that I have gotten I don't like for the simple fact that they are so predictable. If anybody has any ideas of what they would see me write about feel free to leave a comment or email me.

No Place Like Home Chapter 29

Thanks everyone for sticking with me. I was really worried that I would lose a couple of followers and was surprised that I picked up a couple of more. I hope that this meets expectations since I had a rough time getting back into it and making sure that what was in my head came out the way that I wanted it to. I'm not quite sure where I want to go from here so the next update might take a little time. Any suggestions would be welcome, either by email or in the comments. So here it is, hope everyone enjoys.








Max's Pov








I laid in bed staring at the wall across from my bed. I knew that I needed sleep since we had a game against the Rangers the next night but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't make my brain turn off. I tossed and turned for a few more minutes before I finally sat up and grabbed my phone. I dialed the familiar number and was more than a little surprised that it was anwsered in a couple of rings.









"Hey Bridgette, it's Max." I said hesitently as I listened to the breathing on the other end of the line









" Yeah I know, I do have caller id. What do you want?" she replied in a tone of voice that was so icy that I was surprised that I didn't get frostbite through the phone










" I just wanted.... I guess I just wanted to say that 'm sorry for hurting you. I really do like you and I never ment for it to happen."









" It's my own fault. I should have never let myself fall for a guy like you in the first place." she said









" I called my mother a couple of days ago to talk to her about what was going on and she said something that I've been thinking alot about. She told me that she thinks that deep down I was tired of being alone and that I conveinced myself that I was in love with Mel because I was afraid of falling in love with someone that might actually love me back. She said it was my way of pushing you away, to make sure that I couldn't get hurt."









" You talked to your mother about me?" she asked and I could hear the hesitation in her voice as she waited for my reply









" Yeah I did. Do you think that maybe we could start over?" I knew that the anwser I was probably going to get wasn't the one that I wanted but I knew that I had to try.









" I don't know Max. I'm not sure that's a good idea."









" Please. Maybe you can come to the game tomorrow and then we can go out for dinner afterwards or something." I pleaded with her









" Fine I'll go but I'm not promising that anything more will come out of this then dinner."









" I'm okay with that as long as you give me a chance to make this right." I promised









" What about Mel? Is she going to be there?" She asked









" Um no, actually she took off for home and nobody has heard from her at all."









" If you are really serious about what you told me then you need to tell her that and make it right between the two of them. He is your friend and I could tell that they really made each other happy."









" I know but what do I say. Sorry I was being a stupid jackass and fucked up your life. Can we just pretend that it didn't happen?"









" That would be a start." she said









" I can talk to Jordan but she made it very clear that she doesn't want to talk to either of us until she is ready."









" It's all that I am asking you to do. I can't continue this relationship being someones second choice." she said with a sigh









" Okay. I'll try to call her sometime tomorrow."








" Okay good. Now I really have to get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow."








" See you tomorrow."








I fell back on my bed and felt happier then I had since the whole stupid thing had happened.









Jordan's Pov








I woke up the day of the game to a text from my brother Marc. He had gotten into town the night before and had started his usual routine of sending me texts about how bad he and his teammates were going to kick our asses. Normally I would play along and shit talk him right back but I really wasn't into it so I ignored them and went about my day. Right before I laid down for my nap my phone rang and it was him









" Hey man what's up? You always shit talk me back when we are going to play. Are you still bummed about her leaving?"









If it had been anyone but one of my brothers I probably wouldn't have admitted it but it was and there was no way that he was going to believe me if I told him that wasn't true.









" Yeah I am but it doesn't matter."








" Well you should cheer up because I have a surprise for you after the game that is guarenteed to take your mind off of your problems."
















I groaned and could only imagine what my brother had planned to cheer me up.








" Marc I know that you mean well but I'm not really in the mood to do anything crazy and besides I really don't want to hang out with any of your teammates."








" Stop being a whiny little bitch and just trust me okay."








" Fine." I said, knowing that the chance of me winning this argument were slim to none. If I didn't give in that I would never hear the end of it. I laid down for my nap and fell into a restless sleep that included dreaming about Mel.








Mel's Pov








I got off of the plane and realized that I couldn't very well take my carry-on into the arena with me since it was too big to pass of as a purse. I hadn't wanted to contact anyone until I talked to Jordan but I really didn't have any other choice unless I was going to leave my stuff for someone else to take. I dug out my phone and contemplated who I was going to call. Finally I dialed a number of the person that I thought I could trust the most not to say anything.















" Hey Vero. It's Mel."








" Hi. It's so good to hear from you!" she said, the excitment ovbious in her voice








" Look I'm back in town and I'm going to the game so I can talk to Jordan and I need somewhere to put my stuff until I figure out what's going to happen."








" No problem. Do you want me to come pick you up?"








I insisted that I could take a cab but she told me that she had nothing to do until the game and that it would be stupid of me to waste the money. I finally agreed and went outside to wait for her to show. The first thing that she did after I got in was to give me a huge tight hug and then the questions started. I told her everything that had happened from the time I left until now.








" I'm so glad that you came back. We were all so worried about you but Jordan said to not bother you so we respected your wishes."








" I know and I'm glad that you did but honestly I missed you and Kelsey."








" And...."















" And I missed Jordan." I said with a sigh








" I knew it. I've known Max what seems like forever but I just couldn't picture you with anyone but Jordan."








" I know neither could I." I said with a sigh








" We can leave your stuff in the car and head right to the arena if you want."









" Sure but Marc got me a ticket already so I won't be sitting with you."








" That's okay as long as you are back. Just do me one favor okay."








" Sure Vero anything."








" Just promise me that when you talk to Max that you will let him down gently okay."








" Yeah that's the plan. I feel bad though."








" You can't help the way that you feel and as long as I've known Max I can say that he bounces back from disappointment pretty quickly."








We spent the rest of the drive getting caught up on what had been going on with her and the other girlfriends and wives while I was gone. We finally pulled up to the arena but she let me out before she pulled into the players lot since I had to go to will call to get the ticket and pass that was left for me. I told her that I would see her hopefully afterwards and she gave me a reassuring squeeze before I got out and went to find the line that I knew that I was more than likely going to have to stand in. After asking a few different people I finally found the will call window and sure enough there was quite of line of people. I had to stand there long enough that I started to contemplate what might happen and as usual I couldn't help but worry that everything might turn out horrible. I finally got to the window and handed over my id and was handed an envelope with my name on it. I opened it up and along with the two things I was expecting was a note









" I know how you get when you start to over analyze things so let me tell you that everything will be fine. Have a beer and relax and I will see you later.








P.S I shouldn't have to tell you this but seriously you both owe me








It was signed by Marc and I knew that he was right. All I could control was what I was going to do and I had to have faith that the rest would work it's self out like it was suppose to. Marc seemed confident that it would be fine and I had to admit that I found that reassuring. I made my way inside and sat down.








Jordan's Pov










Even as crappy as things had been going in my personal life I had to admit that I was looking forward to this game. I've always liked playing against my brothers, but I enjoyed playing against Marc especially since he was on a team of mostly full of themselves douchebags that I couldn't stand so when we won it was doubly satisfying. I had a feeling that I sometimes get that tonight was going to be a good night and that usually translated into a win. It was finally time to go out on the ice for warm-ups and I noticed that Max kept looking at me like he wanted to say something. I was curious to know what it was but at the same time I didn't want to get distracted and unfocused so I figured that whatever it was could wait until later. The game started and we kicked ass just like I thought we would. I was part of the media scrum afterwards since I had scored so it took me a little longer then I wanted to and I quickly sent a text to Marc to let him know that I would meet up with him when I was done. I finally got done and went and showered and threw on my suit. I was in such a good mood that the idea of going out was sounding better than it had in a long time. I made my way out of the dressing room and went to call him to find out where he was. I thought I was hearing things when I heard an unexpected but familiar voice. I turned around and saw Mel standing with Vero in the hallway. All thoughts of my brother left me as I stared until she turned around and our eyes met. Everything else faded out as I made my way towards her. She was biting her lower lip, a habit that I knew ment she was nervous and Vero pushed her in my direction before she turned around and walked off to leave the two of us more or less alone. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen, for all I knew she was there to tell me that she didn't want to be with me anymore but I knew that wasn't the case when she threw her arms around my neck. I pulled her against me and held on like a drowning man that had just been thrown a life perserver. I stayed like that for a few minutes, just savoring the feeling of her arms around me before I finally pulled away.





" I wasn't sure that you were going to come back or not." I said still not believing that she was standing in front of me.





" I just.... I just needed some time to figure things out. I'm sorry that I had to leave to do that." she said and I could see the tears start to collect in her eyes. I cupped her face with my hands and placed a gentle undemanding kiss on her lips to let her know that it was okay.





" So I guess you figured out what you needed to then huh" I said with a gentle smile





" Yep I figured out that you aren't always going to be this knight in shining armor but that's okay because no matter what I love you."





" So what you're saying is that I'm allowed to be human?" I asked and I couldn't help but let out a laugh





" Yeah I guess that's what I'm saying." she replied with a laugh of her own





" You know you don't have to apologize. I'm not proud of what I did and I know that it had to freak you out to see me so pissed off but I promise that it won't happen again okay?"





" And I won't run away everytime that we have a problem."





" Deal. Now let's go home." I said as I grabbed her hand to lead her to the parking lot.





" Wait we better go find Marc, he's the reason that I am here."





I let out a small groan. That's what he had been refering to the whole time. Part of me wanted to be pissed that he just didn't come right out and tell me but knowing Mel she probably asked him not too. I had no idea where he was so I sent him a text and it was quickly replyed to with a response to just enjoy myself and to let him know how things went. I thanked him and shut my phone and threw it in my pocket before I threw my arm around her shoulders.




" I have to talk to Max at some point." she said, looking at the floor




I looked around and realized that I had no idea where he was. I hadn't really paid any attention when he was in the locker room. He couldn't have gotten far so I steered her towards the door thinking that he may be still in the area since he was always pretty good about signing autographs for the fans. We made our way around a corner and saw that he was talking to someone. I realized that it was the dark haired girl that he had taken out on that date with us. They appeared to be having a serious conversation and we stopped and waited for a few minutes before either of them noticed that we were there. I was surprised to see her after everything that had happened but it made me glad. If she was here it because he invited her and maybe just maybe it meant that he was going to move on and try to be with someone that wanted him back. He took her by the hand and we met half way and we stood there for a few minutes in akward silence before he finally began to speak.


" I don't really know what to say other than I'm sorry for what happened. I let myself get freaked out by the fact that I have met someone that I can actually like and can see myself with and I don't know.... " he stopped and raked his free hand through his hair and looked frusterated, like he couldn't find the words that he wanted to to explain the situation.

"I just hope that someday that we can all go back to the way that things were. I'd hate to lose one of my good friends cause I was such an idiot."

I didn't know if that was going to ever be possible but I wanted that too. I held out my hand and he looked at it for a few seconds before he smiled and took it, giving it a hard shake.

" We should get going. We have alot to talk about and I'm sure that you guys want to get caught up." Max said

" I hope everything works out for you guys." Mel said letting go of my hand and pulling Bridgette into a hug. She said something to her that neither of us could hear and she let go and as we turned to walk away I saw Max pull her into him and give her a kiss. When they were out of hearing range I turned to her.

" Do you think that he means what he said, about Bridgette I mean?"

" I don't know but I hope for her sake that he does." she said quietly

" So do I" I responded in reply.

I didn't let go of her until we got to the car. All I wanted to do was get home so I didn't bother to stop for the few fans that were still out. Now that things were sorted out I hoped that things were going to go back to what it had been before.

I know that this is going to be redundant but I'm really sorry that I havent updated in so long. I no longer have my own internet and it's really hard for me to get anywhere where I can get on for a decent length of time. Hopefully I can take one of my days off and get an update of some kind done because I love this story and very much miss being able to write. Thanks for the patience everyone.

Things Simplified Chapter 28

Yay finally the update that I have been promising forever. I know that it's kind of redundant but I wasn't quite sure how to proceed to where I knew that I wanted to go with this.


Mel's Pov

I was woke up early the next day to the sound of my phone ringing. I grabbed it and checked the caller id to make sure that it wasn't anyone that I didn't want to talk to and when I saw that wasn't the case I quickly anwsered it.

" Hey Mel, it's me Sid." a male voice said on the other end of the line. He had agreed to call me and keep me informed of what was going on.

" Hi Sid. What's up?" I asked him

" I just thought I'd call and let you know that they talked yesterday before practice. I have no idea what either of them said but there wasn't any more punches thrown and they seemed to both do well at practice so I'm guessing that everything is as good as it can be."


I let out a sigh of relief at hearing that they were at least trying to get along. That was one less thing that I now had to worry about.

" That's great." I said waiting for a response.

" Yeah it is. I know it's not my place but are you any closer to figuring things out?"

" I'm trying Sid. Really I am but this is complicated and I don't want to rush into a decision and end up regretting it."

" I don't really think it's that complicated. Do you love Max?" he asked catching me a little off guard

" I care about him as my friend but no I don't love him the way that he say's he loves me." I anwsered honestly

" Okay and now my second question. Do you love Jordan?"

" Yes." I said and I knew it was the truth.

" So there you go. See not complicated at all."

I groaned into the phone. That was such a typical male response

" It is more complicated then that. What do I say to Max? Sorry but no thanks? I really don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have."

" Just be honest with him. Maybe you two won't be able to be friends anymore but I know that he is a good guy and will respect your feelings. "

Maybe he was right. Maybe this was less complicated then it needed to be. I couldn't help the way that I felt anymore than Max could and one day he would find someone that he could have love him back the way that he deserved.

" Maybe your right." I said

" I know I am. You know there are other things that I am good at besides hockey." he said in a teasing voice

" Yeah maybe you can go back to school and be the Canadian version of Dr. Phil once your hockey playing days are over." I teased back, cracking my first smile in days


" I have to get going. Practice is in a half an hour."


" Alright and Sid thanks for everything."



" Not a problem. Just for the record I do expect some kind of monetary compensation for my advice."


" Yeah because it's not like you don't have enough money to last you ten lifetimes as it is." I replied


" It's hard but someone has to do it."




" Okay, you should get going before you are late, and please don't tell either of them that you talked to me."


" Don't worry. If either of them found out that I had been talking to you neither of them would stop hounding me and it's bad enough from the press and the fans. Think about what I said and I will call you if anything else happens."



"Okay." I agreed before saying goodbye and hanging up.

I was left to think about what he had said. Maybe I had overreacted by running away and things were more simple than I thought they were. It was still pretty early so I was about to turn over and go back to sleep for a little while but much to my annoyance there was a knock at my door. There was only one person that it could be and since my dad had been so great I didn't want to be snippy. I told him to come in and he opened the door and peeked his head around the corner.

" There's someone here to see you." he said as he looked at me. Before I could get a chance to ask him who in the world it could possibly be he disappeared, shutting the door behind him. There was very few people that knew that I was home since I hadn't left the house at all since my arrival. I threw on my old ratty bathrobe and made my way out to the living room. I heard my dad talking to a familiar male voice and I couldn't help but smile as I made my way around the corner.

" Hi Mr. Staal." I said as Jordan's father turned around and smiled at me.

" I think that after all of these years you can call me Henry." he said as he pulled me into a hug

" We heard that you were in town and I wanted to check on you and make sure that you were okay. I hope you don't mind." he said as he looked at me like he was gauging my reaction

" I'm as fine as I'm going to be." I admitted to the man that had become my surrogate father over the years

" I'm doing as well as can be expected I guess. I'm sure that you heard what happened."

" Yeah we did. Jordan called the next day to let us know before we heard about it in the news. Linda threw a fit and really let him have it." he said with a small grin. I could only imagine what had been said. Linda had always been the one who wore the pants in that family.

" I know how hard it can be. Linda and I have had our fair share of ups and downs over the years but somehow we always managed to work our way through them. You just have to decide if the other person is worth the effort and I can say that there has never been any doubt in my mind that my wife has always been worth the effort."

I blinked my eyes a few times and thought about what he had said as he changed the subject to what was going on on the farm. I really couldn't concentrate on what he was saying as not only his words but all of the advice that I had gotten from everyone ran through my mind.

" I'm sorry Henry I don't want to be rude but I have to go. I really need to go home and fix this mess as soon as I can. I just hope he's still waiting for me when I get back." I said as I jumped up and pulled the man into a tight hug. He looked surprised but happy and he gave me a pat on the back before he let me go.

" Dad" I yelled since I had no idea where he had went

" Yeah sweetie I heard. Just call me when you get back to Pittsburgh so I know that you are safe." I gave him the same tight hug that I had given Henry accompained by a kiss on the cheek before I ran to my room and threw the few things that I had brought along with me back in their bag. Henry offered to drive me to the airport since he had to head home anyways and I gladly accepted the offer. I fingered the keypad of my phone wanting to call Jordan badly but I knew that it would be better for the both of us if we talked in person. I called ahead to the airport and because it was so last minute I was going to have to connect to another flight but it was worth it to know that I would be back where I belonged before the end of the night.

Jordan's Pov

Things were better but they weren't right because she wasn't here. It was crazy how much my body and more importantly my mind missed having her around. Everytime that I picked up the phone I would catch myself wanting to dial her number but I always stopped myself. She wanted time and that was the least that I could do considering I was half the reason that she ran in the first damn place. I stood in the mirror and made sure that my tie was straight before grabbing my keys and heading out to the arena for the game tonight. We were playing the Rangers which meant that I was going to have to play against Marc, which was always alot of fun. I got to Mellon earlier than I usually did and after signing a few things I made my way inside. I wanted to find Marc and talk to him but it would have to wait until after the game. I made my way inside and only found a few of the guys already there. It was mostly the older guys that needed to get extra work done to them by the trainers in order for them to be able to play well. I sat in silence as I started to tape my sticks and make sure that my I had everything ready. I really wanted to win this game and I tried to put everything else out of my mind.

Max's Pov

I went into the locker room to find that a good chunk of my teammates had already arrived. I got a few pats on the back but for the most part I kept to myself. I had finally gotten the balls to call Bridgette but she never anwsered my calls or text and I had to say that I couldn't blame her. I was a total asshole and the more that I thought about it the worse that I felt. I looked over and gave a head nod to Jordan. He returned it and then went back to taping up his sticks. We were playing together well when necessary but we weren't hanging out after games or anything and I would never admit this to anyone but I missed it. Whenever I had felt inclined to do something crazy in the past he was always besides me joining in on whatever crazy shit we had planned. I couldn't help but let out a sigh as I got up and went to see one of the trainers. I had taken a pretty hard hit a couple of games before into the boards and my shoulder was still a little sore.

Mel's Pov

I flipped my phone shut as I walked out of the terminal. In my haste to get back to Pittsburgh it hadn't even occured to me that they might not be in town. I went on the internet on my phone and checked their schedule and was glad to see that they were playing the Rangers at home. If they were playing the Rangers that meant that Marc was going to be in town. I thought about calling Sid but I didn't really want to because if I did there was a good chance that Jordan would find out and I didn't want him to be distracted. I made a call to Marc and he gladly agreed to get me inside Mellon and I made him promise that he wouldn't say anything to Jordan before I got a chance to see him.

Really There Will Be An Update Soon!

I know I said it awhile ago but I got caught up in the finals and other things and I didn't get an update done like I promised. The Stanley Cup has been won, today is my son's last day of school and my work schedule has been evened out for the summer I should be back to updating more regulary, barring writers block of course. Sorry for making everybody wait so long and hopefully it will be worth it.

So I had part of a post done and I'm not sure what happened but I got a bunch of random letters at the bottom of the post and it wouldn't let me erase it. So I erased the whole thing and now am stuck retyping what I had and then I still need to finish it. I have today and tomorrow off so hopefully I will get the next update done either tonight or tomorrow at the latest. Thanks for the patience. It's been appreciated.

Confusion And Understanding Chapter 27

So I know I said that I would be taking a short break on my other story and I meant it but I had this chapter 3/4 of the way done already and I couldn't resist finishing it. Hope you guys like it!


Mel's Pov


I had shown up at my dad's door without warning and he let me in without asking any questions. I sat on a chair in the kitchen and watched him go about his routine of making himself breakfast. It was comforting to know that while my life was a complete mess that at least some things hadn't changed. He sat a plate in front of me and sat down with his across from me and started to eat. I could only move the food around on the plate, my stomach was such a mess that I knew if I ate anything that I would probably just get sick.



" So does you being here have anything to do with the fight that Jordan and his teammate had in that night club last week?"



I should have known that he would have heard about it. It was probably front page news here in the bay. I found myself telling my dad everything that happened that night and in the days following up to me sitting here.



" You should have seen the look on his face. I can't even describe it but it was scary. I still haven't talked to him and then I went to make sure that Max was okay and he kissed me and told me that he meant everything he said and now I'm just confused. "


I could feel the tears coming on but I was tired of crying. I tried to hold them in but it didn't work. I felt them start to fall and my dad got up and came around the table. He kneeled in front of me and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned into his shoulder and cried so hard that I could barely breath. He patted my back and all of a sudden I was five years old again, crying because a boy had told me that I couldn't play with them because I was a girl. After a few minutes the tears finally slowed and I pulled away feeling slightly embarresed. He patted me on the shoulder one last time before he got up and went back to his seat.

" I think that when you love someone that it is easy to put them on a pedastal but honey no one is perfect and they will fall eventually. I think that's why I took your mom leaving so hard. I had this image of her as the perfect women and the pressure just got to be too much. Now it's up to you to decide if you can forgive him for not being the perfect guy that you want him to be."

God he was right. I had always painted this picture of Jordan as being this perfect guy and the minute that I had seen the side of him that wasn't perfect I had done what I always did. I ran away.

" What about Max dad? I can't stand the thought of hurting him." I said as I thought about what had transpired between the two of us in his living room.

" I don't know what to tell you sweetie but eventually you will have to make a choice. I don't know him but I do know you and I can tell that you care about him or this wouldn't be affecting you so much."

I still didn't know what to do so I excused myself and went to the bathroom. I splashed some cold water on my face and I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I was too pale and it made the bags under my eyes even more pronounced. I looked like a junkie with my skin so pale and the bags under my eyes looking even more pronounced because of it. I went to lay down even though it was pretty early in the morning. My body was tired but I couldn't get my mind to shut off long enough to go to sleep. I thought about the two men and tried to figure out not only how I felt about them but why.

Max's pov

I knew that she was gone and I knew that I was mostly to blame for it. Sid had dropped of the envelope with my name written on it in her handwriting . I put it off for a little while but I finally sat down and opened it. It said that she was going home and that she would get a hold of me when and if she wanted to and that I wasn't suppose to try to contact her. More importantly it said that she wanted to make sure that Jordan and I were at least nice to each other, if not for her than for the sake of the team. I could tell that it was important to her that we at least fix things to the point where we could at least practice and play togeather again. I was going to see how that was going to go since I was finally able to go to practice after all most two weeks. I had already met with Mario and gotten a lecture from him about behavior that made the team look bad and I knew without being told that if they had to pick between a fourth liner and a selke award winner that I wasn't going to come out on the good end of it. I'd fucked things up in a way that I had never thought possible. I picked up my phone and went through my contacts. I stopped when I saw a number that I hadn't called since the situation had happened. I knew that Bridgette had found out about why I had gotten the shit beaten out of me and ever since I didn't have it in me to call her, even though I did really feel bad about what I had did to her. The sad thing was that I was actually really starting to like her and she was a great girl that didn't deserve how I had treated her. My finger hovered over the green dial button but I saw what time it was and if I didn't hurry I was going to be late for my first practice back and I didn't really think that it would make a really good impression.

Jordan's Pov

I got to the arena early and started to put on my gear. I knew that Talbo was suppose to be in today and I was dreading having to interact with him. I had already gotten the lecture from Sid and Mario about how we needed to get past this so we could function as teammates at least and I knew that it was important to Mel so I was going to make every effort to make that happen. I looked up as I heard Tanger say something in french and I looked up to see Talbo walk into the room with his hockey bag slung over his shoulder. Our eyes met across the room and I expected him to be pissed, or maybe even proud but instead I saw a look that I swore almost looked hurt. Tanger and Flower went to his stall and started to talk to him and he broke the eye contact to concentrate on what they were saying. I stopped what I was doing and I decided to be the bigger man and the whole room went silent and I felt every single pair of eyes follow me as I made my way over to where he was standing. I could see his body tense the closer I got and he didn't take his eyes off of me for one second. Marc stepped forward like he was trying to make sure that nothing was going to happen again.

" It's okay flower. I just need to talk to Max." I said placing extra emphasis on the word talk. He didn't say anything for a few seconds but he must have believed me because he grabbed Tanger by the arm and they both moved away.

" Look. I'm sorry for the way that I acted but fuck man, I had just overheard you tell my girlfriend that you dreamed about fucking her and it just made me crazy." I said as a way to explain my actions. I expected him to be pissed at me but instead he just let out a defeated sigh

" You don't have to apologize. I probably would have done the same thing if the situation were reversed." He admitted as he sat down on the bench in front of his stall.

" I'm starting to think that this is Karma's way of getting back at me for being such a manwhore all of these years. The first girl I ever love and not only does she love someone else but it's one of my teammates." he said as he shook his head like he couldn't believe it. I wanted to be mad at him for admitting that he loved her but I really didn't have it in me anymore. I wasn't even sure that it mattered because she might very well decide to not come back and then we'd both be out of luck.

" I'm not sure that we can ever go back to being friends like we were before all of this but we need to be able to play well togeather for the sake of the team." I said as I looked at him for a reaction

He nodded his head in agreement and I got back up. I guess things were as okay between us as they could be. I turned around to go to my stall to finish getting ready and I saw Sid look between the both of us. I gave him a small smile to indicate that everything was alright and as I quickly threw the rest of my gear on and got out on the ice. For the first time in two weeks it felt like things were starting to get back to normal and it was like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. Now I just had to wait and see how the other important thing in my life was going to play out and I hated that I had no control over it.

The Aftermath Chapter 26

Mel's pov


It had been almost five days and I really needed to talk to him, make sure he was okay but a part of me was scared. I had no idea if he even wanted to see me and I had no idea if I could take the rejection if he didn't. I went to knock on the door and hesitated before I turned around to leave. I heard the door open behind me and I froze.


" What are you doing here?" I heard a voice say behind me


I turned and saw Max standing in his doorway. I swallowed, not really knowing what to say.



" I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." I said as I stayed where I was. Sid had told me that his face looked bad but to see it in person made me wince. The whole entire left side of his face was covered in a big black bruise and his eye was still puffy where it had swelled almost shut and there were several spots where they had to glue him because his skin had split open from Jordan's knuckles.


" I'm fine." He said and I noticed that his whole body was tense, like there was some kind of electric current that was running through him. It was cold out and I rubbed my hands over my arms to try to warm up. He looked down and looked back up at me before he stepped away from his door and motioned for me to come inside. I followed him inside. He told me to go sit in the living room and I did as I was told. I watched him as he disappeared and returned a few minutes later with a cup of what looked like hot chocolate. He handed it to me and I took it without saying a word. We both fiddled around for a few minutes before he finally spoke.


" I wish that there was a way that I could take this all of this back." he said without looking at me


" I know Max. I know that you didn't mean what you said. You just had too much to drink and let your emotions get the best of you."


He looked at me for a minute and I could tell by the clenching of his jaw that what I had said wasn't the right thing.


" I said I wish I could take it back, but that doesn't mean I didn't mean it. Yeah I was drunk and I shouldn't have said what I did but I meant every word of what I told you."


He moved closer to me and cupped my face with one hand. I held my breath as he moved closer and put his lips on mine. I didn't kiss him back until he put his thumb on my chin and got me to open my mouth. I put my hand on his bicep and leaned into the kiss as his tongue swept into my mouth. My mind shut itself off as I let the sensations of his mouth on mine take over any rationale thought that I may have had. I was surprised by how gentle he was and when he broke the kiss I found that my hand had a fistful of his shirt in it and that I was breathing like I had just run a marathon.


" Now tell me that I didn't mean what I said." he said as he grabbed my hand and pulled it away from his shirt. He looked at me for a few seconds before he leaned over kissed me one more time and then got up and disappeared. I was so confused and his kisses did nothing to help the situation. No matter what I did I was going to hurt someone and lose one of my best friends in the process. I got up and made my way to the front door to leave. I knew that he would want anwsers and I just wasn't in any kind of condition mentally to give them to myself much less anyone else. I slipped out the front door and into the Suv that Sid had let me borrow. I went to start the car and I looked up and saw Max standing in the window looking at me. Our eyes met and I could see even from a distance how hurt he looked. I lowered my eyes and backed out of the driveway so I could head back to the place that had become my home the last few days. I went inside Sid's entrance and holed myself into the guest room that had my stuff in it.


Jordan's Pov


The very next day I found myself sitting at a table with a microphone in my face reading the statement that had been prepared by the PR staff.


" It was a regrettable thing that happened that night and I am aware that my actions have negativly affected not only myself but my teammates, the Penguins organization and the fans and for that I am truly sorry. I have taken a lesson from this and hope that everyone will forgive me and let me move forward into the future.



I had been instructed to leave it at that and to not anwser any questions that the press was sure to have. Everything besides that had to be no comment. The swelling in my hand was just about gone and Coach B said I could practice today after the media conference as long as I felt good. I needed to get out on the ice, to practice until my muscles screamed at me. I knew that Talbo wasn't going to be anywhere around because the PR people wanted to keep us seperate for awhile until this blew over and from what I had heard I had messed up his face enough that he probably wouldn't be able to play anyway. I knew that I was suppose to be remorseful and I guess a part of me was but there was an even stronger part of me that was whispering in the back of my head.




" He deserved it. He deserved worse."




I shook my head and tried to get that thought out of my head. I knew what I had done was stupid and immature but I remember the satisfaction of feeling my knuckles hit his skin. I had been plenty pissed about different things in the course of my life but this had been different. It was like my mind had seperated from my body and I couldn't control my actions. I just did what felt right and punching him had felt right. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize that I had walked into the locker room and that everyone was staring at me like I was insane. I ducked my head down and quickly walked to my stall and started to strip so I could put my gear on. The usually loud room was deathly quiet as I started to pull on my underarmour. It didn't take long as I completed the familiar routine and in no time I was making my way out on the ice. I only talked to the guys when I had to and I was starting to get pissed. They could all go fuck themselves for all I cared. It's not like they wouldn't have done the same if he had hit on one of their girlfriends or wives. I got sick of the attitude and decided that I just wanted to go home. I told the coach that my hand was starting to hurt and that I would try it again tomorrow. There was only one person that I needed to talk to before I left. I skated over to where Sid was standing against the boards with Billy and Eats. They both looked up and skated off as I approached. Sid turned around and before I could even get a word out he stopped me.




" She's doing okay and that's all I'm going to tell you. If you want to know more you'll have to talk to her yourself."

I wanted to scream I was so pissed. Things weren't suppose to be this complicated and messed up. All I wanted to do was be with the women that I loved, maybe get married and have our own brood of kids someday and along the way be able to play a game that I love until my body couldn't do it anymore. I stripped out of my stuff and threw it all in the direction of my stall. I didn't bother to shower, I just wanted to retreat into my house and not leave until I had to. I ignored all of the fans as I jumped into my car and took off. The next five days went pretty much the same. The two games that we played in that time didn't even help to distract since I was playing like I was in peewee again. I knew that I should just go and talk to her but I was afraid that she would want nothing to do with me after everything that happened. It killed me to think that she may not want anything to do with me again. I was sitting in my stall for another practice and I still wasn't out of my funk. Little did I know that it was only going to get worse. We went out and as much as I tried I couldn't concentrate. Afterwards Sid came over and handed me an envelope and he had a look of pity on his face. I took it without a word and sat it on the small shelf in my stall until I was finished changing. I signed some autographs to make up for not doing it the last few days and really I was just trying to prolong the fact that I was going to have to read whatever the letter said eventually. I threw all of my gear into my car along with the letter and I went home so I could do it in private. I sat on my couch and ran my fingers over the plain white envelope that had my name printed on it in her handwriting. I finally got the nerve to open it and I found a single sheet of paper inside

Dear Jordan

I know that I should tell you this in person but I can't bring myself to see you right now. I need time to think about things and I can't do that here so I've decided to go home for awhile. I know that you would never hurt me but after seeing what you did I just don't know if I can ever look at you the same way again. Please don't try to contact me, when and if I want to talk I will let you know. No matter what I hope you know that I love you and always will but I just don't know if things will ever be the same. I hope that you and Max can at least be civil to each other in the future, if not for each other than for the sake of the team. I would hate to be known as the yoko ono of the Pens and I know that you are both better than that. If you love me at all you will do what you can to fix it between you two. If you can't do that then I think that there will never be any hope for us.

Melany

I slid the paper back into the envelope and sat it on my coffee table. I called Sid and he must have known I was going to call because he anwsered on the second ring.

" She's already gone man. I'm sorry." he said " I tried to talk her out of going but she is pretty messed up about what happened.

" Did she say anything?" I asked as I ran my fingers through my hair

" Just that she needed to get away from everyone so she could think and that I need to make sure that you and Max are okay."

" Alright. If you hear from her will you let me know."

" Yeah of course but the way that she was talking I don't think that's going to happen." I knew he was right but I made him promise anyways. I wanted to get on the first plane to Thunder Bay and find her and beg forgiveness but I knew if I didn't respect her wishes that it would just make things worse. I really hoped that I hadn't damaged things beyond repair.

Fight Night Chapter 25

Mel's pov



The guys had been playing well and it was decided that we were all going to go out to celebrate since we hadn't done that in awhile. I was excited to hang out with the girls and it was decided that we would meet at Vero's to get ready and meet the guys there. I had gotten Bridgettes number from Max and called and invited her along so she could meet them. She seemed excited by the idea and I she gave me directions so I could pick her up. I got to her house a little while later and she met me outside carrying a small duffle bag that I assumed had some different outfits in it to choose from for the night ahead. I greeted her as she slid into my car.



" Mel I am so nervous to be meeting some of the other girlfriends." she said as we started to drive in the direction of Vero's house



" Don't worry. Vero and Kelsey are really great and I'm sure that they will love you." I said trying to reassure her.



It didn't take long and we pulled up in front of the house. She still looked nervous so I gave her hand a squeeze before we went to the door to knock. I should have known better as the door was pulled open before we even got all the way up the steps and I was tackled by both women.



" Uhh guys it's only been a week since I've seen the both of you. Not a year or something." I said as they both let go of me.



" I know but it's been awhile since we got to hang out and we're just excited." Kelsey squeeled.



" Guys this is Max's..... um friend Bridgette." I said as I introduced all of them



I saw both women size her up and then look at each other as if they were communicating silently about what they thought. Finally Vero smiled and introduced herself and Kelsey and we both followed them inside. It seemed like she had passed the first test at least. There were already glasses of wine sitting on the table ready for us to get ahead start with and we started to try on clothes. It only took us a few hours but we all felt like we were ready to wow our men. All of the guys were already at the club so I text Jordan to let him know we were on our way. We all piled into Vero's suv and headed out. We made it to the club and since they recognized Vero and Kelsey we got in without any problems and we saw a bunch of the guys waving to us over the railing. I smiled as I saw Max and Jordan looking down at the both of us and I nudged her in the arm and pointed at the both of them. She gave them both a small wave and they met us at the top of the staircase. We split off so we could greet our men properly.



" Babe you look great." He said as he bent down to kiss my lips



" You look good too." I said and I meant it. I loved the way that he filled out a t-shirt with his muscular arms and chest. I ran my fingernails down his arm and felt him shudder slighty.



" If you keep doing things like that we won't be here very long." he growled into my neck



" Sorry I couldn't resist." I said with a smile on my face. We both turned around to find Max standing behind us with his arm around Bridgette's waist. We talked for a few minutes before we all headed over to the bar and got drinks. The night was going well and everyone was seeming to have fun. I even convinced Sid, who I had never seen dance ever, to come out on the dance floor with me. When we were done I decided to sit for awhile since I was getting tired. I couldn't find any room on the couches so I squeezed onto a stool at the bar. I flagged down the bartender for a drink and when he came back with it he started to talk to me. I found out that his name was Mike and that he was working to help pay for a degree in engineering from the University of Pitt and he was gay.

" So if you don't mind me asking, what is it like to have two big brawny hockey players in love with you?"

" Two?" I said trying not to sound to dense but I really had no idea what he was talking about.

" Yeah. Two. There is the guy that you are obviously dating, mister big, blonde and jaw over there and then there is the little hairy guy with the accent that all of the girls seem to love. I know that he came with a girl tonight but you should see the way that he stares at you when you aren't paying attention. It's like blondie has a toy that he wants and he's just trying to figure out a way to steal it."

I shook my head. It couldn't be true. I turned to look to where he had gestured and I did find Max looking at me with an intense look on his face and when our eyes met he quickly looked away and went back to whatever him and Tanger were talking about. I told him to put the drink on Jordan's tab and I went over to where Max was sitting.

" Max I need to talk to you for a minute." I said as both of the guys looked at me

" Okay." he said as he looked at me funny

I grabbed his hand and went through the crowd. I wanted to find a place that was quiet and a little more private to have this conversation with him. I was getting frusterated when I saw a door that said employees only. I opened it and saw a large closet that held all of the stuff that would be needed for cleaning the place up after close. It was plenty big enough for the two of us to fit in and I really needed to have this conversation with him or else it might drive me crazy.

I pulled him inside and he partially shut the door so he could fit.

" Max are you in love with me?" I said in a tone of voice that was alot more breathy than I wanted it to be

He looked down and it made me realize that I was still holding his hand. I quickly let go and waited for his anwser.

" Since the first time that I met you." he mumbled as he admitted his feelings to me

"But Jordan is your friend and teammate." I sputtered

" Do you think that I want to feel this way, that it's easy for me?" he said bringing his eyes up to mine. I could hear the anger and frustration in his voice and I saw that his eyes had gone dark, like the sky right before a bad storm and it scared me.

" Do you think that I enjoy wanting something that I know I can never have?" he growled as he stepped closer to me. I tried to move away but my back bumped into the wall. I didn't know what to say. He brought his hand up and placed it against the wall right beside my head and leaned into me so that our faces were only inches apart. I could feel his breath on my face and smell the alcohol as he continued talking.

" I dream about you constantly. I imagine the way that your body would feel under mine, the way that your voice would sound screaming my name as you came."

I put my hand on his chest to push him away but I never got the chance



Jordan's pov

I was having a good time. We were finally at a stage in our relationship where we trusted each other enough to be able to do our own thing without worrying and it was nice. She danced with some of the other guys and even convinced Sid to dance, which is a feat considering the man can't dance to save his life. I was sitting nursing my drink so I wouldn't get totally wasted when I saw her make her way over to the bar. I felt a little tinge of jealousy go through me as she sat and chatted with the bartender but that ended quickly when I remembered that the guy had hit on me awhile back. I was still watching them just to make sure when she turned around with a frown on her face. She started looking around and her gaze fell in the direction of where Max and Tanger were sitting. She got up and made her way over and I watched as she grabbed his hand and dragged him off somewhere. I knew that she liked Bridgette and figured that she was going to give him a lecture about keeping it in his pants as long as he was dating her. I went back to the conversation that I had been having with goose before I got distracted.

" I think that I am going to go find my beautiful girlfriend before she decided that I am ignoring her. Unlike you I actually plan on getting laid tonight. I told him with a laugh and a pat on the shoulder. I looked around and saw that neither of them were back yet. I started in the direction that I had seen them dissappear to. I didn't see them and I couldn't figure out where the hell they could have went since the hall ended not much farther down. I looked to my left and saw a door that was partially opened and I could hear faint voices coming from it. I stepped closer and I went to put my hand on the knob but stopped when I heard a familiar voice.

" I dream about you constantly. The imagine the way that your body would feel under mine,the way that your voice would sound screaming my name as you came."

I froze for a second and then I pulled open the door. I saw Talbo with his hand against the wall close enough to Mel that he could have kissed her in the second that it took me to cross the small room and grab him by the shirt. I heard someone screaming my name but it was like it was in the distance. All I was focused on was beating the shit out of the backstabbing french man that I had in my grip. He didn't even try to defend himself as I got in three good shots before I felt several pairs of arms grab me, making me drop him on the floor in a heap. I looked up from where Max was sitting on the floor, blood all over his face from the beating I just gave him. He was talking to tanger in french and since I didn't know a damn word of it I had no idea what they were talking about. He was looking at something as he spoke and I turned around to see Mel standing there looking at the both of us with a look of shock on her face. I stepped towards her and she took a step back to let me know that I was the last person that she wanted to talk to. I noticed a dull throb start in my right hand and I looked down to see that my knuckles were a bloody mess. There was no way that I could tell how much of it was mine and how much of it was Talbos but I knew it was going to hurt like a bitch in a little while. A group of people had started to congregate and I saw several of them with their camera phones out taking pictures and video no doubt. A bunch of the guys had formed a circle around Talbo to keep me from doing anymore damage and to keep people from getting any good pictures. Sid came up the stairs with security and they quickly emptied out the vip area so there wouldn't be anymore problems. I saw Sid on his phone and he had a grim look on his face.

" I talked to Mel and she told me what this was about. I can't fucking believe you two. I called Mario and he told me to tell the both of you that unless you need to go to the hospital that you should go home and wait for Christy from PR to call. He also said to not bother showing up to practice tommorrow if this is just going to continue.He's got guys from Wilkes Barre who would be more than happy to take your places until you get your heads out of your asses.

" What about Mel?" I asked not seeing her wanting anything to do with me right now

" Mario said that she was welcome to stay with the family until she figures out what she wants to do."

I nodded. At least I knew that she would be safe and taken care of." I told him that I would give them sometime to go to the house and get some of her stuff. I went to the bathroom and turned on the water in the sink so I could assess how bad my hand was. I watched as the water that ran down the drain turned pink and I flexed my hand. It was already starting to swell. I should probably have it xrayed just in case I fractured something. I went out and found goose who was on his phone.

" I have no idea what the hell happened. He must have caught his women and Talbo doing something because things were fine one minute and the next Staalzie was holding onto Talbo beating the shit out of him while Mel stood behind them screaming. If we hadn't gotten him to stop I'm pretty sure he would have killed him. Tanger is taking him to the hospital right now to make sure that nothing is fractured or broken." He turned around and saw me standing there

" Listen Billy. I need to get going. I'll see you tommorrow at practice."

He looked at me like a kid that had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

" It's okay goose. It's not like the guys aren't going to find out what happened anyway." I said with a shrug. I asked him to drive me to the hospital to get my hand checked out and he nodded. We didn't talk on the drive there and as I was waiting to be examined I couldn't help but think that what had happened would change things and not just between me and Talbo.

Date Night Chapter 24

Max's point of view


I pulled up in front of Bridgettes house and found myself getting nervous which was totally stupid. I was Max fucking Talbot, I scored goals to win cups, I didn't sit on the street in front of some girls house acting like a damn high schooler with no game. I took a deep breath to steady myself and got out of my car to go to her door. I knocked and I heard a voice yelling through the door that it would be a second. Bridgette anwsered her door and I I had to make a concious effort for my jaw not to hit the floor. She looked beautiful, the emerald green dress made her skin and hair seem even darker and more exotic. I realized that I was just standing there staring at her like an idiot and finally I smiled.



" You look beautiful."



" Thank You. You don't look to bad yourself." she said smiling back at me



I offered her my arm and led her to the car, opening the door for her before I got in myself. We were going to a fancy restaurant that I had heard good things about from some of the other guys. On the way there I phoned staalzie to make sure that they were still coming. He anwsered and told me that they were already there. We pulled up and I gave my keys to the valet before we headed inside.







Mel's pov



Jordan grabbed my hand as we walked into the fancy restaurant that Max had made reservations at. It wasn't really my type of thing but I guess that he wanted to impress this girl and I could see how this would go a long way in doing that. We looked around and didn't see him yet so we were going to wait but the waiter told us that we could sit if we wanted to since they already had a table in the back reserved. We followed him and as we waited we ordered some wine. He got a phonecall as we were sitting and from what I could hear I assumed it was Max telling him that he was on his way. They finally showed a few minutes later and we were introduced to his date. She was beautiful and even though I would never admit it to either of the men, I felt inadequate just standing so close to her. I could tell right away that she was one of those girls that commanded guys attention without even trying, as was evidenced by the fact that neither man could take their eyes off of her. I knew it was stupid and childish but part of me wanted to stake my claim, let her know that she better damn well keep her hands where they belong or else I was liable to tear them off. Our food came and while we were eating she was anwsering questions that the guys kept asking about her. I was being completely ignored and I didn't like it one bit. I wanted to get Jordan's attention back on me so I took my free hand and ran in up his leg and thigh. He turned his head and gave me a look, one that said " not now" and took my hand and placed back in my own lap. He directed his attention back to her and I had had enough. I excused myself so I could go to the bathroom and when I got there I called Vero so I could vent to someone about the situation.



" God V you should see this girl. Big boobs, small waist, she pretty much looks like a fullsize walking version of barbie. Jordan and Max haven't even acknowledged that I am in the room with them all night. The worst part is that I really want to hate her but she seems nice so it's making it kind of hard.



" Sounds like someone is jealous." she said trying not to laugh at how ridiculas I was being



" Yeah I am. Really jealous. Wouldn't you be if Marc did the same to you?"



" No because Marc would never be stupid enough to do something like that in front of me. I would beat the crap out of him and he knows it."



Even though I was still pissy about it I got a mental image of Vero pounding the shit out of poor Marc and I couldn't help but laugh



" See now that's better. Just remember that even if he is looking he's going home with you and that's all that matters."



" Yeah I guess your right." I said with a sigh



" Now go and try to enjoy yourself. "



" I'll try."



I tucked my phone back into my purse and went to use the bathroom. I was washing my hands when Bridgette came in.



" The guys sent me to check on you. I think they were a little worried that you were taking so long." she said as she came over to the sink



" I'm fine. I just had to take a phone call."



" Oh. Okay."



I hesitated, I wanted to ask her something but I didn't want her to get offended.



" Can I ask you how you know Max? He hasn't mentioned any girls since I moved down here."



I watched as her cheeks turned pink and she bit her lower lip before she anwsered.



" I know that this is going to sound horrible but we met at diesel awhile ago and I took him home with me. The funny thing is that I really am not a sports person so I had no idea at the time who he was at the time.



" So your whole relationship has been about sex so far?" I asked



" Yeah but not because I want it to be. After the first night I told a friend about the guy that I had met and apparently she knew who he was because she told me to google him, which I did. It didn't take me very long to figure out his reputation and I figured that it was better to act like it was no big deal that we just had sex then to try to push a relationship because obviously that wouldn't have gotten me very far. I figured that having him in my bed a couple of times a month was better than not having him around at all."



Wow that just killed any hatred I may have felt for this women. Now I just felt bad. At least Jordan knew how I felt and he felt the same way about me.



" Well this date is a step in the right direction right?" I asked as I put my arm around her shoulder



" I hope so. I've had a really good time tonight."



" Let's get you some alone time." I said as I let go of her and went back to the table



" Babe. I'm not feeling good. I think I want to go home." I said as I sat back down next to him holding my stomach



" Alright. Talbo your on your own man. I have to take my women home and play nurse."



He stood up and laid some bills on the table even though Max insisted on paying. I leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek and as I did I whispered in his ear



" Don't fuck this up. I think this one might be a keeper." I watched as his blue eyes got big and I gave Bridgette a wink before I straightened up and pretended to play sick again. We headed home and I climbed into bed. I wanted to keep pretending to be sick just to see what Jordan would do but I knew that wouldn't be nice so I let him in on what was going on.



" Damn that sucks for her." he said as he crawled into bed beside me,



" Yeah that was what I thought."



" What a dumbass. Hopefully he doesn't fuck it up. She seems like a great girl and lord knows its about time he settle down."



" I really didn't like her at first but after talking to her I agree that she does seem nice."



" Why didn't you like her?" he asked as he rolled over to look at me. I didn't want to admit that I had been jealous but I had brought it up and I knew he wouldn't let it go without me telling him.



" You both were paying attention to her most of the night and I got kind of jealous." I admitted feeling stupid



" You were jealous?" he asked with a grin



" Umhmm." was my only reply



He scooted closer to me and brought his lips down to my collarbone. He laid a few gentle kisses there and started to move higher.



" I'm sorry babe, I didn't mean to make you feel bad but I'm paying attention to you now." he said as he nipped at my earlobe. My breath quickened and any conversation we were having went out the window as he undressed and slid himself into me. I didn't have any idea how this night would end for the other two but as far as I was concerned I couldn't have asked for a better ending to mine.

update hopefully soon

I will be working on an update on this soon. I'm kind of on a roll with my other story right now but I haven't forgotten about this one I promise.

So I posted this on my other story and I'm going to say the same thing on this one. I think that I am done with blogger for a little while, possibly permantly. I am tired of writing these stories only to have no one comment, ever. The only person who has ever commented on this one in particular has stopped and frankly I am sick and tired of feeling like I am wasting my time. I would rather sit in my arm chair and write in my notebooks if I am going to be the only one reading it anyway.

Over The Phone Chapter 23

Jordan's pov



We left for our road trip for the preseason a few days later. I was going to miss Melany but this would be a good test to see how we would both deal with me being gone. Our first game was against Columbus. The guys were loose and looking forward to the season ahead. Everyone was at the arena getting ready when my phone vibrated. Mel had sent me a text message wishing me good luck. I text her back to thank her and let her know that I was thinking about her. I couldn't keep the shit eating grin off of my face as I put my phone back in my stall.


" Get a message from your girl?" Gogo asked as he pulled on his shoulder pads



" Yeah I did. " I said not elaborating, but apparently not having to


" Man she is such a hottie. You are one lucky bastard." he said as he got up and put on his jersey


I didn't have to be told that. I knew how lucky I was to have her at home waiting for me.


" So how is it going with that waitress you were seeing?" I asked as I tied first my left skate then my right.


" I don't know man. The sex is fanfuckingtastic but she isn't really the type of girl that you can have an intelligent conversation with, you know what I mean."


" Well you two should get along great then." I joked, which earned me a punch in the arm from my teammate


I finished getting ready and started to stretch. The last thing that I wanted to do was get hurt during a pretty much meaningless preseason game.


" Hey Jordan I have a favor to ask you?" Max said to my side.


I looked at Max and waited for him to continue. I couldn't exactly pinpoint why, but he hadn't seemed to be himself over the last couple of weeks. I figured that if he wanted to talk about something that he would come and find me.


" What would that be?"


" I have this girl that I want to take on a date and I was wondering if you and Mel would like to come along?"


" Like a double date?"


" Yeah"


" I'll probably talk to her sometime after the game tonight but I'm pretty sure that she won't have a problem with it."


He looked more like himself as he beamed a smile at me


" Thanks. I appreciate it."


I nodded my head and tried to focus on the game. When it was over all of the guys had decided to go out to celebrate our win and I was planning on going. I went to change and I noticed that my phone was flashing that I had a message so I flipped it open. It was a picture message from Melany and when it had downloaded my jaw nearly fell off onto the floor. I needed to make it back to the hotel, the sooner the better.



Melanys Pov


I was sitting in my living room with Vero and Kelsey watching the Notebook and drinking wine. I had to admit that it was nice to have girlfriends to distract me from Jordan being gone. They were giving me advice on how to cope with all of the situations that would more than likely come with dating a hockey player and I was relieved to hear that they had shared some of my fears and insecurites.


" Hey you know what you should do? You should dress up really sexy and send a picture to Jordan's phone. I've done that for Tyler and trust me he enjoyed it.



I looked at Vero and knew by the smile on her face that she had done the same for Marc.


" Come on. Let's go and see what we can find." Kelsey said grabbing my arm. She pulled me upstairs with Vero right behind us. I tried to protest but since I was outnumbered it didn't matter.


" God we have to get you to a Victoria's Secret as soon as possible." they both complained as they went through my underware drawer.


" Sorry that I like being comfortable." I muttered, feeling a little embarresed by all of the apparently non sexy things that I owned.


" Oooh. What is this?" Kelsey asked as she pulled a royal blue g-string out from the bottom of the drawer along with a matching bra. It was something that I had bought a few years before to boost my confidence during a date and I had forgotten that I even had it.


" This is perfect. Now go put it on" she instructed as she threw it at me. I went to my bathroom and put on the bra and panties like I was instructed. I felt weird as I walked back into my bedroom.


" I think that we need to put some make-up on you and do something with your hair." Vero said. She headed downstairs to grab the huge bag that she carried everywhere with her and when she came back she had a make up bag with her that had everything that you could need. I felt like an overgrown, underdressed barbie as Vero applied make-up and Kelsey curled my hair with a curling iron that she had found in my bathroom. Finally they declared themselves done and I was told to go look in the mirror. I did just that and I was surprised by how hot that I looked.


" I think that I need a pair of heels." I said getting into it.


I went to our closet and grabbed out a pair of black stilleto heels that hardly ever got worn. I threw them on and turned around for approval


" Man that poor boy is going to be walking around hard until he get's home." Kelsey said with a giggle


" Isn't that the point?" Vero chimed in


" Now we have to take a picture with your phone so you can send it to him. Kels grabbed my phone and directed me on what to do. She took several and I went to put on a robe while they decided on what one would be the best to send. I pointed out the one that I liked and we finally came to a consense and I did a picture message and sent it to Jordan along with the text that I was thinking of him while he was gone.


" The game should be over in a little while so we are going to get going. If I were you I wouldn't be putting to much on. I'm sure that he will be calling you right away." Vero said with a wink. They grabbed their stuff and left me alone in my bedroom. I was laying on the bed when my phone rang. True to Vero's word he had called as soon as he got back to the hotel.


" Hey babe. What's up?" I said trying to sound innocent


" Oh I don't know. Just my dick from that picture you sent me. That was seriously fucking hot."


"You know that I'm just laying here on the bed still wearing it." I said in my best seductive voice. It must have worked because I heard him start to breath heavy on the other end of the line.


" Are you alone?" I asked not wanting to get him all riled up if he couldn't do anything about it


" Yeah all of the guys went out so I'll be alone for awhile." he said in a husky voice that turned me on


" Good." I said as my free hand crept down my stomach and into the flimsy material of my panties

We proceded to have some of the hottest phone sex that I have ever had. When we were finished it took a few minutes for the both of us to catch our breaths.

" That was fucking amazing." he said as he took a few deep breaths

" Yeah. I think I'll have to thank the girls when I see them again. It was their idea. Well not the phone sex part but the picture and I'm pretty sure that they knew exactly what it was going to lead to."

" No wonder Flower and TK always hole up in their rooms on the road." he said with a laugh

I stretced and tried to unsuccesfully stifle a yawn

" Sorry babe. I think that you wore me out." I said as I wiped at my tired eyes

" That's alright. I should probably get going so I can get cleaned up before the guys get here anyway or I'll never hear the end of it."

" Okay. Enjoy the rest of your night."

" Oh wait till I forget Max wants us to go on a double date with him sometime when we get back."

I let out a snort. I hadn't been on a double date since high school.

" Why?"

" I don't know. Maybe he's afraid that the girl will end up being a psycho puckbunny or something. I told him that it was up to you."

" Yeah it's fine. Just let me know when."

We said our goodnights and I went to bed. I wasn't sure what to expect on our "Date" with Max but I was curious to see what kind of girl he would bring along.

Options Chapter 22

So here it is. Thanks for being patient and I hope you enjoy it.

I heard a horn beep outside and I threw on my shoes so I could head out the door. Vero and Kelsey had invited me to go with them to the guys first preseason game. It was the first time that I had seen him play in person in a long time and even though the game itself didn't really matter I was excited. I slid into the back of vero's car and we made our way to Mellon Arena. The girls talked to me about what to expect with the crowds of people and in the locker room. We made it inside the building and found our seats, which were fantastic. I bounced in my seat as we waited for the guys to come on the ice to warm-up. When they finally did I sat on the end of my seat. I couldn't take my eyes off of him as he skated around shooting the puck. I had forgotten how incredibly sexy he looked when he played. I saw Max skating around by the net and he started to look around like he was looking for someone. His eyes finally found mine and he gave me a smile and a nod before he concentrated back on what he was doing. I kind of wished Jordan would do the same but I knew how focused he was on the ice so I wasn't surprised when he never looked up. The game started and from the first puck drop it was intense. By the end of the first period the guys were up two against the devils with Max and Jordan having scored a goal a piece. Between periods we went and got some food at one of the concession stands before we headed back to our seats. I watched the ice as Marc stretched in the goal crease before the puck was dropped.





" Hey Vero.... I wanted to ask her something but I wasn't sure if she would take it the wrong way or not




"Yes he really is as flexible as he seems and yes it is as fun in the bedroom as you would imagine."







I felt my skin turning warm as she pretty much read my mind and they both burst into laughter at my reaction





" Don't worry. You aren't the first girlfriend to ask me about it." she said with a grin





We fininshed watching the game which the guys won easily. I wanted to get down to the locker room to congratulate him on his good game but I was warned that it was probably going to be awhile with the media. We went to a little room that was reserved for families and sat around and waited for the guys to come out. Max was out first he greeted Vero in french and then Kelsey before he turned to me.





" Hey did you see my goal?" he asked




" Yes and it was great. You played really well tonight."




" He opened his mouth to say something but he didn't get the chance. Jordan walked into the room and I went over to him so I could tell him that he also played a great game.




" I scored that goal for you babe." he whispered in my ear as he leaned down to give me a kiss on the cheek



" You know that is incredibly cheesy but sweet." I couldn't help but grin at him



" Let's get going home. I was thinking that we could spend some time alone before we have to leave in a few days."



" Sounds good. Let's go."




Vero was talking to Max and I went over to say goodbye. I promised that we would get together sometime soon and Jordan came over and grabbed my hand and we headed home









Max's Pov









I felt a pang of jealousy course through me when Jordan came out and she went to him without saying anything else to me. I watched out of the corner of my eye as they kissed and whispered to each other. Whatever he said made her smile that gorgeous smile that I wished that she would look at me with. I heard a familiar voice to the side of me and I pasted a fake smile on my face as Vero came over to talk to me.







" Hello Max. You played a good game tonight." She said as she gave my shoulder a squeeze







" Thanks Vero. Marc should be out any minute."



We talked for a few more minutes when Jordan and Melany came over to say goodbye. I tried not to watch her to closely because I didn't want to cause any problems. They took off and I was left alone again with Vero. She studied my face like I had something on it.







" Marc has told me that you don't seem to be yourself, is there anything wrong?" She asked with obvious concern in her voice. Marc was one of my best friends on the team but one of the most irritating things about him was that he told everything to Vero. I considered telling her about my problem but I didn't want to drag someone else into the mess that I had found myself in.







" Nah nothing's wrong. At least nothing that can't be fixed by a good session between the sheets."







Poor Vero just wrinkled her nose at me. She could never understand how I could just hop around from women to women and as a good friend she never had a problem telling me how stupid she thought I was when it came to relationships







" Maxime Talbot you really need to give up those young puckbunnies and find a real women. You are getting to old to act the way that you do." God she sounded just like my mother. Little did she know that I had found a real women. Too bad that I didn't find her first.







I stretched and gave an exagerrated fake yawn.







" I think that I'll be heading home. I'll see you at the next home game."







" Of course. Now drive safe and don't get into any trouble."







I agreed and headed to my car . As I slid into the driver's seat I thought about what I told Vero and decided that what I had told her was true. Maybe a session between the sheets with a hot women would help me with the situation that I was in. In the very least it would provide release and distraction for a little while. I grabbed my phone and opened up my contacts. I knew exactly who to call and I knew that she wouldn't mind that I was calling kind of late. The phone rang a few times before a sleepy voice anwsered.







" Hi Bridgette. It's Max."







" Hi. I was hoping to hear from you when you got back into town." she said sounding more awake







" Yeah, sorry I was busy getting ready for the season."



" No Problem. So are you looking to blow off a little steam?" she asked getting straight to the point



" Yeah if that's okay with you"



" I'll leave the door unlocked."



I didn't have a chance to respond before she hung up. Bridgette was a girl that I had met at diesel the year before and had hooked up with and had exchanged numbers. We usually hooked up at least a couple of times a month, always at her house and I never stayed. Our relationship was strictly about sex and she had no problem with that, or at least she never had indicated that she did. I pulled up in front of the house that she owned and let myself inside. I had never seen it in the daylight but I knew exactly where the bedroom was. I kicked off my shoes and my suit jacket before I headed in that direction. I knocked on the semi-closed door and entered. My body instantly responded when I saw her naked on the bed already waiting for me. She was a beautiful women, all tan skin and dark hair.







" Are you gonna stand there looking or are you going to come here and fuck me?" she asked as her one hand slid between her legs. I was spured into action by the sight before me and it only took what felt like seconds to shed my clothes. I put the condom on that she threw me and I laid myself on top of her. I didn't have to waste anytime with foreplay since she had already gotten herself ready.







" On your hands and knees." I said my voice rough



She did as I asked and I grabbed her hips as I slid into her from behind. Normally I try to make sure that the women that I am with enjoys herself as much as I am but this time I didn't care, this was about getting myself off. Luckily she enjoyed rough sex and the moans were telling me that she was in fact enjoying herself. Her dirty mouth egged me and a little while later I laid on my back in a sweaty satisfied heap. This was the point in the action where I told her how amazing it was, that I would call again soon and get dressed and leave. Instead I turned on my side and looked at the women who lay beside me. I realized that as much as we messed around that I really didn't know anything about her.



" Is there something wrong?" she asked me as I stared at her

" No I just realized that I don't know anything about you."

She looked surprised and I couldn't say that I blamed her.



" What would you like to know?"

" I don't know. Anything I guess."



She started to talk and I found myself enjoying listening to her.



" Would you like to go to dinner with me when we get back into town."

" You mean like a date? Seriously?"

" Yeah."

She beamed me a cute smile and nodded."



" Okay. I'll call you when I get back into town to set something up."

I got up and started to get dressed.



" You don't have to leave if you don't want to." she said with hesitation in her voice.

I stopped buttoning my pants and considered her offer. It had been a long time since I had actually slept with a women and the idea appealed to me. I took my pants back off and slid under the covers next to her. She settled against me and the last thought that I remember having is that even though this wasn't the person that I wanted to have my arms around that it felt nice to have a warm body next to mine

So I got something in the mail today that I am super excited about. Normally I am against buying things that have been autographed because to me half the point of one is getting to actually meet the person but I couldn't pass up the opportunity that I found. Every year the Penguins host a charity event called skates and plates where the guys play waiters for tables of rich people. Afterwards they have the guys sign aprons that are made just for the event with the skates and plates logo on them and they auction them off for charity. I have never had the money in the past but this year I did so I thought what the hell and I bid on one. I was surprised when I found out that I had actually won the auction and now I am the proud owner of a skates and plates apron signed by Tyler Kennedy. The coolest thing about it other than the fact that it is signed by one of my favorite penguins is the fact that it's unique and not something that every Penguins fan is going to have hanging in their living room. I have it being framed right now and I will try to get a picture when I get it back in the next couple of weeks.

Lean On Me Chapter 21

Max opened the car door for me and helped me inside. He didn't say anything on the short drive back to his house which I was grateful for since I did not want to talk about what happened. We pulled into his driveway and I got out and followed me inside.

" I'll get you some clothes to change into and I have an extra toothbrush in my bathroom."

" Thanks Max."

He didn't say anything as he headed upstairs. I checked my phone and saw that there was no new messages or text. I'm not sure what took so long but he finally came down with everything that he said he was going to get.


" There is a t-shirt and a pair of pair of sweats. They will probably be big on you since I have the sterotypical hockey players butt but it's all that I got."





I cracked the slightest bit of a smile at his comment about hockey players butt and apparently that was the reaction that he was looking for since he smiled back. I took the clothes from him and went to the bathroom that he pointed out. I went inside and everything that happened hit me like a ton of bricks. I sat on the floor and started to cry as I realized how stupidly I reacted to the whole situation. Max must have gotten concerned at how long I was taking because I heard a knock on the door.





" Can I come in?"


" Yeah" I said with a sniffle


He opened the door and peeked his head in. I looked at him with a teary face and he came and sat down next to me and put his arm around me. I wiped at my face and thought about how ridiculas I must look.





" Is everything okay?"


" No I'm a complete idiot."


" No you're not."


" Yes I am. I completely overreacted and now Jordan probably hates me.


I felt like a complete fool and to top it all off I had put him in a bad situation when he didn't deserve it.





" I'm sorry about how I acted. You didn't deserve to get caught in the middle of it."





" It's okay just please make sure that it doesn't happen again. I'm pretty sure that he could rip me in half with very little effort."





" Yeah you're probably right. You want to know the really stupid part about the whole thing? I'm usually not the jealous type so I really don't even know where that reaction came from."





" You're human. It happens."





I watched him as he got up and grabbed a washcloth off of a small shelf. He got it wet and handed it to me. I wiped my face and held it to my eyes as he left the room for a few minutes. I took it off my face when I heard him reenter and he was standing there holding my phone. I took it from him and looked at the screen willing myself to have enough courage to make the phone call that I needed to. Max went to leave but I stopped him.



" Can you stay? Please?"

He sat down next to me and I dialed the number. As I listened to it ring I found myself grabbing his hand to try to calm my nerves.



Jordan's pov



I was laying in bed tossing and turning. I couldn't believe what had happened. I never expected her to flip out and it's not like I was doing something wrong. If she couldn't trust me when she was standing there seeing what I was doing there was no way that she would be able to handle me being on the road. And that little dance that she did with Talbot pissed me off to. I am positive that he just got dragged into our fight but he should have stopped her before it got as far as it did. I turned on my side and again tried to get my mind off of things but my phone rang.



" What the hell do you want?" I snipped at him



" I was just calling to tell you that Mel is in my bathroom crying about what happened. She feels horrible."

All of the anger that I had left when I heard him speak those words. Now I just felt like the hugest jackass for leaving like I did.



" I'm sorry for being such an ass. I know that you were caught in the middle of it and it wasn't right of either of us."



" Yeah well I'll figure out a way for the both of you to make it up to me. Now I am going to hang up and get her to call you."



" Thanks"



I hung up the phone and waited for her to call. She did a few minutes later and we both apologized. I told her that I would try to be more considerate of her feelings and she agreed to not get jealous evertime I was approached by a female.



" Do you want me to come pick you up?" I asked willing to make the drive if she wanted me too



" It's up to you babe. I know that it's getting late and you must be tired. I'm sure that Max wouldn't mind if I stayed in one of his guest rooms until morning."



" Nah that's okay. I really want to see you and it's not like you are that far away." We talked for a few more minutes while I was putting on my clothes and shoes back on. I pulled into Talbos driveway and text her to let her know I was there. I watched out my window as she came out of the door with Max not far behind her. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and he waved at me as she headed over to the car. I grabbed her hand and kissed her to let her know that I wasn't mad anymore and I noticed that she was wearing his clothes and that she smelled like Max. I wasn't about to make a huge deal about it after the night that we already had. When we got back to the house we headed upstairs right away.



" Babe I was thinking about taking a hot shower. Do you want to join me?"

" I don't think so. I am really tired." she replied with a yawn

" Come on pretty please." I asked trying to get her to agree without telling her why but of course it couldn't be that simple and she had to have a reason



"It's just that you smell like Max and I'm positive that it would weird me out to have to sleep next to you smelling like one of my teammates."



She lifted up the collar of the shirt to her nose and sniffed at it.



" Huh, I guess I do. Fine go get the water ready."



She came in a few minutes later and shed the offending clothes and joined me in the shower. She stood under the spray of water to get wet. I grabbed the bar of soap and started to soap up her back. I could feel her responding to my touch and I slid my hand around her front to massage her breasts. She let out a small moan and leaned back into me while my hands continued downwards. My hand made its way in between her legs and I found her clit and and started to rub my fingers over it.

" Oh God right there. Don't stop." she moaned as she bucked her hips against me. I was urged to go faster and I complied leaning down so I could suck on the tender skin on her neck. I knew that it was going to leave a mark but I didn't care. I think that in my own way I was marking her, even if just temporarily.

" I'm so close baby. Please don't stop." I sped up the tempo and I could feel her body start to shake against mine as she climaxed. I held her against me for a few minutes before I finally let go. My erection was throbbing painfully between my legs and I was hoping that something could be done about it sooner rather than later. She turned around and looked at me with the sexiest bedroom eyes that I have ever seen on a women. She never broke eye contact with me as she licked her way down my chest towards my cock. I was so turned on that I could feel it twitching and it wasn't even getting any direct attention yet. She finally made her way to the place that I most wanted her and I had to concentrate to keep from shooting my load the second that she put her warm wet mouth on me. I moaned uncontrollably as she went to work on me with her talented mouth. I tried to think of every non sexy thing that I could thing of but I was at the edge and there was no way that I was going to prolong it like I wanted to. I grabbed the back of her head and thrust myself into her mouth a couple of more times before I came in her mouth. She swallowed everything and didn't stop before I was completely soft. I pulled her up and she went to kiss me but I wouldn't let her. I leaned over and smelled her. She smelled like regular soap now and I was glad about that. I turned off the water and we both got out.

" Brush your teeth and meet me in the bedroom?"

That smile was all I needed to see to know that's exactly what she had in mind. We forgot about sleep and forgot about our stupid fight. I didn't in any way shape or form want to make it a habit to get into fights with her but it was tempting if this was going to be the end product