"I promise, I'll be there as soon as I can," Mike reassured Danielle who was screaming at him for not taking her to her doctor's appointment.
"Mike, we find out the sex of the baby today besides, it's your first appointment, I fucking expected you to be here."
"Dani, baby, calm down."
"Fuck you, Mike Green. I am not calming myself down."
Mike laughed on the other end of the phone, "Go ahead and laugh, it's not funny, you fucking asshole."
"It's not my fault our plane had layover because of a mechanical issue."
"I hate you!"
Mike just laughed again, half at Danielle's hormones and half at Brooks arguing with his girlfriend, Kiley over not being able to make dinner with her parents. Danielle had been in DC for 3 weeks now and she was still getting used to everything.
Mike was adjusting to having someone living with him too. Danielle stayed in the guest room; their relationship was still new to them. The only date they've been on was when they were in Pittsburgh and Mike knew they needed to start spending more time together.
When Danielle first arrived in DC to stay permanently, the Capitals were getting ready for their road trip to the West and she had gotten to know Brooks' fiancée Kiley. They two became inseparable much to Mike and Brooks' dismay.
Danielle and Kiley tag teamed the guys each day. They loved picking on the hockey players, sometimes even Ovi joined in on the fun.
"I have to go, Kiley is beeping in. Hurry it the fuck up and get here or I'm cutting your balls off and roasting them in the fireplace."
Mike cringed but smirked as he said goodbye and hung up.
"Is Danielle going all fucking psycho on you too?"
"It's her hormones."
"Hormones my fucking ass," Brooks said, "Women are fucking psycho."
“Kiley has you so fucking whipped.”
“I’m not whipped, I love her.”
Mike couldn’t help but laugh, “Dude, you sound like a total fucking chick.”
“You can honestly look at me and tell me that Danielle isn’t changing you,” Brooks began, “You fucking rearranged your life to fit a girl in it that you didn’t know at all and suddenly she’s pregnant and she’s everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Mike sat in the terminal not saying anything when Brooks’ phone rang again, “FUCKING PSYCHOTIC, BITCH!”
“I HEARD THAT ASSHOLE,” Mike heard Kiley shout and he laughed before texting Danielle.
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks flipped him off, “Fuck you,” he spat.
“FUCK ME,” Kiley shouted, “Brooks, you are digging yourself into a huge fucking hole right now.”
“Babe, I was talking to Mike.”
Kiley was now on speaker and Mike was laughing at her cussing Brooks out, “I will cut your balls off, Brooks, not even kidding.”
“Danielle just threatened to cut mine off and roast them in the fireplace.”
Brooks muted the phone, “They’re violent fucking bitches, we are so going out for drinks tonight because I need to get the hell out of the house.”
“We were just away for 2 weeks; you can at least go home for one night.”
“Fuck that,” Brooks said, “I need to go away for 2 weeks again.”
Mike just rolled his eyes as Bruce announced that they could board the plane again. Brooks ended his phone call and gladly shut his phone off as they headed down the ramp towards the plane.
Mike texted Danielle letting her know they were on their way home. Mike sped the whole way to the doctor’s office, he was sure that if he was pulled over, he could bribe the cops with tickets and VIP treatment for a game.
Mike pulled in next to Kiley’s Range Rover that Brooks had bought her for his birthday, “What a pussy,” he mumbled smiling at the car as he locked the Lamborghini and walked into the office building.
The nurse at the window smiled when she saw Mike, “Miss James is in the first room to the left, go ahead back.”
“Thank you,” Mike smiled walking back to the room.
Danielle was sitting on the table and Kiley was sitting in the chair next to her reading a Cosmo when Mike walked in.
“It’s about you showed up,” Kiley huffed, “I was beginning maybe to think I was you dressed in drag.”
“Bite me!”
“Real mature, asshole,” she replied standing up, “Danielle, I’m going to go castrate Brooks. Call me later and we’ll do dinner or something.”
“Brooks and I included,” Mike asked.
“Since it’s a girl’s night and both you and Brooks are about to be flat in the front like a Ken doll, then yeah you can come.”
“Fuck you, Kiley.”
Danielle laughed and held her hand out to Mike who took it and walked closer to her occupying the chair that Kiley had just vacated. Mike sat down and Danielle turned her head towards him, Mike leaned closer and gave her a kiss.
“You two make me sick, I’m out of here,” she said smirking before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.
“I missed you,” Danielle said and Mike put his forehead to hers.
“I missed you too, how’s the baby,” he said putting his hand on her bump that was now noticeable.
“We’ll find out today if he ever comes back in, I made him wait until you got here. Luckily, he had a cancellation.”
Mike chuckled as the door opened and the doctor walked in, “Good to see you again, Mr. Green,” Dr. Thompson said sticking out his hand, “Miss James insisted we wait until you got here, congrats on the clean sweep of the West.”
“Thanks,” Mike smiled.
“Miss James, are you ready to see your baby?”
“We are,” Danielle smiled and Mike took her hand in his as the nurse walked in with the sonogram machine.
Danielle lifted her shirt and Mike rubbed her stomach before smiling as the nurse came over and put the gel on her stomach. Danielle shivered at the cold and Mike ran his hands through her hair.
“How long have you two been together,” the nurse asked smiling at the gesture before the doctor ran the tool over Danielle’s belly.
“Almost two months,” Mike replied.
“Wow! I never would have guessed,” the middle aged nurse replied, “You two seem so comfortable with each other.”
Mike could tell she was pushing for information about how Danielle was four months pregnant and they were only together for two months, so he made up that they were best friends who decided to have a baby together before they both realized they wanted more. Danielle tried not to laugh at the soap opera Mike was creating.
Silence fell upon the room as the sound of a heartbeat filled the air. Mike squeezed Danielle’s hand as the image of their baby popped up on the screen.
“They’re waving,” Dr. Thompson said as the baby moved its hand and the heartbeat continued to fill the air.
“Can we find out what we’re having?”
“The fetus is in the perfect position, so we should be able to tell.”
The doctor moved the ball on Danielle’s stomach and sure enough the baby’s body part appeared on the screen, Mike immediately knew what it was and he started smiling like he had just won the Stanley Cup.
“Well, it looks like you two are having a baby boy.”
Danielle’s eyes welled up with tears, she prayed it was a boy since the last couple of generations were girls.
“Is Landon Michael good for you,” Mike whispered and Danielle nodded her head. She was in love with the name the minute Mike had told her the names he had picked out when they had their first conversation on the phone.
“Miss James, schedule an appointment for next month and we’ll see you then. Good luck to both of you and keep up the great play, Mr. Green.”
“Thank you,” Mike replied shaking Dr. Thompson’s hand.
“We’re having a boy,” Danielle said as they walked out of the office, “I have to call my mom and tell her.”
Mike smiled while pulling out his cell phone to call his mom as well, “Okay, we’ll both call our moms then we’ll call the guys.”
“Okay,” Danielle smiled.
Ever since the picture of the two of them surfaced on Mike’s twitter page, the cyber world was in an uproar. Countless lies had been spread about Danielle but as soon as something was posted, Mike had it taken down and he protected Danielle from the criticism and harsh words. Mike was tweeting his excitement and he didn’t care what anyone said about him or Danielle.
“Looks like we’re painting the town red, white, and baby blue…it’s a boy. Danielle and I thank you both for the support,” he tweeted and he knew he was sure to get countless replies but he didn’t care.
As they hung up with their ecstatic mothers who were begging for each other’s phone numbers to plan for their first grandchild’s arrival, they laughed as they headed back to their house. Danielle took a hot shower while Mike opened his 2 weeks’ worth of mail that she put in one of the kitchen drawers.
Mike got a call from Brooks asking if he and Danielle wanted to meet him and Kiley for dinner. Mike agreed and told Danielle through the bathroom door. Dinner went by without a hitch as the men feared for their lives and their private parts.
“You two should not be friends,” Brooks said, “You two are bitches when you two are together.”
“Want to sleep on the couch tonight,” Kiley asked and Brooks immediately shut his mouth, “That’s what I thought.”
Mike made a whipping noise and Brooks glared at him, “Whatever Greener, you’re getting close to it. By the way, you two never told us, am I going to have to help you beat the boys away Mikey or am I going to teach another man how to get the ladies.”
“Keep digging that hole, Brooks,” Danielle laughed as Kiley glared at her fiancé.
“We’re having a boy,” Mike gushed and Kiley shrieked.
“Hell yeah,” Brooks said fist bumping him from across the table, “That’s what I’m talking about, we got another future NHLer on our hands.”
“Relax there, Brooksy,” Mike said, “Landon’s not even here yet.”
“Oh my God, you have a name picked already,” Kiley shrieked again.
“We’ve had it picked for a while, from our first conversation on the phone if you want to be technical about it,” Danielle said, “Mike thought of the names and I have always liked Landon for a boy’s name, so we’re going to name him Landon Michael Green.”
“That is too precious.”
Dinner ended which sent both Mike and Danielle home. They were both exhausted from their days, Danielle from being worried about Mike all night to Mike being jetlagged and they both needed to catch up on sleep.
“Want to watch a movie,” Mike asked, “Or do you just want to go to bed?”
“Movie’s good,” Danielle smiled, “Just let me go get changed.”
“Sounds good, meet me in my room,” he replied smiling and kissing her cheek.
Danielle changed into a pair or pajama pants and a sweatshirt before she walked down the hall to Mike’s room. Mike had the news on while he looked through his Netflix rentals on his MacBook for a movie to watch.
“Looks like we’re getting more snow,” Danielle said sitting down on Mike’s bed, “I can’t wait to experience snow down here since I know you guys get slammed worse than we did in Pittsburgh.”
“Virginia winters are a bitch,” Mike smiled before settling on the Hangover 2.
“I didn’t even know this was on DVD yet.”
“Just came out today,” Mike said hooking the computer up to his TV before he crawled in bed next to Danielle, “Scoot over.”
She moved over and laid her head down on the pillow before Mike put his arm around her and she put her head on his chest as the film began. The movie barely started and Mike heard light snores coming from Danielle.
Turning off the TV, Mike pulled the blankets over them and immediately fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. They needed all the rest they could get before the baby arrived and they were up all night.
Everything seemed to be falling into place and Mike couldn’t wait for Danielle to meet his family who were surprising her by arriving the next day, Mike just hoped she didn’t freak out when she woke up in the morning and realized she had no choice but to sleep with him.
Mike chuckled at the thought as he shut his eyes and dreamed of teaching his son how to skate while Danielle watched him be the father he never thought he would be.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Chapter 6-Closer
"That was good," Mike said as he and Danielle walked out of the fancy restaurant on the South Side of the city, "Definitely worth the money."
"It was my first time here," she replied shyly, "Definitely coming back."
"When we come to visit after the baby's born, we'll rent the place out and have a family get together."
"You've met my family, so when do I get to meet yours?"
"They'll come to visit, don't worry," Mike replied smiling taking Danielle's hand in his as they walked to his SUV two streets over.
"I may get to meet them if I don't freeze to death walking."
"It's a lot colder here than I thought it would be."
"No shit, Sherlock, this ain't Florida."
"You're a smartass!"
"...and you're an idiot," Danielle smirked causing Mike to roll his eyes as they finally reached his car.
"Where are we going now," he asked opening the door for her.
"Just get in, I'll tell you which way to go."
"Should I be scared? Are you going to murder me or something?"
"I used to want to murder you but when I found out you weren't the douche everybody thinks you are, I changed my mind."
"It really bothers me that people think that, I'm nothing like that."
"I know," Danielle replied patting his thigh, "But what matters is I know you're nothing like that."
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"Have you ever seen the city skyline at night?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Turn left at the light," Danielle instructed as the light turned green.
Mike went up the long hill and looked at Danielle questioningly as they entered a residential area.
"Now where?"
"Make a right and look for a parking space when you see the city come into view again."
Mike made the turn and as the city skyline appeared, he pulled into a vacant parking space. Danielle unfastened her seatbelt and waited for Mike to lock it.
Danielle took his hand and led him over to the railing that over looked the city skyline from high up on the other side of the river.
"Wow," Mike said putting his arm around her waist, "It's beautiful."
"I'm going to miss this," she sighed, "It's going to be so hard leaving."
"We'll come back to visit as often as we can, I promise. I know it's going to be hard for you but we'll spend the summer here if you want."
"I never thought I'd leave this place."
Mike smiled reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, "Come on, let's take a picture."
"Okay," Danielle agreed looking at Mike and noticing how adorable he looked wearing his glasses.
Mike pulled her close, putting his arm around her waist hugging her to him. Danielle wrapped her arms around him and smiled as Mike put his cheek next to hers and took the picture with his free hand.
"Let me see it," she said and Mike showed it to her, "Aw, I like it. Can you send it to me?"
"Would you mind if I posted this on my Twitter account," Mike asked.
Danielle looked up from her phone after saving the picture with wide eyes, "What?"
"It's only a matter of time before people find out about us, I just want to do it the right way before people make up their own stories."
"I just don't want people to think I'm a slut."
"You're not a slut," Mike replied, "As far as people know, I'm single but I can always say I kept you a secret because I didn't want you in the spotlight since I wanted my personal life private."
Danielle didn't say anything as she put her hands on the railing, staring out into the night at the lit up skyline. Mike put his hand over hers, "Do you trust me," he asked.
Danielle closed her eyes causing him to sigh, "Look at me," he said lifting her chin, "I promise everything will be okay, of course people are going to make up their own stories but you'll grow used to it. You're not alone in this, I'm here for you."
"I know," she replied and Mike gave her a kiss.
"We need to work on telling each other our fears if this relationship is going to work."
"Calm down, Romeo. We've only been on one date," Danielle joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Make it two," he smiled, "Did you forget about New Years already?"
"That doesn't count because it was a team thing."
"We kissed that night didn't we? I think it was a date since kissing was involved."
"You're weird!"
"I'm not weird; I just have a wild imagination."
"What are you, four years old?"
"Bite me," Mike said as they continued to taunt each other, "Can I post the picture?"
"Go ahead; just make sure you mention me."
"What's your mention? I didn't even know you have a Twitter."
"Who doesn't have a twitter?"
"Brooks doesn't."
"Well, he's a reject then."
"I'm pretty sure Kiley would monitor it like a hawk."
"I'm going to monitor yours; I don't need any puck bunnies trying to steal my baby daddy."
"You are not on Maury, don't ever talk ghetto again."
"Whatever, wannabe bad boy!"
"I am a bad boy," Mike argued.
"You are not, just because you play hockey, have fast sports cars, a sleeve tattoo, and emo glasses does not make you a bad boy. You're so mannerly, it's sick."
"Excuse my mom for raising me right," Mike laughed.
"Point proven, you're a momma's boy too," Danielle replied sticking her tongue out.
Mike leaned forward and captured Danielle's lips with his. Her hands slowly slid up the black winter coat he was wearing as he swiped his tongue over her bottom lip. Danielle gasped and he took it as an opportunity to slide his tongue in her mouth.
As they kissed, Mike felt his phone vibrate. He knew people were tweeting him about the picture but he didn't care. Danielle pulled away for air and Mike placed his forehead against hers.
"Don't ever stick your tongue out at me unless you plan on using it," he smirked starting the car to drive them home as the snow started to fall.
Danielle smiled and put her head back against the seat. She was tired from being up all night sick, "I've changed my mind," she said as they drove over the bridge back into the city.
"About what?"
"Let's go to Seven Springs with my parents, I could use a night in the hot tub."
"Sounds good to me, already have the bags in the back."
"You sneaky bastard, you planned this."
"No, I didn't. I did have a feeling that you would change your mind, so while you were taking a bath earlier, I packed your bag and mine."
"Such a sneak!"
Mike laughed as Danielle directed him how to get to the ski resort. An hour and a half later, they pulled into the parking lot of the mountain resort.
"Where do we go now?"
"I have a pretty good idea of where to go, but I’ll call my dad to come get meet us that way we don’t get lost in the woods on the way.”
Danielle called her dad and he said he’d be there shortly and to just wait since the snow was coming down thicker in the mountains, “I’m fucking freezing,” she complained wrapping her arms around herself.
Mike moved closer to her, putting his arm around her and hugging her to him running his hands up and down her arms, “Better?”
“A little bit, thank you.”
Mike just smiled as he opened his coat and pulled her to his chest wrapping the coat around the both of them, “This is nice and warm,” Danielle said as Dan pulled in.
“You guys may want to follow me just down the road to the back of the resort,” he said, “We better go now before it gets to icy. The plows are coming out in the morning.”
Mike let Danielle go and she pouted before getting back into the car as Mike revved the engine to life and followed her dad down the icy mountain road.
“The cabin next to us is empty; it was part of our rental. You guys can use that one if you want.”
Danielle breezed by Mike, taking the key from Dan’s hand and ran up the steps to the cabin.
“You two feel free to chat but I’m cold and I’m starting the fire before I turn into a snowman,” she said as she shut the door to the cabin.
Once she was inside, Dan turned to Mike who looked uneasy suddenly alone with the girl he knocked up’s father, “I take it that you two talked everything out.”
“We did,” Mike replied, “We actually went on a date tonight and agreed that we would try labeling ourselves as something other than what we were, I don’t even know what we were. Two strangers having a kid, I guess.”
“Just don’t hurt her,” Dan warned, “I can tell you have a good head on your shoulders and you make a fine living for yourself and I know you’ll take care of her but I’m just being a dad who doesn’t want to let my daughter go.”
“I promise I’m going to take great care of her, she’ll be safe with me.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said sticking his hand out for Mike to shake, “Do you need any help with the bags?”
“Nope, I put all of our stuff in my bag, I’m good. Thanks for the offer.”
“No problem, I’m going to head in and get some sleep. Want to meet for breakfast in the morning?”
“That’d be good,” Mike replied smiling, “I’ll let Danielle know.”
“Goodnight, son,” Dan said walking into the cabin that he and Shelley were sharing. Mike opened the back of the SUV and grabbed the duffle bag that he had packed for both he and Danielle and he headed into the cabin.
Danielle was sitting on the couch with a mug of hot tea. Mike knew it was tea because there was a string hanging out the side of the mug.
“I packed you a swimsuit, want to go sit in the hot tub for a little bit?”
“But I’m warm already,” Danielle whined, “It’s freezing out there.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” Mike joked, “We’ll come right in and sit by the fireplace if you want. You said it yourself that you wanted to relax in the jacuzzi.”
“You’re just trying to get me naked.”
“I am not!”
“Whatever, Green. See, I told you that I saw right through you.”
“Whatever,” Mike said rolling his eyes smiling, “Just go change.”
Mike put the bag on the couch and reached into the side pocket and handed Danielle the bikini that he found in her dresser. It was the one she had on in the picture he had seen the day before and he was determined to see her in it himself.
“There’s no way in hell that I am wearing this thing,” she said breaking Mike out of his trance, “I’m fucking fat because I’m pregnant and wearing this is going to make me feel like a blimp.”
“Well, it’s all I could find in your room so you’re wearing it. Who gives a fuck if you’re pregnant? It’s my kid anyways and it’s not like someone is going to see us, just do it besides you’re beautiful.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my kid’s father.”
“I’m saying that because it’s true,” Mike said cupping her cheek in his hand, “I’m taking the words out of Hannan’s mouth when I tell you that you being pregnant with my child is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Danielle closed her eyes and Mike wrapped his arms around her leaning down to give her a kiss, “What scares me is how close we have become in such a short amount of time, it’s almost like everything is too good to be true.”
“Just wait until we get to DC, I’m going to treat you like a princess.”
“We’re not even together officially.”
“A couple more dates and we will be now can you please go put your swimsuit on before I sweat to death indoors with all of my layers on.”
Danielle smiled and freed herself before going walking up the stairs to the bathroom to change, “Mike,” she called down the steps, “There’s only one room and it has one bed.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” he replied, “Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal.”
Mike took off his coat and put it on the wicker chair in the small living room of the cabin. His boots had been discarded at the door and Mike was taking his shirt off to strip down to his boxers since he left his swim trunks in DC when he heard Danielle catcall behind him.
Turning around, Mike smirked as she stared at him, “If you take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he said causing Danielle to roll her eyes.
“I’ve seen countless pictures of you shirtless and you with a wife-beater on, trust me I’m immune to it by now, however, the underwear definitely may need a picture taken.”
“You’re such a whore,” Mike replied sticking his tongue out at her.
“Don’t make me do what you did to me earlier when I stuck mine out, keep taunting me Green and you will see that I’m not as innocent as I look. You don’t know the half of what I can do with my tongue.”
Mike gulped and Danielle laughed as she walked out of the side door of the cabin where the hot tub was located. She slowly eased her way in and shut her eyes letting the hot water relax her aching pregnant body. The snow was falling down and Danielle opened her eyes watching it fall off the porch. She wished the roof wasn’t over her head so she could look up at the night sky and watch it fall.
Danielle felt the water shift and when she turned her head, she saw Mike sitting next to her, “What are you thinking about,” he asked.
“Nothing really,” she replied honestly, “Just wishing the roof wasn’t here so I could watch the snow fall as the stars glisten.”
Mike smiled and Danielle laid her head back closing her eyes enjoying his company and the jets massaging her back. Mike watched her for a while before he too let his head fall back letting the water massage his aching joints. He made a mental note to invest in a hot tub if he ever moved out of his condo but right now his bathtub with the jacuzzi jets would have to do.
Danielle started snoring lightly and Mike gently shook her awake, “Come on Danielle, you fell asleep. Let’s get you to bed.”
She nodded her head slowly and let Mike help her out of hot tub. Mike wrapped a robe around her and lifted her up, carrying her into the house. Mike placed her down gently on the bed before going over to his duffle bag to hand her one of his sweatshirts. Danielle lifted her arms for him to put it on her. Mike took the robe from the bed and tossed it to the floor before sliding the sweatshirt over her.
“Goodnight, Danielle,” he whispered as she laid back and closed her eyes. Mike was putting the blanket over her when she moved over and pulled him in bed next to her.
Mike didn’t bother to argue, he was just as tired as she was and didn’t bother to tell her no. Over the past couple of days, the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. He never got this close to a woman before, the more he thought about it, the more he began to realize that maybe Danielle was brought into his life for a reason and the closer he got to her, the more he realized that everything happens for a reason and Danielle was here to stay.
"It was my first time here," she replied shyly, "Definitely coming back."
"When we come to visit after the baby's born, we'll rent the place out and have a family get together."
"You've met my family, so when do I get to meet yours?"
"They'll come to visit, don't worry," Mike replied smiling taking Danielle's hand in his as they walked to his SUV two streets over.
"I may get to meet them if I don't freeze to death walking."
"It's a lot colder here than I thought it would be."
"No shit, Sherlock, this ain't Florida."
"You're a smartass!"
"...and you're an idiot," Danielle smirked causing Mike to roll his eyes as they finally reached his car.
"Where are we going now," he asked opening the door for her.
"Just get in, I'll tell you which way to go."
"Should I be scared? Are you going to murder me or something?"
"I used to want to murder you but when I found out you weren't the douche everybody thinks you are, I changed my mind."
"It really bothers me that people think that, I'm nothing like that."
"I know," Danielle replied patting his thigh, "But what matters is I know you're nothing like that."
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"Have you ever seen the city skyline at night?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Turn left at the light," Danielle instructed as the light turned green.
Mike went up the long hill and looked at Danielle questioningly as they entered a residential area.
"Now where?"
"Make a right and look for a parking space when you see the city come into view again."
Mike made the turn and as the city skyline appeared, he pulled into a vacant parking space. Danielle unfastened her seatbelt and waited for Mike to lock it.
Danielle took his hand and led him over to the railing that over looked the city skyline from high up on the other side of the river.
"Wow," Mike said putting his arm around her waist, "It's beautiful."
"I'm going to miss this," she sighed, "It's going to be so hard leaving."
"We'll come back to visit as often as we can, I promise. I know it's going to be hard for you but we'll spend the summer here if you want."
"I never thought I'd leave this place."
Mike smiled reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone, "Come on, let's take a picture."
"Okay," Danielle agreed looking at Mike and noticing how adorable he looked wearing his glasses.
Mike pulled her close, putting his arm around her waist hugging her to him. Danielle wrapped her arms around him and smiled as Mike put his cheek next to hers and took the picture with his free hand.
"Let me see it," she said and Mike showed it to her, "Aw, I like it. Can you send it to me?"
"Would you mind if I posted this on my Twitter account," Mike asked.
Danielle looked up from her phone after saving the picture with wide eyes, "What?"
"It's only a matter of time before people find out about us, I just want to do it the right way before people make up their own stories."
"I just don't want people to think I'm a slut."
"You're not a slut," Mike replied, "As far as people know, I'm single but I can always say I kept you a secret because I didn't want you in the spotlight since I wanted my personal life private."
Danielle didn't say anything as she put her hands on the railing, staring out into the night at the lit up skyline. Mike put his hand over hers, "Do you trust me," he asked.
Danielle closed her eyes causing him to sigh, "Look at me," he said lifting her chin, "I promise everything will be okay, of course people are going to make up their own stories but you'll grow used to it. You're not alone in this, I'm here for you."
"I know," she replied and Mike gave her a kiss.
"We need to work on telling each other our fears if this relationship is going to work."
"Calm down, Romeo. We've only been on one date," Danielle joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Make it two," he smiled, "Did you forget about New Years already?"
"That doesn't count because it was a team thing."
"We kissed that night didn't we? I think it was a date since kissing was involved."
"You're weird!"
"I'm not weird; I just have a wild imagination."
"What are you, four years old?"
"Bite me," Mike said as they continued to taunt each other, "Can I post the picture?"
"Go ahead; just make sure you mention me."
"What's your mention? I didn't even know you have a Twitter."
"Who doesn't have a twitter?"
"Brooks doesn't."
"Well, he's a reject then."
"I'm pretty sure Kiley would monitor it like a hawk."
"I'm going to monitor yours; I don't need any puck bunnies trying to steal my baby daddy."
"You are not on Maury, don't ever talk ghetto again."
"Whatever, wannabe bad boy!"
"I am a bad boy," Mike argued.
"You are not, just because you play hockey, have fast sports cars, a sleeve tattoo, and emo glasses does not make you a bad boy. You're so mannerly, it's sick."
"Excuse my mom for raising me right," Mike laughed.
"Point proven, you're a momma's boy too," Danielle replied sticking her tongue out.
Mike leaned forward and captured Danielle's lips with his. Her hands slowly slid up the black winter coat he was wearing as he swiped his tongue over her bottom lip. Danielle gasped and he took it as an opportunity to slide his tongue in her mouth.
As they kissed, Mike felt his phone vibrate. He knew people were tweeting him about the picture but he didn't care. Danielle pulled away for air and Mike placed his forehead against hers.
"Don't ever stick your tongue out at me unless you plan on using it," he smirked starting the car to drive them home as the snow started to fall.
Danielle smiled and put her head back against the seat. She was tired from being up all night sick, "I've changed my mind," she said as they drove over the bridge back into the city.
"About what?"
"Let's go to Seven Springs with my parents, I could use a night in the hot tub."
"Sounds good to me, already have the bags in the back."
"You sneaky bastard, you planned this."
"No, I didn't. I did have a feeling that you would change your mind, so while you were taking a bath earlier, I packed your bag and mine."
"Such a sneak!"
Mike laughed as Danielle directed him how to get to the ski resort. An hour and a half later, they pulled into the parking lot of the mountain resort.
"Where do we go now?"
"I have a pretty good idea of where to go, but I’ll call my dad to come get meet us that way we don’t get lost in the woods on the way.”
Danielle called her dad and he said he’d be there shortly and to just wait since the snow was coming down thicker in the mountains, “I’m fucking freezing,” she complained wrapping her arms around herself.
Mike moved closer to her, putting his arm around her and hugging her to him running his hands up and down her arms, “Better?”
“A little bit, thank you.”
Mike just smiled as he opened his coat and pulled her to his chest wrapping the coat around the both of them, “This is nice and warm,” Danielle said as Dan pulled in.
“You guys may want to follow me just down the road to the back of the resort,” he said, “We better go now before it gets to icy. The plows are coming out in the morning.”
Mike let Danielle go and she pouted before getting back into the car as Mike revved the engine to life and followed her dad down the icy mountain road.
“The cabin next to us is empty; it was part of our rental. You guys can use that one if you want.”
Danielle breezed by Mike, taking the key from Dan’s hand and ran up the steps to the cabin.
“You two feel free to chat but I’m cold and I’m starting the fire before I turn into a snowman,” she said as she shut the door to the cabin.
Once she was inside, Dan turned to Mike who looked uneasy suddenly alone with the girl he knocked up’s father, “I take it that you two talked everything out.”
“We did,” Mike replied, “We actually went on a date tonight and agreed that we would try labeling ourselves as something other than what we were, I don’t even know what we were. Two strangers having a kid, I guess.”
“Just don’t hurt her,” Dan warned, “I can tell you have a good head on your shoulders and you make a fine living for yourself and I know you’ll take care of her but I’m just being a dad who doesn’t want to let my daughter go.”
“I promise I’m going to take great care of her, she’ll be safe with me.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said sticking his hand out for Mike to shake, “Do you need any help with the bags?”
“Nope, I put all of our stuff in my bag, I’m good. Thanks for the offer.”
“No problem, I’m going to head in and get some sleep. Want to meet for breakfast in the morning?”
“That’d be good,” Mike replied smiling, “I’ll let Danielle know.”
“Goodnight, son,” Dan said walking into the cabin that he and Shelley were sharing. Mike opened the back of the SUV and grabbed the duffle bag that he had packed for both he and Danielle and he headed into the cabin.
Danielle was sitting on the couch with a mug of hot tea. Mike knew it was tea because there was a string hanging out the side of the mug.
“I packed you a swimsuit, want to go sit in the hot tub for a little bit?”
“But I’m warm already,” Danielle whined, “It’s freezing out there.”
“Don’t be such a baby,” Mike joked, “We’ll come right in and sit by the fireplace if you want. You said it yourself that you wanted to relax in the jacuzzi.”
“You’re just trying to get me naked.”
“I am not!”
“Whatever, Green. See, I told you that I saw right through you.”
“Whatever,” Mike said rolling his eyes smiling, “Just go change.”
Mike put the bag on the couch and reached into the side pocket and handed Danielle the bikini that he found in her dresser. It was the one she had on in the picture he had seen the day before and he was determined to see her in it himself.
“There’s no way in hell that I am wearing this thing,” she said breaking Mike out of his trance, “I’m fucking fat because I’m pregnant and wearing this is going to make me feel like a blimp.”
“Well, it’s all I could find in your room so you’re wearing it. Who gives a fuck if you’re pregnant? It’s my kid anyways and it’s not like someone is going to see us, just do it besides you’re beautiful.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my kid’s father.”
“I’m saying that because it’s true,” Mike said cupping her cheek in his hand, “I’m taking the words out of Hannan’s mouth when I tell you that you being pregnant with my child is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Danielle closed her eyes and Mike wrapped his arms around her leaning down to give her a kiss, “What scares me is how close we have become in such a short amount of time, it’s almost like everything is too good to be true.”
“Just wait until we get to DC, I’m going to treat you like a princess.”
“We’re not even together officially.”
“A couple more dates and we will be now can you please go put your swimsuit on before I sweat to death indoors with all of my layers on.”
Danielle smiled and freed herself before going walking up the stairs to the bathroom to change, “Mike,” she called down the steps, “There’s only one room and it has one bed.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch,” he replied, “Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal.”
Mike took off his coat and put it on the wicker chair in the small living room of the cabin. His boots had been discarded at the door and Mike was taking his shirt off to strip down to his boxers since he left his swim trunks in DC when he heard Danielle catcall behind him.
Turning around, Mike smirked as she stared at him, “If you take a picture, it’ll last longer,” he said causing Danielle to roll her eyes.
“I’ve seen countless pictures of you shirtless and you with a wife-beater on, trust me I’m immune to it by now, however, the underwear definitely may need a picture taken.”
“You’re such a whore,” Mike replied sticking his tongue out at her.
“Don’t make me do what you did to me earlier when I stuck mine out, keep taunting me Green and you will see that I’m not as innocent as I look. You don’t know the half of what I can do with my tongue.”
Mike gulped and Danielle laughed as she walked out of the side door of the cabin where the hot tub was located. She slowly eased her way in and shut her eyes letting the hot water relax her aching pregnant body. The snow was falling down and Danielle opened her eyes watching it fall off the porch. She wished the roof wasn’t over her head so she could look up at the night sky and watch it fall.
Danielle felt the water shift and when she turned her head, she saw Mike sitting next to her, “What are you thinking about,” he asked.
“Nothing really,” she replied honestly, “Just wishing the roof wasn’t here so I could watch the snow fall as the stars glisten.”
Mike smiled and Danielle laid her head back closing her eyes enjoying his company and the jets massaging her back. Mike watched her for a while before he too let his head fall back letting the water massage his aching joints. He made a mental note to invest in a hot tub if he ever moved out of his condo but right now his bathtub with the jacuzzi jets would have to do.
Danielle started snoring lightly and Mike gently shook her awake, “Come on Danielle, you fell asleep. Let’s get you to bed.”
She nodded her head slowly and let Mike help her out of hot tub. Mike wrapped a robe around her and lifted her up, carrying her into the house. Mike placed her down gently on the bed before going over to his duffle bag to hand her one of his sweatshirts. Danielle lifted her arms for him to put it on her. Mike took the robe from the bed and tossed it to the floor before sliding the sweatshirt over her.
“Goodnight, Danielle,” he whispered as she laid back and closed her eyes. Mike was putting the blanket over her when she moved over and pulled him in bed next to her.
Mike didn’t bother to argue, he was just as tired as she was and didn’t bother to tell her no. Over the past couple of days, the more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. He never got this close to a woman before, the more he thought about it, the more he began to realize that maybe Danielle was brought into his life for a reason and the closer he got to her, the more he realized that everything happens for a reason and Danielle was here to stay.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Chapter 5-No Excuses
"She really left," Brooks Laich asked as the guys sat around the table at the club after a hard fought victory over the Philadelphia Flyers
"I don't know what to do anymore, I give up. Honestly, I fucking do. I brought Danielle out here to look for schools and a doctor. I wasn't going to let her work, I was going to take care of her like we were together but she told me she didn't want to give up her life in Pittsburgh."
"It's your kid though; you deserve to be a part of its life."
"Everything was going great after we got to know each other. I honestly thought she'd stay, I wanted her to. I got so used to her being there after games, cooking for me and hugging me when we had a rough loss."
"You're rambling man," Brooks laughed, "You like her."
"No, I don't. She's my baby's mother, nothing more."
"Then why have you shot down countless pieces of ass tonight. The old Mike would be out of this club in a heartbeat with the first chick that came up to him but tonight, you're in a daze. Now you're rambling about Danielle, you like her."
"I hate that you're right," Mike sighed taking a sip of his drink.
"You need to talk to her again."
"How am I supposed to talk to her when she's ignoring my calls and text messages?"
"We literally have 5 days off between games. That never happens and since we won tonight we won't have practice until morning skate on Friday."
"I don't get it."
"Mike, I'm telling you to fucking go to her. Tell her everything, hell fucking talk to her family if you have to. Just don't leave until you have answers."
"You're right," Mike replied, "I'm going home to call her mom."
"Do what you have to do, let me know how it goes."
"I will, thanks man."
Brooks shook Mike's hand and Mike left the club to head home.
"Hello," Shelley answered.
"Mrs. James," Mike said.
"Who is this?"
"It's Mike!"
"Mike?"
"Danielle's friend," Mike replied unsure what he should call himself.
"Oh! Hey honey, sorry it's late and I didn't recognize your voice. Is everything okay?"
"I'm sorry to be bothering you right now but something's been bothering me and I need to ask you about it."
"What's wrong?"
"Has Danielle said anything about moving here?"
"She just told me what I already knew, why what happened?"
"She told me that she refuses to move here with me because she doesn't want to give up her life. I know it's selfish of me but I want her here. I even told her I'd put in for a trade but she told me no and she won't move. Every time I try to talk to her, she changes the subject and then she just sweeps everything under the rug.”
“Do you want me to talk to her,” Shelley asked.
"I'm packing now to come up there to talk to her. I have a couple of days off and I'm not leaving until everything's settled."
"Should I tell her that you are coming?"
"No " Mike replied quickly, "I'm afraid that if she knows I'm coming, she will try to avoid me."
"What time should I expect you here?"
"I'm leaving now, so I should be there at about eight since I'll stop on the way and rest," he said glancing at the clock on the wall that read quarter to one in the morning.
"There's a key in the mailbox, just go to the guestroom and sleep there but keep the door shut."
"Thank you, for everything Mrs. James."
"You better start calling me Shelley or else I'll deny my grandbaby," she joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Have a good night, Shelley."
"Be careful driving her, be safe."
"Will do, bye."
Mike ended the phone call and checked the weather so he knew what car to take. It had become full out winter on the East Coast, therefore, Mike decided that he needed to take the Escalade to Pittsburgh since snow was forecasted for both Arlington and Pittsburgh.
Grabbing a couple of hoodies and t-shirts from the racks in his closet, Mike put them in an overnight bag along with boots and jeans before heading out into the living room. Mike shuffled through the cabinets for his thermal coffee cup before turning on the Keurig coffee maker to brew a cup of coffee in order to keep him awake on the road.
After driving for what felt like hours, Mike finally stopped at a rest stop just outside the Pittsburgh city limits.
He called Shelley and let her know he'd be arriving shortly. The sun was coming up over the city skyline and it slightly disappointed Mike that DC didn't have skyscrapers since no building was allowed to be taller than the Washington Monument.
Mike parked on the side street where Shelley told him to so Danielle wouldn't see the luxurious SUV that she had grown used to driving in Arlington.
Mike grabbed his bag from the backseat and made his way over to the house. He reached into the mailbox and found the keys. He noticed that the purple Pontiac sunfire was gone which meant Danielle was at work.
"Hello," Mike called out down the hall, "Anyone home."
"In here," Shelley's voice called out from the dining room, "Are you hungry?"
"A little bit," Mike replied, "I couldn't eat, I'm kind of nervous."
"Everything will be okay, honey," she replied, "How about you go take your things upstairs and get settled and I'll make you some breakfast?"
"You don't have to do that. I'm okay until lunch."
"Shut up and let me cook."
Mike laughed thinking about how much Shelley sounded like his mom, "If you insist," he replied causing her to laugh.
"Dan went to the store down the street to get cigarettes, he'll be back shortly. Make yourself feel at home."
"Thank you!"
"No need to thank me. You're welcomed in this house anytime."
"Which room is mine?""
"Top of the stairs, first door on the left."
Mike smiled grabbing his bag before heading upstairs to the guest bedroom. He placed his bag on the bed before taking his shoes off, suddenly realizing he hadn't removed them at the door like his mother taught him growing up. Making a mental note to apologize to Shelley later, he walked across the hall to use the bathroom.
On his way back to his room, he noticed the room right next to his must have been Danielle's. He remembered that she told him she liked the color pink, which made the only pink door in a sea of white stand out.
Mike let curiosity get the best of him and he slowly opened the pink door. He couldn't help but laugh as he saw the single red t-shirt among a sea of Pens jerseys with his name and number on the back. He looked around and saw pictures of Danielle and Kristi laying poolside with the girl he had been introduced to at Christmas as Jamie.
He gulped as he saw the Famous Stars and Straps bikini Danielle was wearing. He only saw her in jeans and t-shirts, he wished he remembered them sleeping together.
"Mike," Shelley said, "Food's ready."
Mike snapped back to reality and shut the door to Danielle's behind him.
"What a surprise," Dan said shaking Mike's hand as he entered the dining room, "What are you doing here?"
"I needed to come convince Danielle to move to Arlington since she refuses to."
"Why? She really has no reason to stay here, we already told her it was okay."
"Something about school, you guys, and work."
"I do not understand that girl sometimes," Dan said as Shelley placed a plate of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast in front of them.
"Coffee or orange juice," she asked Mike.
"Orange juice, please?"
Shelley poured him a glass and went back into the kitchen to clean up while Dan and Mike made small talk.
"What time does Danielle get off of work," Mike asked.
"I think five o'clock," Dan replied, "I'm not sure, why?"
"I was thinking you guys could go away for the weekend while Danielle and I settle this. I think it'd be better if you two weren't here that way she has no way out of this."
"Dan, Carol and Tony were just talking about going to Seven Springs for the weekend, why don't you give Tony a call and see if they left yet?"
"We could use the break," Dan said smiling, "You and Danielle are more than welcomed to come up after you get everything settled."
"I plan on not leaving here without her."
Dan smiled while grabbing his phone out of his pocket to call his brother and sister-in-law to tell them they'd be joining them after all. Mike sat five, one hundred dollar bills on the table.
Dan handed them back to him but after Mike insisted he foot the bill after everything he and Shelley were doing for him, Dan gratefully accepted the money; thanking Mike more than once.
Shelley and Dan were packed and ready to go by two o'clock. Mike was in the game room shooting pool to keep him occupied until Danielle got home.
Mike was ready to head up the steps to the kitchen when he heard the front door open and Danielle's voice calling out to her parent's that she was home.
Mike decided to make his presence known as he quietly ascended up the stairs. The door to the hall closet was open and Mike stood behind it while Danielle hung up her coat.
"MIKE, HOLY SHIT! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE," Danielle yelled startled as she clutched her chest.
If this was any other day but today, Mike would laugh at the shock but he was here to take care of business and that is just what he planned to do.
"Well, since you won't return any of my phone calls," he began, "I called your mom and explained everything to her, so she invited me here to talk some sense into you."
"Fuck you," Danielle spat, "I don't owe you shit."
"You're right, you don't owe me anything but you do owe my child a father and me no excuses as to why you won't move to Arlington. Your parents are okay with it; Kristi agreed to move down to keep you company so she could get closer to Nicky and you could have a friend and a piece of your life there, but you keep giving me bullshit reasons as to why you won't move. I like you, Danielle. I like you a lot, not just because you're pregnant with my baby but you treat me like a normal guy and not Mike Green the hockey player. You make me laugh and I smile all day long thinking of you, I invited you to DC over New Years to get to know the real you, the same way you broke down the real me by walking into my life. I can be myself around you, I don't have to throw my money around or flash my cars because none of it matters to you. I don't want to live alone in that house knowing you aren't there because I'm just as scared as you are. I'm not letting you walk out of my life, Danielle."
Danielle stood there too shocked to move as Mike stepped forward and took her hand in his, "Please come back with me, we'll teach each other not to be scared. You're not alone in this situation, I'm here and I want it to stay that way but Dani you got to meet me half way."
Danielle pulled her hand away and wrapped her arms around Mike's waist, "I'm so sorry," she cried as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Shh," Mike said running his hands down her back soothingly, "It's okay, don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry. God, I'm so sorry."
Danielle squeezed him tighter and Mike lifted her up as he walked towards the living room and sat down on the couch. Danielle curled herself into his chest and Mike held her to him not letting go.
"Mike," Danielle whispered.
"What," he asked placing his cheek on her head as he traced her arm with his fingers.
"I'll move to DC on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You promise me I never have to wear a hideous red jersey."
"I can't promise you that after seeing my jersey hanging in your closet," he joked and Danielle smacked his chest, "I'm being serious Danielle, please come back with me."
"Okay," Danielle agreed pulling away from Mike. She slowly leaned her head down towards his and Mike met her half way quickly claiming her lips with his.
It was nothing like New Years Eve when they had no choice but to do it at midnight. This kiss was soft and sweet and it left them both wanting more but if this new direction in both of their lives was going work, they needed to move things slow with no excuses.
"Go get changed," Mike said breaking the kiss.
"Why? Where are we going?"
"Your parents rented a cabin this weekend at some place called Seven Springs and they invited us to go as well but we weren't allowed to come up until we reached an agreement."
"I'd rather stay here," Danielle replied, "I've had enough of my parents for a while."
"Snowboarding isn't a good idea. for me right now anyways but come on go get dressed anyways, I'll take you out to dinner."
"Are you asking me out?"
"Obviously," Mike laughed.
"Don't laugh at me or else I won't move anywhere."
"No excuses, Danielle, no excuses," he said and that's exactly what he meant.
"I don't know what to do anymore, I give up. Honestly, I fucking do. I brought Danielle out here to look for schools and a doctor. I wasn't going to let her work, I was going to take care of her like we were together but she told me she didn't want to give up her life in Pittsburgh."
"It's your kid though; you deserve to be a part of its life."
"Everything was going great after we got to know each other. I honestly thought she'd stay, I wanted her to. I got so used to her being there after games, cooking for me and hugging me when we had a rough loss."
"You're rambling man," Brooks laughed, "You like her."
"No, I don't. She's my baby's mother, nothing more."
"Then why have you shot down countless pieces of ass tonight. The old Mike would be out of this club in a heartbeat with the first chick that came up to him but tonight, you're in a daze. Now you're rambling about Danielle, you like her."
"I hate that you're right," Mike sighed taking a sip of his drink.
"You need to talk to her again."
"How am I supposed to talk to her when she's ignoring my calls and text messages?"
"We literally have 5 days off between games. That never happens and since we won tonight we won't have practice until morning skate on Friday."
"I don't get it."
"Mike, I'm telling you to fucking go to her. Tell her everything, hell fucking talk to her family if you have to. Just don't leave until you have answers."
"You're right," Mike replied, "I'm going home to call her mom."
"Do what you have to do, let me know how it goes."
"I will, thanks man."
Brooks shook Mike's hand and Mike left the club to head home.
"Hello," Shelley answered.
"Mrs. James," Mike said.
"Who is this?"
"It's Mike!"
"Mike?"
"Danielle's friend," Mike replied unsure what he should call himself.
"Oh! Hey honey, sorry it's late and I didn't recognize your voice. Is everything okay?"
"I'm sorry to be bothering you right now but something's been bothering me and I need to ask you about it."
"What's wrong?"
"Has Danielle said anything about moving here?"
"She just told me what I already knew, why what happened?"
"She told me that she refuses to move here with me because she doesn't want to give up her life. I know it's selfish of me but I want her here. I even told her I'd put in for a trade but she told me no and she won't move. Every time I try to talk to her, she changes the subject and then she just sweeps everything under the rug.”
“Do you want me to talk to her,” Shelley asked.
"I'm packing now to come up there to talk to her. I have a couple of days off and I'm not leaving until everything's settled."
"Should I tell her that you are coming?"
"No " Mike replied quickly, "I'm afraid that if she knows I'm coming, she will try to avoid me."
"What time should I expect you here?"
"I'm leaving now, so I should be there at about eight since I'll stop on the way and rest," he said glancing at the clock on the wall that read quarter to one in the morning.
"There's a key in the mailbox, just go to the guestroom and sleep there but keep the door shut."
"Thank you, for everything Mrs. James."
"You better start calling me Shelley or else I'll deny my grandbaby," she joked causing Mike to laugh.
"Have a good night, Shelley."
"Be careful driving her, be safe."
"Will do, bye."
Mike ended the phone call and checked the weather so he knew what car to take. It had become full out winter on the East Coast, therefore, Mike decided that he needed to take the Escalade to Pittsburgh since snow was forecasted for both Arlington and Pittsburgh.
Grabbing a couple of hoodies and t-shirts from the racks in his closet, Mike put them in an overnight bag along with boots and jeans before heading out into the living room. Mike shuffled through the cabinets for his thermal coffee cup before turning on the Keurig coffee maker to brew a cup of coffee in order to keep him awake on the road.
After driving for what felt like hours, Mike finally stopped at a rest stop just outside the Pittsburgh city limits.
He called Shelley and let her know he'd be arriving shortly. The sun was coming up over the city skyline and it slightly disappointed Mike that DC didn't have skyscrapers since no building was allowed to be taller than the Washington Monument.
Mike parked on the side street where Shelley told him to so Danielle wouldn't see the luxurious SUV that she had grown used to driving in Arlington.
Mike grabbed his bag from the backseat and made his way over to the house. He reached into the mailbox and found the keys. He noticed that the purple Pontiac sunfire was gone which meant Danielle was at work.
"Hello," Mike called out down the hall, "Anyone home."
"In here," Shelley's voice called out from the dining room, "Are you hungry?"
"A little bit," Mike replied, "I couldn't eat, I'm kind of nervous."
"Everything will be okay, honey," she replied, "How about you go take your things upstairs and get settled and I'll make you some breakfast?"
"You don't have to do that. I'm okay until lunch."
"Shut up and let me cook."
Mike laughed thinking about how much Shelley sounded like his mom, "If you insist," he replied causing her to laugh.
"Dan went to the store down the street to get cigarettes, he'll be back shortly. Make yourself feel at home."
"Thank you!"
"No need to thank me. You're welcomed in this house anytime."
"Which room is mine?""
"Top of the stairs, first door on the left."
Mike smiled grabbing his bag before heading upstairs to the guest bedroom. He placed his bag on the bed before taking his shoes off, suddenly realizing he hadn't removed them at the door like his mother taught him growing up. Making a mental note to apologize to Shelley later, he walked across the hall to use the bathroom.
On his way back to his room, he noticed the room right next to his must have been Danielle's. He remembered that she told him she liked the color pink, which made the only pink door in a sea of white stand out.
Mike let curiosity get the best of him and he slowly opened the pink door. He couldn't help but laugh as he saw the single red t-shirt among a sea of Pens jerseys with his name and number on the back. He looked around and saw pictures of Danielle and Kristi laying poolside with the girl he had been introduced to at Christmas as Jamie.
He gulped as he saw the Famous Stars and Straps bikini Danielle was wearing. He only saw her in jeans and t-shirts, he wished he remembered them sleeping together.
"Mike," Shelley said, "Food's ready."
Mike snapped back to reality and shut the door to Danielle's behind him.
"What a surprise," Dan said shaking Mike's hand as he entered the dining room, "What are you doing here?"
"I needed to come convince Danielle to move to Arlington since she refuses to."
"Why? She really has no reason to stay here, we already told her it was okay."
"Something about school, you guys, and work."
"I do not understand that girl sometimes," Dan said as Shelley placed a plate of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast in front of them.
"Coffee or orange juice," she asked Mike.
"Orange juice, please?"
Shelley poured him a glass and went back into the kitchen to clean up while Dan and Mike made small talk.
"What time does Danielle get off of work," Mike asked.
"I think five o'clock," Dan replied, "I'm not sure, why?"
"I was thinking you guys could go away for the weekend while Danielle and I settle this. I think it'd be better if you two weren't here that way she has no way out of this."
"Dan, Carol and Tony were just talking about going to Seven Springs for the weekend, why don't you give Tony a call and see if they left yet?"
"We could use the break," Dan said smiling, "You and Danielle are more than welcomed to come up after you get everything settled."
"I plan on not leaving here without her."
Dan smiled while grabbing his phone out of his pocket to call his brother and sister-in-law to tell them they'd be joining them after all. Mike sat five, one hundred dollar bills on the table.
Dan handed them back to him but after Mike insisted he foot the bill after everything he and Shelley were doing for him, Dan gratefully accepted the money; thanking Mike more than once.
Shelley and Dan were packed and ready to go by two o'clock. Mike was in the game room shooting pool to keep him occupied until Danielle got home.
Mike was ready to head up the steps to the kitchen when he heard the front door open and Danielle's voice calling out to her parent's that she was home.
Mike decided to make his presence known as he quietly ascended up the stairs. The door to the hall closet was open and Mike stood behind it while Danielle hung up her coat.
"MIKE, HOLY SHIT! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE," Danielle yelled startled as she clutched her chest.
If this was any other day but today, Mike would laugh at the shock but he was here to take care of business and that is just what he planned to do.
"Well, since you won't return any of my phone calls," he began, "I called your mom and explained everything to her, so she invited me here to talk some sense into you."
"Fuck you," Danielle spat, "I don't owe you shit."
"You're right, you don't owe me anything but you do owe my child a father and me no excuses as to why you won't move to Arlington. Your parents are okay with it; Kristi agreed to move down to keep you company so she could get closer to Nicky and you could have a friend and a piece of your life there, but you keep giving me bullshit reasons as to why you won't move. I like you, Danielle. I like you a lot, not just because you're pregnant with my baby but you treat me like a normal guy and not Mike Green the hockey player. You make me laugh and I smile all day long thinking of you, I invited you to DC over New Years to get to know the real you, the same way you broke down the real me by walking into my life. I can be myself around you, I don't have to throw my money around or flash my cars because none of it matters to you. I don't want to live alone in that house knowing you aren't there because I'm just as scared as you are. I'm not letting you walk out of my life, Danielle."
Danielle stood there too shocked to move as Mike stepped forward and took her hand in his, "Please come back with me, we'll teach each other not to be scared. You're not alone in this situation, I'm here and I want it to stay that way but Dani you got to meet me half way."
Danielle pulled her hand away and wrapped her arms around Mike's waist, "I'm so sorry," she cried as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Shh," Mike said running his hands down her back soothingly, "It's okay, don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry. God, I'm so sorry."
Danielle squeezed him tighter and Mike lifted her up as he walked towards the living room and sat down on the couch. Danielle curled herself into his chest and Mike held her to him not letting go.
"Mike," Danielle whispered.
"What," he asked placing his cheek on her head as he traced her arm with his fingers.
"I'll move to DC on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You promise me I never have to wear a hideous red jersey."
"I can't promise you that after seeing my jersey hanging in your closet," he joked and Danielle smacked his chest, "I'm being serious Danielle, please come back with me."
"Okay," Danielle agreed pulling away from Mike. She slowly leaned her head down towards his and Mike met her half way quickly claiming her lips with his.
It was nothing like New Years Eve when they had no choice but to do it at midnight. This kiss was soft and sweet and it left them both wanting more but if this new direction in both of their lives was going work, they needed to move things slow with no excuses.
"Go get changed," Mike said breaking the kiss.
"Why? Where are we going?"
"Your parents rented a cabin this weekend at some place called Seven Springs and they invited us to go as well but we weren't allowed to come up until we reached an agreement."
"I'd rather stay here," Danielle replied, "I've had enough of my parents for a while."
"Snowboarding isn't a good idea. for me right now anyways but come on go get dressed anyways, I'll take you out to dinner."
"Are you asking me out?"
"Obviously," Mike laughed.
"Don't laugh at me or else I won't move anywhere."
"No excuses, Danielle, no excuses," he said and that's exactly what he meant.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Chapter 4-Take a Chance on Me
"Danielle," Mike called out opening the door but got no response. He was returning home from a four game road trip and he just needed someone to talk to.
Of course he had plenty of people to talk to on the team but Danielle was a woman and she didn't turn serious situations into sexual innuendo.
"Danielle," he called out again, "I'm home."
Mike hung his keys on the hook by the door where he saw a note hanging where the Escalade keys hung.
Mike,
Kristy and I went to look at schools and jobs, I should have asked to borrow the truck but you didn't answer your phone. When I come home we need to talk. There's pasta salad in the refrigerator and I bought you a case of Heineken because it's green =).
I'll be home soon.
xo Danielle xo
Mike smiled and put the note on the counter in the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he saw the pasta salad with green noodles next to the Heineken and he laughed.
Sitting down at the counter, he took a bite and he had to resist the urge to growl, the pasta was the best he ever had. Danielle was starting to spoil him with all of the cooking she did.
A voice pulled him from his thoughts and he smiled when he turned around and saw Danielle in one of his sweatshirts.
"Nice shirt," he said with a mouthful of food.
"Pig!"
Mike smiled and swallowed taking a drink from the beer can as he stood up from the stool and gave Danielle a hug.
"I missed you," he said squeezing her lightly.
"I wish I could say the same about you," Danielle replied smiling causing him to roll his eyes.
"Did you find a school," he asked.
"I think I'm going to do online classes, that way if people find out about me I won't be the center of attention."
"I barely know you, so how are they going to know who you are?"
"You're Mike Green, people in China know who you are."
"Oh yeah cause General Tso loves hockey."
"Mmmm speaking of General Tso, that sounds so good right about now."
Mike laughed, "So Chinese tonight for dinner."
"God that sounds amazing but you just ate."
"I'm always hungry," Mike replied, "How about I order takeout and we talk."
"Sounds good to me."
Mike grabbed the menu out of the drawer and ordered the food while Danielle changed.
"45 minutes," Mike said when Danielle came out of her room.
"That's fine," she replied smiling sitting down on the couch.
Mike sat next to her and turned on the TV, "What do you want to watch?"
"Let's watch Crybaby!"
"What's Crybaby?"
"It's my favorite movie of all time, it's an old John Waters movie with Johnny Depp and Rikki Lake."
"Johnny Depp, oh God no."
"I don't think he's hot, although put eyeliner on him and he's smoking."
"Jesus Christ," Mike laughed, "I've never saw that one."
"I have it in my suitcase, I brought it with me."
"I was going to say, I don't have that one."
"Freaking classic," Danielle said standing up suddenly, "I'll go get it."
"It better be good or we're watching Wedding Crashers."
"OH MY GOD, I love that movie too," she squealed causing Mike to laugh.
Danielle threw the DVD in Mike's lap and he put it in the DVD player as she curled up on the couch with a blanket.
"Move your legs," Mike ordered.
"Why, I'm comfortable."
Mike lifted Danielle's legs and put them on his lap as the movie began.
Danielle was enjoying the opening scene where Crybaby and his gang are getting TB vaccinations when the door bell rang.
Mike grabbed his wallet out of his pants and walked over to the door. He paid the delivery guy and walked into the kitchen.
"What do you want to drink," Mike asked.
"Water."
Mike grabbed two bottles of water and headed into the living room with the food.
"I paused the movie so you could see the whole thing."
"Thanks," Mike said handing her the take-out container of lo mein and the tin of chicken.
"What'd you get," Danielle asked.
"Sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, why?"
"Want to share? I'll give you half of mine for half of yours."
"Fair trade," Mike replied smiling as Danielle slid down to the floor and placed her food on the table. She patted the spot next to her and Mike joined her on the floor as they swapped food.
They ate in silence enjoying each other's company while watching the movie.
"You honestly know every song in this movie, don't you," Mike asked.
"I love this fucking movie."
Mike laughed and put his arm around Danielle's shoulders.
"I want you to stay," Mike admitted, "I'm used to you being here already and I don't want to miss anything with the baby."
"I'm going back to Pittsburgh in a couple of days for a doctor's appointment. You have a game here that day, I wanted you to be there but it's the only day that I could get in, I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Mike said, "Just call me when it's over and let me know how it goes. You're staying though, right?"
"I haven't decided yet, Mike you don't understand how hard this is. I'll be giving up everything I've known my whole life to come lie here."
"I can ask for a trade to Pittsburgh if that's what you want. I'll do anything to make this whole thing work."
"You're not asking for any trades, I want this to work but DC's not in the cards for me right now."
Mike didn't say a word and Danielle sighed, "I'm sorry, Mike."
"Just forget it," he replied coldly standing up, taking the empty containers with him.
"Mike, come on talk to me what's going on?"
"Nothing, Danielle, just drop it."
"I'm not dropping anything, Mike. I deserve to know why you suddenly decided to go psycho."
"You piss me off."
“I piss you off,” Danielle laughed sarcastically, “Come on Mike, let’s not go there.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “What do I do that could possibly piss you off? I could kick you out of my life and never see my child but I was a man about it and I stepped up to the plate to be there for you and our baby.”
“I’m not going to argue with you,” Danielle replied going to her room and slamming the door.
“Danielle,” he called out sighing, "Fuck!"
Mike kicked the trash can by the counter knocking it to the floor, running his hand over his head he walked down the hall and knocked on Danielle's door.
"Danielle," he whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Go away," she replied and Mike heard stuff being thown.
Opening the door slowly, he realized she was packing, "Where are you going?"
"Home," Danielle replied not looking up from the dresser, "I don't want to here anymore."
"Danielle," Mike sighed walking over to her, grabbing her wrist gently, "Don't go."
"I have a life in Pittsburgh, Mike. I need to get back to it."
"I had a life too before I came here. I know how hard it is leaving the only home you've ever known but Danielle, we need to make a life together for our baby. You don't even have to live here with me, just stay in town. I want to be here for you during everything. I want to be a normal father."
Silence fell between them as Mike dropped Danielle's hand from his grasp. Danielle went back to packing and Mike hung his head in defeat walking out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Danielle slid to the floor and let the tears fall. This is not how she imagined her life at 21 years
old. She always said she'd be married with a career before she brought another human being into the world.
Standing up, Danielle took a deep breath and walked out of the room. She needed to take the high road and swallow her pride to end this once and for all with Mike.
Mike was sitting on the couch watching the end of the movie. Danielle noticed he had a sleeve tattoo for the first time.
"Since when do you have a sleeve," she asked placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I got it last summer."
"I never noticed it before."
"Are you serious," Mike asked.
"I never saw it," Danielle replied running her fingers over Mike's bicep, "It's hot."
Mike laughed, "Are you hitting on me?"
Danielle blushed, "I'm sorry, I said that out loud."
"Come here," Mike said holding his arms open.
Danielle walked around the couch and sat down on Mike's lap.
"I'm sorry," she said breaking the silence, "I'm trying to get used to everything and I'm taking it out on you."
"I'm sorry too," Mike replied, "I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"At least we're getting along, it could be a lot worse."
"Scott thinks we're together," Mike smiled, "He said we're too close to be friends."
"It's not helping that we act like a couple like of someone walked in right now they'd think that."
"Have you ever considered it," Mike asked, "Like have you ever thought about what it'd be like if we were?"
"Honestly, no!"
Mike's doorbell went off and Danielle stood up to answer the door.
"Look what I buy you," Ovi said shoving the DVD case into Danielle's hand, "Mike, s'okay we watch, right?"
"Sasha, I hate you but you love Gaga like Ovi does and since you're here with him," Danielle said to the young Russian, "You can watch too."
"Gee thanks," Alex Semin laughed.
"I'm going to get my ear plugs," Mike joked walking into his room.
"You two okay," Ovi asked.
"We're fine," Danielle replied smiling as he put the DVD in the blu ray player.
"This will work in here, yes," Alex asked.
"Yeah, it will work."
"I was going to say, I need to see Gaga."
Danielle laughed as the intro of "Dance in Dark" began to play. Mike returned with a DC Shoe Company hoodie and he sat down next to Danielle.
"SILICON," Ovi yelled.
"SALINE," Sasha yelled.
"POISON, INJECT ME BABY I'M A FREE BITCH!"
"Why, God, why," Mike asked looking at the ceiling, "What did I ever do to deserve this?"
"Shut you face Mikey," Sasha said as Ovi and Danielle stood up dancing to Just Dance.
Mike looked at Danielle dancing with two of his friends and teammates and he smiled lightly before Scott Hannan’s words echoed in his head.
"Her having your baby is a beautiful thing, just remember that. I know you two aren't together and you're manning up to be a father but don't let her or that child walk out of your life because you'll regret it."
Danielle looked up at Mike who smiled at her as she and Ovi started doing the dance moves from the song. She fit in perfectly here, he just wished she stay and take a chance on something that wasn’t familiar to her. He was willing to do it and he understood her reasons why she wouldn’t do it, he just hoped Danielle would change her mind.
Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try
Take a chance on me
Of course he had plenty of people to talk to on the team but Danielle was a woman and she didn't turn serious situations into sexual innuendo.
"Danielle," he called out again, "I'm home."
Mike hung his keys on the hook by the door where he saw a note hanging where the Escalade keys hung.
Mike,
Kristy and I went to look at schools and jobs, I should have asked to borrow the truck but you didn't answer your phone. When I come home we need to talk. There's pasta salad in the refrigerator and I bought you a case of Heineken because it's green =).
I'll be home soon.
xo Danielle xo
Mike smiled and put the note on the counter in the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he saw the pasta salad with green noodles next to the Heineken and he laughed.
Sitting down at the counter, he took a bite and he had to resist the urge to growl, the pasta was the best he ever had. Danielle was starting to spoil him with all of the cooking she did.
A voice pulled him from his thoughts and he smiled when he turned around and saw Danielle in one of his sweatshirts.
"Nice shirt," he said with a mouthful of food.
"Pig!"
Mike smiled and swallowed taking a drink from the beer can as he stood up from the stool and gave Danielle a hug.
"I missed you," he said squeezing her lightly.
"I wish I could say the same about you," Danielle replied smiling causing him to roll his eyes.
"Did you find a school," he asked.
"I think I'm going to do online classes, that way if people find out about me I won't be the center of attention."
"I barely know you, so how are they going to know who you are?"
"You're Mike Green, people in China know who you are."
"Oh yeah cause General Tso loves hockey."
"Mmmm speaking of General Tso, that sounds so good right about now."
Mike laughed, "So Chinese tonight for dinner."
"God that sounds amazing but you just ate."
"I'm always hungry," Mike replied, "How about I order takeout and we talk."
"Sounds good to me."
Mike grabbed the menu out of the drawer and ordered the food while Danielle changed.
"45 minutes," Mike said when Danielle came out of her room.
"That's fine," she replied smiling sitting down on the couch.
Mike sat next to her and turned on the TV, "What do you want to watch?"
"Let's watch Crybaby!"
"What's Crybaby?"
"It's my favorite movie of all time, it's an old John Waters movie with Johnny Depp and Rikki Lake."
"Johnny Depp, oh God no."
"I don't think he's hot, although put eyeliner on him and he's smoking."
"Jesus Christ," Mike laughed, "I've never saw that one."
"I have it in my suitcase, I brought it with me."
"I was going to say, I don't have that one."
"Freaking classic," Danielle said standing up suddenly, "I'll go get it."
"It better be good or we're watching Wedding Crashers."
"OH MY GOD, I love that movie too," she squealed causing Mike to laugh.
Danielle threw the DVD in Mike's lap and he put it in the DVD player as she curled up on the couch with a blanket.
"Move your legs," Mike ordered.
"Why, I'm comfortable."
Mike lifted Danielle's legs and put them on his lap as the movie began.
Danielle was enjoying the opening scene where Crybaby and his gang are getting TB vaccinations when the door bell rang.
Mike grabbed his wallet out of his pants and walked over to the door. He paid the delivery guy and walked into the kitchen.
"What do you want to drink," Mike asked.
"Water."
Mike grabbed two bottles of water and headed into the living room with the food.
"I paused the movie so you could see the whole thing."
"Thanks," Mike said handing her the take-out container of lo mein and the tin of chicken.
"What'd you get," Danielle asked.
"Sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, why?"
"Want to share? I'll give you half of mine for half of yours."
"Fair trade," Mike replied smiling as Danielle slid down to the floor and placed her food on the table. She patted the spot next to her and Mike joined her on the floor as they swapped food.
They ate in silence enjoying each other's company while watching the movie.
"You honestly know every song in this movie, don't you," Mike asked.
"I love this fucking movie."
Mike laughed and put his arm around Danielle's shoulders.
"I want you to stay," Mike admitted, "I'm used to you being here already and I don't want to miss anything with the baby."
"I'm going back to Pittsburgh in a couple of days for a doctor's appointment. You have a game here that day, I wanted you to be there but it's the only day that I could get in, I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Mike said, "Just call me when it's over and let me know how it goes. You're staying though, right?"
"I haven't decided yet, Mike you don't understand how hard this is. I'll be giving up everything I've known my whole life to come lie here."
"I can ask for a trade to Pittsburgh if that's what you want. I'll do anything to make this whole thing work."
"You're not asking for any trades, I want this to work but DC's not in the cards for me right now."
Mike didn't say a word and Danielle sighed, "I'm sorry, Mike."
"Just forget it," he replied coldly standing up, taking the empty containers with him.
"Mike, come on talk to me what's going on?"
"Nothing, Danielle, just drop it."
"I'm not dropping anything, Mike. I deserve to know why you suddenly decided to go psycho."
"You piss me off."
“I piss you off,” Danielle laughed sarcastically, “Come on Mike, let’s not go there.”
Mike rolled his eyes, “What do I do that could possibly piss you off? I could kick you out of my life and never see my child but I was a man about it and I stepped up to the plate to be there for you and our baby.”
“I’m not going to argue with you,” Danielle replied going to her room and slamming the door.
“Danielle,” he called out sighing, "Fuck!"
Mike kicked the trash can by the counter knocking it to the floor, running his hand over his head he walked down the hall and knocked on Danielle's door.
"Danielle," he whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Go away," she replied and Mike heard stuff being thown.
Opening the door slowly, he realized she was packing, "Where are you going?"
"Home," Danielle replied not looking up from the dresser, "I don't want to here anymore."
"Danielle," Mike sighed walking over to her, grabbing her wrist gently, "Don't go."
"I have a life in Pittsburgh, Mike. I need to get back to it."
"I had a life too before I came here. I know how hard it is leaving the only home you've ever known but Danielle, we need to make a life together for our baby. You don't even have to live here with me, just stay in town. I want to be here for you during everything. I want to be a normal father."
Silence fell between them as Mike dropped Danielle's hand from his grasp. Danielle went back to packing and Mike hung his head in defeat walking out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Danielle slid to the floor and let the tears fall. This is not how she imagined her life at 21 years
old. She always said she'd be married with a career before she brought another human being into the world.
Standing up, Danielle took a deep breath and walked out of the room. She needed to take the high road and swallow her pride to end this once and for all with Mike.
Mike was sitting on the couch watching the end of the movie. Danielle noticed he had a sleeve tattoo for the first time.
"Since when do you have a sleeve," she asked placing her hands on his shoulders.
"I got it last summer."
"I never noticed it before."
"Are you serious," Mike asked.
"I never saw it," Danielle replied running her fingers over Mike's bicep, "It's hot."
Mike laughed, "Are you hitting on me?"
Danielle blushed, "I'm sorry, I said that out loud."
"Come here," Mike said holding his arms open.
Danielle walked around the couch and sat down on Mike's lap.
"I'm sorry," she said breaking the silence, "I'm trying to get used to everything and I'm taking it out on you."
"I'm sorry too," Mike replied, "I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"At least we're getting along, it could be a lot worse."
"Scott thinks we're together," Mike smiled, "He said we're too close to be friends."
"It's not helping that we act like a couple like of someone walked in right now they'd think that."
"Have you ever considered it," Mike asked, "Like have you ever thought about what it'd be like if we were?"
"Honestly, no!"
Mike's doorbell went off and Danielle stood up to answer the door.
"Look what I buy you," Ovi said shoving the DVD case into Danielle's hand, "Mike, s'okay we watch, right?"
"Sasha, I hate you but you love Gaga like Ovi does and since you're here with him," Danielle said to the young Russian, "You can watch too."
"Gee thanks," Alex Semin laughed.
"I'm going to get my ear plugs," Mike joked walking into his room.
"You two okay," Ovi asked.
"We're fine," Danielle replied smiling as he put the DVD in the blu ray player.
"This will work in here, yes," Alex asked.
"Yeah, it will work."
"I was going to say, I need to see Gaga."
Danielle laughed as the intro of "Dance in Dark" began to play. Mike returned with a DC Shoe Company hoodie and he sat down next to Danielle.
"SILICON," Ovi yelled.
"SALINE," Sasha yelled.
"POISON, INJECT ME BABY I'M A FREE BITCH!"
"Why, God, why," Mike asked looking at the ceiling, "What did I ever do to deserve this?"
"Shut you face Mikey," Sasha said as Ovi and Danielle stood up dancing to Just Dance.
Mike looked at Danielle dancing with two of his friends and teammates and he smiled lightly before Scott Hannan’s words echoed in his head.
"Her having your baby is a beautiful thing, just remember that. I know you two aren't together and you're manning up to be a father but don't let her or that child walk out of your life because you'll regret it."
Danielle looked up at Mike who smiled at her as she and Ovi started doing the dance moves from the song. She fit in perfectly here, he just wished she stay and take a chance on something that wasn’t familiar to her. He was willing to do it and he understood her reasons why she wouldn’t do it, he just hoped Danielle would change her mind.
Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try
Take a chance on me
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Chapter 4-Auld Lang Green
Danielle woke up in the morning and darted for the bathroom. Mike heard her up and walked into his guest bedroom and saw her on the bathroom floor.
"Hey," he whispered crouching down next to her, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Danielle whispered smiling slightly, "It's the morning sickness, it passes eventually."
Mike cringed as Danielle turned her head and threw up. Grabbing her hair, he held it back and rubbed her back comfortingly.
Danielle leaned back and Mike sat down next to her putting his arm around her hugging her to his side, "Get dressed, we'll go get some breakfast."
"You have practice."
"SHIT," Mike said standing up, "I forgot!"
Danielle laughed, "You're an idiot."
Mike laughed too and put his hand out to help her up, "Take a shower, you're coming with me."
"I look and feel like shit today, there's no way in hell I'm coming."
"Okay, you can stay here and get some sleep. I'll be back later."
Danielle gave him a small smile and turned the hot water on, "I'll call you if I need anything."
"Tomorrow's the New Years Eve party and I know you're worried about your hair and stuff so if you're up to it later, I'll take you to the salon and we'll get one of those trial things. That way you can decide of you want to do your hair yourself or have them else do it."
"Sounds good."
"I'll let you take a bath, I'm going to go get ready for practice."
Mike smiled giving her a hug before shutting the door behind him. Danielle looked at herself in the mirror as she got undressed and took in her appearance.
"Sweatpants kind of day it is," she whispered taking her clothes off before climbing in the hot bath.
Mike sat in his stall at Kettler Iceoplex with his head against the wall, He was the first one there and he enjoyed the quiet that surrounded him.
He shut his eyes trying to clear his head. He didn't understand why he wasn't mad at Kara. He had every reason to be, right?
She was pregnant with his baby because he foolishly slept with her while drunk. He should have denied the baby wasn't his but he trusted her word. She was a hardworking college student who paid her own bills by working full time while going to school and Mike could tell by the two days that he spent with her family that she was an all around good person.
"Hey Mike," Scott Hannan said entering the room, "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay," Mike smiled, "How are you?"
"Not doing too bad," Scott smiled, "How's your friend?"
"She's doing okay, she wasn't feeling well this morning. Morning sickness kept her up and she's at home sleeping."
"Her having your baby is a beautiful thing, just remember that. I know you two aren't together and you're manning up to be a father but don't let her or that child walk out of your life because you'll regret it."
Mike sighed, Scott's words sinking into his mind.
"Is she coming to the party tomorrow?"
"Yes she is, I haven't asked her to come to the game yet."
"Tell her to come, my wife wants to meet her."
"I'll let her know, thanks Scotty."
"For what?"
"Not judging me, I guess. Not everyone around here is thrilled with my actions."
"It's not their business, you're doing the right thing by stepping up to the plate and accepting your responsibility. No one has the right to judge you! People are going to talk about the both of you but you can’t let it get to you. No one’s perfect.”
“You’re right,” Mike sighed, “I just, I don’t know. I’m scared but then I have moments where I feel anxious because I’m having a baby, weird right?”
“I know how you feel but do what you can do to protect Danielle from the criticism. She doesn’t deserve it just like you don’t and whatever you do, don’t let her go back to Pittsburgh. I know she’ll fight with you because she doesn’t want to leave her family but you have to prove to her that she isn’t a burden to you and that even though you two aren’t together you are her friend and will take care of her and be there for her. She has all of us who will support her, Ovi is dying to meet her.”
“He found out she loves Lady Gaga and he went apeshit.”
“Oh my God, keep them away from each other,” Scott laughed before Ovi came in the room followed by Alex Semin.
“Where Danielle,” Ovi asked.
“She didn’t feel like coming, she’s having bad morning sickness.”
“That’s too bad, she come to game tomorrow though?”
“I haven’t asked her yet, I’ll try to get her to come. If not you can meet her at the party.”
“You bring her?”
“Yeah, I figured since she was coming down to get a taste of what life here is like and to look for schools that I’d ask her to go besides Kate has a boyfriend now.”
“She not pretty, never knew why you like her in the first place. She thought you were douche bag.”
“If it isn’t the pot calling the kettle black,” Mike thought to himself before he rolled his eyes and smirked, “Fuck off Ovi.”
As the locker room filled with techno music and fist pumps, Bruce Boudreau came in, “Alright you fucking shit bums, listen up. You are going to work your fucking asses off today and I don’t get a flying fuck if you fucking pass out. Too many fucking turnovers are occurring in the neutral zone and we need to fucking get our shit together. Do you understand me?”
“Yes Bruce,” the guys said in unison.
“Good, now get your fucking shit and get the fuck out on the ice.”
“If I had a shot for every time he says ‘fuck’ when he talks, I’d be fucking drunk off of my ass,” Brooks said and everyone laughed.
“Bruce Boudreau drinking game,” Ovi laughed, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Mike just shook his head and walked out of the locker room behind Brooks. Practice seemed to go on for hours and when it was finally over, Mike took a hot shower. Signing a few autographs and posing for a few pictures with fans, Mike headed home.
“Danielle,” he called out as he opened the door.
He got no answer and he went straight to her bedroom where he found her sound asleep. Gently sitting down on the bed, he shook her, “Danielle,” he whispered.
“Hey,” she mumbled smiling, “What time is it?”
“It’s almost five.”
“Did you just get home?”
“Yeah, Bruce killed us today since we lost last night. Something about ‘too many fucking turnovers.’”
Danielle laughed as she sat up, “I think I’m going to do my own hair tomorrow, I’m not up to going to a salon today.”
“You look better,” Mike smiled, “Are you up for going to dinner or do you just want to order take out?”
“Want me to cook?”
“You cook?”
“My mom taught me when I was little, I love to cook.”
“You don’t have to if you don’t feel well.”
“I feel a lot better now, I told you it goes away. That’s why they call it morning sickness.”
Mike laughed and Danielle smiled, “Okay, just don’t try to poison me.”
“I’ll only poison Sasha.”
Mike noticed Danielle’s stomach was starting to form a bump and he had to resist the urge to put his hand on her stomach. It was still early but he wanted to see if he felt something. He had read online that the baby didn’t start moving until the fourth or fifth month.
“What do you have in the kitchen?”
“I think I have steak and chicken, not sure.”
“Which one do you want?”
“Make whichever one you want, I’ll eat whatever.”
“Okay,” Danielle replied getting out of bed and throwing her hair up in a ponytail before leaving the room to head into the kitchen.
“Use whatever you need to use, I’ll go get more if we need it,” Mike said coming into the kitchen. Danielle looked in the freezer and saw two steaks.
“Do steak salads sound good to you?”
“Yeah, there should be a bag of fries I stashed in the freezer when the guys came over last week.”
Danielle dug around and found them, taking a two sheet pans out of the oven, she turned it on as she placed the steaks on one and the fries on the other.
“I’ve never seen steak baked before.”
“It keeps the meat juicy and hey it’s healthy for the three of us.”
Mike smiled at the word three as he grabbed his vibrating phone out of his pocket. He looked at the screen and saw he had a text from Ovi.
Did you ask her to game?
Mike deleted it instead of replying and sat the phone on the counter in the kitchen, “Want to come to the game with me tomorrow? It’s in the afternoon. The party is from nine to two so we’ll have plenty of time to come back and get dressed.”
“What time is the game?”
“Noon.”
“That’s fine,” Danielle replied, “I’d love to go, just don’t expect me to wear red.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Mike laughed, “Guess who we’re playing?”
“Philly?”
“Nope!”
“Florida?”
“Keep guessing.”
“Los Angeles?”
“Chicago.”
“SHUT UP,” Danielle shrieked, “YES, I CAN WEAR MY SHARP JERSEY.”
“You have one of those?”
“I have Sharp, Toews, Keith, Kane, and Versteeg but he’s a Flyer now.”
“You’re going to meet my teammates wearing a Blackhawks jersey?”
“Mhm,” Danielle replied smiling and Mike laughed rolling his eyes.
“I knew you’d be happy that we were playing them, I remembered you said that they were your second favorite team.”
“Thanks,” she replied washing her hands before placing the pans in the oven, “How do you want your steak?”
“Medium rare.”
Danielle shivered, “That’s disgusting.”
Mike just shrugged with a smile on his face as he walked into the living room and turned on the TV. Mike settled on the news to kill the time before an important game for the Caps to watch came on. The Penguins were playing the Islanders and it was sure to be one hell of a game especially after the brawl the season before but the Capitals were battling for first place in the East but the Penguins were sitting there comfortably with a three point lead.
“Pens vs. Isles tonight,” Mike called out, “Want to watch it?”
“Why would you even ask that question?”
Mike laughed as he replied a simple, ‘Yes, she’s coming,’ to Ovi before he shut the phone off and sat it on the coffee table. He started to smell the food cooking and it smelled great. Danielle came in and handed him his bowl of salad ten minutes later with the fries and the steak on top of it along with cheese and croutons before she headed back into the kitchen. Mike followed behind her to get the salad dressing out of the refrigerator and a bottle of Perrier water.
“Salad dressing,” Mike began, “The only thing that isn’t green in my fridge.”
“LAME,” Danielle sang causing him to laugh as she pulled her steak out of the oven and sat down at the counter cutting it to put in her bowl that already had the fries and cheese on top of it.
Mike sat on the couch eating his salad while Danielle sat at the counter, both of them eating in a comfortable silence. When they were finished, Mike helped Danielle clean the pans and bowls before the game came on.
The game was a bloodbath just like Mike had predicted and he laughed at Danielle screaming, “KICK HIS ASS ENGO,” to Derek Engelland who was battling with Trevor Gillies, “TAKE THAT GILLIES, YOU FUCKING PUSSY!”
“Potty mouth much,” Mike chuckled.
“Take his fucking knee out from under him when you play the Islanders, I hate this prick.”
Mike laughed again when the buzzer sounded and the Pens won by seven goals.
“They kicked their asses in more ways than one,” Mike said, “Damn, they’re tough this year.”
“Get used to it Green, they’re winning the cup.”
“I love how you’re pregnant to a Capital and you still despise us.”
“Loyalties lie, Mike,” Danielle chuckled standing up from the couch, “Goodnight.”
“Going to bed already,” Mike asked looking at the clock, it’s only nine thirty.”
“I have to get up early tomorrow to go the arena with you, I know you guys wake up at the ass crack of dawn on early game days and I need my beauty sleep.”
“Goodnight, I’ll wake you up in the morning.”
“You owe me breakfast assclown,” she laughed running her hand over Mike’s hair and he wanted to grab her wrist and encourage her to continue doing it since he found it relaxing but he already felt things between them felt like they were together even if they weren’t and he didn’t want to push it.
The next day Mike woke Danielle up and took her to breakfast before they headed to Verizon Center to get ready for the game. Danielle wanted to sit in with the crowd and Mike agreed to it. Danielle voted not to meet the team and Scott’s wife until the party because she left early to go home since she started to get sick. Mike gave her his keys and had Nicky drive him home.
The Caps lost their fourth game in a row to the Blackhawks and Mike took note that when they played them again in Chicago before the season ended to ask Danielle if she wanted to go. When Mike arrived home, Danielle was in the shower and his suit was laid out neatly over his bed with a new tie that Mike assumed she had bought so it matched her dress.
Mike took a shower himself and when he had finished getting ready, Danielle was putting her shoes on with the door to her bedroom open. She was wearing a black dress with a red ribbon around the waist, that explained the all black outfit and red tie she had laid out for him. Her hair was tied back in curls and was off to the side. She had smoke colored eye shadow that looked black and Mike noticed it made her blue eyes pop.
“You look great,” Mike complimented and Danielle smiled.
“Thanks, you too,” she replied, “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, we have to take pictures first when we get there, is that okay?”
“That’s fine.”
They arrived at the Jefferson Hotel in DC in Mike’s Lamborghini. Mike insisted he take it since the weather was somewhat warm and it was a “special occasion.”
Mike gave the keys to the valet and put his arm out for Danielle to take as they headed inside.
Ovi smiled when he saw Mike and Danielle coming towards him, “Mikey,” he said, “You make it.”
“Alex, this is Danielle, Danielle this is Alex,” he said introducing them.
“I know who she is,” Alex smiled with his toothless smile before hugging Danielle, “I remember you from camp, you funny girl who told me she was Pens fan and would be disowned if people knew she there.”
Danielle laughed pulling away, “I’ll be disowned when people find out I’m here too.”
“Smart choice having baby with Mike, he very responsible.”
Danielle laughed turning to Mike who looked like he was ready to strangle the Russian, “You’re a dick.”
Both Alex and Danielle laughed before Brooks Laich came out of the ballroom where the pictures were being taken.
“Ah, you must be Danielle,” he said extending his hand, “I’m Brooks, nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Danielle replied, “Oh my God, that’s John Carlson.”
Mike looked behind Brooks where the young defenseman was, “Yep that’s him.”
“I’m sorry; I’m a little star struck. I watched him win the gold for the USA at the WJC and he’s one of my favorites.”
“Hey guys,” he said with a smile coming over to them, “Are you the only ones here?”
“There are a few others in the room getting their picture taken. Why we’re getting professional pictures taken at a private party, I have no idea,” Brooks said and Mike put his arm around Danielle’s waist without realizing it. She jumped at the sudden contact making him realize what he had done, “I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I didn’t realize it.”
“It’s okay,” she replied, “I’m not going to yell at you.”
Mike just smiled as he introduced John to Danielle. Danielle seemed to get along with everyone and she impressed Scott and his wife, Kristina who held their son Gage.
Gage reached his arms out for Danielle who took him and held him for a little bit, “She’s a good girl, Mike,” Scott said as he looked at Danielle who was sitting at the table with Kristina while Gage crawled out of Danielle’s arms and into his mother’s lap, “Definitely a keeper if you decided to go down that road.”
“I’m still trying to get to know her; we haven’t had much time since we came back since we’ve been playing.”
“Get to know her then make your decision, what’s the worst that could happen?”
“I don’t want her thinking I’m just with her because we’re having a baby.”
“Take it slow, that’s all you have to do. It’s worth a try.”
For the second time in two days, Scott was right. As the party wound down and the clock got closer to midnight, everyone was either dancing or sitting around talking. Danielle was talking to Mike who was taking Scott’s advice and getting to know her.
“Ten seconds,” Ovi yelled. Everyone counted down as the TV played the ball dropping.
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” everyone yelled before kissing their dates. Mike looked at Danielle who looked up at him shyly.
Mike leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her lips. It surprised him when she returned it and he wrapped his arm around her waist, “Happy New Year,” he whispered.
“Thanks,” she replied blushing and Mike immediately felt guilty for kissing her. This was going to make things awkward between the two of them.
“Are you ready to go,” he asked and Danielle nodded before the two of them slipped out going unnoticed because everyone was too busy dancing celebrating the New Year.
Danielle pulled out her phone and called her family back in Pittsburgh to wish them Happy New Year and Mike wished them one in return as well.
“No wonder we haven’t seen Nicky all night, look,” Mike pointed to the young Swede who was fixing his tie and his disheveled hair. Kristi was right next to him and Danielle laughed.
“It’s nice to know she told me she was banging him.”
Mike laughed, “Oh God, look out Nicky got a girl.”
Danielle and Mike laughed as they got in the car and drove back to Mike’s house. Danielle had a big decision to make. It was either staying in DC or going back to Pittsburgh but New Year means new things and Danielle was willing to try a new life in the nation’s capital.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
"Hey," he whispered crouching down next to her, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Danielle whispered smiling slightly, "It's the morning sickness, it passes eventually."
Mike cringed as Danielle turned her head and threw up. Grabbing her hair, he held it back and rubbed her back comfortingly.
Danielle leaned back and Mike sat down next to her putting his arm around her hugging her to his side, "Get dressed, we'll go get some breakfast."
"You have practice."
"SHIT," Mike said standing up, "I forgot!"
Danielle laughed, "You're an idiot."
Mike laughed too and put his hand out to help her up, "Take a shower, you're coming with me."
"I look and feel like shit today, there's no way in hell I'm coming."
"Okay, you can stay here and get some sleep. I'll be back later."
Danielle gave him a small smile and turned the hot water on, "I'll call you if I need anything."
"Tomorrow's the New Years Eve party and I know you're worried about your hair and stuff so if you're up to it later, I'll take you to the salon and we'll get one of those trial things. That way you can decide of you want to do your hair yourself or have them else do it."
"Sounds good."
"I'll let you take a bath, I'm going to go get ready for practice."
Mike smiled giving her a hug before shutting the door behind him. Danielle looked at herself in the mirror as she got undressed and took in her appearance.
"Sweatpants kind of day it is," she whispered taking her clothes off before climbing in the hot bath.
Mike sat in his stall at Kettler Iceoplex with his head against the wall, He was the first one there and he enjoyed the quiet that surrounded him.
He shut his eyes trying to clear his head. He didn't understand why he wasn't mad at Kara. He had every reason to be, right?
She was pregnant with his baby because he foolishly slept with her while drunk. He should have denied the baby wasn't his but he trusted her word. She was a hardworking college student who paid her own bills by working full time while going to school and Mike could tell by the two days that he spent with her family that she was an all around good person.
"Hey Mike," Scott Hannan said entering the room, "How are you?"
"I'm doing okay," Mike smiled, "How are you?"
"Not doing too bad," Scott smiled, "How's your friend?"
"She's doing okay, she wasn't feeling well this morning. Morning sickness kept her up and she's at home sleeping."
"Her having your baby is a beautiful thing, just remember that. I know you two aren't together and you're manning up to be a father but don't let her or that child walk out of your life because you'll regret it."
Mike sighed, Scott's words sinking into his mind.
"Is she coming to the party tomorrow?"
"Yes she is, I haven't asked her to come to the game yet."
"Tell her to come, my wife wants to meet her."
"I'll let her know, thanks Scotty."
"For what?"
"Not judging me, I guess. Not everyone around here is thrilled with my actions."
"It's not their business, you're doing the right thing by stepping up to the plate and accepting your responsibility. No one has the right to judge you! People are going to talk about the both of you but you can’t let it get to you. No one’s perfect.”
“You’re right,” Mike sighed, “I just, I don’t know. I’m scared but then I have moments where I feel anxious because I’m having a baby, weird right?”
“I know how you feel but do what you can do to protect Danielle from the criticism. She doesn’t deserve it just like you don’t and whatever you do, don’t let her go back to Pittsburgh. I know she’ll fight with you because she doesn’t want to leave her family but you have to prove to her that she isn’t a burden to you and that even though you two aren’t together you are her friend and will take care of her and be there for her. She has all of us who will support her, Ovi is dying to meet her.”
“He found out she loves Lady Gaga and he went apeshit.”
“Oh my God, keep them away from each other,” Scott laughed before Ovi came in the room followed by Alex Semin.
“Where Danielle,” Ovi asked.
“She didn’t feel like coming, she’s having bad morning sickness.”
“That’s too bad, she come to game tomorrow though?”
“I haven’t asked her yet, I’ll try to get her to come. If not you can meet her at the party.”
“You bring her?”
“Yeah, I figured since she was coming down to get a taste of what life here is like and to look for schools that I’d ask her to go besides Kate has a boyfriend now.”
“She not pretty, never knew why you like her in the first place. She thought you were douche bag.”
“If it isn’t the pot calling the kettle black,” Mike thought to himself before he rolled his eyes and smirked, “Fuck off Ovi.”
As the locker room filled with techno music and fist pumps, Bruce Boudreau came in, “Alright you fucking shit bums, listen up. You are going to work your fucking asses off today and I don’t get a flying fuck if you fucking pass out. Too many fucking turnovers are occurring in the neutral zone and we need to fucking get our shit together. Do you understand me?”
“Yes Bruce,” the guys said in unison.
“Good, now get your fucking shit and get the fuck out on the ice.”
“If I had a shot for every time he says ‘fuck’ when he talks, I’d be fucking drunk off of my ass,” Brooks said and everyone laughed.
“Bruce Boudreau drinking game,” Ovi laughed, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Mike just shook his head and walked out of the locker room behind Brooks. Practice seemed to go on for hours and when it was finally over, Mike took a hot shower. Signing a few autographs and posing for a few pictures with fans, Mike headed home.
“Danielle,” he called out as he opened the door.
He got no answer and he went straight to her bedroom where he found her sound asleep. Gently sitting down on the bed, he shook her, “Danielle,” he whispered.
“Hey,” she mumbled smiling, “What time is it?”
“It’s almost five.”
“Did you just get home?”
“Yeah, Bruce killed us today since we lost last night. Something about ‘too many fucking turnovers.’”
Danielle laughed as she sat up, “I think I’m going to do my own hair tomorrow, I’m not up to going to a salon today.”
“You look better,” Mike smiled, “Are you up for going to dinner or do you just want to order take out?”
“Want me to cook?”
“You cook?”
“My mom taught me when I was little, I love to cook.”
“You don’t have to if you don’t feel well.”
“I feel a lot better now, I told you it goes away. That’s why they call it morning sickness.”
Mike laughed and Danielle smiled, “Okay, just don’t try to poison me.”
“I’ll only poison Sasha.”
Mike noticed Danielle’s stomach was starting to form a bump and he had to resist the urge to put his hand on her stomach. It was still early but he wanted to see if he felt something. He had read online that the baby didn’t start moving until the fourth or fifth month.
“What do you have in the kitchen?”
“I think I have steak and chicken, not sure.”
“Which one do you want?”
“Make whichever one you want, I’ll eat whatever.”
“Okay,” Danielle replied getting out of bed and throwing her hair up in a ponytail before leaving the room to head into the kitchen.
“Use whatever you need to use, I’ll go get more if we need it,” Mike said coming into the kitchen. Danielle looked in the freezer and saw two steaks.
“Do steak salads sound good to you?”
“Yeah, there should be a bag of fries I stashed in the freezer when the guys came over last week.”
Danielle dug around and found them, taking a two sheet pans out of the oven, she turned it on as she placed the steaks on one and the fries on the other.
“I’ve never seen steak baked before.”
“It keeps the meat juicy and hey it’s healthy for the three of us.”
Mike smiled at the word three as he grabbed his vibrating phone out of his pocket. He looked at the screen and saw he had a text from Ovi.
Did you ask her to game?
Mike deleted it instead of replying and sat the phone on the counter in the kitchen, “Want to come to the game with me tomorrow? It’s in the afternoon. The party is from nine to two so we’ll have plenty of time to come back and get dressed.”
“What time is the game?”
“Noon.”
“That’s fine,” Danielle replied, “I’d love to go, just don’t expect me to wear red.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Mike laughed, “Guess who we’re playing?”
“Philly?”
“Nope!”
“Florida?”
“Keep guessing.”
“Los Angeles?”
“Chicago.”
“SHUT UP,” Danielle shrieked, “YES, I CAN WEAR MY SHARP JERSEY.”
“You have one of those?”
“I have Sharp, Toews, Keith, Kane, and Versteeg but he’s a Flyer now.”
“You’re going to meet my teammates wearing a Blackhawks jersey?”
“Mhm,” Danielle replied smiling and Mike laughed rolling his eyes.
“I knew you’d be happy that we were playing them, I remembered you said that they were your second favorite team.”
“Thanks,” she replied washing her hands before placing the pans in the oven, “How do you want your steak?”
“Medium rare.”
Danielle shivered, “That’s disgusting.”
Mike just shrugged with a smile on his face as he walked into the living room and turned on the TV. Mike settled on the news to kill the time before an important game for the Caps to watch came on. The Penguins were playing the Islanders and it was sure to be one hell of a game especially after the brawl the season before but the Capitals were battling for first place in the East but the Penguins were sitting there comfortably with a three point lead.
“Pens vs. Isles tonight,” Mike called out, “Want to watch it?”
“Why would you even ask that question?”
Mike laughed as he replied a simple, ‘Yes, she’s coming,’ to Ovi before he shut the phone off and sat it on the coffee table. He started to smell the food cooking and it smelled great. Danielle came in and handed him his bowl of salad ten minutes later with the fries and the steak on top of it along with cheese and croutons before she headed back into the kitchen. Mike followed behind her to get the salad dressing out of the refrigerator and a bottle of Perrier water.
“Salad dressing,” Mike began, “The only thing that isn’t green in my fridge.”
“LAME,” Danielle sang causing him to laugh as she pulled her steak out of the oven and sat down at the counter cutting it to put in her bowl that already had the fries and cheese on top of it.
Mike sat on the couch eating his salad while Danielle sat at the counter, both of them eating in a comfortable silence. When they were finished, Mike helped Danielle clean the pans and bowls before the game came on.
The game was a bloodbath just like Mike had predicted and he laughed at Danielle screaming, “KICK HIS ASS ENGO,” to Derek Engelland who was battling with Trevor Gillies, “TAKE THAT GILLIES, YOU FUCKING PUSSY!”
“Potty mouth much,” Mike chuckled.
“Take his fucking knee out from under him when you play the Islanders, I hate this prick.”
Mike laughed again when the buzzer sounded and the Pens won by seven goals.
“They kicked their asses in more ways than one,” Mike said, “Damn, they’re tough this year.”
“Get used to it Green, they’re winning the cup.”
“I love how you’re pregnant to a Capital and you still despise us.”
“Loyalties lie, Mike,” Danielle chuckled standing up from the couch, “Goodnight.”
“Going to bed already,” Mike asked looking at the clock, it’s only nine thirty.”
“I have to get up early tomorrow to go the arena with you, I know you guys wake up at the ass crack of dawn on early game days and I need my beauty sleep.”
“Goodnight, I’ll wake you up in the morning.”
“You owe me breakfast assclown,” she laughed running her hand over Mike’s hair and he wanted to grab her wrist and encourage her to continue doing it since he found it relaxing but he already felt things between them felt like they were together even if they weren’t and he didn’t want to push it.
The next day Mike woke Danielle up and took her to breakfast before they headed to Verizon Center to get ready for the game. Danielle wanted to sit in with the crowd and Mike agreed to it. Danielle voted not to meet the team and Scott’s wife until the party because she left early to go home since she started to get sick. Mike gave her his keys and had Nicky drive him home.
The Caps lost their fourth game in a row to the Blackhawks and Mike took note that when they played them again in Chicago before the season ended to ask Danielle if she wanted to go. When Mike arrived home, Danielle was in the shower and his suit was laid out neatly over his bed with a new tie that Mike assumed she had bought so it matched her dress.
Mike took a shower himself and when he had finished getting ready, Danielle was putting her shoes on with the door to her bedroom open. She was wearing a black dress with a red ribbon around the waist, that explained the all black outfit and red tie she had laid out for him. Her hair was tied back in curls and was off to the side. She had smoke colored eye shadow that looked black and Mike noticed it made her blue eyes pop.
“You look great,” Mike complimented and Danielle smiled.
“Thanks, you too,” she replied, “Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, we have to take pictures first when we get there, is that okay?”
“That’s fine.”
They arrived at the Jefferson Hotel in DC in Mike’s Lamborghini. Mike insisted he take it since the weather was somewhat warm and it was a “special occasion.”
Mike gave the keys to the valet and put his arm out for Danielle to take as they headed inside.
Ovi smiled when he saw Mike and Danielle coming towards him, “Mikey,” he said, “You make it.”
“Alex, this is Danielle, Danielle this is Alex,” he said introducing them.
“I know who she is,” Alex smiled with his toothless smile before hugging Danielle, “I remember you from camp, you funny girl who told me she was Pens fan and would be disowned if people knew she there.”
Danielle laughed pulling away, “I’ll be disowned when people find out I’m here too.”
“Smart choice having baby with Mike, he very responsible.”
Danielle laughed turning to Mike who looked like he was ready to strangle the Russian, “You’re a dick.”
Both Alex and Danielle laughed before Brooks Laich came out of the ballroom where the pictures were being taken.
“Ah, you must be Danielle,” he said extending his hand, “I’m Brooks, nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Danielle replied, “Oh my God, that’s John Carlson.”
Mike looked behind Brooks where the young defenseman was, “Yep that’s him.”
“I’m sorry; I’m a little star struck. I watched him win the gold for the USA at the WJC and he’s one of my favorites.”
“Hey guys,” he said with a smile coming over to them, “Are you the only ones here?”
“There are a few others in the room getting their picture taken. Why we’re getting professional pictures taken at a private party, I have no idea,” Brooks said and Mike put his arm around Danielle’s waist without realizing it. She jumped at the sudden contact making him realize what he had done, “I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I didn’t realize it.”
“It’s okay,” she replied, “I’m not going to yell at you.”
Mike just smiled as he introduced John to Danielle. Danielle seemed to get along with everyone and she impressed Scott and his wife, Kristina who held their son Gage.
Gage reached his arms out for Danielle who took him and held him for a little bit, “She’s a good girl, Mike,” Scott said as he looked at Danielle who was sitting at the table with Kristina while Gage crawled out of Danielle’s arms and into his mother’s lap, “Definitely a keeper if you decided to go down that road.”
“I’m still trying to get to know her; we haven’t had much time since we came back since we’ve been playing.”
“Get to know her then make your decision, what’s the worst that could happen?”
“I don’t want her thinking I’m just with her because we’re having a baby.”
“Take it slow, that’s all you have to do. It’s worth a try.”
For the second time in two days, Scott was right. As the party wound down and the clock got closer to midnight, everyone was either dancing or sitting around talking. Danielle was talking to Mike who was taking Scott’s advice and getting to know her.
“Ten seconds,” Ovi yelled. Everyone counted down as the TV played the ball dropping.
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” everyone yelled before kissing their dates. Mike looked at Danielle who looked up at him shyly.
Mike leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her lips. It surprised him when she returned it and he wrapped his arm around her waist, “Happy New Year,” he whispered.
“Thanks,” she replied blushing and Mike immediately felt guilty for kissing her. This was going to make things awkward between the two of them.
“Are you ready to go,” he asked and Danielle nodded before the two of them slipped out going unnoticed because everyone was too busy dancing celebrating the New Year.
Danielle pulled out her phone and called her family back in Pittsburgh to wish them Happy New Year and Mike wished them one in return as well.
“No wonder we haven’t seen Nicky all night, look,” Mike pointed to the young Swede who was fixing his tie and his disheveled hair. Kristi was right next to him and Danielle laughed.
“It’s nice to know she told me she was banging him.”
Mike laughed, “Oh God, look out Nicky got a girl.”
Danielle and Mike laughed as they got in the car and drove back to Mike’s house. Danielle had a big decision to make. It was either staying in DC or going back to Pittsburgh but New Year means new things and Danielle was willing to try a new life in the nation’s capital.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Chapter 2-Rock the Red
"Hello!"
"Hey," Mike's voice said on the other end, "How are you?"
"Mike," Danielle sighed, "Why are you calling me?"
"I just called to ask how you were."
"I'm fine!"
"Danielle," he sighed, "I'm trying to do the right thing. Can we please talk?"
"We're talking now."
"As much as you'd hate to admit it but this is my baby too and we need to talk."
"I don't have time for this bullshit right now."
"Bullshit," Mike said finally getting angry, "Danielle, just fucking listen to me for once."
Danielle sat in silence not knowing what to say, "Are you there," Mike asked.
"Yeah," she mumbled running her hand over her stomach.
"I know you get out of school for the semester next week and I would like to come pick you up and bring you down here."
"That's not a good idea."
"Humor me as to why it isn't."
"I barely know you."
Mike laughed and Danielle wanted to kill him, "You didn't know me personally at all when we slept together. You knew who I was bur I was still a stranger."
"Are you calling me a whore?"
"I'm not calling you anything like that but I think we need to get to know wach other and you need to take into consideration my point of view on this entire situation."
"It's not easy just picking up and leaving my family."
"I promise that if you move here, you'll be safe with me. I have cars you can drive and more than enough room at my condo."
Mike knew he was taking a gamble inviting a girl he hardly knew to stay with him.
"If I say yes, will you leave me alone?"
"Maybe," Mike laughed and Danielle smiled.
"Have you told your parents?"
"Yeah, I did. They asked me how I could be so stupid then they both got really excited. What about your family, how'd they take it?"
"They were disappointed in me but I also told them I didn't know who the father was."
"Why would you tell them that?”
"I'm scared, Mike," Danielle admitted.
Mike wished he was there to give her a hug and let her know everything was going to be okay but he couldn't, "Everything is going to be okay, I promise."
"I hope you're right."
"Do you have any sonogram pictures that you can send me?"
"Yeah, I'll scan them to my computer tonight and email them to you. What's your email address?"
Mike told her what his email address was and she got on the computer and scanned them while he was on the phone.
"Are you doing anything special for Christmas," Mike asked.
"Just dinner at my aunt's on
Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner here at my house, how about you?"
"Probably spending it with Nicky and Marcus again. We have off the 24th-26th."
"Why don't you come to my house? We'll come back for the Holidays then we'll go back to Arlington and D.C. for New Years."
"I couldn't intrude on your family."
"Mike, come on, they have to meet you sometime."
"You're right," he replied, "I have to go, we have a game tonight but please keep in touch."
"Who do you play tonight?"
"Flyers."
"Kick their asses for me, please?"
"You got it," Mike laughed, "Bye Danielle, thank you again for the pictures."
"You're welcome, I'll talk to you later."
"Take care of yourself and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call."
"I won't, bye Mike."
"Bye," he replied and Danielle heard the line click.
Mike looked at the sonogram pictures on the computer screen and smiled to himself. For the first time since finding out Danielle was pregnant, he was excited. He printed them out and put them next to his keys so he could show the guys.
"Hey," Kristi said when she came into the bedroom, "What's up?"
"Just got done talking to Mike."
"How'd that go?"
"He's coming here for Christmas then I'm going to DC for New Years."
"Have you told anybody downstairs yet?"
"I told them I didn't know who the father was but I guess I have to tell them who is now."
"Why don't you just tell them the truth?"
"I don't want them thinking that I purposely got pregnant to Mike because he is who he is."
"They're your family, they won't think that less of you."
"God, I wish we never would have went to that bar that night."
"Let's go to Primanti's and watch your baby's daddy play."
"Okay," Danielle smiled.
Kristi and Danielle sat at the restaurant staring at the TV with their mouths agape.
"Did Mike just knock out Carcillo?"
"Wha-what," Kristi asked, "I had no idea he could fight like that."
"You know Green," someone asked behind them.
"He's an old friend," Danielle replied pulling out her phone and sending Mike a text message.
Where the hell did you learn how to fight like that?
The game finished in OT and the Capitals won 5-4. Danielle was on her way home with Kristi when her phone rang.
"Hello!"
"Did you see the game?"
"Is it Mike," Kristi mouthed and Danielle nodded.
"Yeah, Kristi and I are on our way back from Primanti's. We went there to watch the game since neither one of us get the channel that it was on."
"Alex told me to tell you that the win was for you."
"Tell him thanks," Danielle laughed.
"I just wanted to call and ask you if you saw the game. I have to go, Bruce is about to cuss us out and then we're catching a plane to Chicago."
"Get me Toews' phone number," Danielle joked but Mike didn't laugh.
"Real funny," he said sternly.
"Jesus Mike, I'm kidding."
"Is it okay if I call you tomorrow?"
"Tell Bruce to shut the hell up," Danielle said laughing hearing Bruce cursing in the background.
"I wish he would," Mike laughed, "Talk to you later, goodnight."
"Goodnight!"
Kristi faked like she was crying and Danielle punched her in the arm, "Is it just me or is someone crushing on their baby's daddy?"
"I'm not crushing on Mike, those days were over when he knocked me up."
"Do you regret sleeping with him now?"
"I never should have went to that bar that night; I should have just went about my business and just went to practice."
"Are you honestly that against being a mom?"
"This baby didn't ask to be here but how can I have a kid when I'm practically still a kid myself?"
"You left out with a guy you don't know except for what Wikipedia tells you," Kristi threw in.
"Shut the fuck up!"
"Maybe when you spend time with him in D.C. he'll take you to dinner or something."
Kristi arrived in front of Danielle's house, "I'll call you tomorrow."
"Thanks for taking me tonight Danielle replied.
"No problem, I figured you could use a night out."
"Goodnight!"
"Goodnight!"
Danielle walked up the steps to her house and gave Kristi a wave when she opened the door.
The conversation with her family was cut short when her phone went off letting her know that she had a text message. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was from Mike.
Hey, are you up?
Yeah
I've been thinking
about what?
Baby names
I don't even know what we're having yet
I know but I have a couple of good names picked out
Like what?
I'll tell you in a second, I have something to ask you
What?
Can we give the baby my last name?
Mike, it's your baby too
I know but I just thought that you...nevermind
Talk to me, what's wrong?
I just assumed you would give the baby your last name since you hate me
I don't hate you, Mike
You should
Why?
I ruined your life
You didn't ruin my life, why would you think that?
You were almost done with school and I pushed you to do something you didn't want to do
I don't regret sleeping with you, I just wish I listened to the voice telling me to stay home that weekend
At least you met me though =P
Someone's getting cocky
I'm kidding but really back to the baby names
What did you have in mind?
Landon Michael Green or Michael David Green Jr. for boys
What if it's a girl?
You can pick the names
What do you think of Kyleigh or Kristina?
I like them, is it okay if I call you?
Just give me twenty minutes, I'm going to take a shower
Okay
Danielle took her time in the shower. The hot water washed away the tears she cried as she placed her hand on her stomach. She always said she wanted a baby when she'd shop in stores for family and even friends but now that she was pregnant she didn't feel that way anymore.
She turned the water off and dried off before getting ready for bed. She was almost asleep when her phone rang.
"Hey," she said groggily.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay."
"Sorry I didn't call when I was supposed to, I fell asleep."
"How's Chicago?"
"It's always bittersweet to leave. This city's gorgeous."
"Maybe you'll play for them one day."
"Maybe, their fans are amazing too."
"Chelsea Dagger is a pretty sweet goal song."
"I have something to ask you and you can completely say no and I would understand," Mike said suddenly.
"What?"
"The team is having a New Years Eve party, it's a formal occasion that we have to have dates for and I usually take my assistant but she has a boyfriend and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind going with me."
"Do you always ramble when you're nervous?"
Mike chuckled softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't know how to ask."
"You had no problem approaching me in the club."
Mike laughed, "I'm sorry but it was the alcohol too. Alcohol makes people do crazy things."
"No kidding!"
"Seriously though, will you go with me?"
"Why not?"
"So, you'll go?"
"I'll go!"
"Good, Alex will be excited."
"I'm going with you not Alex."
"I know but he likes you. He thinks you're funny."
"Wow, Ovie has a heart!"
Mike laughed before sighing, "I have to go, I really need to get some sleep. We have an early practice."
"Alright, goodnight and good luck. Go Hawks!"
"Hey," Mike tried to argue but Danielle laughed.
"Bye Mike!"
"Who was that," her mom asked coming into the room.
"Remember how I said that I didn't know who the baby's father was."
"Yeah!"
"That was Mike, he's the father."
"Where's he from?"
"Canada."
"Where does he live?"
"D.C."
Danielle's mom stood in the doorway staring when her eyes went wide, "It's to a hockey player, isn't it?"
Danielle nodded her head and wiped away a tear that had fallen from her eye, "He's coming here for Christmas then I'm going to Washington for a couple of days over New Years. He wants me to look at schools so I can transfer and live there."
"At least he's trying to make it right and be there for you and the baby. He could have just blown everything off."
"I guess you're right, it's a big decision picking up and moving to Washington."
"You got to do what's best for you and the baby."
"You're right," Danielle replied giving her a hug, "Goodnight, I love you."
"I love you too."
Two Weeks Later
"I'm almost there," Mike said when Danielle answered the phone.
"Okay, I'll be waiting on the porch."
"Nicky and Mojo are with me, where do you want me to dump them off."
"Kristi's house," Danielle replied, "She loves Swedish men."
"What's her address?"
Danielle rattled off Kristi's address and Mike quickly said goodbye so that he could pull over and put it into his GPS. Sometime later, Mike showed up at Danielle's door, "Merry Christmas," he said giving her a hug placing her hand on her stomach.
"Thanks," Danielle smiled, "You too."
"Where is everybody?"
"They're at church, I wasn't feeling good and I took a nap."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Danielle smiled trying not to cry.
Mike saw right through her and pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her as she cried into his chest, "Don't lie to me," he whispered kissing the top of her head before pulling away wiping the tears from her eyes with his hands.
Danielle looked Mike in the eyes and she sighed to herself. Why were they comfortable with each other like they've been friends for years. Mike could tell she was thinking something but he didn't know what. He didn't want to ask worrying he'd build all walls back up that he had broken down with her.
Mike felt comfortable around her and he would do anything to protect her.
The silent moment between them was interrupted when Danielle's phone rang.
"I LOVE YOUR SWEDISH CHRISTMAS PRESENTS," Kristi yelled through the speaker and Mike laughed.
"They needed a place to stay so I told Mike to dump them off at your place."
"Oh, I'm going to take good care of them."
"Alright Kristi, I'm hanging up now."
"I'm not held responsible for the Swedish threesome."
"GOODBYE KRISTI," Danielle laughed.
"Am I still coming over later?"
"If you're not making Nick and Marcus Swedish sex slaves then yeah you can come over."
"Don't give me ideas, Danielle."
"You're messed up."
"I'm not the one that wants to go for a ride on Mike Green's scooter, wait you kind of already did."
"GOODBYE." Danielle screamed blushing and ended the call.
Mike smirked at Danielle who glared at him, "She's lying."
Mike laughed, "Whatever you say."
Danielle's family arrived home and Mike introduced himself to everybody. Everyone seemed to like him and Danielle breathed a sigh of relief.
"Of all the Capitals, you chose Mike Green," Jamie whispered as Mike talked to Danielle's mom.
"Shut up!"
"I still don't get what you see in him."
"We're not even together."
"You're just knocked up to him."
Mike looked across the room and smiled at Danielle who gave a small wave.
"It won't be long before you're rocking the red."
"Never in a million years."
"Whatever you say, traitor," Jamie replied rolling her eyes.
Danielle nudged her best friend and tried to laugh it off but part of her felt it was true. That's what you get for sleeping with the enemy.
"Hey," Mike's voice said on the other end, "How are you?"
"Mike," Danielle sighed, "Why are you calling me?"
"I just called to ask how you were."
"I'm fine!"
"Danielle," he sighed, "I'm trying to do the right thing. Can we please talk?"
"We're talking now."
"As much as you'd hate to admit it but this is my baby too and we need to talk."
"I don't have time for this bullshit right now."
"Bullshit," Mike said finally getting angry, "Danielle, just fucking listen to me for once."
Danielle sat in silence not knowing what to say, "Are you there," Mike asked.
"Yeah," she mumbled running her hand over her stomach.
"I know you get out of school for the semester next week and I would like to come pick you up and bring you down here."
"That's not a good idea."
"Humor me as to why it isn't."
"I barely know you."
Mike laughed and Danielle wanted to kill him, "You didn't know me personally at all when we slept together. You knew who I was bur I was still a stranger."
"Are you calling me a whore?"
"I'm not calling you anything like that but I think we need to get to know wach other and you need to take into consideration my point of view on this entire situation."
"It's not easy just picking up and leaving my family."
"I promise that if you move here, you'll be safe with me. I have cars you can drive and more than enough room at my condo."
Mike knew he was taking a gamble inviting a girl he hardly knew to stay with him.
"If I say yes, will you leave me alone?"
"Maybe," Mike laughed and Danielle smiled.
"Have you told your parents?"
"Yeah, I did. They asked me how I could be so stupid then they both got really excited. What about your family, how'd they take it?"
"They were disappointed in me but I also told them I didn't know who the father was."
"Why would you tell them that?”
"I'm scared, Mike," Danielle admitted.
Mike wished he was there to give her a hug and let her know everything was going to be okay but he couldn't, "Everything is going to be okay, I promise."
"I hope you're right."
"Do you have any sonogram pictures that you can send me?"
"Yeah, I'll scan them to my computer tonight and email them to you. What's your email address?"
Mike told her what his email address was and she got on the computer and scanned them while he was on the phone.
"Are you doing anything special for Christmas," Mike asked.
"Just dinner at my aunt's on
Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner here at my house, how about you?"
"Probably spending it with Nicky and Marcus again. We have off the 24th-26th."
"Why don't you come to my house? We'll come back for the Holidays then we'll go back to Arlington and D.C. for New Years."
"I couldn't intrude on your family."
"Mike, come on, they have to meet you sometime."
"You're right," he replied, "I have to go, we have a game tonight but please keep in touch."
"Who do you play tonight?"
"Flyers."
"Kick their asses for me, please?"
"You got it," Mike laughed, "Bye Danielle, thank you again for the pictures."
"You're welcome, I'll talk to you later."
"Take care of yourself and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call."
"I won't, bye Mike."
"Bye," he replied and Danielle heard the line click.
Mike looked at the sonogram pictures on the computer screen and smiled to himself. For the first time since finding out Danielle was pregnant, he was excited. He printed them out and put them next to his keys so he could show the guys.
"Hey," Kristi said when she came into the bedroom, "What's up?"
"Just got done talking to Mike."
"How'd that go?"
"He's coming here for Christmas then I'm going to DC for New Years."
"Have you told anybody downstairs yet?"
"I told them I didn't know who the father was but I guess I have to tell them who is now."
"Why don't you just tell them the truth?"
"I don't want them thinking that I purposely got pregnant to Mike because he is who he is."
"They're your family, they won't think that less of you."
"God, I wish we never would have went to that bar that night."
"Let's go to Primanti's and watch your baby's daddy play."
"Okay," Danielle smiled.
Kristi and Danielle sat at the restaurant staring at the TV with their mouths agape.
"Did Mike just knock out Carcillo?"
"Wha-what," Kristi asked, "I had no idea he could fight like that."
"You know Green," someone asked behind them.
"He's an old friend," Danielle replied pulling out her phone and sending Mike a text message.
Where the hell did you learn how to fight like that?
The game finished in OT and the Capitals won 5-4. Danielle was on her way home with Kristi when her phone rang.
"Hello!"
"Did you see the game?"
"Is it Mike," Kristi mouthed and Danielle nodded.
"Yeah, Kristi and I are on our way back from Primanti's. We went there to watch the game since neither one of us get the channel that it was on."
"Alex told me to tell you that the win was for you."
"Tell him thanks," Danielle laughed.
"I just wanted to call and ask you if you saw the game. I have to go, Bruce is about to cuss us out and then we're catching a plane to Chicago."
"Get me Toews' phone number," Danielle joked but Mike didn't laugh.
"Real funny," he said sternly.
"Jesus Mike, I'm kidding."
"Is it okay if I call you tomorrow?"
"Tell Bruce to shut the hell up," Danielle said laughing hearing Bruce cursing in the background.
"I wish he would," Mike laughed, "Talk to you later, goodnight."
"Goodnight!"
Kristi faked like she was crying and Danielle punched her in the arm, "Is it just me or is someone crushing on their baby's daddy?"
"I'm not crushing on Mike, those days were over when he knocked me up."
"Do you regret sleeping with him now?"
"I never should have went to that bar that night; I should have just went about my business and just went to practice."
"Are you honestly that against being a mom?"
"This baby didn't ask to be here but how can I have a kid when I'm practically still a kid myself?"
"You left out with a guy you don't know except for what Wikipedia tells you," Kristi threw in.
"Shut the fuck up!"
"Maybe when you spend time with him in D.C. he'll take you to dinner or something."
Kristi arrived in front of Danielle's house, "I'll call you tomorrow."
"Thanks for taking me tonight Danielle replied.
"No problem, I figured you could use a night out."
"Goodnight!"
"Goodnight!"
Danielle walked up the steps to her house and gave Kristi a wave when she opened the door.
The conversation with her family was cut short when her phone went off letting her know that she had a text message. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was from Mike.
Hey, are you up?
Yeah
I've been thinking
about what?
Baby names
I don't even know what we're having yet
I know but I have a couple of good names picked out
Like what?
I'll tell you in a second, I have something to ask you
What?
Can we give the baby my last name?
Mike, it's your baby too
I know but I just thought that you...nevermind
Talk to me, what's wrong?
I just assumed you would give the baby your last name since you hate me
I don't hate you, Mike
You should
Why?
I ruined your life
You didn't ruin my life, why would you think that?
You were almost done with school and I pushed you to do something you didn't want to do
I don't regret sleeping with you, I just wish I listened to the voice telling me to stay home that weekend
At least you met me though =P
Someone's getting cocky
I'm kidding but really back to the baby names
What did you have in mind?
Landon Michael Green or Michael David Green Jr. for boys
What if it's a girl?
You can pick the names
What do you think of Kyleigh or Kristina?
I like them, is it okay if I call you?
Just give me twenty minutes, I'm going to take a shower
Okay
Danielle took her time in the shower. The hot water washed away the tears she cried as she placed her hand on her stomach. She always said she wanted a baby when she'd shop in stores for family and even friends but now that she was pregnant she didn't feel that way anymore.
She turned the water off and dried off before getting ready for bed. She was almost asleep when her phone rang.
"Hey," she said groggily.
"I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay."
"Sorry I didn't call when I was supposed to, I fell asleep."
"How's Chicago?"
"It's always bittersweet to leave. This city's gorgeous."
"Maybe you'll play for them one day."
"Maybe, their fans are amazing too."
"Chelsea Dagger is a pretty sweet goal song."
"I have something to ask you and you can completely say no and I would understand," Mike said suddenly.
"What?"
"The team is having a New Years Eve party, it's a formal occasion that we have to have dates for and I usually take my assistant but she has a boyfriend and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind going with me."
"Do you always ramble when you're nervous?"
Mike chuckled softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't know how to ask."
"You had no problem approaching me in the club."
Mike laughed, "I'm sorry but it was the alcohol too. Alcohol makes people do crazy things."
"No kidding!"
"Seriously though, will you go with me?"
"Why not?"
"So, you'll go?"
"I'll go!"
"Good, Alex will be excited."
"I'm going with you not Alex."
"I know but he likes you. He thinks you're funny."
"Wow, Ovie has a heart!"
Mike laughed before sighing, "I have to go, I really need to get some sleep. We have an early practice."
"Alright, goodnight and good luck. Go Hawks!"
"Hey," Mike tried to argue but Danielle laughed.
"Bye Mike!"
"Who was that," her mom asked coming into the room.
"Remember how I said that I didn't know who the baby's father was."
"Yeah!"
"That was Mike, he's the father."
"Where's he from?"
"Canada."
"Where does he live?"
"D.C."
Danielle's mom stood in the doorway staring when her eyes went wide, "It's to a hockey player, isn't it?"
Danielle nodded her head and wiped away a tear that had fallen from her eye, "He's coming here for Christmas then I'm going to Washington for a couple of days over New Years. He wants me to look at schools so I can transfer and live there."
"At least he's trying to make it right and be there for you and the baby. He could have just blown everything off."
"I guess you're right, it's a big decision picking up and moving to Washington."
"You got to do what's best for you and the baby."
"You're right," Danielle replied giving her a hug, "Goodnight, I love you."
"I love you too."
Two Weeks Later
"I'm almost there," Mike said when Danielle answered the phone.
"Okay, I'll be waiting on the porch."
"Nicky and Mojo are with me, where do you want me to dump them off."
"Kristi's house," Danielle replied, "She loves Swedish men."
"What's her address?"
Danielle rattled off Kristi's address and Mike quickly said goodbye so that he could pull over and put it into his GPS. Sometime later, Mike showed up at Danielle's door, "Merry Christmas," he said giving her a hug placing her hand on her stomach.
"Thanks," Danielle smiled, "You too."
"Where is everybody?"
"They're at church, I wasn't feeling good and I took a nap."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Danielle smiled trying not to cry.
Mike saw right through her and pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her as she cried into his chest, "Don't lie to me," he whispered kissing the top of her head before pulling away wiping the tears from her eyes with his hands.
Danielle looked Mike in the eyes and she sighed to herself. Why were they comfortable with each other like they've been friends for years. Mike could tell she was thinking something but he didn't know what. He didn't want to ask worrying he'd build all walls back up that he had broken down with her.
Mike felt comfortable around her and he would do anything to protect her.
The silent moment between them was interrupted when Danielle's phone rang.
"I LOVE YOUR SWEDISH CHRISTMAS PRESENTS," Kristi yelled through the speaker and Mike laughed.
"They needed a place to stay so I told Mike to dump them off at your place."
"Oh, I'm going to take good care of them."
"Alright Kristi, I'm hanging up now."
"I'm not held responsible for the Swedish threesome."
"GOODBYE KRISTI," Danielle laughed.
"Am I still coming over later?"
"If you're not making Nick and Marcus Swedish sex slaves then yeah you can come over."
"Don't give me ideas, Danielle."
"You're messed up."
"I'm not the one that wants to go for a ride on Mike Green's scooter, wait you kind of already did."
"GOODBYE." Danielle screamed blushing and ended the call.
Mike smirked at Danielle who glared at him, "She's lying."
Mike laughed, "Whatever you say."
Danielle's family arrived home and Mike introduced himself to everybody. Everyone seemed to like him and Danielle breathed a sigh of relief.
"Of all the Capitals, you chose Mike Green," Jamie whispered as Mike talked to Danielle's mom.
"Shut up!"
"I still don't get what you see in him."
"We're not even together."
"You're just knocked up to him."
Mike looked across the room and smiled at Danielle who gave a small wave.
"It won't be long before you're rocking the red."
"Never in a million years."
"Whatever you say, traitor," Jamie replied rolling her eyes.
Danielle nudged her best friend and tried to laugh it off but part of her felt it was true. That's what you get for sleeping with the enemy.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Chapter 1-Going Green
Mike Green was everything he thought he wasn’t. He had the bad boy looks with the mohawk and the tattoos with the family values that all girls looked for. He was by no means an angel and like some of his closest friends and teammates, he had his fair share of women.
“Where are you from,” Mike whispered in the tall brunette’s ear in the overcrowded DC bar.
“Pittsburgh,” she replied taking a sip of her drink.
“You’re shitting me, right?”
“Fuck you, Green,” she said finally recognizing the man behind the Prada sunglasses.
Deep down Danielle was jumping for joy although she hated the men in red; she loved the baby faced defenseman.
“Can I buy you a drink,” he asked when her friend approached her.
“We’re actually just leaving to head home, we have to work tomorrow. See you around,” Danielle smiled slightly before she grabbed her purse off the table and left with the other girl.
“What’s the matter Greeny,” Brooks Laich asked, “Did she shoot you down because she’s a lesbian?”
Mike flipped the forward off as he ordered a drink, “She’s from Pittsburgh.”
“Crosby chaser,” Brooks laughed, “Nice one.”
“She has to head home because they both have to work tomorrow.”
“Do they mean home as in D.C. or home as is back in Pittsburgh?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know,” Mike asked, “I didn’t get a chance to ask?”
“Fail!”
“Shut the fuck up,” he replied taking a swig of his rum and coke.
Back at the Hilton Garden Inn on the outskirts of D.C. located in Arlington, Virginia, Danielle was on the phone with one of her friends back in Pittsburgh.
“So, you met Mike Green in a bar and left,” Jamie, one of her best friends asked, “And you left with Kristi and went home or back to the hotel rather.”
“He was intimidating to me,” Danielle replied, “He expects me to just drop my pants for him right there.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted to do,” Jamie asked as Kristi hollered in the background.
“That’s the same thing I said,” she yelled.
“Both of you need to shut up.”
“Not our fault that you’re a chicken,” Jamie replied.
“Fuck off,” Danielle replied, “You’re a real bitch.”
“I’m going to bed; I will call you tomorrow,” Jamie said, “Enjoy the practice tomorrow. I still don’t know why you want to go to a Caps training camp practice anyway.”
“We’re going to hassle Ovi,” Kristi yelled.
“Mhm, I’m sure,” Jamie replied, “Goodnight whore.”
“Goodnight slut,” Danielle replied ending the call.
“Think Mike will remember you at practice tomorrow,” Kristi asked.
“Nope, he’ll be so hung over he won’t even remember his name. Come on, let’s get some sleep we have a long day tomorrow.”
Mike threw back the shot of vodka that Ovi had given him. “Slow down, Greener,” Nick Backstrom warned, “Bruce’ll kill you at practice.”
“Fuck off, Nicky,” Mike slurred.
“Take him home,” Brooks said handing Nick the keys to Mike’s Lamborghini, “I’ll come pick you up and take you home.”
“What about Mojo,” Nick asked, “He can’t drive.”
“He’s going to have to learn soon enough,” Brooks joked as the young Swede glared at him, “Relax Nicky, I’m kidding. I’ll bring him home.”
Nick left the club with Mike and Brooks followed behind them with Marcus. Mike was passed out before Nick even reached the Arlington exit on the beltway.
Brooks helped Nicky carry Mike into the house because he was no lightweight and he couldn’t sleep in the garage. They dropped him gently on the bed before leaving a note reminding him that they had practice in the morning. Nick set the alarm on the bedside table and left the apartment locking the door behind him and sliding the keys under the door.
Danielle paced her hotel room the next morning making sure she had everything packed so that she and Kristi could leave the next morning and not forget anything.
“Are we going back to the bar tonight,” Kristi asked coming out of the bathroom putting her hair in a ponytail.”
“Let’s go to a different bar, I’m really not in the mood to be running into anyone.”
“You can’t avoid that today; we’re going to see his team practice.”
“Shut up, do you have to remind me?”
“Make sure you wear something sexy to the bar tonight just in case we see him.”
“I don’t even know what to wear today.”
“Just wear your red Wisconsin Badgers hockey hoodie, jeans, and your tennis shoes.”
“I don’t want to wear red.”
“We kind of have to blend in.”
“My Penguins logo necklace is going to be on full display, I could give a good fuck what the other people that see it have to say.”
“That’s my girl,” Kristi said high fiving her as they finished getting ready.
Mike woke up to the sound of the obnoxious alarm clock. He grabbed it and threw it across the room groaning as he opened his eyes and saw the sunlight coming through the window. He sat up rubbing his eyes before glancing at the bedside table to see his phone and a note with Nick’s chicken scratch writing letting him know that they had practice at eleven over at Kettler.
Mike groaned before climbing out of bed and going into the bathroom to clean himself up. He didn’t bother taking a shower since he was going to be sweaty anyways and would have to shower after practice anyways. He washed his face and brushed his teeth after taking two ibuprofen pills that were in his medicine cabinet. He packed a clean outfit in an old backpack that consisted of a grey v-neck t-shirt and jeans before he sprayed on more of his cologne tossing the bottle into the backpack as well. Grabbing the keys to the black Cadillac Escalade, he headed out of the house and to the iceoplex.
Danielle was bouncing with anticipation as she stood in awe of the players going by and signing autographs. They weren’t her team that she was loyal to but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet players on an opposing team. So far both she and Kristi had gotten autographs and pictures taken with Brooks Laich, Nick Backstrom, Marcus Johannson, and even though neither one of them wanted to admit it, they got their pictures taken with Alexander Ovechkin as well. They both never dreamed they’d meet the Russian superstar at the rink since it was next to impossible. He even laughed when they told him that they were from Pittsburgh. He even tweeted a picture of himself with them and joked around, completely coming out of the douchebag persona that they had of him. It shocked them to say the least and they forgot all about their mission to hassle him.
Mike arrived next to last to Braden Holtby and Danielle hid behind her sunglasses and got a picture with the defenseman. She wanted to scream with excitement as soon as she put his arm around her waist when he posed for the picture.
“Thanks,” she replied.
“No problem,” he replied with a smile before signing a few more autographs and heading inside.
Danielle and Kristi sat close to the rink but not too close where the defenseman would see them. Danielle didn’t want to cause a scene and she wanted to go unnoticed. She suddenly realized that maybe telling Ovechkin they were from Pittsburgh was a huge mistake because they were probably talked about in the locker room because the Russian called their hometown “Shitsburgh” on the HBO documentary the season prior.
The practice ended sooner than the girls wanted it to and they headed towards the Smithsonian’s American History museum. As they looked around the museum they actually realized that they liked the nation’s capital and would be back when their schedules allowed them to. Grabbing a bite to eat at the small eatery inside, they made their way back to their hotel.
After taking a nap and showering before getting ready for the night, they called a cab and headed to the small nightclub in back in the city. As soon as they entered, they knew what kind of night it was going to be. The music of Lady Gaga filled the club and the bar wasn’t that crowded which means there would be no waiting for drinks.
“What will it be for you ladies tonight,” the bartender asked as Danielle and Kristi sat down on the two vacant barstools.
“Sex on the beach,” Kristi replied.
“Strawberry daiquiri, please,” Danielle said setting a twenty dollar bill down on the bar.
“Already taken care of,” the bartender informed them as he sat their drinks down in front of them.
“By who,” Danielle asked.
“He asked me not to say anything so you’ll have to figure that one out yourself.”
“Mike Green,” Kristi whispered as her eyes roamed the club and landed on the defenseman standing on the balcony looking down at them.
“Just my fucking luck,” Danielle mumbled pulling out her phone and sending a text message to Jamie letting her know what happened.
Just don’t come home pregnant
Danielle rolled her eyes before responding to the text message with an as if and she shoved it back in her purse. It wasn’t long before she felt someone behind her and Kristi nudging her, “Are you stalking me?”
“Oh please,” Danielle replied turning around, “I’m from Pittsburgh what the hell would I stalk you for?”
“The question is, if you’re such a loyal Penguins fan why were you at practice earlier today. I’m not stupid; I knew who you were before Ovi even opened his mouth to let me know who you were little miss Wisconsin Badger.”
“That’s not my name, my name is Danielle and if you want to talk to me you call me what my mother named me, okay?”
“You didn’t answer my question, why are you in DC?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are, refresh my memory.”
“Don’t play dumb, you’re far too intelligent for that. Trust me, I can tell you’re what a junior maybe senior in college. What’s your major? Business, journalism?”
“My major is noneya.”
“Real funny,” Mike replied, “Let me do this the right way, hi, I’m Mike.”
Danielle smiled, “I’m Danielle, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Where are you from?”
“Pittsburgh, home of the 2009 Stanley Cup champions, you know the team that killed you in game 7 of the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals.”
“That was harsh.”
“You asked for it.”
Mike laughed and Danielle wanted to melt at the full smile that spread across his face, “You’re cute when you smile,” she blurted out and Mike’s head snapped in her direction and Kristi almost spit her drink out across the bar.
“Thanks,” he replied and Danielle swore she saw him blush.
“Want to dance?”
“Sure,” she replied following him to the dance floor.
“Why are you really here,” he asked as they moved to the music.
“It’s too embarrassing to tell you why I’m really here.”
“Come on, I’m sure it’s not that embarrassing.”
“Do you really want to know?”
Mike nodded his head and Danielle took a deep breath, “I came to meet you.”
“Nice try!”
“I’m being serious!!”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
Mike never asked a reason why and they both went back to their friends. Kristi went on and on about how everyone was talking about them in the club but Danielle ignored it. The bartender walked over and handed Danielle a piece of paper with a note written on it.
You and your friend should come up here
“A thousand times yes,” Kristi said grabbing Danielle’s hand and her drink off the bar before heading towards the balcony.
As the night wore on, Danielle felt herself getting drunk and she could tell Mike was too. She felt herself slowly wanting to kiss Mike and she tried to fight it but it wasn’t worth fighting anymore when he leaned down and claimed her lips with his own. Kristi was talking to Brooks Laich when she noticed her friend making out with the defensemen and she grabbed her phone and took a picture before sending it to Danielle’s phone.
Danielle woke up the next morning with a throbbing in her head an arm around her waist. She cracked and eye open and immediately both of her eyes went wide when she saw Mike next to her. Danielle lifted the blankets and saw that she and Mike were both naked. There were no signs of used condoms in the trash or the bathroom when she went searching for her clothes. She suddenly panicked and left without saying goodbye. She called for a taxi and went back to her hotel room where Kristi was waiting in the lobby with a smirk on her face and their luggage.
“It seems as if you had one hell of a night. Tell me all about it.”
“I don’t remember,” Danielle replied honestly opening her pink luggage to grab a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt for the bus ride back home to Pittsburgh.
Two months later, Danielle wasn’t feeling well. She came down with the flu and called her doctor who immediately called her in a popular medicine used to cure it. When she wasn’t getting any better, she made an appointment to actually go see the doctor.
“No wonder you’re not getting any better, you’re two months pregnant,” Dr. Davis said into the telephone and Danielle sat there in silence.
“That’s funny doc, seriously what’s wrong with me?”
“You’re pregnant, Danielle,” she replied.
“That’s impossible!”
“I’m going to schedule an appointment for you to come in next week to get everything checked out and we’ll estimate your due date.”
“Thanks,” Danielle said ending the call before she slid down the wall crying. She pulled out her phone and sent a text message to Kristi and Kristi replied that they both knew who the father was and it was going to be impossible to tell him and it was better off if she didn’t know. Jamie was freaking out telling her that she knew it was going to happen.
The Capitals were in town in early December and Mike was skating around the rink at the CONSOL Energy Center with Brooks Laich talking and shooting pucks around.
“Hey Mikey, that chick you left the bar with that one night back home is sitting up in the upper bowl and she looks pregnant.”
“You’re talking out of your ass, Nicky,” Mike replied to the young Swede who rolled his eyes and skated away before he let his eyes wonder up to the top level of the arena. He could barely see her but he knew that red hair anywhere and the brunette she was with. Sure enough, there looked like there was a small bump forming under her Letang jersey.
“You need to talk to her,” Brooks said.
After the game finished, the Pens had won 4-2 in regulation after a brutal game between the rival teams. Mike contacted the ticket office and asked for the information of the girl named Danielle that was sitting in section 222. The office was reluctant to turn over such private information but since Mike was who he was, he got it without a problem.
Mike took a cab to the place thirteen minutes east of the city and he rang the doorbell, “I should have called,” he thought to himself, “It’s almost midnight, I’m probably going to wake up the entire house.”
The porch light went on and Mike saw the curtains move then he heard the locks clicking. The door opened and Mike’s eyes went wide when he saw Danielle. Her stomach was swollen and he could immediately tell that she was pregnant. He had enough teammates with wives and babies to know when a female was pregnant.
“Is it mine,” he asked.
“Mike, what the hell are you doing here,” Danielle asked eyes wide as Mike stood on the porch in the cold December night.
“Can I come in? I think we need to talk!”
Danielle swallowed hard and let the defenseman into the house, “How did you find me?”
“The ticket office had your contact information and gave it to me.”
“Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
“I’m fine.”
“I just found out a couple of weeks ago,” Danielle began when they sat down at the table, “It’s yours.”
Mike sat there in silence not knowing what to say. He couldn’t believe it. The only thing he could say was, “You’re coming back with me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“It’s my baby too.”
“Mike, I can’t just up and leave my family.”
“But you’re pregnant with my baby and I’m not going to stand back and let you have the baby without me.”
“Mike, please? You’re going to wake everybody up.”
“Danielle,” Mike began, “Just hear me out.”
“No,” she replied.
Mike sighed and he went to say something when Danielle cut him off, “Mike, it’s late. I have class in the morning and I hate waking up grouchy so you need to leave.”
“I’m not leaving until we talk about this.”
“We already talked about this, please leave.”
Mike rolled his eyes and grabbed his coat before leaving the house. Danielle broke down crying, she wanted Mike deserved to be in the baby’s life but she never expected to be pregnant either. Who would have thought going Green for one night would turn into something that neither one of them saw coming.
“Where are you from,” Mike whispered in the tall brunette’s ear in the overcrowded DC bar.
“Pittsburgh,” she replied taking a sip of her drink.
“You’re shitting me, right?”
“Fuck you, Green,” she said finally recognizing the man behind the Prada sunglasses.
Deep down Danielle was jumping for joy although she hated the men in red; she loved the baby faced defenseman.
“Can I buy you a drink,” he asked when her friend approached her.
“We’re actually just leaving to head home, we have to work tomorrow. See you around,” Danielle smiled slightly before she grabbed her purse off the table and left with the other girl.
“What’s the matter Greeny,” Brooks Laich asked, “Did she shoot you down because she’s a lesbian?”
Mike flipped the forward off as he ordered a drink, “She’s from Pittsburgh.”
“Crosby chaser,” Brooks laughed, “Nice one.”
“She has to head home because they both have to work tomorrow.”
“Do they mean home as in D.C. or home as is back in Pittsburgh?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know,” Mike asked, “I didn’t get a chance to ask?”
“Fail!”
“Shut the fuck up,” he replied taking a swig of his rum and coke.
Back at the Hilton Garden Inn on the outskirts of D.C. located in Arlington, Virginia, Danielle was on the phone with one of her friends back in Pittsburgh.
“So, you met Mike Green in a bar and left,” Jamie, one of her best friends asked, “And you left with Kristi and went home or back to the hotel rather.”
“He was intimidating to me,” Danielle replied, “He expects me to just drop my pants for him right there.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted to do,” Jamie asked as Kristi hollered in the background.
“That’s the same thing I said,” she yelled.
“Both of you need to shut up.”
“Not our fault that you’re a chicken,” Jamie replied.
“Fuck off,” Danielle replied, “You’re a real bitch.”
“I’m going to bed; I will call you tomorrow,” Jamie said, “Enjoy the practice tomorrow. I still don’t know why you want to go to a Caps training camp practice anyway.”
“We’re going to hassle Ovi,” Kristi yelled.
“Mhm, I’m sure,” Jamie replied, “Goodnight whore.”
“Goodnight slut,” Danielle replied ending the call.
“Think Mike will remember you at practice tomorrow,” Kristi asked.
“Nope, he’ll be so hung over he won’t even remember his name. Come on, let’s get some sleep we have a long day tomorrow.”
Mike threw back the shot of vodka that Ovi had given him. “Slow down, Greener,” Nick Backstrom warned, “Bruce’ll kill you at practice.”
“Fuck off, Nicky,” Mike slurred.
“Take him home,” Brooks said handing Nick the keys to Mike’s Lamborghini, “I’ll come pick you up and take you home.”
“What about Mojo,” Nick asked, “He can’t drive.”
“He’s going to have to learn soon enough,” Brooks joked as the young Swede glared at him, “Relax Nicky, I’m kidding. I’ll bring him home.”
Nick left the club with Mike and Brooks followed behind them with Marcus. Mike was passed out before Nick even reached the Arlington exit on the beltway.
Brooks helped Nicky carry Mike into the house because he was no lightweight and he couldn’t sleep in the garage. They dropped him gently on the bed before leaving a note reminding him that they had practice in the morning. Nick set the alarm on the bedside table and left the apartment locking the door behind him and sliding the keys under the door.
Danielle paced her hotel room the next morning making sure she had everything packed so that she and Kristi could leave the next morning and not forget anything.
“Are we going back to the bar tonight,” Kristi asked coming out of the bathroom putting her hair in a ponytail.”
“Let’s go to a different bar, I’m really not in the mood to be running into anyone.”
“You can’t avoid that today; we’re going to see his team practice.”
“Shut up, do you have to remind me?”
“Make sure you wear something sexy to the bar tonight just in case we see him.”
“I don’t even know what to wear today.”
“Just wear your red Wisconsin Badgers hockey hoodie, jeans, and your tennis shoes.”
“I don’t want to wear red.”
“We kind of have to blend in.”
“My Penguins logo necklace is going to be on full display, I could give a good fuck what the other people that see it have to say.”
“That’s my girl,” Kristi said high fiving her as they finished getting ready.
Mike woke up to the sound of the obnoxious alarm clock. He grabbed it and threw it across the room groaning as he opened his eyes and saw the sunlight coming through the window. He sat up rubbing his eyes before glancing at the bedside table to see his phone and a note with Nick’s chicken scratch writing letting him know that they had practice at eleven over at Kettler.
Mike groaned before climbing out of bed and going into the bathroom to clean himself up. He didn’t bother taking a shower since he was going to be sweaty anyways and would have to shower after practice anyways. He washed his face and brushed his teeth after taking two ibuprofen pills that were in his medicine cabinet. He packed a clean outfit in an old backpack that consisted of a grey v-neck t-shirt and jeans before he sprayed on more of his cologne tossing the bottle into the backpack as well. Grabbing the keys to the black Cadillac Escalade, he headed out of the house and to the iceoplex.
Danielle was bouncing with anticipation as she stood in awe of the players going by and signing autographs. They weren’t her team that she was loyal to but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet players on an opposing team. So far both she and Kristi had gotten autographs and pictures taken with Brooks Laich, Nick Backstrom, Marcus Johannson, and even though neither one of them wanted to admit it, they got their pictures taken with Alexander Ovechkin as well. They both never dreamed they’d meet the Russian superstar at the rink since it was next to impossible. He even laughed when they told him that they were from Pittsburgh. He even tweeted a picture of himself with them and joked around, completely coming out of the douchebag persona that they had of him. It shocked them to say the least and they forgot all about their mission to hassle him.
Mike arrived next to last to Braden Holtby and Danielle hid behind her sunglasses and got a picture with the defenseman. She wanted to scream with excitement as soon as she put his arm around her waist when he posed for the picture.
“Thanks,” she replied.
“No problem,” he replied with a smile before signing a few more autographs and heading inside.
Danielle and Kristi sat close to the rink but not too close where the defenseman would see them. Danielle didn’t want to cause a scene and she wanted to go unnoticed. She suddenly realized that maybe telling Ovechkin they were from Pittsburgh was a huge mistake because they were probably talked about in the locker room because the Russian called their hometown “Shitsburgh” on the HBO documentary the season prior.
The practice ended sooner than the girls wanted it to and they headed towards the Smithsonian’s American History museum. As they looked around the museum they actually realized that they liked the nation’s capital and would be back when their schedules allowed them to. Grabbing a bite to eat at the small eatery inside, they made their way back to their hotel.
After taking a nap and showering before getting ready for the night, they called a cab and headed to the small nightclub in back in the city. As soon as they entered, they knew what kind of night it was going to be. The music of Lady Gaga filled the club and the bar wasn’t that crowded which means there would be no waiting for drinks.
“What will it be for you ladies tonight,” the bartender asked as Danielle and Kristi sat down on the two vacant barstools.
“Sex on the beach,” Kristi replied.
“Strawberry daiquiri, please,” Danielle said setting a twenty dollar bill down on the bar.
“Already taken care of,” the bartender informed them as he sat their drinks down in front of them.
“By who,” Danielle asked.
“He asked me not to say anything so you’ll have to figure that one out yourself.”
“Mike Green,” Kristi whispered as her eyes roamed the club and landed on the defenseman standing on the balcony looking down at them.
“Just my fucking luck,” Danielle mumbled pulling out her phone and sending a text message to Jamie letting her know what happened.
Just don’t come home pregnant
Danielle rolled her eyes before responding to the text message with an as if and she shoved it back in her purse. It wasn’t long before she felt someone behind her and Kristi nudging her, “Are you stalking me?”
“Oh please,” Danielle replied turning around, “I’m from Pittsburgh what the hell would I stalk you for?”
“The question is, if you’re such a loyal Penguins fan why were you at practice earlier today. I’m not stupid; I knew who you were before Ovi even opened his mouth to let me know who you were little miss Wisconsin Badger.”
“That’s not my name, my name is Danielle and if you want to talk to me you call me what my mother named me, okay?”
“You didn’t answer my question, why are you in DC?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are, refresh my memory.”
“Don’t play dumb, you’re far too intelligent for that. Trust me, I can tell you’re what a junior maybe senior in college. What’s your major? Business, journalism?”
“My major is noneya.”
“Real funny,” Mike replied, “Let me do this the right way, hi, I’m Mike.”
Danielle smiled, “I’m Danielle, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Where are you from?”
“Pittsburgh, home of the 2009 Stanley Cup champions, you know the team that killed you in game 7 of the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals.”
“That was harsh.”
“You asked for it.”
Mike laughed and Danielle wanted to melt at the full smile that spread across his face, “You’re cute when you smile,” she blurted out and Mike’s head snapped in her direction and Kristi almost spit her drink out across the bar.
“Thanks,” he replied and Danielle swore she saw him blush.
“Want to dance?”
“Sure,” she replied following him to the dance floor.
“Why are you really here,” he asked as they moved to the music.
“It’s too embarrassing to tell you why I’m really here.”
“Come on, I’m sure it’s not that embarrassing.”
“Do you really want to know?”
Mike nodded his head and Danielle took a deep breath, “I came to meet you.”
“Nice try!”
“I’m being serious!!”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
Mike never asked a reason why and they both went back to their friends. Kristi went on and on about how everyone was talking about them in the club but Danielle ignored it. The bartender walked over and handed Danielle a piece of paper with a note written on it.
You and your friend should come up here
“A thousand times yes,” Kristi said grabbing Danielle’s hand and her drink off the bar before heading towards the balcony.
As the night wore on, Danielle felt herself getting drunk and she could tell Mike was too. She felt herself slowly wanting to kiss Mike and she tried to fight it but it wasn’t worth fighting anymore when he leaned down and claimed her lips with his own. Kristi was talking to Brooks Laich when she noticed her friend making out with the defensemen and she grabbed her phone and took a picture before sending it to Danielle’s phone.
Danielle woke up the next morning with a throbbing in her head an arm around her waist. She cracked and eye open and immediately both of her eyes went wide when she saw Mike next to her. Danielle lifted the blankets and saw that she and Mike were both naked. There were no signs of used condoms in the trash or the bathroom when she went searching for her clothes. She suddenly panicked and left without saying goodbye. She called for a taxi and went back to her hotel room where Kristi was waiting in the lobby with a smirk on her face and their luggage.
“It seems as if you had one hell of a night. Tell me all about it.”
“I don’t remember,” Danielle replied honestly opening her pink luggage to grab a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt for the bus ride back home to Pittsburgh.
Two months later, Danielle wasn’t feeling well. She came down with the flu and called her doctor who immediately called her in a popular medicine used to cure it. When she wasn’t getting any better, she made an appointment to actually go see the doctor.
“No wonder you’re not getting any better, you’re two months pregnant,” Dr. Davis said into the telephone and Danielle sat there in silence.
“That’s funny doc, seriously what’s wrong with me?”
“You’re pregnant, Danielle,” she replied.
“That’s impossible!”
“I’m going to schedule an appointment for you to come in next week to get everything checked out and we’ll estimate your due date.”
“Thanks,” Danielle said ending the call before she slid down the wall crying. She pulled out her phone and sent a text message to Kristi and Kristi replied that they both knew who the father was and it was going to be impossible to tell him and it was better off if she didn’t know. Jamie was freaking out telling her that she knew it was going to happen.
The Capitals were in town in early December and Mike was skating around the rink at the CONSOL Energy Center with Brooks Laich talking and shooting pucks around.
“Hey Mikey, that chick you left the bar with that one night back home is sitting up in the upper bowl and she looks pregnant.”
“You’re talking out of your ass, Nicky,” Mike replied to the young Swede who rolled his eyes and skated away before he let his eyes wonder up to the top level of the arena. He could barely see her but he knew that red hair anywhere and the brunette she was with. Sure enough, there looked like there was a small bump forming under her Letang jersey.
“You need to talk to her,” Brooks said.
After the game finished, the Pens had won 4-2 in regulation after a brutal game between the rival teams. Mike contacted the ticket office and asked for the information of the girl named Danielle that was sitting in section 222. The office was reluctant to turn over such private information but since Mike was who he was, he got it without a problem.
Mike took a cab to the place thirteen minutes east of the city and he rang the doorbell, “I should have called,” he thought to himself, “It’s almost midnight, I’m probably going to wake up the entire house.”
The porch light went on and Mike saw the curtains move then he heard the locks clicking. The door opened and Mike’s eyes went wide when he saw Danielle. Her stomach was swollen and he could immediately tell that she was pregnant. He had enough teammates with wives and babies to know when a female was pregnant.
“Is it mine,” he asked.
“Mike, what the hell are you doing here,” Danielle asked eyes wide as Mike stood on the porch in the cold December night.
“Can I come in? I think we need to talk!”
Danielle swallowed hard and let the defenseman into the house, “How did you find me?”
“The ticket office had your contact information and gave it to me.”
“Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
“I’m fine.”
“I just found out a couple of weeks ago,” Danielle began when they sat down at the table, “It’s yours.”
Mike sat there in silence not knowing what to say. He couldn’t believe it. The only thing he could say was, “You’re coming back with me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“It’s my baby too.”
“Mike, I can’t just up and leave my family.”
“But you’re pregnant with my baby and I’m not going to stand back and let you have the baby without me.”
“Mike, please? You’re going to wake everybody up.”
“Danielle,” Mike began, “Just hear me out.”
“No,” she replied.
Mike sighed and he went to say something when Danielle cut him off, “Mike, it’s late. I have class in the morning and I hate waking up grouchy so you need to leave.”
“I’m not leaving until we talk about this.”
“We already talked about this, please leave.”
Mike rolled his eyes and grabbed his coat before leaving the house. Danielle broke down crying, she wanted Mike deserved to be in the baby’s life but she never expected to be pregnant either. Who would have thought going Green for one night would turn into something that neither one of them saw coming.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)