Twenty Five:

NEW UPDATEEE:

A couple hours later, as I was standing at the bar with Sharpie and Burish, my brother slowly made his way through the crowds of people and over to us.

“Cole, I’m about to head out. Are you coming with me?”

I sighed and looked from my brother to Sharpie. Although I wasn’t ready to leave yet, I could tell that my brother had something he wanted to talk about, so I decided I would just go home with him. “Yeah hold on, let me go grab my coat.”
He nodded and followed me as I went over to the coat check. After grabbing my belongings, I followed him out into the parking lot, and finally to his car. We both hopped in, and for the most part, the car ride was silent, aside from the music playing softly in the background. He then looked over to me, sympathy in his eyes. “Look sis, I know you’re having a tough time right now… but you have to understand that Jon is my teammate, my best friend, and my captain. He’s basically unavoidable…” he paused and once again looked my way, “and not to sound like ‘oh I told you so,’ but I know that guy like the back of my hand. I know what he does to girls, and as much as I didn’t want to see it happen, he did it to you too. I’m not saying this to hurt your feelings, I am just warning you that Jon will still be around… a lot. Yes, I know it’s going to be hard, but life is hard, sis. And I just want you to get over him, you deserve better than that, and I can’t stand seeing you upset anymore.”

I looked over at my brother. I honestly was speechless; I didn’t know what to say because I knew that he was right. I needed to get over Jon, I couldn’t let myself mope over him anymore. With a nod I finally said “I know.”

We pulled into the driveway and hopped out of the car. I followed Patrick to the door and we went inside. I slid out of my shoes and just as I was about to head upstairs, he grabbed me by the arm. “I really am sorry, Cole. I just want you to know that I am always here for you.”

“Thanks Pat, that means a lot.” I replied genuinely. I then made my way into my room, the fatigue hitting me like a freight train. I undressed myself, throwing shorts and a tank top on, and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out.

The next morning I woke up. I checked my phone for the time, 9:26 AM. Underneath the time, I had a notification: One New Message. I clicked on it.

Cole, its Lailya. Look, I know you hate me. I am sorry for everything. I really am, I didn’t do this to hurt you. I can’t help that me and Jon have a connection, and believe me; if I could do something to earn your forgiveness I would do it in a heartbeat. I just want to let you know that, once again I am so, so sorry.

I honestly didn’t even know what to do. Should I reply? Should I just ignore it? Should I forgive her? So many questions were running through my mind, and before I knew it, I clicked reply.

Well, I don’t even know what to say to you honestly. I really just can’t believe you would do that to me. Maybe I can forgive you in the future, but all I know is it won’t be anytime soon. Karma is a bitch, just remember that.

I then sat my phone down on my bedside table and headed downstairs. My brother was in the middle of cooking breakfast. “Good morning Sunshine.” He said with a laugh and a smile on his face.

“Good morning Patty.” I replied and took a seat at the kitchen table. “Whatcha making?”

“Bacon and eggs.”

“Mmm sounds good.”

“Good thing I made a little extra then,” he replied with a grin.
I smiled and waited as he piled a plate with food and walked it over to me. He placed it in front of me, and I immediately began digging in. it was absolutely amazing. He headed back over to the food and piled his plate as well. He then sat next to me and we both began eating in silence. In the middle of our meal, I heard the front door open. I looked at Patrick confused as he looked to the doorway.

Standing there was Jon.

Twenty Four:

My search for work began in the boutiques Downtown and ended up finishing at many offices in the city. I was desperate to work somewhere. To get on my own two feet and stop relying on others. I even re-applied for classes in the fall so I could finish in my Beauty Major.

After a long and exhausting day, I pulled into my driveway and entered my house. Patrick was sitting at the table eating a bowl of soup. “And where the hell have you been all day? I’ve called you like ten times.”

“Job hunting,” I simply replied, remembering that I had left my phone on my night stand in my room.

“Huh,” he mumbled while averting his eyes back to his soup.

Feeling the somewhat awkward tension in the room due to the recent events that I’m sure Jon informed Patrick of, I headed upstairs and picked up my phone off of my night stand. I did indeed have eight missed calls from Patrick, but I also had two from Jon.

I highlighted his name and held my finger over the call button, contemplating if I really wanted to deal with his drama at that particular moment or not, and then I finally decided that if I didn’t do it now, I was going to have to deal with it later.

I hit call.

After three rings he picked up. “Oh my God Cole, please let me explain. I’m so sorry.”

I interrupted him, “shut up I don’t need your bullshit. Meet me at the diner Downtown in ten minutes, and you can tell me how sorry you are there, and if you’re lucky I might even listen to you.”

“Okay.” He replied and hung up.

I did the same and headed back downstairs. Right as I was about to step out of the door Patrick stopped me. “Now where are you going?” He asked me.

“To deal with this bullshit,” I replied, assuming he would understand what I was referring to.

“Kay.” He said as I shut the door behind me and began on my way to the diner.

I decided to make take my time on my journey, so I pulled in ten minutes late. I opened the door and stepped inside the dimly lit diner that was pretty empty aside from an old couple sitting in the front. I saw him sitting in a table in the back, picking at his nails nervously. I strutted over in his direction and he finally looked up and noticed me. His features lit up and he inhaled deeply. I sat down across from him, placing my cell phone and keys on the table in front of me and I placed my hands on the table as well. He put his hand on top of mine, and I immediately pulled back. At this he looked somewhat shocked.

“Well, talk.” I said with an eye roll.

“I’m really sorry Cole, I really am. Giving her my phone number was the biggest-”

“You what?!” I shouted, obviously irate. “You fucking gave her your number?! Jon, you’re dating me. Why the hell would you do something like that to me with one of my friends? You told me that you wouldn’t do that to me. Are you serious?”

“Let me explain, Cole.”

“No Jon, I don’t think even the best excuse in the world could help me understand how fucking stupid you are.”

“Please, baby, just two minutes.”

“Don’t call me baby.”

“I’ll do anything. I’ll change my number.” He proposed.

I grabbed his phone off of the table in front of him and began looking through his inbox seeing that almost every message was from Lailya. I didn’t even bother reading them. That was all the clarification that I needed.

“Don’t bother. I’ve lost all trust for you anyway. We’re done.” I said while throwing his phone at him, “I can’t be with someone I don’t trust, and who would try getting with one of my best friends behind my back.”

He just sat there, mouth agape as I grabbed my phone and keys. I stood up from the table and quickly made my way out of the diner and into my car before he would see the tears falling from my eyes. I peeled out of the diner and began driving around. I then quickly dialed the first person who came to mind.

“Hey Sharpie, can I stop by for a minute?” I asked while sniffling into the phone.

“Yeah… is everything okay?”

“Not really. I’ll see you in a minute okay?”

“Yup. Bye.”

I hung up and began driving over to his house.

I pulled into his driveway less than ten minutes later. I shut off the ignition and ran up his driveway and into his house. He stood up from the couch, and walked over to me, seeing the tears and wrapped his arms around me tightly. “What the fuck did he do to you, Cole?” he whispered into my hair.

I pulled my head out of his chest and looked up at him as he tucked a stray strand of my hair behind my ear and wiped the tears that were streaming down my cheeks.

“He cheated on me,” I replied quietly as I let the tears flow freely.

His face filled with rage as he placed a delicate kiss on my forehead and placed his hand in mine. “Come on and sit down. You don’t need him. You’re way too gorgeous and sweet to deserve a guy do something like that to you. You’re better than him, and you need to realize that. Any guy I know would die to have someone like you.”

“Even you, Sharpie?” I asked with a smile.

“Yes, even me Cole.” He replied while wiping the last of my tears away.

Two Days Later:

“You ready?” Patrick asked from behind me, while I was doing one last glance in the mirror. My short, black cocktail dress hung tightly to my body, emphasizing all the right places and my sandy blonde hair was pin straight. My silver metallic heels were the perfect accessory as well.

“I think so,” I replied as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“You look beautiful, Cole.” He said, looking me up and down through the mirror.

“Thanks Hun.” I replied sweetly.

He grabbed my hand and led me out to his car. Shortly after, we pulled into the United Center where the Blackhawks Charity Night was taking place. I stepped inside, no idea of what to expect. Patrick wrapped his arm around my waist. “Don’t be so nervous, you have nothing to worry about.” He whispered reassuringly into my ear.

I just looked over at him and smiled.

I looked over to the table where some of the players were doing a meet and greet with fans. Somewhat thankful I didn’t see Jon. I didn’t want to know if he brought a date or not, and if he did, I definitely didn’t want to know if he brought Lailya.

We mingled with other teammates for a while, before I saw Jon standing in the corner talking with Coach Quennville. Alone, thankfully. He glanced over at me, jaw agape. I grabbed Sharpie’s hand giving it a slight squeeze. He looked over at me and noticed I was staring over in Jon’s direction. I quickly turned my head and glanced at Sharpie before Jon could catch me staring. Patrick then kissed my cheek and wrapped his arm around my waist.

“He’s watching,” he mumbled to me.

A few minutes later, I casually glanced over in his direction. He was standing by himself; but it looked like he was waiting for someone. My stomach dropped when I saw Lailya make her way over to him with a drink in each hand. I couldn’t take it anymore. I broke free from Patrick’s grasp and stomped over to her.

“You!” I shouted, not caring whether or not I was making a scene. “You’re a dirty, fucking skank!” I said while slapping her in the face. “How dare you do this to me? I did everything for you, you ungrateful piece of shit.”

She stood there dumbfounded with her hand pressed tightly against the cheek that I had just slapped. With nothing to say, like I figured. Both Patrick’s then ran over to me and grabbed me, holding me back.

“You might want to take this no good piece of shit far, far away from me, you liar.” I said harshly, while glaring at Jon and pointing at Lailya.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and stood still, looking in my direction and it was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

“Well, you heard her Bro, get her out of here.” My brother said, motioning to Lailya.

Twenty Three:

yayyyy finally a new update guys:D

My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I opened the text message.

Jonny, this party is a little lame, maybe we should ditch (;

Furious, I stomped into the kitchen where I was sure I would find Jon. As soon as I entered, I angrily sauntered over to him and tossed his phone into his hand. “You have a message from your girl.” I said coldly before turning on my heel and making my way through the living room and then out the front door.

As soon as I slammed the door behind me I began to shiver as the cold Chicago air nipped at my exposed skin, making me instantly regret that I didn’t grab a coat on my way out. I started down the sidewalk of my neighborhood and eventually found myself Downtown. Looking around at the many buildings and streetlights that were alight, I began to do some thinking. Jon being the main focus. But soon enough, I was pulled out of my trance when my phone began obnoxiously ringing in my pocket. I grabbed it out, looked at the caller-id, and immediately ignored it when I read Jon on the screen. He was the last person I wanted to talk to at the moment and I could practically guarantee that anything he had to say wasn’t going to make me feel better.

As I continued wandering aimlessly down the sidewalk, my phones annoying vibrations became no big deal to me. I didn’t want to talk to, or see anyone for that matter. I just wanted to be alone. I looked over and noticed a bench that looked quite appealing so I walked over and plopped down on it. Pulling out my phone, I noticed 20 missed calls and 9 unread texts. In all honesty I didn’t even care who they were from. I exited out of the screen and looked at the time. 12:54 was illuminate on my phone. I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. That’s when I reluctantly decided to head home.

I headed up my now almost vacant driveway, aside from a car or two and then made my way through the front door. I stepped inside and quietly made my way upstairs into my bedroom. Once I shut my door behind me, I walked over to my dresser, changed into pajamas, and crawled into bed. I closed my eyes, hoping the fatigue would come to me, but to my dismay, it didn’t. Curiosity took the best of me, so I grabbed my phone off my bedside table and decided to look through my missed calls and unread texts.

Almost every single one was from Jon, but there were a few missed calls from my brother and one from Lailya.

That bitch had a lot of nerve calling me.

I placed my phone back on my bedside table and turned over on my other side once again hoping that I would somehow get tired.

Once I gave up on the idea of sleep, I quietly tiptoed downstairs and sat on the couch. I turned on the TV and browsed through the guide a good two or three times before it finally hit me that nothing good was on at 5:30 AM.

I turned off the TV and looked out the window, all reality hitting me. My boyfriend that I had done everything to keep was beginning to start a ‘thing’ with one of my best friends… and to be completely honest, I had no idea who I was more disgusted with.

I decided to head upstairs and hop in the shower, to start my day early. Once I was out, I threw on some clothes and headed out to my car. I was going to begin searching for a job to save up some money. Because getting out of Chicago was now becoming my first priority.

Twenty Two:

I spent the rest of the night either sitting in front of the bar downing shot after shot, or on the dance floor dancing with any random cute guy I noticed. As for Jon’s whereabouts? I could have cared less. I was focused on me, and what I needed to do to have fun. And as for how I got home? Yeah, your guess is as good as mine.

I woke up the next morning the most hung over I had been in a long time. I glanced around at my surroundings. I was in my own room, fully clothed, and alone. Relief automatically rushed through me as I hopped out of bed and slowly made my way downstairs. My brother was sitting on the couch, Lailya on his right, and Jon on his left. They all glanced over at me as I made my way into the kitchen.

As I was grabbing a water bottle out of the fridge, I heard someone clear their throat loudly. I reluctantly shut the fridge and saw Lailya standing there. “Is there something you need?” I asked, somewhat rudely.

She looked taken aback, “I heard what happened last night.”

“Yeah, and…?”

“I’m sorry that I was all over your boyfriend, I was seriously so wasted I don’t even remember doing any of that at all. Honestly, I wouldn’t do that to you, you know me… I’m not like that at all.”

“I know, I know,” I sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry. If anything I should be sorry, and I am. I would react the same way if I saw anyone all over my boyfriend too.”

“Okay,” I said with a slight laugh, “I forgive you.”

“Alright good.”

After a quick hug, I followed her out into the living room. “Actually,” she said, “I should get going. But I’ll be back later, `cuz I guess some of the Hawks are coming over.”

“Alright, see you later,” I said as I watched her walk to the front door and close it behind her.

I sat down on the couch where Lailya was previously sitting. “So, how exactly did I get home last night?”

“Well after threatening to beat Jon’s ass for about fifteen minutes, we finally calmed you down and drove you home.” My brother replied with an amused look on his face.

“Oh…” I replied simply. “Well, I need a shower… so I’m going to go do that…” I said. Feeling the awkward tension rising.

My brother nodded as I stood up and made my way upstairs and into my bedroom. I began looking through my closet for an outfit and as I was searching through the racks of clothes I heard my bedroom door slowly open. I glanced out of the doorway and saw Jon walking in. He shut the door behind him and immediately noticed me staring at him from the closet.

“Um, hey,” he said awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

I rolled my eyes and continued looking through my clothes.

“So, you’re going to ignore me now?”

I shot him another glance as I picked up a pair of dark wash skinny legged jeans.

“Please talk to me,” he pleaded.

I quickly grabbed my low-cut deep purple sweater, walked out of my closet and stood in front of him. “What do you want me to say to you? Because if you want me to tell you what’s on my mind, you’re not going like what I have to say.”

“Cole, how many times do I have to tell you? I don’t want her, I want you. I love you. You know that.”

“Do I?”

“Yes.”

I rolled my eyes once again and made my way into the bathroom to take a shower. Right as I undressed myself, turned on the lukewarm water, and stepped in I heard the door click open.

I stuck my head out of the shower curtain and watched as Jon shut the door behind him and began peeling off his clothes.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I asked with annoyance.

He didn’t reply as he pulled back the shower curtain and stepped in. He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into him. “Babe, seriously… I love you.”

“Jon, this is two times in a row that I have seen you in public being all over other girls when I’m sitting right there watching you.”

“Oh, so you flirting and hugging all over Jonathan Ericsson is okay? Or how about that Brent douche bag?”

I couldn’t even think of what to say.

After a couple of minutes, he spoke up, “now, listen to me, Cole. I am sorry, I am. I honestly don’t know what else I can do to prove to you that I am sorry.”

I looked up at him, waiting for my voice to somehow come back to me, and when I couldn’t wait anymore, I leaned up and kissed him.

“You better not pull anything like that again, you got that?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Soon after, we both stepped out of the shower and readied ourselves for the get together that was taking place.

After a couple hours, I was completely ready. I headed downstairs and prepared myself some dinner. And after eating, I headed into the living room to watch TV with Jon and Patrick as we waited for the boys and Lailya to come over.

“Anyone want a beer?” I asked as I stood up.

“You really think that’s a good idea after last night?” Patrick asked with a laugh.

“Okay, a couple of beers isn’t gonna hurt me, Dad.” I joked. “So do you want one or not?”

“Yeah I’ll take one,” he replied with an eye roll.

“Me too,” Jon added.

I made my way into the kitchen, and quickly came back and handed the men their beers. A knock sounded at the door and I hopped up to answer it. It was Kris Versteeg who was with Brent Sopel.

“Hey guys!” I greeted them, throwing my arms around each of their shoulders.

“Hey,” Kris greeted while wrapping his arm around my waist.

“Hey Cole. You look great,” Brent also greeted me.

“Thanks,” I replied. “Well, come in.”

As the night went on, the guys slowly started filing in. I walked around, talking to various people, and then I headed into the kitchen to grab another beer. Standing there was Lailya.

“Hey, I didn’t even know you were here,” I said as I grabbed a beer out of the fridge. “Want one?” I asked, motioning to the beer that was in my hand.

“Oh hey. Yeah I was looking for you because I just got here. And yes, I’d love one.”

I handed her the one that was in my hand and grabbed another one out of the fridge and we both headed into the living room.

“Hey who’s that Blondie in the corner? He’s really cute,” she whispered in my ear as we both took a seat on the couch.

“Oh that’s Kris Versteeg. I should soo hook you two up,” I replied with a smirk on my face. I stood up from the couch and she grabbed my hand.

“Where are you going?” She asked me.

“To do my business,” I replied simply.

“Well what am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know… go talk to Jon or Patty or something.”

“Alright,” she replied with a nervous laugh, “just don’t embarrass me.”

“Now why would I do that?” I asked as I shook my head and headed over to Kris.

“Cole, what’s happening?” He asked as I walked up to him.

“Not much Krissy, how about you?”

“Not shit.”

“Hey, you see that girl over there with the black hair?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Do you think she’s hot?”

“Um, yeah… I guess so…” he said with a laugh, “Why?”

“Because she thinks you’re hot and wants you to go talk to her… but this convo is just between me and you, you got that?” I asked with a wink.

“Got it,” he replied.

“Go get `em tiger,” I said as I pushed him in her direction and patted his ass for encouragement.

Feeling quite accomplished, I plopped down on the couch and noticed that Jon’s phone was sitting on the table. I picked it up and looked around the room for him so I could give it to him, as it began vibrating in my hand. I looked down at the screen.

New Text Message

From: Lailya

Twenty One:

A couple days later:

 

“Cole, where are you? My birthday party started twenty-five minutes ago,” my friend, Lailya shouted over the phone, the sound of music blaring and people talking were very apparent in the background.

“I’m coming, I’m coming. I'm just about to put on my shoes… have you ever heard of being fashionably late?” I joked.

“Whatever, just get here soon,” she said with a laugh before hanging up.

I slipped my feet into my metallic silver heels, grabbed my cell phone and my purse, and then headed out to my car.

I pulled up to the club ten minutes later, and confidently stepped through the door. I noticed a big table in the back stocked with familiar faces. I headed that way.

“Cole!” Lailya shouted, before standing up, running over to me, and enveloping me in a hug.

“Happy Birthday, bitch,” I joked, while handing her a card.

“Thanks. You look cute,” she commented.

“Oh, thank you,” I replied while looking down at my apparel. To go along with my pin straight hair, a loosely fitted halter style dress hung from my body, cutting off right above my knee, while a metallic silver belt was wrapped around my waist to match my heels.

“Well, take a seat… everyone here had been asking where the hell you were,” she said before ushering me into a seat.

I took in the faces around me; the majority of them were very familiar. People gave me their greetings and I kindly returned them.

After we devoured the food that was served, we headed over to the bar for drinks, and after three or four shots, I was on the dance floor. I pulled Lailya over to me and we began grinding to the music.

“Oh my God, look who’s here!” Lailya shouted, pointing over to the entrance of the club.

I whipped my head around and saw my brother stepping through the doorway, Jon by his side. I rolled my eyes. “Oh God,” I mumbled.

“I haven’t seen your brother in ages, God damn, he looks fine as hell. Oh, not to mention, Jonny looks pretty good as well. Let’s go say hi!” She grabbed me by the hand and pulled me through the packs of people over to my brother.

My brother noticed us almost immediately. “Hey Lailya, how have you been?” he asked, wrapping her in a hug.

“Great, it’s my twenty-first birthday tonight, you so owe me a dance,” she replied.

“That, I do.”

“Who’s this?” Jon asked with an arched eyebrow, acting like I wasn’t even standing there.

“Hi, I’m Lailya,” she replied with a giggle while he wrapped his arm around her.

“Nice to meet you,” he replied.

I cleared my throat loudly, “Come on Lailya, lets get back on the dance floor.”

“Okay, I’ll meet up with you guys later,” she said, “don’t forget… you owe me a dance, Patty.”

“Yup,” he replied with a wink.

I pulled her back on the dance floor and we began dancing once more, as the drinks kept flowing.

“You know, that Jon and I are dating,” I informed her.

“No way!” she slurred, she had consumed more alcohol than I had thought.

“Yeah,” I replied, a slight blush forming on my cheeks.

“Aw, that’s too cute,” she replied.

A few songs later, Jon and my brother had met us on the dance floor and Lailya had begun dancing with my brother, grinding all over him. She then grabbed Jon and began grinding on him as well. I knew that she had a lot to drink, but I couldn’t help but be a little annoyed. I had just told her that I was with him. But, the thing that made me even more annoyed was that Jon wasn't stopping her or walking away.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed one of Lailya’s friends, Brent, and began dancing with him. I mean, I wasn’t about to watch Jon grinding all over one of my best friends. My glass had soon become empty so Brent and I headed to the bar, I made sure to shove past Jon on my way.

I sat down and handed my glass to the bartender who immediately began refilling it. I looked out into the crowd, watching Jon and Lailya, who were still dancing and laughing with eachother. I turned my head away, absolutely furious, and began talking to Brent.

Throughout our conversation, I kept shooting glances over at them, noticing that they were still laughing, talking, hugging, and dancing.

Then my phone began vibrating in my hand.

One new text message.

From Jon.

I opened it.

Hey are you pissed at me?

I rolled my eyes, was he fucking kidding me? He hadn’t even acknowledged me all fucking night, and this is what he was going to say to me.

What do you think?

He replied quickly, I think we need to talk

Fuck yeah we need to talk

Meet me at the entrance of the bar

“Hey, I’ll be back a little later, okay?” I said to Brent before wrapping him in a hug. “Call me sometime.” I slowly and reluctantly stood up and made my way through the hundreds of bodies to the entrance of the club. He stood there waiting for me. I walked up to him and he grabbed my hand, leading me outside as the cold air nipped at my exposed skin.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked me.

“Are you kidding me, Jon?” I paused while shaking my head, “you seriously didn’t acknowledge me all fucking night. And you have the nerve to be all over one of my best friend’s right in front of my face? Seriously, you think that’s okay?”

“I danced with her for like two seconds, Cole. That’s it.”

“Yeah, okay… I’m sure; you guys were all over each other all fucking night,” I replied angrily.

“I barley even know her! If I had feelings for her, I’d be in there talking to her, getting her number. Do I have her number, Cole? Am I in there, talking to her, trying to get with her? No, I’m out here, trying to make things okay with you.”

“Whatever Jon, I don’t need this right now. I’ll see you at home.” I pushed past him and headed back inside. I wasn’t about to let him ruin my night.

Twenty:

This chapter is somewhat of a filler. But tons of drama is coming soon, so be patient(:

PS. Comments make the update come faster :D

Nothing.

The room was completely empty. I stood there in complete disbelief before making my way over to the bed. I slowly and cautiously made my way around it, inspecting every inch to make sure that he wasn’t here, that he didn’t bring some random female into my hotel room. Aside from the wrinkled sheets, the room was exactly the way we had left it before heading out to the club.

I plopped down on the bed, and placed my head in my hands. I couldn’t believe that he would stoop this low. At least I had the decency to stop the actions that I was taking with Ericsson. I was hurt. Completely and utterly hurt.

I slowly made my way over to my suitcase, pulling out my pajamas and toothbrush. I headed into the bathroom and prepared myself for bed. I returned into my room and sat back on the bed once more. I gradually lay back and pulled the comforter over myself. But I couldn’t sleep. Tossing and turning, I started to become more and more uneasy. I had no idea what Jon was up to, or where he was, for the matter. Is he okay? Thoughts kept rushing through my mind, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I shot out of bed, grabbed my cell phone, and looked through the contact list until the name came to Jon. I debated with myself for a good couple of minutes before I heard the sound of a key sliding through the door of my room.

My heart started pounding. There could only be two people standing in that doorway. Jon… or my brother. Should I pretend that I’m asleep? I began to panic. I heard footsteps making their way closer to the door and I quickly lay back down, pretending that I was asleep. The door cautiously opened I barley opened my eyes, glancing at the silhouette standing in the doorway.

Jon.

Jon was standing in the doorway, his hair ruffled and his clothes sloppily thrown on.

I watched as he made his way over to the bed next to me. He began shedding off his clothes as he slid under the covers and passed out.

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

He honestly had the nerve to go fuck some random chick and come back in this hotel room and act as if nothing happened. Fuck that.

I hopped out of bed and began making my way toward the door. I couldn’t even stand being in his presence without wanting to be sick. I sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. There was no way that I was getting any sleep tonight.

A few minutes later, I heard a key slide through the door once more. My brother stepped in and noticed me on the couch.

“Hey sis, I’m surprised you’re not asleep. It’s pretty late.”

“Yeah,” I mumbled, “I didn’t exactly have a good night.”

“Jon…” it was more of a statement than a question. He slowly made his way over and took a seat next to me. “I hate to tell you that I told you so…” he trailed off.

“Where was he tonight?”

He hesitated for a minute, “I don’t know… at some chick’s house I guess… that’s what I heard from the guys anyways…”

I felt a sudden rush of rage that made me want to bust open that bedroom door and beat the shit out of him.

“Honestly Cole, don’t sweat it… he’s not worth it. He will always be a playboy… all he wants is a piece of ass.”

“Well, that was some show he put on for me then…”

My brother wrapped an arm around me. “Just try to get some sleep. You will talk to him tomorrow and hopefully make the right choice.”

“Yeah, goodnight. Love you Patty.”

“Love you too, sis.”

I turned off the TV and lay down on the couch.

**

I was awoken to the sound of a door shutting loudly. I opened my eyes and sat up. Looking over at the source of the sound, I saw Jon standing there; completely clueless as to why I was on the couch. I glared at him and he realized he was busted.

“Cole, babe, what’s wrong?”

“Fuck you, Jon. Don’t even give me that bullshit.”

He made his way over to the couch and sat down next to me. “I-I didn’t do anything last night. I was talking to this one girl at the club last night and she told me it was her birthday and she was having a party. She wanted me to stop by for a little bit because her friends were big Blackhawk fans and they would love to meet me. So I left with her. When I got there, it was a house full of slutty girls who pulled me on the dance floor and were all over me. I stayed for a while though, and had a couple of drinks because I didn’t want to be rude. Honestly, babe. You have nothing to worry about. I know that a lot of chicks think I’m good looking, and I could have had half of that house to myself last night… but all I want is you, do you understand that?”

My mind was honestly in a rush, I didn’t know what to believe. “I don’t know… I just don’t know what to believe anymore Jon. I need some space. I think I’m gonna take a plane back home. I’ll see you in a couple of days. I just need to clear my head.”

He placed a quick kiss on my forehead, “you know how I feel about you, Cole. That isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

“Mhm, yeah.” I replied while packing my things together.

I exited the room, leaving my key on the table. I shot one last look at Jon before shutting the door behind me. I slowly made my way over to the elevator. After stepping out, I walked outside, hailed a taxi, and made my way to the airport.

Nineteen:

To be honest, I don’t know what kept me sitting there. Maybe it was the way he looked at me when I spoke, or maybe it was the attention being received that I had been striving for. Either way I ended making up some bullshit story about my ‘sort of ex-boyfriend’ that he seemed to buy… for the time being at least.

Throughout the night, he really seemed to buy the lonely card that I had been playing as he placed a gentle hand on the small of my back, pulling me closer to him. I took in his scent, Old Spice body wash with a slight hint of some sort of delicious smelling cologne. Before casually glancing around me to make sure that Jon was still wrapped up in his crowd of sluts, I slid my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. This guy was truly gorgeous. But… as much as I was digging this guy, part of me wished that Jon would come over and pull me away from him, while claiming that I was ‘his girl’ or something like that.

I don’t know what came over me, but I shot another look at Jon who was standing on the side of the dance floor, and noticed the goofy smile he had plastered on his face as he was in the middle of a conversation with Kris and a few random girls, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

I looked back over at Ericsson, and sent him a sensitive smile as I gently unwrapped my arms from around his neck, grabbed my glass off of the bar table, and took a long swig. I think he could sense my sudden change of behavior as he slowly took his hand off of my lower back. I wanted this guy, and bad… but I couldn’t hold that on my conscience.

“What’s wrong?” he asked in the sweetest tone of curiosity.

“Umm… I just- just don’t feel well,” I stuttered while grabbing a pen and a napkin off of the table. While jotting my number down, I looked up at him once more. His face shown of a hint of suspicion mixed with disappointment. “Here’s my number. Call me sometime, alright?”

“Will do,” he replied simply as I began walking away and onto the dance floor. I glanced around, noticing the majority of the Hawks, but no Jon in sight. Seeing as the last person I saw him with was Kris, I pushed through the sweaty bodies and made my way over to him.

“Where’s Jon?!” I shouted over the pulsating music.

“Uh, he’s… well, he’s not here right now… but dance with me!” he said in an attempt to change the subject while grabbing my hips and pulling me into him.

“Well where is he?!” I asked with anger apparent in my tone.

“Umm…” I didn’t even let him finish before I interrupted.

“You’re no help, you asshole. I’m going to ask someone else.” I pulled away from him and began making my way over to Patrick Sharp when he grabbed my by the wrist.

“No, no, no, no, you can’t do that… don’t go talk to them.”

“Then tell me where my boyfriend is, before I embarrass you in public.”

“Okay, okay, he left with another girl…”

Anger surged through my veins, as I grabbed Kris by the collar on his shirt. “And you let him?!”

“I’m sorry Cole! I really am!” he shouted.

“Ugh you disgust me Kris, walk away now before you regret it.”

“Sorry Hun I didn’t mean to.”

“Whatever,” I replied while walking over to Sharpie who was standing with Burish, Sopel, and Seabrook.

“Since my boyfriends a cock-sucking douche bag, which one of you guys is taking me home tonight!?” I asked in a somewhat sarcastic matter.

After receiving four wide-eyed stares, Patrick offered to take me back to the hotel, since the Limo driver left… probably with Jon and his one-night stand.

We hailed a taxi and made our way to the hotel. While standing in the elevator with him, I glanced over at him. His shirt was pretty tight to his ripped body and his hair looked perfectly gelled back. I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into me. “You know… it’s been a while…” I said, while he placed his lips against mine.

“Indeed it has,” he replied while sliding his hands to my ass and picking me up. We began making out until we heard the ding of the elevator. He put me down and walked me to my room. Hoping and praying that when I walked in I wouldn’t see something I didn’t want to, I reluctantly slid the key through the slot and quietly opened the door.

“Well,” Patrick said while clearing his throat, “I guess I’ll see you later?”

“Sure,” I replied while placing another lengthy kiss on his lips.

I quietly made my way through the living room, nobody. Bathroom, nobody. Kitchen, nobody. And lastly, the bedroom… I walked over to the door, adrenaline pumping and quickly opened it…