She just rolled her eyes at me as if that was the most stupid suggestion in the world, but then mollified me somewhat when she said, “Just until their season ends, then I’ll try to find something in the Raleigh area.”
Which was a good bet that she would. With three major NCAA universities, all abounding with excellent collegiate athletic programs, she was bound to find something good. It’s just…I want her fucking here, now. It’s funny, once I opened myself up and received the powerful gift of her love, I’ve found myself swimming in misery with this long-distance shit. Can’t fucking stand it.
A clinking on a glass gets our attention and I turn to see Brian Brannon standing at the head of the large, open living room with vaulted ceiling. He gives a few more raps on the crystal glass of champagne with his Stanley Cup commemorative ring, and it makes me want one of those suckers on my finger badly. I think we’ve got a great shot this year.
“If I can have everyone’s attention,” he says loudly, and the last of the chatter dies down. Waiters circulate with trays of champagne, and I take one along with Garrett and Olivia.
Once everyone has a glass in hand, he says, “I just want to thank everyone for coming. Fellowship and camaraderie are important in this organization, and this time of the year is most excellent to celebrate those friendships. I understand we have some good news tonight…looks like our own Garrett and Olivia have gotten engaged. Let’s wish the happy couple well.”
Everyone cheers, hoots, and hollers. Olivia blushes prettily and Garrett puffs his chest out.
When the well wishes die down, Brian continues. “We have some more exciting news,” he says as he turns to look at his daughter, Gray, standing beside him. She stands next to her husband, Ryker, who has his arm wrapped around her waist.
“Gray and Ryker have generously given me permission to make an absolute fool of myself tonight, so without further ado…”
And here, Brian turns to his daughter and places a hand on her stomach. His voice is completely choked up when he says, “It appears these two are going to make all my dreams come true and give me a grandchild. The baby is due in May.”
Gasps of surprise and delight tumble forth from many a mouth. People call out congratulations and raise their champagne glasses, as Brian kisses Gray on the cheek. She is beaming brighter than I think she smiled this past summer when the Cold Fury hoisted the Cup. My eyes catch Ryker’s and I raise my glass, giving him a meaningful nod of happiness for the dude.
And even though I couldn’t be more happy for Garrett, Olivia, Ryker, and Gray, it makes it painfully obvious how lacking my own love life is right at this moment. My girlfriend…my lover…the woman who I love more than life itself and who should be with me at this moment, is sitting fifteen hundred miles away in Sydney. I feel like a whiny brat, so I take a deep sip of champagne and figure I’ll get drunk tonight because tomorrow it will be all better. I’ll be wrapped up in some Vale Campbell, and that will be bliss. We haven’t seen each other since I left Sydney ten days ago, and the first thing I’m going to do when I get her alone is strip her naked, take my mouth and—
More clinking on the crystal glass and Brian Brannon is getting everyone’s attention again. The chatter dies once more and everyone stares at him with happy smiles fueled by Veuve Clicquot bubbles.
“We have one more announcement, then we can get busy with some serious Christmas cheer and celebration,” Brian says. “Like I said before, we’re a family. I cherish each and every person in this room, and there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for the lot of you hacks.”
Everyone laughs. Brian beams back at the crowd.
“So, it’s with absolute pleasure that I get to spring another surprise on you. I’d like everyone to welcome back to the team Vale Campbell…”
Brian goes on to say something else, about her accepting a new job offer with the team, yada, yada, yada, but my head is turning left and right, trying to find her. He did say Vale Campbell, right?
My heart feels like it’s about to jump out of my chest as I realize people are staring at me as I vainly scan the crowded room.
But then a small tap comes to my shoulder from behind me, and I whip around in a frenzy of excited expectation.
And there she is.
Gorgeously beautiful, a mischievous smile on her face. I vaguely notice her dad standing behind her.
“Hey, lover,” she says as she cocks her head at me. A few people clap me on my back, voices raise in congratulations, and then the din sort of melts away as I’m staring at her in disbelief.
“You’re coming back to work for the Cold Fury?” I ask, still stunned to see her standing here before me.
She steps toward me, places her hands at my hips. Smiling up at me with sparkling eyes, she chuckles. “Gray Brannon presented me with an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“A big raise?” I guess.