Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(16) The Great Debate

Sophia

"No Patrick, you can't argue that waffles are better than pancakes because they have what you call "pockets"" I scoff as I throw my hands in the air. He sits next to me rigorously shaking his head back and fourth. This conversation was lasting way longer than it ever should have but we always find ways to bicker about stupid stuff. We're pretty good at it too.

"You said it yourself, pockets make everything better. Why is this any different" he defends.

"Because you can't put a phone and a wallet in these pockets. Also pancakes absorb the condiments so the flavor is imbedded in it. It's just... tiny pockets that hold flavoring just as well as any waffle pocket" I try.

"Waffles are still better" he argues.

"What's it like to be so wrong all the time" I ask him as he laughs. I feel the couch vibrate along with his laughter.

"Eh, you get used to it" he shrugs.

A second later my phone goes off and I let out a groan. I just got comfortable on the couch here after we messed around on the Wii for a while, but I guess it's my fault that I left my phone on the table and got lost in trying to beat his ass in bowling.

I reluctantly get up and realize I don't know the number that appeared on my phone. But I answer it anyway because what do I have to lose at this point?

"Hello" I pick up.

"Hello, is this Sophia Elway" a man asks.

"Yes, this is her" I say slowly. I hope one of my dads crazy fans hasn't found my number again. I was praying that I could keep this number for a while.

"I am Steven Nichols, the producer at NBC Sports Chicago and we wanted to talk to you about the job you applied for here" he starts and my eyes get big.

"Yes, of course" I gasp as I sit up.

"We are excited to extend the offer to you to be a sideline reporter for the upcoming seasons. I think you will fit in with the family we have here and would be a great part of this team. You put down the Bears and the Blackhawks as your preferred teams to cover so that's what we would like you to start out on. If you are still interested the spot is yours starting in the fall" he explains.

"I would be honored to work with you guys at NBCSN. That would be... amazing" I sigh.

"That's wonderful to hear. For now there isn't much we will be doing with the seasons being months away. Of course we will go through paper work and training when we get closer to the time. But for now enjoy the summer and we hope to see you soon" he says.

"Thank you, thank you so much" I say.

We hang up and as soon as the phone leaves my ear Patrick jumps on me. His large body crushing me under him making me try and push him off. His large arms wrap around me as I laugh at his reaction. "Pat I can't breathe" I beg as he squeezes me harder. It wasn't comfortable but I didn't hate it either.

"I told you so" he says and I roll my eyes. He would use this time to say I told you so.

"So I guess you're not wrong all the time" I joke.

"I never doubted this for a second" he assures me.

After some convincing I pry him off of me and he just holds me as we lay on the couch. His body hovering over mine as he stares at me. He moves some curls from my face as he smiles down at me.

"Now what happens" I ask.

"We get you ready. We can watch film and learn the names of the guys on the teams. I'm sure you will be more than qualified by the fall" he claims.

"You're gonna stick around me for that long" I question. He was quite the player and the fact that he has really only hung out with me for a while is quite the shock. I wasn't expecting him to spend the summer with me too.

"You trying to get rid of me" he counters.

"Not at all. But I also know you Patrick. How long until I am just another page in your book" I ask him.

"You were never that to me. And I'm a little offended you think so low of me" he tries.

"I think the world of you Pat. But opinions don't change facts. You and I are cut from the same cloth, I know how you think. How you feel no matter what opinion is thrown my way" I insist.

"So you want me to start going out drinking and messing around with other women throwing away everything we worked on together for the past three months" he asks.

"Of course not, but I'm also not one to stop you. There's no commitment between us. We're just... just..." I trail off.

"A hot mess" he asks as I laugh.

"Yeah, we're that among other things. But we're friends. Best friends and just because I get a job doesn't mean that you're stuck figuring out this shit show that is my life" I insist.

"I've grown quite fond of you Miss Elway. And while I get what you're saying, I like hanging out with you. Do I miss the girls and the not caring about everything? Maybe. But I think what I have here with you is better than whatever I can find out there with someone else. You're like one of the guys but way hotter and much nicer" he claims making me giggle.

"Well thank you. I've grown quite fond of you myself. Even if you think waffles are better than pancakes" I tease.

"Oh come on! Waffles are bigger" he tries.

"Pancakes are softer" I argue.

"You can put so much on waffles and it never fall off" he defends.

"And you can put that much in and on pancakes" I remind him.

"You're impossible, you know that" he asks.

"I've heard" I smile.

"So what now? What teams are you working on" he asks.

"The Hawks and Bears. I feel like they're the two I can do my best work in. It's the two sports I am most passionate about and would work hardest on. Plus those seasons line up and I can get a break during the summer" I admit.

"That's awesome. I can't wait until the intermissions when I get to talk to you" he insists.

"I'm not gonna take it easy on you" I smirk.

"All the more reason to try harder" he claims.

"You should always try hard" I insist.

"I do. But I try harder when you're around" he says.