Sidelines

XX. POST GAME

It's another game day and I'm at the rock earlier than usual in Uncle Connor's office with Eden finishing up assignments.

The Devils are going against the L.A. Kings tonight.

"Wait so fill me in from the other night" Eden mentions.

"Long story short they like him" I answer.

"But was it bad-okay or good-okay?"

"Good-okay" I answer.

Once Jack and I got to my house we spent about 10-15 minutes getting ready.

I just grabbed a teal long sleeve corset top that I had for a while, my grey tailored pants from Lola, and my 8053 docs with my black trench coat.

Jack wore a dark grey suit and had his oxfords in his trunk. I had to help him with his tie again before we left.

We rushed to the restaurant as much as we could and my parents were patiently waiting, seated in our usual table.

It wasn't bad and this is maybe the second time I introduced my parents to a guy I like. Dad held up the whole "I'll beat you up if you hurt my child" persona and mixed it with his good side while mom remained the same.

They didn't mind Jack driving me home because I wouldn't want to hear their commentary about meeting him.

"It's almost 6 do you wanna start heading out?" she questions as it's just me and her in the room.

"Yeah" I answer as we leave and walk into the rock.

I wanna say I look like a bum dressed in one of Jack's Devil's hoodie, sweats, and some boots I borrowed from mom.

Jack said he didn't care when I was getting ready earlier.

"You in my hoodie over everything tonight and I hope no one notices you" he teases.

I keep my mask on since the crowds are huge right now as everyone starts heading inside.

Warm ups don't start for another 15 minutes so Eden and I are really free to do whatever we want.

All of a sudden during the warm ups Atlas joins us and I had no knowledge of it.

"You're here?" I question in confusion.

He pulls away from Eden "Yeah" he replies as I nod in response.

Eden excuses herself to use the bathroom leaving just Atlas and I.

"Je t'aime Rory" Atlas says.

I look at him all unserious "Et maintenant?"
(what now?)

"Nothing. Am I not allowed to say I love you to my cousin?"

"Not when you're talking to me in French out of nowhere" I joke.

"I heard he met Tita and Tito" he says as we watch the guys start warm ups.

"Yeah he did"

"How'd that go?" he questions as we see Jack get on the ice.

It takes him less than a minute to notice me and he winks when our eyes meet.

"It went well. It wasn't that bad" I answer.

I catch up with him since the two of us have been really busy. Eden comes back and that leaves me to just my thoughts.

Some of the guys catch me and we just do a quick nod.

"Rory's really getting into this stuff huh" Atlas teases.

"She sure is, guess who's hoodie she's wearing" Eden smirks.

Atlas looks at me in a mischievous way "You're so down bad" he jokes.