No Happy Endings// Tom Wilson

First Meeting

Author Note: Originally, Tom is supposed to be with Michael in the coffee shoppe but since Michael is now with the LA Kings (yay) I changed the character to Andre. So let me know if Michaels name is anywhere in this chapter by mistake. Thank you I hope you enjoy this first chapter!!

I shrug on my coat and pull it tighter against my body, then make the dreaded walk from my rundown apartment to my favorite coffee shop downtown. The reason I say dreaded is because of the bitter cold that is Washington D.C.. But, the coffee was worth the walk.

A half an hour of cold wind in my face later, I step into the Coffee Shoppe (yes that is the actual name) and order my usual drink. Carmel macchiato; extra Carmel. After grabbing my drink, I turn to find the spot I had been sitting in for over a week, when I notice that two guys have already claimed it. Of course. This always happens. I sort of expected this though. After all, nothing is really ever permanent. Not even a lousy spot in a coffee shop.

I take a seat at a table next to the two guys, and pull out my phone. I usually do this to look busy. I don't have many friends, which results in no one to actually talk to or keep up with. When my drink arrives, I put my phone away and take in the savory scent of Carmel before taking the first sip. Perfect.

My special moment is interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see who is trying to get my attention, and notice it is one of the guys that was sitting in my usual spot. I raise a questioning eyebrow at him and he gives me a sheepish grin.

"Sorry to bug you, I was just wondering what you ordered. It smells amazing." He says. I glance at his dark disheveled hair, scruffy face, and thick eyebrows before I open my mouth to speak.

"Carmel macchiato, extra Carmel." I reply and the guy grins.

"I'll have to get that next time, I'm Tom by the way." He introduces himself and I debate on whether or not I should do the same.

"Rose." I reply reluctantly.

I then glance to his friend and Tom says, "This is Andre." I give the brunette guy a nod and he shoots me a small smile. "Would you like to join us? I know this is your usual spot and I feel bad for taking it. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you." Tom blurts and I feel a slight burning on my cheeks.

"How did you know I usually sit there?" I question. There is definitely something suspicious about a guy knowing where I sit all the time; especially if I've never seen him before.

"Whenever I'm here, I always see you in this corner. It's like your tucked away from everyone." He says.

"You're freaking her out, Tom." Andre says with a chuckle, and a small smile comes to my face, but it disappears as fast as it had appeared. Tom looks embarrassed by his words, but I'm actually flattered by them. Without a word, I get up from my spot and take a seat next to Andre and across from Tom.

"This what you had in mind?" I ask and Tom gives me a grin.

"Yeah. So, Rose tell us about yourself."

"There's not much to tell." I reply, then take a sip of my macchiato.

"I'm sure that's not true. Tell us anything. The first thing that comes to mind." Tom encourages. I'm an orphan is the first thing that comes to my mind, but I figure that's not appropriate for a first meeting with someone.

"I have been living in D.C. since birth." I reveal and Tom nods his head.

"Have you ever been outside of Virginia?" Andre asks and I notice his foreign accent.

I shake my head, "No, I didn't exactly have the time to travel when I was younger. And now I just don't have the money. Where are you both from?" I question.

"I'm from Toronto, and Andre is from Sweden." Tom answers.

"What brings the two of you to D.C.?" I ask. They look too young to be here for work, so what could possibly bring them here? Maybe they're here for school.

"We play hockey." Andre answers vaguely.

"Are you any good?" I ask, and the two guys give each other a look before nodding.

"Yeah, you could say that. We play for the Capitals." Tom says and my eyes widen. I've never actually watched the Capitals play, but I know they are pretty good.

"Really? Why are you two so humble? If you're playing professionally you must be more than 'good'." I say.

"You act like we're supposed to be jerks." Tom laughs, and I find myself chuckling too.

"Sorry, it's just you don't seem to fit the stereotype that's all." I reply and Andre gives me a confused look.

"What's the stereotype?"

"Neither of you are stupid, you're both very nice, and you have all of your teeth." I say simply and they both laugh. Tom smiles, showing off his pearly whites and points to a tooth in the front.

"See this one here?" He says through his teeth, "It's fake. I lost the real one from a high stick."

"High stick?"

"The other guy hit me in the face with his stick, and it knocked my tooth out." Tom clarifies and I nod in understanding, but wince when I realize how bad it must have hurt.

"It's alright though. Tom's a tough guy, he can handle a few hits." Andre tells me as he pats Tom's shoulder roughly.

"Have you ever watched hockey?" Tom asks, stealthily changing the subject.

"No, sports aren't exactly my thing." I answer.

"Well, what is your thing?" Tom asks. For the first time in this conversation, I have no idea what to tell them.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know." I tease, still trying to figure out what exactly my 'thing' is.

"But, seriously. Your dad never watched hockey with you, or even at all?" Andre questions, and once again I'm not sure what to say. This is why I don't talk to people.

"Uh, no." I reply quietly.

"Well, we're having an open practice tomorrow morning. Why don't you come and watch it?" Tom asks. He's good at changing the subject.

"Uh, I don't know..." It's bad enough I already sat and drank my coffee with them, now I have to watch them play hockey too? This is already too much socializing.

"Oh, come on. It will be fun, what's your number? I'll text you the address and time." Tom basically forces his phone into my hands and I reluctantly enter my number. Tom grins like a child when I hand him his phone and says, "Perfect. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Andre and Tom say goodbye, and exit the Coffee Shoppe, leaving me tucked away in my corner. Tom's words echo through my head. There's no possible way he's that excited to see me again.

I didn't know how wrong I was.