SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, J.HUGHES

FORTY EIGHT

Jack's coming back tonight. I can do this.

This morning was a blur of groceries, emails, and a winter run. By the way, did you know how clumsy I can be? Almost ate it on the slippery sidewalk. Classic me.

Last night, I stayed up way too late watching the game between the Devils and the Canucks. Should I even say who won? Of course, the Canucks. Luke and Jack really gave it their all, but the Canucks were just on fire. I'm sure Quinn was over the moon, winning one for his baby and all.

I sprawled out on the couch, remote in hand, replaying that insane goal Jack made. 

I N S A N E. 

I told my brother I'd swing by his place today, and that's still on the schedule. After a quick meal packed with greens and fruit—because, hey, I'm trying to be healthy—I jump into the shower. 

Once I'm done, I throw on a cozy outfit: my favorite oversized hoodie and some leggings. Comfort is key, especially when visiting Ced. I grab my keys, wallet, and phone, and head out the door.

I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again: there's nothing in the world that can top off the vibe of NYC during the Christmas season. That's it, I said it again.

The only thing that makes it awful is those fucking parking restrictions and everything. But whatever, I get to my brother's building and as I reach the door, I text him that I'm here and he unlocks it for me.

I step into the elevator, the short ride giving me just enough time to check my phone again. The doors open, and my heart sinks when I see Olivia fumbling with her keys, trying to lock her door.

She turns around, eyes widening when she spots me. "Oh, hey."

"Hey," I reply, my voice coming out a little too high-pitched. Great, just great.

Remember Olivia? She used to be my rock, my everything. Well, a lot of people used to be my rock, but her, girl. She was one of my best friends. And I told her to leave me alone, which I sometimes feel bad for.

"So... you visiting your brother?" she asks, almost dropping her keys as she finally gets the door locked.

"Yeah, just for a bit," I say, forcing a smile. "You?"

"Heading to work," she replies, awkwardly shoving her keys into her bag. "Busy day ahead."

I nod, not really sure what else to say. There's an awkward pause, and I can feel the tension in the air. We used to be so close, but now there's this gulf between us that I don't know how to bridge.

"Uh, how you doing?" she asks, shifting on her feet and tilting her head to the side.

"I'm doing better than ever," I say, trying to sound confident but feeling like a liar.

Better than ever? Maybe not the best way to put it, especially after everything that happened this week. But if we put all that aside, I guess I can say I'm doing better than ever.

"Better than ever, huh?" She crosses her arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Well, that's... good."

There's a pause, the kind that feels like it stretches on forever. I can't tell if she's trying to make conversation or just filling the silence.

"What about you?" I ask, more out of politeness than genuine interest.

She shrugs, almost dropping her bag. "You know, same old, same old. Work's been crazy. Just trying to keep up with everything."

"Yeah, I get that," I say, nodding. Another awkward silence. I glance at my phone, checking the time. This encounter is starting to feel like an eternity.

"I saw you got with Jack," she says, her expression suddenly more enthusiastic, as if she's genuinely happy for me.

"Yeah," I reply, my voice softening a bit. "It's been... really good."

She smiles, and for a moment, it feels like we're back to being friends. "That's awesome. He seems like a great guy."

"That's exactly what I've been saying for months, Ol," I say with a laugh, almost forgetting that we've stopped talking for a whole year now.

Olivia laughs too, a sound that brings back a flood of memories. "I remember when you used to go on and on about him, even before you two got together. It's nice to see it worked out."

"Yeah, it's kind of surreal sometimes," I admit. "He's just... everything I hoped for and more."

"So, how's he handling everything? The games, the travel, being with you?" she asks, genuine curiosity in her voice.

"He's doing great," I say, feeling my heart warm at the thought of him. "The games can be tough, especially after a loss like the one against the Canucks, but he bounces back fast. He's so dedicated. And as for us, well, he's incredibly supportive. Even when he's exhausted, he makes time for me. It's one of the things I love about him."

Olivia nods, looking thoughtful. "Sounds like you two are really good for each other."

"We are," I say, feeling a bit of the old connection between us. "And honestly, I think he's helped me become a better person too. More confident, more grounded."

"That's amazing," she says, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "I'm happy for you, really."

A smile smile thugh on the corner of my lips with and i whisper a small thanks. We stand there for a moment, the silence not as heavy as before.

"Well," she says, breaking the silence, "I really should get going."

"Yeah, of course," I reply. "Take care, Olivia."

I watch her go, feeling a mix of relief and lingering regret. Maybe one day we'll figure things out, but today isn't that day.

As I walk down the hall to my brother's apartment, I knock lightly, and he swings the door open with a grin. "Come on in," he says, stepping aside to let me pass. I follow him into the living room, the familiar scent of his apartment filling the air.

We plop down on the couch, and he hands me a beer. "Why the hell are you giving me a beer?" I say, scrunching up my face.

He looks at it, pouting his lips. "I don't know. You never come see me. Figured it's a reason to celebrate or some shit."

I give a small 'ew' and he takes the beer back to the fridge with a chuckle before returning to the couch.

"So, what's new?" he asks, kicking his feet up on the coffee table.

I shrug, leaning back into the cushions. "Same old, same old. Just trying to keep my stuff together, you know?"

He nods, giving me that knowing look only an older brother can give. "Yeah, I get that. How's it going with Jack? Heard he had a rough game against the Canucks."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, it was tough. But he's handling it like a champ. I mean, he's used to the ups and downs by now. We all are."

He smirks. "Damn," he says.

I watch him get up from the couch and bend over me, his hands resting on my shoulders, shaking me a little. "Can you believe it, M? We made it. You have your own place, the boyfriend you always wished for, the career of your dreams. I'm the Rangers' team captain, and I have the best girlfriend in the world. We're on top of the world, M."

I can't help but laugh, pushing his hands off playfully.

Am I really on top of the world, or am I just on the tip of a big avalanche? I smile at him with this weird taste in my mouth. "We are, Ced, we are."