Hustle and Heart

Ch.26

*Bree's POV*

This was my last week in Kelowna and this made me pretty sad... I've established myself here and the fact that I will have to pack everything and head back to Tampa, makes me sad. The only thing I'm looking forward too is the fact that Carey will be coming with me. I had just finished letting the dogs out and eating my breakfast, when I got a text from Carey.

Good Morning Babe! Just wanted to let you know that I headed out with a few friends today from school. My dad was saying something about hanging out with you today? Idk just call him and see what he's up too. I love you and I'll be home for dinner! Don't miss me too much!😘-Carey.

I smiled at that text but was somewhat confused about his dad wanting to hangout with me. It's not that we didn't get along its just that it was a little bizarre that it would be just us two, without Lynda or Kayla. On that note, I decided on calling the home phone. It rang a few more times until the 4th ring.

"Hello?" Said Jerry though the phone.

"Hey Jerry, it's Bree!" I said.

"Oh hello Bree. How's everything?" He asked.

"Oh everything's good. Just sitting at home with the dogs. What about you?" I asked.

"Hanging around the house." He said.

"Well Carey texted and mentioned something about you wanting to hangout?" I said more like a question.

"Oh yes! Are you free?" He asked.

"Yea I am." I said while smiling.

"Okay good. I'll be there at around 11:00 if that works?" He asked. I glanced over to the clock which read 9:30.

"That is perfect! I'll see you then Jerry." I said while ending the call. I quickly ran up to our bedroom and went straight to the bathroom. I did all of the bathroom and shower necessities and when I was done, I just blowed dried my hair and left it in waves. I applied no makeup considering it was just Jerry and I. Walking over to the dresser, I picked out a simple flannel, some light washed jeans, and some combat boots. By the time I was done everything it was about 10:30, so I made my way downstairs to wait for Jerry.

Sure enough at 10:55, Jerry was pulling into the driveway. I exited the house while, locking the door behind me. He came out of his truck and admittedly walked over to the passenger side. He slowly opened the door for me and when I was fully in the truck he closed it. He quickly ran over to the driver side and jumped in.

"So what do you have planned for today?" I asked him.

"Well I was thinking a walk, then horse race, and then finally a late lunch. How does that sound?" He said while looking over to me.

"That sounds great Jerry!" I said while smiling over to him. He pulled out of the driveway and began making his way to our first destination.

*Carey's POV*
Walking around downtown Kelowna felt great. I was with my buddies from high school and our reunion couldn't have gone better. Currently we were sitting in a little cafe that we used to go to as kids.

"So Carey, you and Elena are done?" My friend, Max asked me.

"Um yeah." I said scratching the back of my head. "We've been done for at least 4 years now..."

"Oh man, I didn't know it's been that long." Max said. "So are you seeing anyone then?" He asked.

"Um yeah I am." I said.

"Well what's her name?!" My friend, Josh asked me.

"Well you guys can't say anything..." I dragged on. They all promised on keeping their mouths shut.
"Do you guys know Brianna Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning?" I asked and sure enough they nodded. "Well that's my girlfriend! She's actually with my dad right now and let me tell you, I've never been this crazy about a girl... She's so perfect in every way. She's the one guys." I said with the biggest smile on my face.

"Well damn. When is she leaving?" My other friend Chris asked.

"Um we both leave for Tampa on Sunday morning." I said.

"Well we wanna meet her." Chris said with a smile.

"Well how about you guys and your wives and girlfriends come over for dinner tonight! We can order pizza and just hangout." I suggested earning a nod from all of them. I quickly texted Bree letting her know the plans for tonight.

*Bree's POV* 

I was having a nice casual conversation with Jerry during the horse races, until my phone went off. I quickly unlocked my phone and went to the text. It was from Carey, the text read...

Hey babe! Hope you are having fun with dad! A few friends of mine are coming over tonight for dinner with their wives, girlfriends, and kids! We are just ordering pizza so don't worry about cooking. Love you and see you at home!😘

I quickly responded with an.... 

okay can't wait! Love you too😘

"Sorry about that Jerry." I said with an apologetic smile.

"It's all good. Was it my son?" Jerry asked.

"Yes it was." I said instantly smiling.

"You know I don't think I've ever seen Carey so in love with a girl..." He said smiling. "It makes me so happy that he's finally happy again."
Jerry and I were both trying to hold back the tears.

"I really love him too." I said with a smile.

I am finally happy again...

****skip to the dinner tonight****

After hanging out with Jerry, I went straight home to get ready for tonight. For some reason I wasn't as nervous to meet his friends as I was when I met his family. I was actually really excited! To have more friends here would be fantastic. I've actually thought a lot about moving here during the offseason and the only thing holding me back is the fact that my family doesn't know about our relationship. However, once they know, I'll race out of Tampa for the rest of the time we have together until the new season starts..