Hustle and Heart

Ch.28

*Bree's POV*
Today was the day that Carey and I would be flying out to Tampa for another 2 weeks and then 1 week in Colorado. I was extremely nervous to introduce Carey to my family because I know, deep down they won't be as accepting as Carey's family. You see, my parents picture this perfect life for Ben and I. Currently, Ben is living that perfect life but me, I'm not.

*flashback*

From the time I was a teenager, Ben was always the ideal child, perfect grades, perfect social life, and amazing at everything but me, I was the complete opposite. Now, I didn't have bad grades at all but the social aspect was lacking. Sure I was good at hockey but whenever we had social events, I would be the shy girl in the corner. Even for the longest time, no one knew my brother was Ben Bishop, goalie all-star. Everything changed junior year, though. I slowly creeped into the jock squad when Ben started playing juniors. Everyone knew that I was good enough to play in the big league but the only thing stopping scouts was the fact that I was a girl. Back to junior year. Everything seemed to be going good for me. I was being looked at from many junior teams, I had my first serious boyfriend, and I was finally starting to fit in. I wasn't known as Ben Bishop's shy little sister anymore but now as Brianna Bishop, hockey all-star. Winter was finally over which meant a slow down in the hockey world. During that time, I finally received my offer to play juniors for the Windsor Spitfires. This is what I've been dreaming for and the fact that it is finally a reality, just amazes me. Right when I received my letter the first person I called was Ben. He was so excited for his little sister but obviously a little nervous. I wouldn't be playing on my little travel co-gender team, I would be playing in the OHL. The letter stated that I would finish schooling in Colorado but once the summer hit, I would be sent off to Windsor to begin training. I would spend my senior year playing in the OHL. What better way to finish off high school. This would mean a crazy shift in my life. I wouldn't be living at home and I would have to leave my family, my friends, and my newly found boyfriend. Let me tell you, most of my good friends took it hard but realized that they would have to get over it and be happy for me but, my boyfriend took it the worst. That argument and the look on his face when I told him, was unreal. That next morning he broke up with me, stating that he couldn't deal with the long distance but come to find out, he was screwing around with the head cheerleader. I quickly got over it and kept hoping and praying that the school year would go by even faster so that I could finally leave for Windsor. Sure enough, the months flew by and summer finally came. I was so excited to start my new life. I was finally going somewhere in life... I was finally making my parents proud...

*end of flashback*

I smiled but frowned at those memories. However, look at me now! I'm playing in the NHL, I'm considered an 'all star" and, I'm dating the love of my life. I couldn't ask for anymore. Sighing, I finished up my packing and rolled my suitcase down the flight of stairs. I quickly walked over to the front door struggling a little but, once I smelt the smell of waffles, I gave up on the struggle and made my way over to the kitchen. Peeking my head into the kitchen, I spot Carey slaving over the waffle maker. I grin while slowly and quietly sneaking my way over to him. Once I reached him, I sneakily snacked my arms around his waist, making him jump.
"Jeez babe! I didn't know you were done up there." Carey said while pointing upstairs.
"I'm really gonna miss it here." I said in a whisper, while walking around the kitchen and slowly making my way into the dinning room with Carey right on my tail with a plate of waffles in his hands.
"What time is our flight again?" I asked while placing two waffles on my plate and drowning them with syrup.
"My sister is coming around 11:30 and our flight leaves at 1. We should be in Tampa by 9 the latest." Carey said while shoving his waffle into his mouth. "By the way, who is picking us up from the airport?"
"Um well it will for sure not be Ben or Andrea considering they are in Colorado so, most likely a cab." I said while taking a bite out of my second waffle.
"Sounds good to me." Carey said with a smile. "Well I should probably go grab my stuff." He said while picking up his dishes.
"Hey don't worry about it." I said while stopping him. "I'll get these done while you go grab your stuff." I finished with a sweet smile.

*skip car ride and plane ride*

I smiled as the cab pulled up to my apartment building. Carey quickly handed him cash while climbing out of the car and thanking the driver. With our luggage in hand, we made it over to the main doors leading into the lobby. Carey pulled his hood to his sweatshirt, trying not to be noticed by the desk man. I shot Tyler, the desk man, a quick smile before clicking the button that lead to my floor. Considering I was apart of the penthouse portion, there was only one other penthouse on my floor. That penthouse belonging to none other then mister captain himself, Steven Stamkos and his lovely wife Natalie. Gosh I missed these neighbors but part of me was glad when I saw no lights from under their door. Suddenly I remembered that they were probably in Steven's hometown. I quickly shook the thought and grabbed my key, unlocking my grand front door, revealing my penthouse.
"Well babe, this is my home." I said turning to him and flashing my 'million dollar smile'.

*authors note*
I'm so sorry for taking so long and I'm also sorry for this decent chapter! I promise ill update soon.