Here's One From the Heart

I

Oct. 19th, 2017

"He's really a great, young player," One of the commentators stated.

"Not to mention, all the potential." The other added.

I couldn't help but smile.

The buzzer rang, ending the second period. It was 2-1 Capitals.

I was about to change the channel, when the intermission returned after commercials. "We're back now with the go-ahead goal scorer, Jakub Vrána."

The smile remained on my face.

"Jakub, how does it feel to be recalled by the Capitals, and score your first NHL goal tonight?"

"I feel great," He said between breaths, a bead of sweat dripping from his nose and a soft smile gracing his lips, "I was really excited. The guys really set me up nicely for the one-timer, so I shut my eyes and took the shot. Lucky for me, it just skimmed past Fleury."

The smile on his face told a story of a happy hockey player, blessed to finally see his dreams unfold in front of him.

I was beyond happy for him; a guy who I hardly knew, only from a few postgame and post-practice conversations. But throughout them all, I couldn't help but feel like there was something there... Something more than a hockey fan and her idol meeting.

"Thank you," Jakub said. The interview was short and sweet. I watched as he turned and headed back down the tunnel to the locker room.

I hadn't been paying attention to much of what they had talked about, as my eyes were solely pasted on his smile. A smile in which read he was just happy to be there; playing in his first NHL game.

I had received multiple texts then, from friends asking if I had watched the interview. I simply ignored them all, tucking myself back under the covers and preparing myself for the upcoming third period.

It was not long after, though, that I had fallen asleep. I was working long hours at the Verizon Center, and I hadn't had much sleep in days.

I had awoken to the sound of the buzzer, marking the end of the game. The Capitals had defeated the Penguins 4-1, after two goals from Ovechkin.

I couldn't contain my happiness. Jakub, the man of my dreams, had scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game.

I knew calling him the man of my dreams was a far stretch, but I really did feel like there was something more between us. His smile seemed more genuine around me, and I couldn't contain the butterflies he gave me. We were even on a first name basis, now.

He recognized me, almost as easily as I recognized him.

I know I'm nothing special, especially compared to him. I'm just a no-name, plain Washington girl, someone who a guy like Jakub Vrána wouldn't look twice at. I'm not the skinniest, or the prettiest.

Definitely not someone a famous hockey player would ever go after.

I wasn't after his money, either. In fact, a couple years back, I had even sworn off hockey guys.

My first love, Colby Walsh, the captain of my high school hockey team. We had been in a relationship all through high school... That is, until I had found out he was cheating on me.

He was a liar, manipulator, and everything in between. I had grown to hate him instantly, along with any other hockey guy I had ever crossed paths with.

But one bad experience can't label a whole group of guys, can it?

I thought it could, until I came across Jakub. He was so down to earth, and everything I didn't expect from a hockey player.

My experience with him had changed my perspective on all athletes.

I was removed from my loving trance then, by a text from my best friend, Sydney.

'I found out where the guys go after the game to celebrate', the text read. I rolled my eyes, although I was interested.

Just as I was about to text back, my phone rang. Sydney.

"Hello-"

"Alright, I'll be there in 20," she blurted, "Clean yourself up, and wear something pretty." She demanded, hanging up before I could say a word.

"Okay..." I sighed, heading off to the bathroom to get washed up.

I placed my dark chestnut hair in lazy waves, applying a light layer of makeup and winged eyeliner. I slipped into my somewhat-too-short black cocktail dress, and drew a thin layer of red lipstick upon my lips. And after sliding into my new, black, knee-high boots, I was ready.

Just in time, as there was a knock at the door. I opened the door, revealing Sydney's slutty attire.

"You look SO sexy," she commented, giving me a wink. "If the hockey guys aren't all over you, I'd be surprised."

She began pushing me out the door and towards her car. I hopped in as she started the ignition. The ride was nice and quiet, just the way I liked it.

Ever since Sydney and her boyfriend had split, that was all she's talk about. And silence for a change, was like a sigh of relief.

We arrived at the bar shortly after, taking a seat at the bar. From the corner of my eye, I could see a group of big, handsome men sitting around a table. All of which I recognized from the Verizon Center. They were crowed around a round table, laughing and drinking. Clearly celebrating their win.

It was then, that one man in particular caught my eye. He approached us slowly, and joined us at the bar, taking the seat next to me.

"Nice to see you again, Rayne."