Counting Down The Days (Counting on Hockey #3)

Chapter 3: Friday Night Lights

I wasn't able to go down to Boston last weekend, since I had so much homework, so I have decided to go down this weekend. Classes aren't going on Monday since it's Labor day. My classes end tonight at four, and I will be down to Noah's house by ten at the latest.

I hit traffic and road work the second I hit the Massachusetts border. It slows me down a bit, but I'm still making good time. I play my Road Trip playlist and jam out. 

I travel to the fifteenth floor of Noah's condominium building. I turn right off the elevators and he is in the third condo from the end.I knock on the door, and the door swings open not even a second later.

"Princess", Noah picks me up, wrapping me in a huge hug. He puts me down, then lets me through the door. I grab my small suitcase from beside me and walk into the living room. Surprisingly, it's clean. At least, mostly clean.

"How you doing?" We sit on the couch. I leave my sandals at the door, walking over to the couch, where Noah has already sat once again. I sit on the opposite side of the couch, then face him.

"Pretty damn good. I mean, you're here", he smirks. It's just his way of saying, Hello old friend. His words, not mine. He said that once, and I laughed for at least ten minutes. He pulls my feet and legs from under me. He moves closer to me, setting my legs over his. Noah rests his arms over them.

"So, how is practice been this season?" I ask him.

"Well, it's only been a few weeks, but it's going good. Not being the rookie is really nice. But now I know how the rest of the team felt last year with me and the rest of us rookies. Rookie camp is awful when you're instructing it instead of being taught in it. They may be my team, but no one ever said I couldn't say that they suck", Noah laughs. "Well, how have classes been? I know you tell me over the phone, but I really want to know the juicy details. How many of the professors this year are hot?"

"Um, none of them, but the one with the British accent does make the awful class just a little bit better", Noah rolls his eyes. "But I'm in three different classes with Terra, and I have lunch everyday, except Wednesday, in the courtyard outside of the Greenhouse with a guy named Peter. He said he played with you and Cole these past few years".

"Peter?"

"Peter Lennon. A defenseman. Number forty five".

"Ah, Lennon. I liked him, he was good. But definitely not good enough to make it anywhere else.  He's just a substitute. Played four games last season, can't see anymore than that this upcoming one".

We talk for a little while longer, when we hear a knock on the door. He nods to me when I nod towards the door, as if asking if I can open it or not. I get up and walk to the door. I open it, but not quick enough apparently. I get pushed out of the way by the door as a group of men rush in.

They all stop and turn to me when they realize it wasn't Noah who opened the door. I smile at them, each one of them looks confused. They turn back to Noah. "Where'd you get the girl?"

Frank Vatrano comes up to me as I close the door again. His arm slide around my shoulder. He tries to act casual.

"That's Meredith Adams. Daughter of Randy Adams, girlfriend of Cole Anderson", Noah smirks over at me. Vatrano removes his arm quickly, faking his disgust.

"She's dating an enemy. Why would she ever pick you?" Jake DeBrusk looks over at Noah.

"He's my best friend. I've known him since high school", I start. Everyone looks over at me in shock.

"She speaks", Jeremy Lauzon whispers.

"Yes, I speak. And so do you apparently, even though I've never seen it", he's notorious for not speaking very much in interviews.

"Touché", he says back.

"So who's the lucky Wild?" Vatrano smiles at me.

"Rookie, Cole Anderson", I reply.

"Damn, you're lucky. That kid is really going places", Lauzon chimes in.

"He is, you're right. But unfortunately, I can't go those places with him", I say somberly.

"Sh!t", DeBrusk says. "That was deep". The other laugh a little. 

"Okay, well", Vatrano claps his hands together. "We came to take Noah out for a drink. How old are you?"

"Just turned twenty", I say back.

"Well, you may not be able to drink alcohol in public yet, but we invite you to come with us", Vatrano replies to me. The other guys nod in agreement.

I look at Noah, he shrugs and I turn to Vatrano. "Am I allowed to change first?"

Vatrano shrugs. "Sure, why not. But make it quick".

I grab my suitcase and drag it into my room. I take out a black T-shirt crop top, high waisted shorts, a red flannel to tie around my waist if I get cold, and my newest pair of Converse, black high tops with wedge heels. I change and tie my hair into a high pony tail. Finally, I grab my small purse and put my wallet into that one instead of my giant one I usually carry.

I walk out of the room and back into the living room. Vatrano has Noah in a head lock. I stop in the doorway between the hallway and the living room. I rest my hand on my hips. "You children are in the NHL, and you still do this. I thought we left this in college. Or, high school for those over achievers", Noah points at the others. All of them start to fake pout.

"Okay, lets go", Noah announces.

A night out with a few NHL players. This should be fun.