The Boy, The Girl, and The Game (Artemi Panarin)

What If

-Annabelle's POV-

Throughout lunch Amanda kept kicking my shin then pointing to Artemi with her eyes. I ignored it the first few times, that was until she started using her heel.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom" I announce getting up from the booth.

"I'll come with" Amanda yells trailing me to the bathroom.

"Do girls always go to the bathroom together or is that a American thing" Artemi asks.

"Not sure. If I told you I was going to the bathroom right now, do you feel like you need to come with" he laughs.

"No not really" Artemi shrugs.

"Nice to know" Pat says and continues eating.

"What just happened" I whisper to Amanda. I understood human interaction but the conclusion they just came to wasn't a conclusion at all. I was so confused.

"I have no clue. Just back away slowly" she laughs and we head to the bathroom.

I really did have to go so I went and did my business. I emerge from the stall to see Amanda standing there with a huge smile on her face. She was like a older sister to me and I love the hell out of her.

"So.... you and Artemi" she starts as I wash my hands.

"Don't you think that's a little unprofessional" I laugh drying my hands off.

"So you do like him" she shouts and I shush her.

"Shut up! You know I can't lie to you. I mean he's cute and a hell of a player but I don't know much else about him" I defend crossing my arms.

"Come on. We can double date and stuff, it'll be fun" she tries convincing me.

"You want me to date Artemi just so you have another couple to hang out with? We can just as easily do that as friends" I remind her. She rolls her eyes and throws her hands in the air.

"Am I going to have to get you two together myself" she huffs.

"Hey. Don't interfere with people's lives. That's dangerous territory right there" I warn her.

"Sometimes I hate that you know so much, makes my manipulation trait useless in this friendship, and that's my best trait" she complains opening the door. We sit back in our respective seats and continued lunch.

"How's the book coming" Patrick asks in between bites.

"Good. It's finished. I'm just waiting for the editors to review it then we can start printing" I explain and he nods.

"Are you planning to write another one" Amanda asks taking a drink.

"I don't know. I might write one about the NHL after this year. This sport, more than any, is just as much of a mental game as it is physical" I shrug.

"Will I be in the book" Artemi asks causing me to giggle at his excitement.

"Oh yeah, you'll defiantly be in there" Amanda comments and I shoot her a glare.

We finish up and Amanda takes Pat home since they live together and Artemi and I walk back to the UC.

"So, what would you tell a NHL player who is questioning his skills because so many people told him he was only good because of who he played for and with" Artemi asks leaning against my car. I cross my arms and stand in front of him.

"I would tell him that those people aren't out there in the ice doing what he's doing, actually no one is, but that's why he's so special. The team and the people who play with him are especially happy that they have him. That the only reason people say that is to tear him down in order to attempt to make themselves look better. I would tell him not to let anyone else have a say in his destiny because he's as talented and skilled as they come. And I would tell him those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" I finish looking into his eyes. "Plus the whole city, who is picky about their stars, is obsessed with him and he's only been here for a year" I add. He nods and gives a little smile.

"I think that would help him a lot. He would appreciate what you are going to bring to this team. He would also be a little scared at how intelligent you are" he laughs rubbing the back of his neck.

"Hey, everyone has a brain. Fill it with what is best for you. Me, I like helping people, so I filled mine with ways to do that. You, don't let other people get in your mind. You're brilliant on and off the ice. Don't let anyone downsize what you did last year. You did that, no one else. You're the reigning rookie of the year. No one can take that from you, unless you let them" I say touching his shoulder. He jumps at my touch then smiles.

"Can I ask you a question" he says getting off my car and opening my door, gesturing for me to get in.

"That's kinda what I'm here for" I giggle getting in.

"Would you... teach me how to use this cheese grater. I have no clue how to use it and I don't want to shred my hand" he says quickly.

After I finished laughing I nod my head. "Of course, name a time and place and I'll be there" I say shutting my door just to roll down the window.

"My place, tonight at 6" he says leaning on the window.

We exchange numbers and I head home happy as could be.