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

Opening night

-Annabelle's POV-

I watch the boys walk the red carpet on this soggy Chicago Friday afternoon as we prepare for the first regular season game. The weather didn't seem to phase the fans and the team still looked amazing. Patrick's umbrella wasn't cooperating and I laughed so much harder than I should have, but come on, it's Patrick. After watching them come in I head up to the boxes where I'll do some of my work, when Im needed I'll be on the bench. I flatten my black pencil skirt and white blouse before I grab my notes and leave my comfortable office for the box.

I get there and Amanda spots me quickly. "Anna! Come sit over here" she yells patting the seat next to her. I give her a smile then sit down next to her.

"You looked amazing in that dress by the way. I'm sad I didn't get to talk to you very much at the book release" she frowns. She was adorable.

"I know, that whole night was crazy. I didn't think that many people knew about my book" I laugh.

We talk a little before a girl a little older than myself comes over and sits next to me. "You must be Annabelle" she says. A little straight forward but I it guess saves time in the long run.

"That is me" I smile and stick my hand out. She looks at my hand then back to me. Okay. Not a handshaker.

"Mind telling me why my boyfriend never stops talking about you" she says a little less friendly than before.

"Lindsey" Amanda says in a low voice as the girl just glares at her.

"Um, Lindsey, is it? I understand you are frustrated but I would like to remind you that you know nothing about me or what I do. Now, may I ask who your boyfriend is" I ask. I actually get this a lot.

"Jonathan" she huffs. That actually makes sense. I'm kinda around him a lot but not for those reasons, but because I want to pick the greatest mind in the game and he's always asking for ways to make himself or the team better.

"You have a wonderful boyfriend who actually talks a lot about you, all good things I promise. But I think you should know that I'm the team therapist and have a required weekly meeting with Jon to review my notes about the team and how to optimize productivity without crossing any personal lines. Jonathan and I's relationship is strictly professional. Sometimes I ask him questions about being one of the best in the game and he's asks me about non-hockey related things that would help him with hockey. I myself am in a relationship with Artemi and wouldn't change that for the world" I inform her. Her face drops and I hear Amanda groan from besides me. We sit awkwardly in silence and runs her hands down her face exasperatedly.

"You probably think I'm a bitch" she dryly laughs.

"Not at all. I will never judge a person after a first impression, because it's just that. It's the stuff that happens after that I'm more interested in" I shrug.

"Then if I apologize could we start over" she asks with a sweet smile. How could I say no?

"No need. A apology would mean that you would have done something wrong, which you didn't. You were misguided and there's no need for a apology" I assure her by placing my hand on her knee. She looks over me to Amanda who finally relaxed.

"Where have you been hiding this one" Lindsey laughs pointing to me. Amanda shakes her head and laughs along with her.

The game starts and I have to turn my attention to the ice because I was working after all. "Wait. You wrote a book and are already writing a second one" Lindsey asks nursing a beer.

"Correct" I say writing down body language and interactions. Lots of frustration that's for sure. The horn sounds as intermission starts so I decide to introduce myself to some of the families.

"I read your book and I love it" someone says and I turn around and see a pretty little woman with a great sense of fashion who looked to be pregnant.

"Thank you so much, that means a lot. What's your name" I ask shaking her hand.

"Elina, I'm Nik's wife" she smiles.

"Nik has told me so many good things about you. It's a pleasure to meet you" I say and mean every word.

"Wow you're so polite" she laughs.

"I try" I shrug and we talk for a little before I go back to the table.

As the game goes on I notice they're struggling. Not like, I broke my stick and need a new one. I mean like nothing is going right, it's basically a test to see who will make it to the penalty box first bad. The game ends 5-2 with the blues on top and a sorrow feeling stadium. I collect my stuff and say goodbye the the girls before heading to my office and doing some writing. About a hour later Artemi comes and lays on the couch while I finished writing. I come and lay on top of him until he wraps his arms around me.

"I played so bad" he mumbles. I knew that was coming but didn't make it hurt any less. I cared a lot for him and I know he's upset.

"Hey, look at me" I demand and he looks into my eyes. "You're a great player. One game doesn't mean shit. You aren't called great because of one game and you sure as hell won't be called terrible because of one either. You're amazing, got that" I ask and he nods. I give him a peck on the lips and roll off to get my stuff.

"You're so odd" he laughs sitting up.

"You don't hear about the normal guy having fun do you" I laugh gathering my things.

"I guess not" he says as we leave the nearly empty UC.