Love in the Kitchen

Chapter 13

Chelsee's POV
I was looking over some of the new blueprints when Clint came into my office. "I need you to calm me down." He went over to the couch and laid down. I noticed he was shaking even from where I was standing. I walked over and sat on the edge of the couch, next to him.
"Clint you don't need to be so nervous. Remember he's been looking for you. If anyone should be nervous it should be him." I brushed the back of my fingers over his cheek. "Take a few deep breaths through your nose and the breath out through your mouth. It'll relax you." He closed his eyes and did as I said. I left him on the couch and went to put away my things so we could head down to the restaurant. I got everything together and put away. When I looked back over at Clint I noticed he was now sat up, doing the breathing I told him to do. I quickly finished sending a few emails off and then shut my computer off. I walked over to the couch and bent down in front of him. As if feeling my presence, his eyes flashed open. "You look much better." I gave him a smile and he forced a sigh. "Come on Ice Box isn't it?" He smiled when he heard me say his nickname from college.
"Are you calling me that from now on?" He gave me a laugh when he stood and then wrapped his arms around my waste. I smiled and shook my head.
"Only when you need a confidence boost. You have a giant smile on your face because of it." I placed my hand on the back of his neck and then kissed him softly. "It's time." He gave me one more sigh and then nodded. He grabbed my hand and led us to the door. I closed the door behind us and looked over to Lilly. "Head home early Lilly. You've done plenty today." She gave me a wave and Clint pulled me towards the elevator. We got in and he hit the button. His hand seemed to squeeze tighter as we continued going down. By the time the doors opened my hand was aching. We started to walk towards the dining room and I could take it anymore. "I know your nervous. But I'm pretty sure your going to break my hand." He looked down nervously and released my hand. Only to take it back and kiss the top gently.
"Clint!" He quickly turned and looked towards the voice. Mr. Julien came over to us quickly. "I'm so happy you got in touch with me." He took Clint's hand enthusiastically and shook it wildly.
"It's good to see again Mr. Julien." Clint smiled at him and then looked over to me. "You remember my girlfriend Chelsee." He put his and on the small of my back and turned his body into mine.
"Of course I remember this beauty. How could anyone forget such an amazing woman. Please call me Claude." He took my hand and shook it lightly.
"It's nice to see you again Claude." I nodded for them to seat us and then looked back to Clint. "They'll take us to the table now." He nodded and lead me through the dining room, into one of the more private sections. Clint pulled my chair out for me and the pushed it in as I sat. He moved his chair slightly closer to me and sat down himself.
"You're looking well Clint. I can see you haven't changed in size much. Which is good. I was nervous you would have let yourself go." He gave a very serious look at Clint. He then smiled and nodded towards me. "But, even if you had. I wouldn't blame you. With this young woman to cook for you." I chuckled lightly and Clint nodded.
"I tried stopping all the work outs and conditionings. But I found it rather impossible. I nearly jumped out of my skin." Claude laughed as he gazed down at the menu.
"I'm pushing 60 and I still can't quit." His eyes roamed over the whole menu and then shifted up to me. "Since you're the master of food here. Why don't you tell me what to order. I had the scallops last night. They were divine." He let out a small sigh recalling the memory. I smiled and thought for a moment.
"You should try the burgers. There are some specialty ones. The Caprese Italian burger is my favorite." He raised an eyebrow to me.
"Any woman that suggests a burger to me, you can safely bet, I won't say no." He shut the menu and placed it to the side of his plate. Jessie came over to the table and started taking down the order. As she finished, she picked up the menu's and tucked them under her arm.
"Thanks Jess." Clint looked back at her after she smiled and walked towards the kitchen.
"She must be your favorite. You always have her serve your special guests." Clint said quietly.
"She has two little boys and struggles financially. I want to make sure she always gets a good tip." He lovingly smiled at me and then gave my hand a little squeeze.
"I freaking love you." He said looking into my eyes. My cheeks grew warm and I turned towards Joel once more. Who was smiling at the both of us. The conversation at the table continued and Claude made sure Clint knew that the talk about hockey could wait until after our meal. The conversation was kept light and Clint seemed to relax as time went on. He seemed to relax when I would lightly rub his thigh. Jessie moved around us silently and laughed when Joel tried being funny with her. Claude laid down his silverware once he finished his dessert and then folded his hands together.
"Well Clint, you ready to talk numbers? Cause I'll give you an unbelievable signing bonus." My eyebrows shot up and looked over at Clint.
"I'm not in it for the money Claude." He gave him a slight smile.
"I know you aren't. That doesn't mean you won't be getting it." He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. "Clint, they've been on me trying to get you found. I'm just glad I found you first. Fortunately I'm lucky my daughter likes reading ski magazines." He laughed at that. "Here it is though. We want to sign you immediately. Cause the season has already started and we want you practiced with the other guys." Clint went wide eyed.
"You mean you want me starting already?" He shook his head and then ran his hand through his hair.
"Now don't get to stressed out. You have a month to practice." Claude waved his hand nonchalantly.
"I haven't played an actual hockey game for two years Claude. I need more than just a month." Claude rolled his eyes at Clint.
"We both know that you don't need more practice than that." He sat there and thought for a minute. "Alright. What if you came and conditioned with the other guys? If at the end you don't feel like your ready. Well, then don't sign the contract. But, if you do. We would like you on our team." I looked over at Clint who obviously was mulling things over in his mind. He was looking down at the table, biting his lip.
"That sounds pretty reasonable Clint." I said softly. He looked up at me and gave me an 'are you sure look'. I nodded to him. "It's worth the try. You could take a leave of absence at school. Just to try things out and make sure this is what you want to do." He nodded taking what I said into consideration.
"Ok, I think I can do that. I'd need a week to get things in order with work though." The grin on Claude's face kept growing by the second.
"Great! You can fly out next weekend and start conditioning then." Clint nodded and then Claude stood from the table. "I'll have a ticket sent to you. Would it be alright if I just had it delivered here?" I nodded to Claude. Since Clint was obviously still in shock about what he just agreed to. He swooped up Clint's hand and shook it proudly. "It's good to have you Clint." He then turned to me and reached for my hand. He shook it vigorously and smiled. "Thank you for supporting him in this. It's good to see that he's got someone that wants him happy." With that he took his wallet out. Left two hundred dollar bills on the table and walked off.
"Is he coming back for his change?" I looked up at Jessie whose eyes were bulged out. I shook my head.
"Nope that's all for you." I gave her a smile and she slowly picked up the money.
"I don't know if I can leave." I looked back at Clint. He looked into my eyes and looked like a scared little boy.
"Why not?" I turned towards him and grabbed his hand.
"Grandpa's health isn't the greatest and mom isn't going to know what to do with him. She's also going through a divorce." He shook his head. "Why did I agree to that?"
"First off, your mother is a grown woman she can handle herself. Also I can help her take care of your grandpa." I gave his hand a tight squeeze. "Don't make excuses for things you know will work themselves out." He squeezed his eyes shut tightly.
"I can't leave you." He spoke the words so softly, it made my heart want to burst. "I don't want to be there with out you." I brought my one hand to the side of his face and made him look at me.
"I'll miss you too." He leaned his head towards mine. "I promise we'll talk everyday and we can skype. Also when you sign that contract. I'll be there at your first game." He smiled softly and looked deeply in my eyes. "I'd have to any ways cause Declan would kill me if we didn't." He laughed at that and sat up straight.