Like Perfection || Adrian Kempe

Ch. 34

Adrian's POV- December 2016

Val chuckled as Sophia jumped and wrapped herself to him. The last time she saw him was when he was traded in February and we had to drop him off at the airport. She couldn't make it to last week's game because she had practice and finals to study for. I had dinner with him and a few of the guys, so I was able to catch up with him.

"I missed you best friend"

He smiled as she pulled away a bit and grabbed his face.

"What are you doing?"

She frowned a bit as she lightly traced a scar on his right cheekbone.

"It makes me look tough"

She smiled.

"Impossible, you're a big soft bear"

I smiled as he set her down and she hugged his waist. 

"You know, I'd like to greet Val too" I stated.

She shook her head and buried her nose against his chest.

"No, you saw him last week"

He gave her a squeeze before she stepped back.

"Nice to see you man" I said.

I pulled him into a hug and grinned.

"You too"

We pulled away and followed Sophia into the restaurant. He turned to Soph once we were seated.

"What's wrong with your shoulder?"

She had been wearing a zip up hoodie, and had taken it off to reveal the brace she had on.

"She fell off the balance beam and hit her shoulder" I replied for her.

He shook his head at her, to which she shrugged.

"So I heard you're going to Sweden for Christmas?"

I looked at her just as she nodded.

"Excited?"

She smiled.

"Of course, Sweden is beautiful"

I was thankful that she enjoyed being there this past summer.

"I get to see the kids from the gym where I trained during the summer"

She had a bond with all the girls there and sent them updates on her routine. They had an email thread, but I'm sure both sides were excited.

"He's treating you well?"

I smiled as she hugged me.

"Of course, Adrian is a great boyfriend"

Val smiled and nodded.

"Good, I didn't want to have to kick his ass"

He could easily kick my ass, but there was no reason for him to do that.

"I'm a great boyfriend" I stated.

Soph nodded and kissed my cheek. 

"Liquid Matte lipstick is the best thing to exist" I said.

Val chuckled and I turned to give Soph a quick kiss.

"So have you met anyone in Charlotte?"

He shook his head.

"There were a few girls last season, but right now I'm focusing on hockey"

Val was a bit of a man whore during his time here. Girls liked the foreign I don't know a lot of english vibe he gave off.

"How were exams?"

I turned to look at Sophia who was looking through the menu.

"They were fairly easy"

He chuckled.

"Of course you would say that. You're a genius, remind me why you're dating him?"

She smiled as I frowned.

"What's not to love about Adrian?"

I wiggled my eyebrows.

"When he's not being arrogant he's a pretty nice guy"

I laughed.

"Thanks babe" I stated.

"Remember, I'm here to feed your ego"

I nodded as Val chuckled.

"She's doing a pretty good job"

The waitress made her way over and smiled at Soph and I. She grinned when she saw Val sitting across from us.

"Well don't you look grown"

He offered the older woman a smile.

"Stand up and let me take a look at you"

He did as told and gave her a hug once she was done fawning over him.

"It's nice to see you, I'm glad you're doing ok"

The people of this diner had sort of become the parents of the team (the young guys at least). They fed us during our off days, and always asked how we were doing. 

"So what shall I get you?"

*2 hours later*

I chose to look at Val as Soph showed him a clip of her beam routine.

"It's back!"

I chuckled as he grinned at Soph.

"Practice makes perfect"

She laughed as he hugged her.

"It's far from perfect"

He shrugged.

"It's a hard routine, elite gymnasts don't do that"

He gave her a squeeze.

"What about floor?"

I scrunched up my nose and shook my head.

"I'm trying a double layout for my first pass, but it's not going well. I'll probably do a double tuck or something"

He nodded.

"I'm keeping my second pass because it's a fan favorite"

The crowd and commentators went crazy every time she did that pass. It was a never ending tumble that ended with her doing the splits. 

"Are you competing only floor and beam?"

At the moment she was cleared for only beam. She was working on floor, but she would not be competing it during the first meet. 

"Only beam at the moment. I'll text you when I'll make my floor debut"

He smiled

"I watch your meets regardless"

He looked at me.

"Are you going to her first meet?"

"I wish I could, It's the same day as the outdoor game" I answered.

"Get injured"

I smiled when I realized he was serious.

"Soph would kill me if I got injured" I stated.

"He's right, I would kill him"

"Only she's allowed to get injured" I added.

She lightly smacked my arm.

"So your mom is engaged"

He frowned.

"You all failed to tell me this"

Soph raised an eyebrow.

"I'm pretty sure I told you"

He shook his head.

"I would have remembered"

"You're invited to the wedding, stop complaining" I told him.

Dina and Enzo would be getting married late June.