Love in the Kitchen

Chapter 14

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Clint's POV
I walked into the locker room and sat down heavily. It was my first day and I feel like I just skated with a bunch of teenagers. I am so out of shape. How in the actual hell am I going to get through this alive. "You alive man?" I looked up at Clayton still panting.
"I feel like I'm 80 years old skating with you guys." He laughed as he sat down next to me. He was the first one to great me when I walked in this morning. The whole team is pretty great and very welcoming.
"You'll get it back man. They'll be chanting ice box in the stands in no time." I chuckled at that. I was actually pretty surprised that a lot of the guys knew who I was. But, I guess when the head coach is searching high and low for a player. It must be talked about quite a bit.
"We'll have to wait and see I guess. Hopefully I don't die from exhaustion." We both laughed and took our gear off and headed for the showers. I stood under the hot water and let it massage my back muscles. I was soon the last one still in there, I hurried and dried off and went to get dressed. A few guys were still there and Clayton was talking with I think his name was Richard and Joel.
"Hey Clint, we want to take you out to dinner to welcome you to the team man. You up for it?" Joel asked as I got dressed. I thought for a minute. My bed was really calling my name but, I could eat a banquet right now.
"Yeah, that sounds good to me. I'm starving." I dried my hair off better and then just shook it out. I could care less what my appearance is right now. I'm not trying to impress anyone anyways. "I just gotta make a quick phone call and I'll be right out." They all laughed.
"Gotta call your woman huh?" Clayton said as he nudged my shoulder.
"You better believe it." I grabbed my phone and started dialing. They headed out.
"We'll be outside." Clayton called as he went out the door. The phone rang for a minute and then an unfamiliar voice picked up.
"Hello." who is this?
"Chelsee?" I heard a giggle on the other end.
"Sorry Clint, its Lilly. She's signing some papers and had me answer her phone." I relaxed a little.
"Oh, sorry I was caught off guard. If she's busy tell her not to-" She cut me off before I could finish.
"Nonsense, she just finished. Here she is." I waited just a moment and then there it was.
"How was my sexy hockey player boyfriend's first day?" I chuckled as I listened to her.
"It was good. I got my butt whooped and I'm dog tired." I heard a soft chuckle on the other end.
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad. You're still breathing aren't you?" She said with a slight bit of humor.
"Yeah barely." She laughed a little while a continued. "Some of the guys are taking me out to dinner to welcome me to the team. So I may be a little late face timing tonight."
"That's alright babe. You go and have fun. If you're to tired when you get back to your room, just get some sleep. You can call me tomorrow." I shook my head.
"I really want to see you though."
"It's only been two days. One more won't kill us. I don't want you exhausted while your training. So do what you're told." I smiled as she pretended to scold me.
"Yes ma'm. Well if I don't get to tell your later. I love you."
"I love you back." I could hear her smile as she said it. "Go have fun and I'll talk to you later."
"I will, talk to you later."
"Bye babe."
"Bye Sweeheart." I hung up and stared at my phone. There was no way I was missing a face time with that woman. I grabbed the rest of my stuff and headed outside. They were waiting for me by the doors.
"Alright man just follow us. There's an awesome burger joint not to far up the street. You gotta enjoy one last fatty meal before the dietitian whips you into shape." I groaned at those words. I hate having to be on special diets but, I have to do it to be better.
"Lead the way." I nodded and we headed out.
"Just follow me over there in your car." I nodded and headed for my car. I was going to just lease one here but, Chelsee made some forward arrangements with Claude and bought me a freaking car. I get she wanted me to fill comfortable here and all. It's just a car for a gift is insane. I wasn't going to fight with her on it though because, to be honest, I was nervous about finding a car. So having that taken care of was actually pretty nice. I started it up and follow Clayton to a smaller looking diner. I got out and headed in with them. They were right they had pretty great burgers. I had a great time and got to know all of them. They asked me about home and a tinge of longing ran through me as I thought of Chelsee. But I'm sure at the end of the night they were tired of hearing about me spout whatever I could tell them about her. I was so tired when I came back to my apartment I crashed on my bed and didn't move until morning.
------------month later ----------------------
Practices have been pretty tough. I'm really feeling good though. I've built back my muscle again and I'm able to skate as hard as I used to. I just left Claude's office from signing my contract. That signing bonus definitely made my eyes bulge out. I can't believe I've already made it this far. The times past pretty quickly and although I miss home, I'm pretty happy here. What am I saying. I freaking miss my girlfriend and I can't wait to see her tonight at my first game. Her flight just came in. She brought the kids and I'm so excited to them. They all have front row tickets and I'm pretty nervous to have them watching.
I walked into the locker room to start getting warmed up and stretching before I put my gear on. "Your first big night man. How you feelin?" Clayton asked as he came over and started warming up next to me.
"Pretty damn nervous." I said nervously and he laughed a little.
"I was too. Hey, your girls here isn't she?" I nodded to him. "Well then, show off for her. You'll be unbeatable with her cheering you on." I couldn't have agreed more with that. "You better introduce us after the game man. I feel like I already know with how much you drag on and on about her." We both laughed as we continued to warm up.