Sweet Caroline (Corey Crawford)

Motivation

Corey

"Corey, your team has gone 21-0-3 in the first 24 games of this season and you yourself is 11-0-3. Last season you ended it going 8-1-3, are you picking up where you left off" someone asks in the middle of a media scrum.

"What is that? 19-1-6? And I'm still not considered elite" I joke.

"I don't think people can deny you that" they joke back.

"I guess I am picking up where I left of. I had a lot of time to think some things over, work on my craft and think about why I play the game so I could come into this season motivated and ready" I explain.

"What would your motivation be" Caroline asks and I smile.

Not a lot of people know we are together. Everyone around here did and a few of my friends did but that's about it. She hated being in the spotlight and there was no real need to put our business out there. The less people involved the better. My relationship with Julie was public knowledge and that honestly hurt me so much. Everyone knew who she was and what she did and what I did in reflection of all of that, but it was also public knowledge that we were no longer together too. So unless you were around Caroline and I or we told you no one knew we were together.

"My motivation? My cats" I smirk and everyone laughs. "No, I'm just kidding. Honestly my motivation is my girlfriend" I admit as I turn to Caroline.

"How so" another reporter asks and I smile.

"I was hoping someone was going to ask me that" I admit. She's has the most beautiful soul. I could not be me if it wasn't for her. I know I am at my best when she is around. When I'm by her I just want to be better to even keep up.

She is so incredible... I can't even explain it. As a person there is no one better. She could make Jonny look like a bad guy. Every day with her has been amazing, I have learned so much from just watching her and listening to her. She cares for me so much, she always has. Even when we weren't together she was the first person I went to in times of trouble and she tells me she is proud of me every chance she gets. She is the kindest soul and nobody could tell me any different.

And when it comes to hockey, only the great ones know more than she does. I mean she can give you any stats or any tips you could ever want about anything. Off the ice she is my whole world but she's also the main reason I'm doing what I am. Of course the guys on the team gets the credit for going 21-0-3, but as far as me and how I'm playing, I play for her" I explain.

"Well we wish you two nothing but the best" the guys says.

"Thank you" I nod.

We finish that up and they get escorted out of the room. I get changed and thank the staff before heading to my car. Like always Caroline was there waiting for me. I walk over and she jumps into my arms. I was caught off guard but luckily for me she was small so I easily caught her. She presses her lips to mine and my eyes flutter shut.

We break apart as I hear one of the guys honk because it's never actually a nice time around where without someone ruins it. So I set her back on her feet but keep her safe in my arms. She smiles up at me as we stare at each other.

"What did you want to do today" I ask her and she just shrugs.

"I'm not sure. What did you have in mind" she wonders.

"There's this new little restaurant I wanted to try out of you're interested" I offer.

"Does it have Mac and cheese" she asks and I laugh.

"I checked and yes, it had Mac and cheese" I assure her.

"Then I am interested" she insists.

We hop in my car and drive to this new little restaurant downtown. It had a dance floor and a salad bar and a bunch of other cool things. It was kinda crowded since it was just opened but we find a table and get our orders in. I see Caroline looking around as she smiles big. She loved places like this, with a theme and culture and a personality. I knew she would love this place, it was only a matter of time.

"Why are you staring at me" she questions breaking me out of my Day dream.

"Because I love looking at you. The way your hair falls out of your baseball cap and how your smile lights up the room" I admit.

"Oh" she whispers and I laugh.

"Why don't you believe me when I say these things" I wonder.

"I don't know. I don't think about myself enough to determine whether or not what you are telling me is true" she shrugs.

"They are. Every single thing I have ever said about you, ether it be to the media or when we're by ourselves at home or hanging out with friends. I would never say a bad thing about you because there is no bad things. And I will never stop reminding you of how truly incredible you are. I will get you to see it, one day" I insist.

"One day" she smirks.

Eventually our food comes out and like a vacuum she sucks up her food. She doesn't always eat a lot but when it's Mac and cheese I wouldn't want to be what's standing between the two.

After we finish eating I notice her admiring the couples on the dance floor slow dancing.

"Would you like to dance" I ask.

"I would love to" she smiles.

I grab her hand and pull her to the tiny dance floor by the music station. She wraps her arms around my neck while we sway back and fourth. I look down into her pretty brown eyes as she stares back at me. I feel her fingers slip on my hair and it makes my knees go weak.

"I love you so much" she reminds me and I try to hide the smile, but it still comes up.

"I love you good baby girl."