Blindsided

chapter 7

Patrick

In hindsight, he should have known that Jon would react the way he did. But Patrick couldn’t stop himself. Something inside of him pulled him, made him do it. He runs the moment over and over in his head. The only positive he could come up with is that Jon didn’t pull away; that was all Patrick’s doing. 

As Jon left, something inside of Pat broke. He’s had feelings for Jon ever since their rookie year, everyone knew. (Everyone except Jon, apparently.) It was the look that Jon gave him before he shut the door behind him- a combination of pity and confusion. Patrick was sure that Jon had been dropping subtle hints. It occurred to him now, much to late, that he was just reading too much into things. The blow to his pride wasn’t nearly as huge as the blow that came with the realization that Jon didn’t feel the same way Pat did. 

That thought left a bitter taste in Pat’s mouth, that he decided to chase down with a beer. He couldn’t get drunk, however, because they still had a game 6 to kick the Coyote’s asses in; to win for Hossa. He downed the rest of his beer, turned off the movie, and headed for bed. Just before drifting off, he wonders if Jon could ever feel the same.

~

Mike Smith is a fucking brick wall. Jon and Pat are off of their game. (Pat secretly hopes that it isn’t due to last night, but isn’t ignorant enough to know it really is.) They shoot at every chance they have, but the puck never seems to find the back of the net. 4 get past Crawford. A fucking shut out to end the season. It’s pathetic.

Everyone is pretty quiet in the  locker room. Silence is what they need after another crushing first round exit. Everyone knows that they could have done better, should have done better. Everyone talks to the media, and once Pat is done he takes his time showering and getting dressed. He lingers back to listen to Jon talk to the press, to hopefully get some sort of communication or contact from him. When Jon finishes talking, he gives Pat the cold shoulder, which makes Pat’s heart sink a little more. They both leave without another word.

~

They go their separate ways after locker clean out, and while everyone else says their goodbye’s and see you at the convention’s all Jon gives Pat is a quick glance and a pat on the shoulder. Patrick tries to hide the hurt on his face when he says goodbye to Sharpy.

He texts Jon a happy birthday a few days later, but all he gets is a “thanks” in return. Patrick wants to forget about his sorrows, his crush on his captain, and the year he just had. And he knows just the way to do it. He takes his phone out of his pocket and starts dialing the best man for the job.