Tricks Of The Game

Chapter 27

*Kelsey's POV*

"Alright, time for presents Kelso!" Bri shouted. What's a birthday party without presents? I was still in awe of the engagement that had just happened. I was wiping tears out of my eyes, wishing Rick could be here. "I want you to open mine first," she said. "It's hiding in the pool room."

I rolled my eyes and made my way downstairs. I had told her a million times not to get me anything, that her friendship was more than enough. But of course, the girl never listens. And that's okay with me. I opened the door to the pool room, not seeing anything. I looked down at the floor and saw a folded up piece of paper at my feet. I unfolded it, revealing Bri's neat handwriting:

Just kidding! Come back to the roof!!

I did as the note said, noticing an odd sound that got louder the closer I got to the door. I opened it and the sound was overwhelming. There was a large helicopter on the roof.

"Bri, what is this?!" I shouted over the noise. She motioned for me to go to the passenger side. The door opened, revealing the greatest birthday present in the world: Rick. Tears immediately stung my eyes as he wrapped his strong arms around me.

"Happy early birthday baby," he said, pressing his lips to mine.

"I'm so glad you're here," I said through tears, returning the kiss.

"Anything for my girl," he said. He took my hand and we walked to the nearest table while the guests clapped.

"There is one more present from me, Kelso," Bri handed me a shiny red box. I opened it, revealing a perfect red Hawks jersey with a note on top reading 'For when you're on the ice...'. I turned it over. The nameplate read ASST COACH and the number was 24, my lucky number.

"Girl, thank you so much!" I said, giving her a huge hug.

"And here is my present to you," Rick said as I sat down, handing me a big blue box. I opened it carefully. Inside was a blue Rangers jersey with Rick's name and number on it. There was a note on top that said '...and for when you're off the job.' I leaned over and kissed him.

"Thank you so much, Rick. It's perfect. I love you," I said, planting another kiss on his lips.

"I love you too, beautiful. There's another present that I'm saving for later, after we're alone," he said, pulling me out of my chair and wrapping his arms around me. I couldn't help noticing Ben in the distance, looking longingly at me. When he saw me looking at him, he quickly looked away.

"Hey, I'll be right back," I said to Rick. "Ben just got here." I made my way through the crowd, trying to find where he had wandered off to. Guys on the team were wishing me a happy birthday, which I was grateful for, but they were slowing me down.

"Hey, happy birthday babygirl," Duncan said, steadying me and pulling me in for a hug after I accidentally ran into him.

"Thanks Duncs," I said, squeezing him tight. He had always been one of my better friends, there for me whenever I needed somebody.

"You want another beer, birthday girl?" Duncan asked, ordering another of his own.

"No, I'm good," I said. "Staying sober tonight." He raised an eyebrow, knowing that wasn't like me.

"Well let me take you out for a few sometime soon. I miss my girl," he said, letting his hand on my back fall lower than it should.

"Duncs, behave yourself," I said, playfully slapping his arm.

"Always such a tease, babygirl," he said, kissing me on the cheek. I had to give it to the guy, he could charm the pants off a girl when he's drunk.