Famous; Mat Barzal

13 - false promising

I sighed, strumming another key on the piano as more tears rushed down my face. Music notes were everywhere, my mind going in circles. Why was I feeling this way? Was I not over Justin yet? I know I liked Mat, but I know for sure I don't love him, right now at least.

"You think you're missed? Well let me tell you this." I started, already having a sob escape my lips. I stopped myself and got up to the mirror towards the end of the room and looked myself in the face.

"Okay, Riley, you need to get over yourself. You've cried way too much over this guy who's hurt you, and you still can't stop crying." I know I sounded crazy right now, but it was calming me down, "Breathe, stop talking to yourself, and go play the piano." I said to myself, wiping away my tears.

When I turned around to go back to the piano, Mat was sitting there, with a small frown on his face, "How're you holding up?"

I sighed and took a seat next to him on the piano bench, "Honestly, I'm done feeling sorry for myself." I said, crossing my arms.

"Good. You don't deserve any of this, Ri. I know I just met you but I can already tell how much of an amazing person you are, and I haven't even discovered all of you." He said, putting an arm around my shoulder as I leaned into him.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry that you got dragged into all of this." I said once more and he gave me a reassuring smile, "Forget about it and get back to your song." He looked down at my lips and I can tell he was unsure if he should kiss me in my confusing state of mind right now.

I smiled back at him and leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his lips. He kissed me back gently, only making me want more.

I softly smiled and turned back around to the piano, continuing my song.

——

2 WEEKS LATER

I sat in the trainers office with a humongous smile on my face, "I cannot believe I'm good to go." I said, standing up and stretching out my ankle.

Damian chuckled, "Well, you passed my examination, so you're all good. Be careful with that ankle, though, Riley." He reprimanded, making me smirk and walk to the door, "No promises."

Let me just say, completely having Justin out of my life was the best thing that had ever happened to me. Mat and I got a lot closer, almost everyone thought we were dating, Sofia came to visit again yesterday, and the Islanders were on a 7 game win streak.

To add to that, the players had 4 days off, so that meant a lot of time with Mat. Justin kept on calling me so I eventually blocked him, completely clearing him out of my life.

I walked into the locker room happily, shouting, "Listen up!" All of the boys stopped what they were doing and listened to me.

"Every single one of you have been working really hard, and I really respect that. You guys fight and fight for these wins and that's the reason that we're on a streak. Practice today had me in so much shock because I was thinking of how bad you guys were doing without me and how far you've come now." I joked, earning some laughs, "I'm kidding, but you guys are really showing dominance all around and I'm loving it. Enjoy your break."

The locker room erupted with excitement, making me even more happy.

I headed over to Mats stall and saw him packing up his things into his bag. The second he saw me, he smiled and turned to face me all the way, "Good speech out there, Ri."

I smiled, "Thanks, is it that obvious that I'm a lot happier than before?" I asked with a laughs

He nodded, "Yes, and it's even affecting everyone around the locker room, they're all happier." He said, making me look around at all of the smiling faces.