Opal's Boy

Chapter 6

When I got off the plane in Pittsburgh, Sidney was waiting for me. He didn't see me at first thanks to the fans that swarmed him. When he caught my eye, he pushed past everyone and pulled me into a warm hug.

"I've missed you," his warm breath trickled down my neck.

"I've missed you more. Hey, can we get out of here? I've gotta talk to you about something."

He nodded and led me out towards his car.

When we got to his massive house, we sat at the kitchen table eating ice cream.

"What's going on beautiful?" He asked sweetly.

"My boss told me he's thinking about moving me to Pittsburgh," I mumbled.

"That's not a good thing?"

"No, it's not. I can't leave the Blackhawks. They were there for me when I was twenty one and way too naive. I love it there," I told him.

"By the Blackhawks, do you mean Kane?" He asked.

"No. Of course not. Well, maybe. I mean my best friend moved to help the Kings after three months of working with me. Patrick showed me the way and I can't just leave him," I explained quickly.

"He's grown, you're grown. I think you can make a decision for yourself, Opal," he said.

I smiled and nodded.

"Have I ever told you how much I love your eyes?" I smiled.

"Only every time you see me," he said as he leaned over and kissed me softly.

I pulled back and blushed.

"I never thought I'd be kissed by Sidney Crosby," I smiled.

...

The next day, I went to the Penguins game and saw them win a shootout, thanks to Sid.

It was soon time for me to go back to Chicago, unfortunately.

When I got to my house, Patrick was on the doorstep.

"Hey Pat! What's going on?" I asked as I walked towards my porch.

"I missed you."

I unlocked the door and we both walked in.

He looked at me and crashed his lips on mine.

I quickly pulled away and looked at him. I still had feelings for him, but I tried to bury them as best I could.

"Patrick?"

"I'm sorry Opal. I don't know why I did that," he said as he sat down on the couch.

I walked over to him and sat down.

"What's going on?"

"I don't know. Ever since you started dating Crosby, I've been feeling so weird. I never thought of you as a girlfriend. How could I? You're my best friend. But I got so jealous. I shouldn't be telling you this. I'm sorry Opal," he mumbled.

I was so shocked. If only he felt this way a short month earlier.

"Dammit Patrick. I wish you didn't tell me this. I'm really falling for Sidney," I told him.

"Do you at least have some feelings for me?" He asked, hopeful.

I sat back.

"I do. I did. But Sidney's a great guy Patrick and I'm not gonna leave him. You're probably just confused anyway," I told him.

"Confused about what?" He asked.

"Liking me. I haven't had a boyfriend since we've known each other. You just don't know how to react. You don't like me, Patrick."

"But I do. I do like you, Opal," he said.

"Patrick stop. I love you so much but I've got Sidney now. If you would've told me earlier..." I drifted off.

My phone rang. It was Sidney.

I gave Patrick an apologetic look and walked into the kitchen to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hey beautiful. I assume you made it home safe?"

"Yes I did."

"Everything all right?"

"Yeah, everything's fine, Sid. You good?"

"Yes ma'am I am. By the way I should be visiting you in a week or so."

I perked up.

"Really? Great! I'll call you later, okay? Gotta take a shower."

"Have a good night, Opal."

"You too, muffin. Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up and my phone and it immediately rang again. I didn't recognize the number.

"Hello?"

"Opal! Two years later and you have the same number."

The voice was familiar but I couldn't quite figure out who it was.

"Who is this?"

"Veda!"

No way.

My best friend.

The one who was sent to the Kings two years prior.

"Veda! I miss you so much."

Tears started falling.

"Are you crying? Opal don't! I have news!"

"What is it?"

"I was just relocated to the Hawks!"

I screamed.

"When are you coming?"

"I should be there by six tomorrow night!"

"Do you have anywhere to stay?"

"I was gonna stay in a hotel until I found a house."

"No, come stay with me! My house is big enough for the two of us!"

"Sounds good! Send me the address and I'll get the driver to take me there."

"Sounds wonderful. I'll see you tomorrow, Veda."

"Bye Opal."

I hung up and screamed again. Patrick ran in and stared at me.

"Veda's coming back!" I yelled.