Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(5) Not Helping

Patrick

The Blackhawks are a part of a lot of different kinds of charitable things both in the city and around it. And many of the guys on the teams have their own kinds of charities they help out. Jonny has his go green project he's starting up and Bickell has his Pitbull charity and Brent does his bowling event.

But my favorite one has to be the concert fundraiser Duncan does. It's always a lot of fun and we get to serve the fans some beer. There's a live concert and it's always a good time. And it's in a bar so that's a plus.

And every single year since Duncan started this I go by myself. I never really had a problem with that, I didn't feel like I had any responsibilities and I got to hang lose and have some fun. But the guys are begging me to bring Sophia tonight since I won't stop taking about her and I haven't seen her for a few days so I wanted to see her again anyway. I was a little hesitant having her meet the guys, and not because I'm embarrassed of her or anything like that. It's just that we had a nice thing going when it's been just her and I and I didn't want them to ruin that by over thinking things. They might be great professional hockey players but they are awful wingmen and slightly above average friends. I can tell you that much. And while I understand that Sophie and I's relationship is just for fun, the guys aren't as understanding.

"So you and this girl screw and go on dates, but you're not together" Sharpy clarifies as I let out a huff.

"See, this is why I'm about to text her not to come. You guys are the worst" I accuse.

"I haven't done anything" Jonathan claims making me roll my eyes.

"You've only refered to her as "puck bunny" all night even though she doesn't even watch hockey" I remind him.

"Well it sounds like she's just using you for your status even if she doesn't watch you play" he claims.

"Using me for what status? Her being a Elway gets her farther than being my arm piece. She doesn't ask for money or commitment or fame. We literally just hang out and talk, how would she be using me" I ask.

"As a emotional crutch" he reminds me.

"And I'm not using her for one too" I counter.

"I guess so, but that only makes matters worse. I just don't want to see you hurt because it sounds like you like her. Like you really like her and it seems like she's just around you because you're fun and play hockey" he insists.

"She understands me, not that any of you would know what that means" I mumble.

"Oh don't get all whiny. You know we will be here for you if you ever got the balls to actually come talk to us" Sharpy insists.

"That's the thing though, I don't feel like I can talk to you guys about anything outside of this game. I don't feel like you guys will understand what I'm going through. She does and she lets me vent without calling me too emotional or a wimp or whiny like you just did. I'm not the great Patrick Kane around her, I'm just her friend she can get a drink with and talk to. Just as she is to me" I explain.

"Whatever floats your boat" Brent claims and I just roll my eyes. I knew they wouldn't understand.

Eventually the event starts and Sophia arrives, she came more prepared than I was. She had a cowboy hat and jean shorts on that made her legs look really long. She finds me and I quickly pull her into a hug. "Look at you" I smile.

"I pulled out some of my Dallas cowboy cheerleader outfits out for this. I'm surprised they still fit" she giggles.

"Well you look great" I admit.