I get home from my run with Becca downtown and immediately jump in the shower. We’re going out to dinner tonight and I want to stop over and see my parents before I have to meet her at the restaurant. Thankfully, we both have the next couple of nights off from work in the ER.

Becca has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We grew up in the same neighborhood and have practically been attached at the hip. After high school, we went off to college together, getting accepted into the same nursing program. During that entire time, Becca dated Scott Taylor, and I was shocked when she called things off shortly after college. I was sure they would get married, but she was nervous about the distance and challenges that come with dating and marrying a professional athlete. I know Scott is back in town; he had a huge event downtown today, as his team just won the Stanley Cup.

Once I’m showered and ready to go, I head straight to my parents’ house. They still live in the house I grew up in, which is just a couple doors down from Becca’s parents.

“Hey, Kin!” my mom greets me, as I get out of my car. She’s covered in dirt, obviously having been working in her flower beds before I pulled up.

“Hey, Mom.” I give her a hug, being careful not to get any dirt on me. “How’s your day?”

“Great. Finishing up some weeding, and planted a few new flowers. Just enjoying the beautiful weather. How was work this week?”

“Crazy, like usual. I’m glad to finally be off for a few nights,” I tell her, as we both walk into the garage. She puts her gardening tools away and we head into the house.

“Any plans for the next few days?” Mom asks, as she pulls out two glasses and fills them with lemonade, handing me one.

“Becca and I went for a run this afternoon, and we’re meeting up for dinner at the Brewhouse later. We’re going to go out for a run or hike each day, weather permitting.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Do you and Dad have any plans? Don’t you leave for your trip this week?”

“We do! We leave on Tuesday. I need to start getting us packed tomorrow so that we are all set to go.”

“I bet Aunt Carol is excited to see you. How long has it been since you two have been together?”

“It’s been a few years. She has a full itinerary of things for us to see and do while we are in the Boston area.”

“Sounds fun! I bet Dad is going to enjoy all the historical places in the area.”

“Yes, he will. Don’t tell him I told you this, but I haven’t seen him so giddy about a trip in a long time.”

“How has he been feeling lately? Did his testing last week go okay?” I ask, as I refill my glass of lemonade.

“Testing went good. No results are in yet, but I’m sticking to the old saying of ‘no news is good news’.”

“I’m sure if something wasn’t right, you would have heard back by now. His six-month tests were clear, so I’m sure these ones are as well,” I reassure my mom.

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer about eighteen months ago. He went through surgery, followed by chemo and radiation. It was caught early, and his body responded quickly to the first chemo regimen they put him on. I’d never been so scared in my life about losing one of my parents as I was when we first found out my dad had cancer. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl and I couldn’t imagine losing my dad so young.

My mom and I continue to chat about my dad and their upcoming trip. A little while later, I glance down at my watch and notice the time. “Alright, Mom,” I say, standing. “I need to head out and get home, so I can drop my car off and Uber down to meet Becca.”

“Alright, Kin,” Mom replies. “Be careful, and stay safe.”

I give my mom a quick hug, then head out the door. I’m in serious need of a couple of drinks after the past few nights' shift I’ve had.

* * *

I arrive at the restaurant shortly before 7:30, and head inside to meet Becca. She texted me a couple of minutes ago saying she had just arrived and had put us on the list for a table. Being a Saturday evening, it’s busy here tonight.

“Hey, Bec,” I greet, as I approach her. She is standing in the small waiting area of the restaurant, scrolling through her Facebook feed.

“Hey, Kin. How was your afternoon?” she asks, as she slips her phone into her purse.

“Good. I went over and saw Mom for a bit. She said my dad’s testing went well this past week, but they’re still waiting for the results. They leave this week for their trip to see my aunt and uncle.”

“I’m so glad to hear his testing went well! That’s such great news!” Becca says, as she pulls me into a hug.

Becca was just as devastated about my dad’s diagnosis as I was. She looks at my parents like they are her own, just the same way I see hers as mine. There were times when we were growing up that it sucked having an extra set of parents always making sure we weren’t getting into mischief, but looking back, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

As we chat about our upcoming few days off, a commotion near the hostess stand catches my eye. Scott, along with who I assume are a couple of his teammates, have just walked in and are talking to the hostess. I duck my head, trying to stay out of their line of sight. They’re surrounded by people, so maybe they won’t see us. I’m not sure where Becca’s mind is at when it comes to Scott. I know she’s gone out of her way over the years to avoid him, as she’s not so secretly still in love with him. She thinks she’s done a good job hiding the fact that she is still head over heels, but I’m quite certain she definitely regrets her decision to break up with him. I just hope they find their way back to each other sooner rather than later.

A few moments later, I realize Scott has spotted us in the waiting area. He finishes at the hostess stand, and a few strides later, he is standing behind Becca. He leans down and whispers something into her ear, and I can see the shock on her face once she realizes who is behind her.

“Scott, hello. Nice to see you,” I greet him, observing the interaction between them.

“Good to see you, Kinley. Are you ladies meeting anyone here tonight?” Scott asks us.

“Nope, just us out for dinner and drinks,” Becca tells him.

“Would you ladies care to join us for a drink at the bar, and for dinner? I can ask if they can merge our reservations?” Scott offers, and Becca looks at me with wide eyes. I nod, giving my approval, leaving the final decision up to her.

“We would love to join you guys,” Becca says.

Scott goes up to the hostess stand to let them know the changes and then comes back over to where we are standing. “Let’s head over to the bar. They’re going to give us their small private room to use as soon as it’s cleaned from the party that’s leaving now.”

We make our way toward the bar, and Scott orders us a round of drinks. I notice his teammates aren’t with him anymore, but don’t think anything of it. We make light conversation until the manager approaches us to lead us to our table. Scott motions over to the corner of the bar, where I spot the two guys who were with him earlier. They acknowledge him, walking over, and bring up the rear of our line as we head to a small private room. Becca takes the seat to Scott’s left, so I take the seat to her left. Scott’s friends fill in the seats across from us.

“Murph, Brian, this is Kinley. She’s Becca’s best friend and also grew up with both of us,” Scott tells his friends as our waitress finishes handing out the menus and filling our water glasses. We say our hellos as the waitress strolls up to our table.

“Good evening. I’m Kara, and I’ll be your server tonight. The special tonight is the Peppercorn-crusted Alaskan salmon served on a bed of rice pilaf, roasted butternut squash, and roasted green beans. We also have our herb-encrusted Prime Rib served with smashed baby potatoes and roasted carrots. The drink specials are listed on the insert in your menus. Can I get anyone a new drink to start?”

“I’ll have a raspberry mojito,” I tell our server.

“I’ll have the same,” Becca replies.

“I’ll try your IPA sampler, please. And you can put everything on one check,” Scott says to her once he has finished ordering.

“You don’t have to do that,” Becca and I tell Scott at the same time.

“Don’t worry about it. We crashed your ladies’ night out. The least I can do is pay for your dinner and drinks,” he replies, effectively ending our protest.

“So, are you guys looking forward to heading out to Scott’s cabin? He told me earlier today that the three of you are headed out tomorrow, for a week or so there,” Becca asks Brian and Murph a short while later, as she takes a sip of her mojito. I turn my head and stare at her, surprised she didn’t tell me she’d seen Scott earlier.

“Fuck yes!” Brian says. “I’m ready to kick it in the woods for a few days, do some fishing, and just unplug.”

We all laugh at his enthusiasm. “What about you, Murph? Are you looking forward to some time away?” Becca asks him.

“Yes, ma’am. Scott talks about it all the time, so I’m ready to get out and see and experience it myself. I love the outdoors, having grown up in Alberta. If I wasn’t playing hockey, I was out fishing and playing outside with my brothers.”

“Do you spend your summers back home?” Becca asks him.

“I try. My mom would appreciate me coming home more. But I also spend a decent amount of time in Indy, working with specialized coaches to keep me in game shape over the summer. I like to try and continue to improve as much as I can. Never know when the body is going to give out, and the career can be yanked out from under us,” he tells her.

“Are either of you married or do you have significant others?” I ask.

“Nope,” Brian answers. “Very single.” He winks at me, and I can already tell he’s the player of the group.

The conversation flows freely around the table as we all make small talk, getting to know Murph and Brian. Brian is laying on the charm pretty thick, his playboy persona coming out full strength, but I’m not interested. Our food arrives a few minutes later, thankfully, and silence falls over the table as we eat.

As the evening comes to a close, Scott pays the bill, and we all gather our belongings to go our separate ways.

“Thank you so much for inviting us to join you guys. It was great to get to know you all better,” Becca says, as we’re all getting ready to leave the restaurant.

“It was our pleasure. It’s great to put a face to the name and get to know the woman Scott talks about all the time,” Murph tells her.

“Well, I hope it’s all good things,” she chuckles. “Otherwise, don’t believe a word of it.”

“All good things, don’t worry,” Murph says, winking at her.

“Do you ladies have a ride home?” Scott asks.

“I took an Uber down, knowing we’d be drinking tonight,” I tell him.

“I did the same. We can share one going home,” Becca adds, smiling at me.

“We did that, too, so if you’re up for it, why don’t I just get an Uber XL, and we can drop you ladies off on our way back to my place,” Scott offers.

“If you’re sure. It’s no problem for us to get our own,” Becca replies.

“I’m positive. That way, I’ll know you both made it home safely, and I won’t have to worry about you.”

“Thanks, that’s very nice of you,” I tell Scott.

We head outside and wait for our Uber to pick us up. Brian pulls me aside, a few feet away from the rest of the group.

I look up at him, just trying to take him all in. This guy is tall; I have to crane my neck to look up at him all the way. I have been known to fall for the bad boys, the ones that just want to sleep with me and move on. As much as I enjoy a good roll in the sheets, though, I’m ready to find someone to fall in love with and settle down. I’ll be 31 soon, and I can feel my biological clock ticking away.

As I take in Brian, I start to get the sense that he uses the bad boy player façade as just that; a façade. Something to hide behind. He has been so normal tonight. Sure, he started the evening off being a flirt, but as it progressed, he was very polite and became quite the gentleman.

It’s a little overwhelming just how attracted I am to him, after only knowing him for such a short time. His height is a little overwhelming when we’re standing next to each other, yet I’m pretty sure his arms would feel amazing and protective around me. His dark eyes have a smoldering look that draws me in every time we make eye contact. I don’t know what it is, but I just feel comfortable around him. It’s almost as if I’ve known him forever, yet it’s only been a few hours.

“Can I take you out, just you and me?” Brian finally asks.

“I thought you guys were leaving in the morning for Scott’s cabin?”

“We are, but we’ll be back next weekend. I don’t leave until the Wednesday after that.”

“I don’t know… let me think about it.”

“I can do that. Let me give you my number and you can text me to let me know your answer.”

I enter his number into my phone and text him a quick “hi” so that he has mine. If nothing else comes of us meeting, at least he was a nice guy.

Our Uber arrives, and we all pile in. Becca and I are just going back to her place. Scott confirms her address with the driver as we pull away from the curb. It doesn’t take us long before we’re pulling up to Becca’s condo building.

Before I step away from the SUV, Brian follows me out and snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me in for a hug. “Don’t forget to send me a text with your answer. I would really like to take you out once we’re back.”

“I won’t,” I tell him, as I pull away from him, tossing him a smile as I saunter away. I walk toward the front door, where I see Scott and Becca talking, and watch as he wraps her in a hug, pulling her close to his chest.

“Anytime. And don’t forget, I’ll be calling you when I’m back from the cabin to set up that date,” I hear him say as he places a kiss on her cheek, before walking back toward the Uber. “Goodnight, ladies,” he calls out to both of us.

“Goodnight!” we both reply as Becca opens her front door and we walk in.

“Holy crap! What was that all about?” I ask Becca, a shit-eating grin lighting up my face.

“I have no idea. I ran into him after our run this afternoon up by the park strip, and he asked if we could go out for a date when he’s back from the cabin, and the guys leave. But man, is he laying on the charm thick. I don’t know what to do, Kinley. On the one hand, I kick myself every day for breaking things off with him all those years ago, and on the other, I don’t know how I would deal with his lifestyle and travel schedule if we were to get back together.”

“Becca, the chemistry between the two of you is strong. I think you need to embrace it. It’s not like he’s going to be able to play hockey for the rest of his life. He has, what, maybe five to eight years left of playing, as long as he doesn’t suffer any major injuries? Isn’t it worth dealing with the crazy travel schedule for the next few years to be with your soul mate; the one person who makes you feel so alive and whole?”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing all day. I just don’t know where his head is at. I would hate to get ahead of myself, thinking we can work everything out and get back together, just to find out that he doesn’t want the same thing. But after tonight, I have a feeling he is on the same page.”

“I say follow your heart, girl. After seeing the way he still looks at you, you don’t have much to worry about. I swear, the man only has eyes for you, even after all these years apart.”

“This is why I love you so much. You make sense of my life for me. What would I do without you?”

“Be a lonely woman who hoards cats in her apartment?” I tease.

“So, what was up with you and Brian? You two seemed cozy.”

“He was laying on the charm pretty thick. He asked if he could take me out when they get back from the cabin, before he flies out. I told him I would think about it. He did convince me to give him my cell number, so he can text me when they’re back. I don’t know, Becca. He seems to be a nice guy, but all I’ve ever read and heard about him is that he’s a player and womanizer. I guess if he texts or calls me, it won’t hurt to go out with him. I can be strong enough to resist his charm and keep him out of my bed.”

“Good luck with that!” Becca say with a burst of laughter. “I can text Scott and see what he says about him if you want.”

“NO!” I shriek. “Don’t ask Scott about him. That will make me seem desperate and encourage him to lay it on thicker.”

“Okay, fine. I won’t text Scott about him. I’m going to change into sweats. Then we can pull out a bottle of wine and watch a movie if you’re up for it.”

“You had me at sweats and wine!” I chuckle, as Becca nudges me with her shoulder.

After we both change, we settle in with the wine and a couple movies. Neither one of us can ever decide on just one movie, so we decided to watch both. After the wine is finished and our movies are over, we call it a night.

Once I’m ready for bed, I grab my cell to plug it in and notice I have a text.

Brian: Goodnight, sweetheart. I’ll be waiting for your answer about our date.

Man, he just isn’t giving up about this date, but as I told Becca, what’s it going to hurt to go out with him one time. It isn’t like it will go anywhere. He doesn’t even live here. I decide to just go for it and text him back. He texted me hours ago, and it’s the middle of the night now, so I assume he’s sleeping and will get my text in the morning.

Kinley: Yes.

After texting him, I set my phone down and crawl into bed. Becca and I tend to crash at each other’s places after we go out, so we both just keep stuff there. Her guest bed is just as welcoming as mine at home, and I’m so ready to crash. Just as I reach to turn off the lamp, my phone buzzes.

Brian: Really?

Kinley: Yes, really. What are you doing still up?

Brian: I’m a night owl. What are you still doing up?

Kinley: I work nights, remember? That, and Becca and I stayed up watching a couple movies and drank a bottle of wine.

Brian: Are you tipsy?

Kinley: Nope

Brian: Damn, I was hoping you were and it would make you feisty! ; )

Kinley: LOL, sorry to disappoint.

Brian: Can I ask you a question? You’re amazing and beautiful. Why are you single?

Kinley: Sigh…….

Brian: ??

Kinley: I tend to have bad radar when it comes to guys. The last few guys I have dated have all been douchebags. They weren’t really looking for a girlfriend/ long-term commitment and definitely not marriage. I swore off guys for a while after my last relationship ended, I just don’t want to deal with the BS that comes with all that anymore. I’m getting too old to deal with immature guys who are only looking for a quick roll in the sack.

Kinley: Why are you single? Don’t you have a line of women waiting on you back in Indy?

Brian: Fuck, I hate the line of women always following me around. That shit was fun when I was a rookie and during the first few seasons I played. But now, I’m kind of over it. My mom keeps hounding me to settle down. She wants grandkids. But I just don’t know that it will happen.

Brian: I just never know if someone is looking to date me because of what I do for a living, my paycheck or if they’re really in it for me.

Kinley: So, you don’t really like the attention your job brings your way?

Brian: Nope, does that surprise you?

Kinley: A little. I only really know what I’ve read about you online, and most of that implies that you’re kind of a player.

Brian: You’ve Googled me?

Kinley: Maybe?

Brian: I’ll take that as a point in my column.

Kinley: How do you figure that?

Brian: It tells me you at least have some interest in me.

Kinley: Well duh, have you seen yourself?

Brian: Did you just admit that you think I’m sexy?

Kinley: I said no such thing. No putting words in my mouth! LOL ; )

Brian: Oh, you might not have said it, but you implied it. Don’t worry, I think you’re sexy as fuck.

Kinley: ……..

Brian: Cat got your tongue?

Kinley: Nope. But thank you for the compliment.

Brian: Any time, sweetheart.

Kinley: So, tell me more about you. I think your playboy persona is a façade. I want to know the real you.

Brian: Man, you don’t beat around the bush, do you?

Kinley: Nope, as I already told you, I’m done playing games with guys. I’m not in high school anymore. And nice try not answering my question.

Brian: As I said before, the playboy lifestyle was fun when I was younger, but I’m over it. As much as I try and keep the façade going, I wouldn’t mind settling down – just don’t tell my mother that. She wouldn’t stop nagging me if she knew I was ready to admit that.

Kinley: I think it’s sweet how close you are to your mom. Are you close with the rest of your family?

Brian: Yep, it was just my sister Jennifer, my mom and I for so long. My dad died when I was 3. My mom is remarried now, but she didn’t meet her husband until I was 19. My sister is married and about to have her first baby in a couple of weeks.

Kinley: That’s so sweet that you are so close with them. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad.

Brian: I was so young, I don’t really remember him. Most of my memories come from stories my mom would tell us growing up and from pictures. My mom did a great job filling both parental roles for Jenn and I. The first thing I did with my signing bonus as a rookie was to pay off my mom’s house. She sacrificed so much for me growing up. Hockey isn't a cheap sport and she made sure I always had what I needed no matter the sacrifices she had to make. My grandparents helped out as much as they could, and my dad had life insurance, but it only went so far.

Kinley: She sounds like an amazing woman.

Brian: She sure is.

Brian: Tell me about your family, are you close?

Kinley: I’m super close to my parents. I’m an only child and have always been a daddy’s girl. I think having no siblings is one of the reasons that Becca and I have always been connected at the hip. She was the sister I never had. Her parents are like a second set of parents to me, and mine are the same to her. She took it just as hard when my dad was diagnosed with cancer as my mom and I did. Like I told you at dinner, he was diagnosed a few years ago, and it was a very rough time in all our lives. The treatment was hard on him, and hard for my mom and I to watch him go through.

Brian: Is he better now?

Kinley: Yes, he went into remission about 9 months ago. He gets tests done every 3 months for the first year and just had them done. We’re still waiting for the results, but I’m confident that they’ll be good. He’s been doing so much better lately. His energy has returned, and he seems back to normal. The treatment really knocked him down, so it’s been great to see him back up again.

Brian: I’m glad to hear he is doing so well.

Brian: I should probably let you get to sleep.

Kinley: Probably, but I’m also used to being up all night. Becca and I usually go out for breakfast - well more like brunch - after we’ve gone out and end up staying at each other’s place. Don’t you have to be up soon to leave for Scott’s cabin?

Brian: Probably, but I can sleep on the drive if needed. Like I said, I’m a night owl. I stick to a much stricter sleep schedule during the season, but off-season, I just wing it.

Kinley: Such a guy answer. LOL.

Kinley: What do you want to do on our date?

Brian: Anything you want. Dinner for sure, after that it’s up to you. I don’t normally leave the planning up to someone else, but I’m at a disadvantage here as I don’t know the town and what our options are. So, pick a nice restaurant – I’m not picky about what kind of food. As long as it’s good, and you’ll be there with me, I’ll be happy. Then after that, we can do whatever you want.

Kinley: I will plan something before you’re back from Scott’s cabin. Do you like sushi?

Brian: Yeah, I pretty much just love eating. LOL.

Kinley: Perfect! It’s my favorite! We can hit up a sushi restaurant and then go from there. How does that sound?

Brian: It’s a date.

Kinley: Alright, I’m going to call it a night. Have a great time at the cabin. It was nice talking to you tonight.

Brian: Good night, sweetheart. Talk soon.