Page 23

tyler

I felt chuffed with our easy two to zero win. A shutout for Elvis and two points for me. Back in a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt, I felt confident to go out and meet Halle. I'd already done my interviews, so I was free to leave. I waited for Elvis and Alex to go out with me. They caught up to me after a moment. Both had their bags pulled over their shoulders, just like I did. I shoved my hands in my pocket, ready to head off. Elvis immediately rammed his shoulder into mine.

"Going to see your girl eh?"

"Same as you."

Alex joined my other side. He started tapping away at his phone.

"Hey, look." He showed me the screen. "Lynds posted a picture." I did a double take at the post. It was the normal three girls who were good friends; Taylor, Lyndsey, and Alex. But this time, Halle was there. Right between Alex and Taylor, she was grinning like it was the best night of her life. I fished my own phone out to see if Halle had posted anything. She had, a picture of her and Taylor hugging each other tightly and grinning.

She'd tagged Taylor in it already. I hid my smile. Was it that easy? Halle had already made such good friends with the other girls that she'd posted something. Another tap onto her account showed me that she'd un-archived the images of us she'd posted at various points before. My heart fluttered. What did that mean?

"Tyler." Elvis's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I focused back on the hallway in front of us. I realized why Elvis had called my name. Halle was talking loudly to Lyndsey and Alex. Her happiness was obvious. She looked completely at home. Her glow sucked me in. As we approached, Halle's heavy blue eyes flicked to mine. She stopped mid-sentence. Lyndsey and Alex turned to see what she had. I was instantly nervous about what Halle would do. As Elvis and Alex greeted their girlfriends, it was like Halle and I were separated on our own island. She approached me slower.

"Hey." She was smiling shyly up at me. I tried not to grin too big when she leaned up to kiss me on the cheek. I'd take that. She made a face when she pulled back. "Ew. You're sweaty."

"I took a shower." I protested. She shook her head, wrapping one arm around my side. I turned her back to the two men with her newfound friends. "Halls, I want you to meet Elvis and Alex. Aka Merzly and Brinksy." She smiled at them both.

"You guys played awesome." Elvis let out a laugh.

"You don't have to flatter us for impressions. We all know Kitty sucked tonight." Elvis went after the much smaller winger, wrapping him in a headlock. Lyndsey protested as Alex was pulled away from her.

"El! Careful with the merchandise!" The two were already a ways down the hall. Lyndsey shook her head. "The things we have to put up with." She flashed the sparkling ring on her finger. "But I guess I've fully committed to it." Halle left my side to rejoin Lyndsey and Alex. Just like that, she was over me again. I didn't mind. It was nice to see her happy. I hoisted my bag further onto my shoulder again before following behind them at a distance. Halle was talking to them about school, explaining all the crazy courses she was enrolled in. Lyndsey looked lost at the amount of math classes Halle was required to take. I had to agree with her bewilderment. I could hardly handle it either.

Finally, Elvis rejoined his girlfriend. The two said their goodbyes for the night before leaving Lyndsey and Alex with us. I wished we'd be going out to eat instead of parting ways so soon. But the team members would be seeing each other early in the morning the next day so we could travel to San Jose for the seven o'clock game. That time was only a few hours away.

We followed Lyndsey to her car to retrieve the shopping bags. I was slightly staggered by the number of things, but was pleased Halle had taken my word and wasn't afraid to use the card I'd give her.

Lyndsey hugged Halle before getting into the car, promising to call and text. Halle finally returned her whole attention to me. Her smile was semi-sweet.

"I don't want to leave this. Those girls are amazing."

"I see where I stand." Halle rolled her eyes at my words.

"Oh shush. You know I didn't mean that." She paused. "Lynds is taking me to the airport at eight tomorrow. What time are you leaving?"

"Six. So we have to get home soon so I can get some sleep." I frowned in annoyance.

"Ok. Wake me up when you do. I'll pack then. I'm leaving some stuff here so that I have clothes whenever I come. Is that ok?" I was chuffed.

"Of course. I'd give you an apartment key if you asked for one."

"Oh that'd be too tempting. Let's wait on that. I already know I can't come up much more. I really can't miss class this year. I have crazy labs that would be impossible to make up. Thank God I don't have one tomorrow." I sighed. She was right.

"I know. I just wish it was easier."

"Me too." She smiled sadly at me. "How are we supposed to patch things up perfectly when we can't see each other?"

"Hmm...I thought things were patched?" My face was mock-serious. Halle smiled.

"I'd say they are too." She tried to hide her grin from me. We lugged her bags back to where my car was parked, not too far from the private part of the lot that Lyndsey had been parked in. I unlocked the trunk from a distance so I could place the bags in.

Halle looked up at me before yawning loudly. I instinctively checked the time.

"Halls, you didn't have to wait for me. It's late. You must've been standing around for awhile." I felt bad, making her stick around at the arena. She shrugged in response.

"It was worth it. I wanted to see you before tomorrow." She paused, her eyes lighting up. "I got you a birthday present! I saw it in a store and I couldn't help myself. Kinda funny that I got you something with your own money."

"You didn't have to get me anything." I narrowed my eyes at her. Halle turned on her heel to get in the car.

"Yes I did. Come to think of it, don't wake me up tomorrow. I'll already be up." Her grin was hidden from me, but I still knew it was there. I followed her, getting into the driver's side. What was she planning? Halle looked over at me, a thought playing on her face. "Can we stop at a grocery mart real quick? I'll be five seconds."

I obliged her wishes. We drove away from the United Center, fighting the remaining traffic even this late at night. There was only one shop open this late. I didn't know what she wanted to buy. Finally, within fifteen minutes, I parallel parked outside the quiet store. Halle darted from the car, her wallet clutched in one hand.

"Stay here. It's a surprise." I was about to protest, but she was already gone. I crossed my arms and waited for her to re-emerge. Less than five minutes later, Halle came back out loaded down with three paper grocery bags. I was about to hop out and help her put them in the back, but she scolded me again. "Nope. It's a surprise." She looked so adorable, trying to prevent me from seeing the bags. I would tell her I was tall enough to see right over the edges of the brown paper.

As soon as she was strapped back in, I started off again in the direction of the apartment. Halle put on her music from the previous day, swaying to the tune and singing quietly. I smiled to myself as I navigated the familiar streets. This was all I'd wanted for the past few months. To have Halle back with me, driving in the city I called home. It was the city that had given me my shot at the professional league. It was the city that had welcomed me with open arms and claimed me as its own. And I'd wanted to share it with one blonde angel from the moment I'd seen her.

I was almost disappointed to pull back into the lot besides the taller building. I hoped Kirby wouldn't be home. I didn't think I could deal with him right now. Kirby had been angry at me in the locker room, but I'd handled the situation as best as possible. It still didn't dispel his feelings about me replacing him for the past few games. The thoughts made me frown. Jeremy wasn't happy with Kirby's performance as of late. I didn't know how that could be fixed without angering my roommate.

Halle hoisted as many bags up as possible. Or rather, as many as I would let her. I insisted on carrying the rest up. I didn't understand how someone could possibly find this many clothes that they liked, but then I remembered that she'd be keeping the majority of things here. The fact made my face flush darkly. I'd have to make room in my closet for her things. And room in my drawers. I wondered if it meant she would be visiting a lot more often. I desperately hoped so.

I let the bags rest on the ground as I unlocked the door. Halle bumbled by me, barely able to see over the bags. I followed after a moment. I heard her soft voice speak up as she went straight to my room.

"Hey Kirby." I mentally cursed. At least she was greeting him casually. That was a good thing. I resumed my pace to reach the room and put my own share of bags in. Halle was already leaving to put the paper bags in the kitchen. Her grin up at me almost stopped me in my tracks.

"Be right back." I nodded. I waited until she was back in with the door closed before I headed to the bathroom. She was already folded in front of the bags and my closet.

"I'm gonna shower."

"I'm next." I didn't reply. I shut the bathroom door behind me, immediately cranking the shower on. My hand ran through my hair. It was getting long again. I debated growing it out for the time being. It wouldn't be as long as last time.

The hot water relaxed my muscles sufficiently. I longed for a good ice bath. The nonstop rate of games of this month after the break was taking a toll on my body. Physically, I was in shape, but I needed a mental break. At least Halle was providing a relief for a few days. It was the only minuscule break I'd get until Christmas.

After I'd fully rinsed the soap from my body, I turned the water knobs off and stepped out. I cursed when I realized I hadn't brought any clothes into the bathroom with me. I'd have to go out with just a towel. That wasn't unusual, but I was wary of Halle's reaction. We weren't as close as we had been at the beach. Would she think I was trying to suggest something? I hoped not.

I rubbed my hair dry with the fluffy towel before wrapping it around the lower half of my body. I didn't sling it too low for fear of exposure. Halle looked up as I left the bathroom. She blushed and raised an eyebrow.

"Forgot your clothes?" I shrugged.

"Yeah. Close your eyes unless you want to see something you don't want to."

"I'll go in the bathroom instead. Are there more towels?"

"Yep, hanging up."

"Awesome, thanks."

She darted around me, her hair swinging to tickle my bare chest. I shivered at the sensation. As soon as the door clicked shut behind me, I moved to my drawers to get a pair of shorts out. The toll of today was finally hitting me. My eyes drooped heavily. I wanted to wait for Halle to come out, but I was too tired. I let out a heavy sigh as a fell onto my bed. I was vaguely aware of her moving around my room after awhile, but I was too exhausted to open my eyes. They didn't open again until the next morning,

My alarm went off loudly next to my bed. I cracked an eye, groaning at the peace-shattering noise. My nostril were immediately filled with the sweet smell of breakfast. I recognized the scents from the beach, minus the ever-present stench of brine. I could imagine the sight waiting for me. It was Halle's signature pancakes, lathered in blueberry sauce and whipped cream. If I was lucky, there would be a side of bacon waiting for me. Had she bought all the ingredients the previous night?

I pulled myself out of bed, stumbling like a zombie to the kitchen. It was better than I'd expected. Halle was standing at the stove, spatula in hand. I vividly remembered the mornings at the beach, waking up to this exact sight. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed the simple gesture. Halle turned as she heard me approaching. She grinned at me.

"Hold on! Hold on!" She hastily placed the spatula on the counter. "You need to be surprised again." She pulled me to the side so I was still unable to view the table. "Close your eyes and put a hand over them. I'll lead you over." I complied, completely blocking my sight. Her hand wrapped around mine, leading me through the kitchen.

"Can I look yet?"

"Hang on. Sit down first." I freed my hand from hers to pat around for the chair. When I found it, I sat down. "Ok, go ahead." I pulled my hand away from my eyes. The kitchen table was just as I'd imagined it. The breakfast, perfectly arranged and delicious, paired with coffee. Halle presented me with a small bag, placing it next to my plate. "Happy Birthday Ty. I want you to open this whenever you get the chance. Preferably alone."

"I will." She leaned down and kissed my cheek lightly.

"Good. Enjoy your breakfast. I'm going to go pack."

After I'd scooped away three consecutive pancakes, I checked my phone. Halle had posted an image to her Instagram story. I smiled softly at the picture. It was me, staring in awe at the plate of food in front of me. My hair was a mess from sleep, but my muscles looked good from a lack of food for a few hours. I hadn't realized she'd taken the picture. I shook my head at the words that read "Birthday Boy! Happy 20 Ty!" She'd included my username under the message. I replied to it quickly, even though she was only in the other room.

As soon as I was finished, I returned to my room to grab my bags and get dressed. I pulled my suit out, reluctant to dress up. Halle pouted at me as she emerged from the bathroom.

"I love you in a suit but I hate to see you leave in one."

"Then you'll just have to come back. I'll wear a suit as much as you want me to then."

"I'll think about it." Halle pretended to ponder the thought.

I pulled the button down shirt over my arms, rolling my shoulders to settle the fabric in place. I smirked at Halle's eyes on me.

"I can see you."

"And? You're nice to look at." My smirk widened at her words.

"That so? You're gonna stand there while I get dressed all the way? This is my bedroom, after all." Halle crossed her arms and fell onto my bed.

"Just for that I'm staying." I shook my head, returning to the suit. I pulled my shorts down, leaving myself standing in my boxers. I didn't look at Halle, who I knew would be blushing. Instead, I pulled my pants up, straightening the legs once they were on. Then I took my tie, moving to the mirror in the bathroom so I could see what I was doing. When I came back out, Halle was holding my suit jacket for me. I took it, thanking her.

"I'm sorry I have to leave. I wish I could stay."

"It's ok. You need to work, right? And I need to get back for classes. I'd stay here in a heartbeat if I could." She turned to continue packing. "I love this apartment. And now I get to be here by myself for a few hours. Maybe I'll invite the girls over and we'll throw a raging party and completely trash the place." Her smirk was devious.

"Oh, will you now? How were they last night? You seem pretty tight with Tayler and Lynds and Aleks already."

"They're awesome. I didn't realize how much Emily and I walked on eggshells all the time. We always fought and we always tried to outdo each other. I haven't felt any of that yet."

"That's good. I'm glad they make you happy." I checked the time and cursed. "Shit. I gotta go. Kirby better be up or I'll kill him." I barged from my room, pulling my bags with me. Kirby was walking out of the kitchen, munching on a pancake. I was relieved to see he was fully dressed.

"Ready?" He spun his car keys around his finger. I nodded. Before I followed him to the door, I turned to Halle. She was looking up at me through thick eyelashes.

"I'm gonna miss you Ty. I'm glad I came up." I moved on instinct, my hands finding her waist and pulling her to me. The motion was so familiar and so natural. I didn't think twice about it.

"I'm going to miss you too. Don't go too crazy in NC, ok?" She nodded. I pulled another instinctual move, cupping her cheek with one hand. I studied her features, taking in her makeup free face. The way her skin looked fresh and supple, but redder at the cheeks. The faint acne scars on her chin from her high school troubles. Her displaced eyebrow hair and messy blonde strands sticking up in all directions. Every part was perfect. I wanted to lean in and capture her waiting lips in a sweltering kiss. I was about to when Kirby cleared his throat. Instead, I planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Halle wrapped her thin arms around me, squeezing tightly. It was torture to pull away.

But I did. I pulled away and I walked out the door with Kirby. I got in the car and I drove to the airport, each minute taking me farther and farther away from my sweet angel.