Past Lives

Pulling into the driveway, I suddenly felt a little scared. What in the world could Brooks need to see me for. It was just me. He saw me all the time. What was going on that he needed to see me alone? Or at least away from Ads. Craig was with the guys down on Carson. He had told me to call him after I talked to Brooks.

Brooks and I walked inside and I went to sit on the couch. Brooks smiled. "Be right back." I nodded and yawned. It had been a long day. I had worked until close the night before, gotten home around three, slept, gotten up and basically went to the game.

He came back a minute later with a bag from Cartier and I felt a grin sneaking over my face. I knew what was going on. "Brooks, are you-"

He held up a hand. "Let me do this right." He sat down on the coffee table in front of me and gave me a stern look. "Jamie, you've known Ads for about ten years. You've lived together for most of those. You're best friends, you're basically sisters." He took a breath. "I know I've done some stupid things, but Jamie, I love her. I would do anything for her. I love her more than anything."

Brooks pulled a box out of the bag. "I'm asking you this because your opinion matters to me. I want your approval. Jamie, what would you think," he opened the little box, "if I asked Ads to marry me?" He turned the box around to show me a beautiful Cartier ring.

I gasped as I looked at it. The ring was platinum with diamonds up and down the sides meeting with one large stone in the middle. My grin grew larger as I looked at it. I knew that Brooks and Ads had to get married. They were perfect for each other. The two of them just worked.

Looking up at Brooks, I tried to remain serious. "I don't know, Brooks...what if you get traded or something and Ads doesn't want to leave?"

He ddn't even flinch. "Then we stay here. I'd give up hockey forever if it meant I got to keep Ads." He looked me in the eye. "Jamie, I'm completely serious about this. I love her and I don't want to lose her."

"What if she gets a job in a city she likes more or the job has better benefits or pay?"

"I'll ask Ray to trade me."

"What if Max shows up and wants her back?"

"I love him like a brother, but I'll beat the shit out of him."

"You and Ads have a kid. The kid hates hockey."

"I'll love them anyway."

"There's no way your kid would hate hockey. What if you get an almighty attitude like you did at BC, Brooks? You aren't going to leave her?"

"No. Absolutely not. I've learned that I can live without hockey," he answered seriously. "I can't live without her."

Nodding, I said slowly, "Brooks Orpik, understand this: if you ever hurt her again, I will beat you senseless with your own hockey stick. I will then beat you until your insides are out, your entrails become your extrails, and...I will...just..." I shook my head. "Pain. Lots of pain."

"I understand, Wat."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "In all seriousness, Brooks, are you sure about this?"

Brooks nodded. "I've never been more serious about anything."

I smiled and handed him the ring back. "I can't even joke around about this one, Brooks." I nodded. "I wouldn't want Ads to marry anyone else."

Brooks hugged me and put the ring back in the bag. "Thank you, Jamie." He smiled. "That means a lot."

"You make her happy and she loves you. That's all that matters." I grinned again. "When are you going to ask her?"

He look pleased with himself. "I can't tell you that. I don't want to jinx it."

I nodded. "Fair enough."

Brooks smiled again before asking, "How're things with Craig?" I knew he was glad we hit it off. He had been so proud of himself for getting us together. I owed Brooks a lot.

Playing with the hem of Craig's jersey, I smiled. "They're amazing, Brooks." I could't stop my smile. "He's just...perfect. He knows exactly what to say, what to do...he's amazing and wonderful and I can never thank you enough."

"You're welcome, Jamie. I'm just glad you're happy." He waggled his eyebrows. "Hows the sex?" God, Brooks knew me well.

I shrugged. "I wouldn't know."

Brooks shook his head in disbelief. "You have got to be kidding me. Jamie, you're usually hornier than most of the guys!"

"I know, right?" I smiled. "I don't know, Brooks. I've just...It's been nice taking this slow." I played with the 27 on the sleeve. "Everything is working out."

"I'm really glad to hear that."

Just then, my phone rang. I saw Craig's name and smiled. "Hey, babe."

"Jamie, I'm gonna come get you. Go grab some stuff for overnight."

I was confused. "I thought we were staying-"

"I want you to myself tonight."

That sounded promising. "Alright. Where are you at?"

"Give me five minutes."

We said goodbye and I smiled at Brooks. "Apparently you're by yourself tonight. Craig's picking me up." I couldn't wait to be alone with Craig. It had been so long since we'd had time with just the two of us.

Brooks smirked. "Oh really?"

"Yup." I stood up and ran upstairs to grab some clothes and overnight stuff. My toothbrush and toothpaste, brush and a little makeup all ended up in my bag. I came back downstairs just as Craig was opening the door.

"Dude, what're you up to tonight?" Brooks asked deviously.

I saw Craig smirk. "Don't you worry about it." He looked up and took my hand, pulling me close as he asked, "All ready?"

Nodding, I said, "Yup."

He kissed the top of my head. "Good. Come on."

As we headed for the door, Brooks called, "Don't forget about condoms!"

Craig flipped him off without even turning. He led me out to the car and I couldn't help but hope that sex was what Craig had in mind. I had been wanting it ever since the day he had been packing my bag.

Alright...that was a lie. I had been wanting it since day one. But something told me that it was going to be amazing because we had waited. Craig held my hand the entire ride. We didn't say much. It was nice to just be together. As he parked the car, I unbuckled my seatbelt. Craig leaned over and kissed me.

"I've missed having you to myself." He pushed some hair behind my ear and smiled.

I nodded. "Agreed."

We climbed out of the car and went inside. As soon as the door was shut, Craig pulled me close. "Jamie..." He kissed me softly before kissing me again with more vigor. I returned his kiss, dropping my bag to the floor. His hand twisted in my hair while the other one pulled me closer. His lips travelled to my neck and I tilted my head back, sighing with pleasure.

"Do you want to..." he started to whisper. I cut him off by kissing him again and Craig lifted me up, carrying me upstairs to his bedroom. His jersey was on the floor and only minutes later, I was in ecstasy.