Heart of Man

Roxanne finished her speech, having won the Calder trophy against myself and Jeff Skinner, before going back down. Harper had been up there a few times, but I was starting to get antsy. The dress I wore was white, not quite to my knee, but had black lace on one side, offering partial covering on one shoulder, leaving the other to freeze.

The table I shared with Marty, Geno, and Stammer. Dustin Brown even plopped down next to me, his family immediately interacting with Marty's. Pavel brought chairs over from wherever he was sitting with his wife Svetlana to join us, joining Evgeni's girlfriend Oksana in conversation with the girl Steven had been seeing off and on and Marty’s wife, leaving me with the Kings' captain.

“So, Anna, how are things?” Raising an eyebrow at him, I shrugged. I had been doing better since breaking down with Dana and leaving him to hold down the fort for a few days. I’d have rather he come with me, but he claimed that he had a date that evening. At least he asked permission for bringing her back afterwards. He ended up claiming the third room as his own, having moved in completely before the finals were even over. It would be nice having him around.

“As good as can be. How is LA?” He laughed, shaking his head.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll cut to the chase. Simon said you’d be like this.” Grinning, it was no secret that Simon was going to Los Angeles next season to play. “I want you to come play for us. Well, I convinced Dean and Murray to consider it, and they like the idea. It’s up to me to convince you.”

He winked playfully as they went on to announce the Rocket Richards trophy. Shrugging at him again, I felt a hand on my bare shoulder as Stammer squeezed tightly before going to accept the award. Clapping for my teammate, he more than deserved it. There was no way I could do that, ever.

Teasing the man when he took his seat, he kissed his girlfriend before pulling out his phone. No doubt the texts were coming in like crazy. Looking back at Dustin, he sat patiently. “There’s no way I can give you a decision right now. Things are a little crazy right now, b-but…”

There was a round of applause as more videos started up, making me sigh in frustration. “But I’m definitely willing to consider it.”

California was on the other side of the country, which meant away from my problems. I had to do this for me, not for Alex. Hell, I was lucky I had the courage to be in the same room as him right now. The Capitals themselves were to the right side of the stage, laughing and having a good time. I’d rarely have to worry about the drama that had unfolded this season. “What’s up, Anna? Talk to me.”

“Dustin, it’s just,” Running my hand through my hair, I huffed. “There’s a press conference at the end of this month, before free agency opens up, and I have to be up in Toronto. When I was at the KHL Awards last week, my old GM brought me papers that change a lot of shit, and I have to sort it out. Depending on how that goes, depends on what happens. Besides, Tampa will match whatever offer you guys have. Guy says they want me back.”

“How about this,” He smiled, nodding at my explanation. “If things work out in Toronto, you have a place with us. We can do our best to match the offer and get you with us. Sound good?”

~

/**In Russian**/

Media.

The worst source of gossiping on the planet. We wouldn’t escape alive, much less the night alone. I had won the Selke over Kesler and Pavel, much to the latter’s teasing, which meant it would be harder to escape the press that wanted “a word”.

“Anna.” Feeling a hand on my bare shoulder yet again, I was face to face with Alex. “I saw you talking to Brown. Is everything alright? Congratulations, by the way!”

Frowning, I was still occupied with my thoughts as he led us to quieter corner of the room. Only nodding at him, he rested his hands on my hips, pulling me close to kiss my cheek. Shuddering at the feeling, I half-hoped that I was dreaming. That I could wake up and I’d be eight years old again.

“Do you want to get out of here and go somewhere to talk?”

Shaking my head at him, I said the only thing that I could think of. It was probably the opposite of what I wanted. “No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“You heard me.” His hands never left where they were, but I could feel him tighten his grip after I voiced what I said. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I also didn’t even know what I wanted. Yeah, sure, I wanted Alex in my life, but it was impossible. He was in Washington for his job, and I was in Tampa. It would be impossible, especially after what was coming. We’d have no time for any relationship and it’d be a far extent to keep a friendship of that nature. “And it’s not you, alright? It’s me.”

He wasted no time kissing my forehead and wrapping me into a warm hug. I couldn’t help but return it, feeling everything I had felt when crying to Dana, come flooding back. “Was it something I did? Please, tell me it was something I did wrong. Please don’t lie to me and tell me it’s you because you are perfect, Anna.”

“Don’t do this, Alex. I’m not an idiot, I’m not good for you, and you aren’t good for me.” He didn’t move, but his grip positively tightened. “Find a good Russian girl over the summer, alright? I’m sure that will make your mother very happy.”

I could feel the tears coming, only hoping that the media was occupied with the rest of the Capitals that had walked into the room. “So that’s it? You’re just going to run way? After all of this, just turning your back?”

That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

His words hurt. They were laced with anger, but he never let go