Whatever It Takes

“Are you nervous?” Marissa asked Arianna, as she leaned over and grabbed her friend’s hand. Arianna shot her an offended look, “why would I be nervous?”. Marissa laughed in her face, not convinced by her best friend’s weak acting abilities. They were currently sitting in the back of a taxicab which was taking them to the bar Patrick had invited them too. The night sky was filled with bright lights, and Arianna couldn’t help but be in awe of how beautiful the city was.

When she had gotten back to her hotel that afternoon, she was surprised to see Marissa in the same spot she left her: in bed. She quickly filled her in on her day with Patrick, from the pick-up to the drop-off. Marissa had practically knocked her down when she told her about Patrick’s invitation for that night. They ransacked through their luggages looking for outfits, leaving their room with a trail of clothing on the floor.

On their way to Michelle’s house they decided it was best not to tell Lisa and the rest of the girls what they were doing after the game. Arianna didn’t need questions or speculations to start. As much as she was reluctant to admit it, she was really enjoying her time with Patrick. She knew though it would come to an end soon, and thinking about it made her feel sick. But until that time came, she just wanted to have this be her little secret; something she could enjoy while it lasted.

As they watched the game, Arianna couldn’t help but get excited every time Patrick was on the ice. She had never paid attention to him whenever she had seen the hawks play (which was rare). She practically jumped out of her chair when he scored, smiling as she saw the pride overtake his face as the cameras zoomed in on him. Marissa and Arianna quickly said their goodbye’s after the game, faking they were tired and needed some beauty rest. They ordered a cab and jumped in, without giving the girls a second glance.

“I still feel a little guilty” Arianna said, as the taxi driver pulled up beside a modern looking bar where a bouncer stood outside in front of an ever-growing line. “Don’t. He didn’t invite them; he invited you. And god knows that Kaci girl would have been throwing herself at him” Marissa told her as they paid their driver and got out. “Tonight his attention needs to be on you. And I’ll be sober this time so I can analyze the two if you in action and see how into you he is” Marissa continued as she looped her arm through Arianna’s. “You’re crazy” Arianna laughed as they walked up back of the line in front of the bar. “Can I just ask why is there a line up like this for a bar? I thought this place was suppose to be low-key” Arianna said to Marissa, who looked just as confused as she did.

“It’s because the hawks are here,” a good-looking guy in a hawks’ jersey who stood beside them said. He was standing with two of his friends, who were wearing similar jerseys. “But how do you guys know if they’ll even be here or not?” Arianna asked him, suddenly catching a real glimpse of how dedicated these fans were to this team. “We don’t. But it’s one of their favorite spots, so when they do come it spreads like quickly through word of mouth. And if you’re here too late,” he continued, as he pointed to the continuously growing line behind them, “you get stuck in this mess, hoping for a chance to get in”.

“Come on” Marissa told Arianna as she pulled her out of the line and toward the front where the bouncer stood, leaving the guys to resume their own conversation. “I feel awkward doing this” Arianna told her, suddenly growing nervous. Patrick had texted her just before the game and told her to let the bouncer know she was with him if she had any problems getting in. “Why? He told you to do this. He must have known something if he gave you that piece of advice” Marissa responded as they finally found themselves in front of the bouncer yet stuck in a sea of barley legal girls who were wearing revealing clothing.

“I’m sorry ladies, there’s nothing I can do” the bouncer said to the 20 girls standing before him. “But I’m with Patrick Kane” a redhead beside Arianna yelled at him, her clothing looked like it had been painted on. “She’s lying, I’m with him” yelled a girl from behind them, causing the redhead to give her an evil glare. As the yelling match began to break out, Arianna and Marissa just starred at each other. “Girls, I don’t care who you know. None of you are getting in. You’ll have to wait in line,” the bouncer said firmly as he crossed his arms.

“Let’s just go. Clearly he tells these things to a hundred girls” Arianna said disappointedly to Marissa as she began to walk away. “Come here now” Marissa threatened as she pulled her back, “clearly these girls are lying. Please tell me you realize that. Text him and tell him were outside”. “Mar, there’s no u-” Marissa put her finger over Arianna’s mouth, cutting her off from speaking; “just do it”. Arianna sighed and pulled out her phone, her hands shaking slightly as she did.

Slight problem, seems like the bouncer isn’t letting anyone in

She pressed send and put the phone back in her pocket. After a few minutes, and no response, she felt her heart deflate. Obviously he doesn’t care, she thought as she put her arm on Marissa’s, “Let’s go. He didn’t respond”. Marissa looked like she wanted to argue, but saw the disappointment in her friend’s eyes. They turned to walk away when they suddenly heard all the girls start to scream.

Arianna turned back around to see the bar door open and a young guy in jeans and a black fitted t-shirt with a baseball cap shaking hands with the bouncer. Why does he have to look so good, she thought as she felt herself space out for a second. Patrick’s eyes were scanning through the crowd, his mouth shooting an arrogant smirk to every other girl in line as they continuously screamed for him. When his eyes finally found Arianna’s, his mouth broke out into a genuine smile, his eyes lighting up. “Come here” he mouthed to her as he stuck out his arm and pointed her out to the bouncer, “she’s with me”.

Arianna grabbed Marissa’s hand and moved them through the crowd to the front where the rope was. She could feel all the girls stare at her, shooting icy glares her way. The bouncer walked forward and picked up the rope, letting her and Marissa through. Patrick’s smile grew brighter the closer she got to him, and he put his arm on her lower back when she was close enough, leading her inside to follow him.

Her worries and concerns were gone the minute she was with him. She felt her body ignite as the smell of his cologne intoxicated her brain. The butterflies reappeared and suddenly nothing else is the world mattered anymore.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” he told her, as he pulled her in closer to him as they walked towards his table. “Me too” she replied as she tried to calm her fast beating heart.