Life Coach

When morning rolled around, I was exhausted. The party last night had gone on for hours. And as much as it was to be back in my hotel room and sleep...I didn't want the night to end.

After encountering Mr. Patrick Kane, I couldn't help but steal some glances of him occasionally. I knew little of him; 2010 Stanley Cup Champion/ game winning goal scorer, USA Silver Medalist, he plays for the Chicago Blackhawks and grows the most ridiculous hairstyle for playoffs, and he's a native of Buffalo. And that's just saying the good stuff.

Being associated with hockey helps one meet other hockey fans. One in particular was a good friend from college. We'd talk about the games and of course the players. One night we had stumbled upon Mr. Patrick Kane's name and searched him. Let's just say, he doesn't have the best rep off the ice; interesting drinking habits, sex, and scandals including some pictures of him taken after his little one night stands.

Honestly...that bothered me. I almost felt bad for the guy. But I guess he kind of puts himself in that kind of a position. You would think someone would learn from their mistakes, but it seems the message hadn't gotten through to him. I think he just need some help. Not like a rehab help, but someone to show him there was more to life then sex and drinking.

But who could blame a girl for falling for his charms and looks? After what I encountered I was ready to yell 'Take me!' but he had other people to see.

Since leaving him at the bar, I finally found my date. He introduced me to some other players and stayed close to hoard off any unwanted female attention. Of course that didn't help me in my favor. People saw me as Jeff Skinner's date which meant 0 fun for me when it came to attracting all those good looking men. Maybe I should have stayed at the bar with Mary...at least the guys won't think I'm her date.

As I jumped in the shower to get ready for my adventurous day in Vegas I couldn't help but smile at last night. It was defiantly an experience and I will be sending Jeff a huge thank you fruit basket for this.

Today, I was sight seeing and doing some shopping. Jeff was hanging with his friends which was alright by me. I could go at my own pace and do what I want.

When I was ready to go in a nice summer dress, I grabbed my bag and headed off. Watch out Vegas 'cause here I come...once I figure out where I'm going first....

---

After about 2 hours I was hungry and tired. I was able to walk down the streets of Vegas and take some nice pictures for my family back home. I was still looking for the right souvenirs for my friends and a little something for myself. It wasn't easy with all the nice shops around. One store always had something better then the other and it was just a matter of time before I broke down and bought something.

As I was fiddling with my camera not paying attention to my surroundings I heard someone yell, "Kara!" I looked up, slightly started by this until I saw who had called my name.

"Well, well, well, look what the cat coughed up." I couldn't help but smile as I saw none other than Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews.

"Aren't you sight for sore eyes? What have you been up too?" Pat asked.

"Just having a little adventure is all."

"Are you by yourself?" Jonathon asked.

"Yeah, Jeff was chilling with friends today." I answered.

"You shouldn't be walking around alone. How about you join us for some lunch?" Pat offered.

"I don't want to be a bother to you two..."

"It's alright, we'd enjoy your company." He said with a smile which I returned. I walked between the two of them as we decided to stop at a Pizzeria. "So Kara, what do you do?" Jon asked as we sat at a booth in the corner.

"I'm a student."

"What are you studying?" Pat questioned.

"I'm a theater major at Nazareth in Rochester."

"That's cool. So you sing and act and all that stuff."

"Oh no, I'm a backstage rat. I'm not much of a singer...at least, not in front of an audience."

"So how did you get into hockey?" Jon asked.

"I sort of grew up with it. I had family that played a little. It wasn't till my cousin got involved in the NHL that I really caught on to it, going to games and stuff."

"Do you have a favorite team?" He continued.

"I am a Sabre's fan. My closest friend is a die hard for them and I just went along." Both guys put their hands to their hearts, apparently hurt by my answer, "She's not a Hawks fan. I'm very hurt." Pat said to Jon. I rolled my eyes at their dramatics's, "You're my number one West conference team, if that makes it any better?"

"Yeah, I think we can deal with that." Jon said.

"But the Hawks will be your #1 team in no time." Pat added. I laughed knowing that would never happen...but I wasn't telling them that.

When we finished lunch, we continued our journey around Vegas. We spent good few hours just walking around and talking. These guys were ridiculous together. I don't think I stopped laughing once.

"Hey guys, I need to make a stop here, " I said pointing to one of the last shops near my hotel. They followed me in, "What are you looking for?" Pat asked.

"I need pins and a shot glass."

"That is an odd combination." Jon said. I smiled, "The shot glass is for a friend and our 'drinking in style' game and I collect pins."

"I'm not even going to ask about the drinking game." Pat mumbled.

"You collect pins?" Jon asked.

"Yeah, my brother and I do. Whenever we go some place we buy pins to show we've been there. Our family sends us pins when they travel too."

"That's really cool." Pat said. After explaining my story, the guys helped my find and pick the best pins and shot glass before we left. As we walked out of the story Jon asked, "What hotel are you staying at?"

"I'm at the Palms." I said pointing to the beautiful buildings we were standing in front of.

"Oh, so are we." We walked through the beautiful lobby to the elevators, "What floor?"

"17." Pat pressed my floor and it was quiet as we rode our way up. The guys floor was much higher up then mine so when I was getting off the elevator I said, "I had a nice time. Thanks for letting my join you guys."

"It was fun." Jon said.

"What are you doing later?" Pat asked.

"Nothing that I know of."

"Would you like to join us for dinner? We're just going to eat someplace downstairs." Pat offered.

"Oh, well I don't want to get in the way of your little date." The guys rolled their eyes, "You should come with us. It'll be nice."

"Alright, if you insist."

"We'll be back at 8. Be ready and wear something nice." Pat said, giving me a wink. God, I hope they don't see the blush crawling onto my cheeks.

"What's your room number?" Jon asked.

"1725."

"Great! We'll see you at 8." Pat said as the door closed and left me doing a short happy dance to my room. I cannot believe this is happening to me right now. I glanced down at my phone to see it say 5:45. I've got plenty of time to get ready.