Oh My Goodness

The ride home was pretty uneventful. Shane drove, and I sat in the back with Matt and Ryan, while Gabriel sat in the front. I watched the mountains go by, taking in the scenery one last time before we left it. Memories of the weekend flashed through my mind, and I couldn't help but smile to myself. It really had been a great few days.

My eyes wandered to the front, and I caught Gabriel's gaze in the rear view mirror. He smiled, and I felt my insides turn to mush.

***

Gabe

When Shane pulled into Matt's driveway to drop us off, it was rapidly approaching evening time. We said quick goodbyes to Shane and Ryan, who headed off. As Matt went to unlock the door to the apartment, I picked up Jess's duffel bag and brought it over to where she had just opened her trunk.

She turned to me with surprise, before moving aside to give me access to the trunk. "Thanks," she smiled over at me, and I nodded before lifting the bag up and placing it in the car. There was a small moment of silence between us before Matt walked over.

"Headed home?" He asked her.

She nodded with a sigh, running her fingers through her hair. "Yeah. I work tomorrow."

"Yeah, us too," Matt replied. Jess rolled her eyes.

"As if you can call what you do work," she retorted with a smirk. I laughed, and Matt simply replied with a grumble before pulling her in for a hug.

"Thanks for inviting me," she said as they pulled apart.

Matt nodded, reaching up to ruffle her hair. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for coming, you pain in the butt."

Jessica hit him lightly on the shoulder and he laughed before heading back to where our bags sat on the driveway. Jess looked down as Matt grew further out of earshot, her smile fading, and I could tell she was nervous.

"Hey," I said gently, my hand cautiously finding the side of her face. She leaned into my touch slightly before she looked up, and I smiled before continuing, "I'll call you. I promise." My eyes searched hers, and she nodded. I hesitated, before placing one hand on her back and pulling her into me. I placed a kiss on her forehead, and her arms wrapped around my middle. Mine found their way around her, and I gave her a small squeeze before letting go. "We'll talk soon,"I said, as if to remind her again. She smiled up at me, before stepping back and waving to Matt, who stood by the front door. I watched as she got into her car and backed up, waving as she turned onto the road and began to drive.

***

Jess

The next day felt like it was possibly the longest shift at work that I had ever had. I dealt with complaint after complaint, and the store was way too busy for my liking. It was 6:30 before I pulled into my driveway, noting that my parents weren't home from work yet, either. I grabbed my groceries from the trunk, and was halfway to the front door when my cell phone started to ring.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket without looking at the caller ID, trapping it between my ear and my shoulder as I fumbled with my key.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Jess, it's Gabe."

I stopped in my tracks, unable to stop the smile from spreading across my face. "Hey!"

I heard him laugh on the other end of the line. "Hey. How's it going?"

I finally began to move again, closing my door behind me with my foot. "Good. Just getting home from work." I set down my groceries as I entered the kitchen, before pulling out a chair and sitting at the table. "How about you?"

"I'm good," he replied. "Just had practice this morning. Game tonight against Anaheim." I nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

"Yeah. You'll do great."

"Thanks." He paused, and I held my breath. "So, are you free Thursday night?"

I bit back a grin. "Why, is something exciting happening?"

He laughed again, and I relished the sound. "If you're available, then yes."

***

To say I was nervous about my date with Gabriel was an understatement. The only person I could ask for advice about what to wear just happened to be Gabe's roommate, and so I ended up asking my mother out of desperation. She had smirked, then had been surprised when she had found out it wasn't Matt I was going out with, but had helped me decide on a dark green sweater and jeans.

I had told Gabe to text when he was at my house, but somehow I knew he'd do the traditional thing and come to the door. The thought did nothing to help my nerves. But when the doorbell rang, I couldn't say I was surprised.

I headed down the stairs just as my mother pulled open the door. I tried not to laugh as she smiled at him brightly and ushered him inside. Once he was past the threshold, I found my heart in my throat at the sight of him.

He was wearing jeans and his signature black wool jacket, but it was left open to reveal a dark blue plaid shirt. His blond hair was a bit damp - I guessed that it was snowing outside - and he looked the image of perfection. I swallowed, hard, and finished my trek down the stairs.

The next stair creaked and he turned to look at me. His smile widened at the sight of me. "Hey." I felt a blush creep up my neck as he continued to gaze at me.

I headed over, slipping on my shoes as I introduced him to my mom. She began to ask him questions about the team, about where he was born, where he grew up. She was clearly enthralled as they conversed, and I tried not to giggle again at my mothers lack of subtlety.

When I grabbed my jacket, Gabe took it from me and held it open, turning me around and guiding it onto my shoulders. It would be a night of blushing on my part, of that I was sure.