Birthday

Claude's hand wrapped around mine as we walked to the elevator. He carried the brown bag that contained the alcohol and juice.

"I'm really happy you said yes," he murmured.

"You mean this wasn't planned?" I asked confused.

"What do you mean?" Claude asked, looking confused as I pressed the button for the elevator.

"What did Mike tell you to do?" I asked.

"Talk to you after the game and take you to the club with us," I blinked slowly letting his words sink in. Claude Giroux wanted to spend time alone with me. I nodded slowly. I heard the elevator ding and open. I walked in with Claude. Before anyone else could walk in, he closed the elevator and got the elevator to our room.

"I'm sorry, this is just a shock for me." I spoke softly.

"Don't be sorry," he smiled at me. His fingers that cradled mine squeezed mine softly and I smiled up at him through my lashes. As the elevator got to the floor we were on, my free hand ran through my hair. The elevator doors opened and we walked down the hall to our room.