Stay the Night

When I woke the next morning I rolled over expecting to see Jon laying next to me. Instead the blankets were pulled back and empty. Frowning, I looked up at the ceiling. Did I misread something last night? Just laying there, all the events of the night before ran through my head. Yesterday was so crazy, it would be understandable if it was just a dream. I bit my lip and sat up to see that Elwood was not in his bed. Sitting there completely quiet I could hear things moving around outside my door. I slipped on my Chicago Bears slippers and padded out of my room. Rachel was laying on the couch wrapped in blankets, holding her head in pain. Opposite of her was two men discussing about the football game that was playing on our TV. Patrick Kane turned around to look at me and smiled his dumb, goofy grin. His eyes were red and puffy, clear sign that the group had partied deep into the night. I smiled back and made my way to the kitchen for something to drink. Jon was standing at the stove cooking some bacon. He wore basketball shorts that he did not have last night and an old North Dakota shirt.
“Hey,” I said quietly since my voice hadn’t quite woken up yet.
Jon looked over and grinned. “Good morning, how did you sleep?”
“Great, actually,” I walked over and grabbed a piece that was sitting on a plate. “When did you wake up? And who brought you clothes?”
“Kane brought them over when they came over to check up on Rachel,” Jon placed more bacon on the plate. I helped to myself to more as Jon laughed, “Stop that, there wont be any.”
“Its yummy,” smiling up at him.
He laughed at me, shaking his head. “I woke up when the group got here. It is hard to sleep when Kaner is around.”
I giggled along, and grabbed a glass from the shelf. I filled it up with water from the tap, drinking it I caught Jon staring at me from the corner of my eye. I could feel myself blush. I turned on my heels, letting him know I would be in the living room watching football. Sitting next to Patrick was Brandon Pirri, another Blackhawk face I recognized just from being a fan. Kane moved over and patted next to himself to indicate for me to sit down. I squeezed myself in between the two hockey players, knowing my face was still burning red from the Jon’s look earlier.
“So Miss Cailynn,” Patrick’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, “how was your night?”
I chuckled, “It was lots of fun. I don’t think it was anything like your night.”
“Very few people can party like we can party,” chuckled Pirri, as Rachel groaned in agreement.
I shook my head back and forth in dismay. The boys began to banter about the game that was on the TV. Bears didn’t play until tonight, in prime time, so we were forced to watch a non division game. Patrick and I bantered over the players and rules for the game. Pirri would add things every now and then, even though it was obvious he wasn’t very knowledgeable about football. It all felt so comfortable, like I had been friends with these guys for so long.
“Breakfast is ready,” Jon’s voice bellowed through the apartment. This caused Pat and Brandon to hop over the back of the couch, running into the kitchen. I walked over Rachel, whose head was covered by her blanket. I could hear her breathing heavy and moaning. She was always a little on the over dramatic side of things, especially when it came to her being sick. I crouched down by her head and move the blanket back a little to see her face. She squeezed her eyes shut and cursed me under her breathe.
I held back a laugh, “Rachel, can I get you something to eat? Maybe some medicine?”
She softly said yes, that food would probably settled her stomach, and whispered a thank you as I walked towards the kitchen. The boys stood at the counter piling food on top of their plates. I couldn’t believe they could eat that much, but, I guessed it made sense because they were professional athletes. I filled my plate with eggs and some bacon.
“Thats all your going to eat,” I head Jon’s voice from behind me. His face had the same crooked smile he was known for.
“Yeah, I’m not much of a breakfast food kind of gal.”
“Oh really,” he sound shocked, “what do you eat for breakfast then?”
“Spaghetti,” he laughed at my response. “And cereal...love my chocolate pebbles.”
He shook his head from side to side, “Well, that is very adult of you.”
“Thank you,” I grabbed another plate and filled it for Rachel. I turned to grab my plate, but, Jon was holding it. “Go ahead, I’m fallowing,” he said, smiling even bigger.
Rachel was sitting on the couch now. She patted down her hair as she noticed Patrick walking towards her. I couldn’t help to release a quiet chuckle. I looked to my side and could tell that Jon and Brandon had noticed the same thing. I handed Rachel her plate and then sat down next to her. Jon then handed me mine, sitting down next to me. His knee gently rubbed up against mine, and I could feel the chills run through my body. I couldn’t help from smiling. We boys talked about things between them, as Rachel filled me in on her night.
I guess the boys had taken her to the club right after the bar where the continue to take shot after shot. They stayed at the club till closing, where they went back to Patrick’s loft and kept the party going. Rachel swore she didn’t do anything with Patrick, but, I didn’t care as long as she was happy. I felt Jon’s muscular wrap around me and pull me close. I smiled so big inside, but, kept it cool on the outside. Rachel made eyes at me, as she knew something that I wasn’t quite onto yet. That smile soon turned to a frown. What am I doing right now? This can’t be right. I looked up to see Jon starring down at me. His face was furrowed. I kissed him lightly on the corner of my mouth and excused myself to my room to get changed.
I walked into my room and over to my night stand where my cell phone laid. I had a few emails about different classes and work. I also had six text messages, and I cringed at the name for each one. Jacob. I had almost totally forgotten about my horrible mistake. I counted to five and opened the message.
>>Hey where did you go? We need to talk
Then the second one...
>>Cailynn? Are you purposely not talking to me.
The next ones fallowed in the same manner. Then the last two caught my attention...
>>Just saw you on TV. Not too busy for the blackhawks game....
Then the last one...
Saw you in the newspaper this morning. Too busy dating an athlete to text me back?
My stomach dropped as I thought back to the photographers snapping mine and Jon’s picture the night before. My mom and her boyfriend would be sitting in Wheaton this morning, drinking their coffee and looking at a lovely picture of me running from a bar in the sport pages. How would I explain this to my boss when he would later ask me all about it? My mind raced at all the explaining I faced tomorrow. From behind me I heard my bedroom door shut. I spun on my heals to see Jon standing there with his hand in his pockets. His face searched mine, I’m guessing cause I looked concerned. I bit my lip, not knowing what really to say.
“Cailynn, are you okay?” Jon’s voice was lower and strong.
I released my lip along with a deep breath, “I guess we are in the paper, Mr. Athlete.”
Jon let of a relief chuckle, “Oh really? Sorry I’m not phased anymore, happens often. I gets even weirder when you see yourself on TV. I’m still not used to it.”
“I don’t think I could get used to that.”
He walked slowly over to me, his hands never left his pockets causing his shoulders to flex. “I hope you can find a way to get used to it. Cause I’m hoping I can keep seeing you.” Jon stood right in front of me. I lost my breathe for a second. Jon placed his right hand on my hip gently and brought me closer to him. “I know this is totally strange, and very quick but, I know there is something here more just two days of craziness. I’m hoping you are like me and interested in seeing where this can go.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” I said, “it’s just this is all really crazy.”
“I know it is,” he laughed, “but, I’m only famous with hockey fans and in Canada. So, I’m not really famous or anything. I’ve only met Snooki once, and I’m pretty sure she doesn’t remember who I am.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, pressing my forehead against his chest.
“OK, well I’m going to take a shower,” I pulled my head back and looked up at him. “Would you want to maybe do something when I get out? Maybe go watch the Bears game somewhere?”
Jon nodded his head, “Yeah, if you don’t mind me taking a shower after you?”
“Of course.”
I turned towards my bathroom door when I felt Jon’s hand pull me back into him, “I hoping you don’t mind if I do this first.” His hand lifted my chin towards his face. Time slowed down as his lips slowly inched toward mine. I closed my eyes and felt his lips touch mine, initing a spark inside me. We moved perfect time with each other. We pressed against each other allowing nothing, not even air to separate us. My head swirled as we kissed. After what felt like weeks, I reluctantly pulled away, slowly opening my eyes to see him staring back at me. His eyes were searching mine for something. I smiled the biggest smile my face would allow.
“Okay, I’ve got to go get ready. I’ll let you know when I’m out.”
Jon let out a breathless okay and turned around and walked out into the living room. I stood there for a few moments trying to catch my breathe and thoughts. I closed my eyes and replayed the kiss in my head, repeatedly. I played it one last time in my head and walked into the my bathroom.
I began to shower head to the highest heat I could stand it. I walked over to my counter and began to brush my hair out. I stared at myself in the mirror. I chewed on my bottom lip lightly as I tried not to worry. I heard my phone faintly buzzing back in my bedroom. Walked back to the nightstand to see my mother was calling. Guess they read the paper this morning.
“Hey mom,” I answered.
“Well, hello my celebrity daughter,” her voice flowed through the speaker.
I groaned, “Stop that!”
“Well, how am I supposed to react when my daughter’s picture is in the newpaper?” I shook my head at how ridiculous she is being, for someone that took very few pictures of important events in my life would make a big deal out of my in the new paper. “So, when do you I truly get to hear the whole story of why you’re with Jonathan Toews? I’ve been getting call after call this morning.”
“Mom, look I’m about to take a shower and go watch the game with some friends. Can I just call you tomorrow? I’ll explain it all then,” I pleaded with her.
“Yes, that’s fine, Cailynn,” she laid off the sarcasm, “but, just remember... Don’t let the fame go to your head.”
“Haha, very funny! I’ll talk to you later.”
She said goodbye, and we hung up. I took a quick shower, letting the steam relax me. I wrapped myself in a towel and walked through my room to my closet. I switched on my iPod speakers can began to dance around to the music pouring through. I searched the racks for something that seem cute, but, appropriate enough to wear to bar to watch football. What a dilemma! I heard a cough come from behind me and I jumped. Standing there in the door way was Jon, leaning against the door frame. My face grew red in embarrassment.
“Hey,” his voice was hushed, “didn’t mean to make you stop. I was enjoying the view actually...” I cringed with embarrassment inside, staring at him as he smiled back at me. I could be a stretch, but his face seemed to my flushed also. “I thought I heard you were out of the shower, so I was hoping I could get some towels.”
I released all the breathe I held inside, “Yeah, here fallow me.” I padded out of my closet into the living room to our linen closet. From behind me, I heard the boys whoop and holler. It sounded like more then just two guys. I glanced over to see a few more people had arrived since I left to shower. Grabbing the towels off the second shelf. I pushed them into Toews and ran back into my closet and shut the door behind me. How embarrassing, everyone pretty much just saw me naked. I could die! Threw on a pair of leggings, fitted Cutler jersey and a pair of brown riding boots. I toweled off my hair some as I collected my thoughts. I tried to push the embarrassment I just experience from my mind. I open the door into my room and Jon was sitting on my bed, dressed with wet hair and playing with his phone. Imitating his cough earlier, I leaned against the frame and watched him smile up at me.
“How was your shower?” Couldn’t help but grin at him.
Jon chuckled, “It was good, your shower is amazing.”
“Yeah, thats another reason why me and Rachel decided on this apartment.”
He clicked off the screen on his phone and walked over to me, “You look good in that bears gear. Wish I would’ve remember there is a game today.”
“Well, you could always barrow something of mine,” Jon cocked one of his eye brows at me. “Not what you think... I wear guys shirts to bed. I have a few old bears shirts that might fit you.”
“I thought you were going to suggest me wear a girls shirt or an old ex boyfriend’s.”
“Never said they weren’t old boyfriend’s,” I chuckled. Jon’s face scrunched in disgust. “I’m joking with you, they are just shirts I buy when the seasons over. Fallow me.” I walked over to the my dresser, opening the bottom drawer where my sports shirts were. I grabbed an old bears shirt from their playoff run few years back and handed it to Jon. “Try this one on, its my favorite. I’ve worn it so much its now the perfect amount of softness.”
Jon slipped out of the shirt he was wearing to reveal his perfect six pack abs. I couldn’t help but begin to chew on my lip. His briefs peeked out of his boxers, as his stomach was tight as he stretched out of the shirt. Remember to breathe, Cailynn. He handed my his shirt, with a smile on his face just saying he knew what was on my mind. Oh God, I really hope he doesn’t know whats on my mind. Jon stretched his body again, pulling on my old worn Chicago Bears shirt. He pulled it down to cover his stomach and then held his hands up looking for approval. “You look good Mr. Toews,” I grinned at him, “then again I’m a sucker for people in Chicago sports clothes.”
“Oh really? So your a jersey chaser?”
I giggle back at him, “I guess so, except your my first ‘jersey’”
Jon threw his head back and laugh, “Well I guess I can’t be too upset with you.”
“Thanks,” I said breathlessly, “excuse me while I do my hair quick and we can head to my usual spot.”
“Sounds good,” Jon then lent down and gave me a kiss. My face began to blush, and I couldn’t help but smile. I walked away quickly to the bathroom. I blew dry my hair straight and then threw some curls in for waves. Rachel entered the bathroom as I began to do my makeup. She caught me up on what I had missed during the time I was getting ready. Smith, Bollig, Shaw and Chaunette had been the ones that came during then. Jon told them we were going to watch the game together. Even though according to Rachel she did her best to stop him, Patrick had invited them all along. According her, she thinks Smith and Bollig both think they have a shot with me still. Whatever that means... I smiled and laughed along as Rachel told what the boys had been talking about. The best is hearing how Julia would react to all of it. When I was finished getting dolled up, Rachel approved and ran to go get her things to leave. I grabbed my purse and slipped on my glasses from it. I hope Jon is into nerds cause I’m going to need these suckas. I took one last look at myself in wall mirror, and was happy with that I saw. I then reached up to grab lucky hat to find it wasn’t there hanging on the corner. What in the world!? I whipped my head around the room, searching for my hat. It was an old beat hat my uncle got me on my first Bears game. I had worn it for every game since. It wasn’t really lucky for the fact the Bears hadn’t wont a super bowl in the time I’ve been alive, but, it didn’t feel like a really game unless it was sitting on top of my head the phone time. I grabbed my things and walked out into the living room, still looking for my hat. There stood Jon, with the group by the door ready to leave, with my hat on his head. He looked over at me and smiled, then his faced dropped.
“What’s wrong?” He said concerned.
“You have my hat on...” I didn’t want to be a jerk and make him take it off, but then again it was my “lucky” hat.
Jon’s face scrunched up, “Oh, I’m sorry. Didn’t think you would mind if I threw this on.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to be mean,” I was so nervous, “but, it’s just my lucky hat and I wear it for every game.”
Jon laughed at me, taking the hat off his head and placing it on mine. He then put a small peck on my cheek, “Don’t worry, you’re not being mean. I like that your so passionate about something.”
“Thanks,” I whispered.
Jon then lean over my to ear and whispered, “I especially like the glasses, too.”
I couldn’t help but giggle at how cute he’s being.
“You guys ready to go?” Pat yelled at us.
I nodded my head, as Jon smacked Pat upside the head. Jon grabbed my Blackhawks hat off the coat rack by the door and I lead everyone to the elevator. We walked the 3 blocks to my local sports bar, Mac and Jack’s. As I entered Wade, the hot owner that I often drunkly hooked up with, shouted hello and reassured me that my booth was opened like always. I waved back at him and led the group to my favorite spot. It was the largest booth right across from the projection screen. The acoustics of where it was allowed the crowd around us be muffled some while the announcers were clear, along with the music being piped in. I sat the group down and offered to buy the first two rounds, which didn’t get much protesting. I walked over the bar, leaning over trying to get Wade’s attention.
“Well, hello there pretty lady,” Wade slide over to me with his shit eating grin.
I chuckled, “How you doing?” I reached over the bar to give him a tight hug.
“So, whats your poison?” He asked as he pulled away.
“Can I get three pitchers of 312, 8 glasses, and 2 red bulls and vodkas?”
Wade smiled bigger, “You got a big group with you today.”
“Yeah,” I said, “can you believe I have friends?”
Wade laughed and went to full fill my order. I felt then a hand my back, I whipped my head to the side to see Kane standing next me. His face had the same kind of shit eating grin on it that Wade usually had. I had a moment where I thought about how if I had just met Patrick at a bar and he wasn’t famous the likely hood of me hooking up with him would be high. My weakness is for jerky, cocky guys that were no good for me. I guess maybe cause I had a fear of falling in love or getting too close.
“So, Cailynn, you come here often,” he joked.
“Yes, this is where I watch all my sports when I can.”
His arm snaked around me, “Even me?”
“Yes,” I shook my head, “I watch the BLACKHAWKS here.”
He chuckled as Wade came back with our drinks. Patrick took out a credit card and handed it to Wade, letting him know he could start a tab for the table. Wade took the card and headed to the register. Half way there, I think it hit him who was there. Turning quickly around, Wade’s mouth was wide open as he walked slowly back to us.
“You know Patrick Kane?” His voice was dry and horse.
“Hey man,” Kane said so cool. He stuck his hand across the bar to get a handshake from Wade. “Nice to meet you.”
Wade grabbed his hand, “Bell, how do you know Patrick Kane?”
“I met a few of the players yesterday after the game.”
Wade nodded his head slowly, as if he was trying to truly believe it all. Kane and I grabbed the drinks and glasses and head back to the booth. The game was about to start so I took the open seat, I guessed was for me right next to Jon. He smiled up at me under the bill of the baseball cap. Jon draped his arm across the back of the chair, rubbing my shoulder with his hand. It felt comfortable, like we had been doing this for years.
They guys were talking about the time they went on field at the Bears game after winning the Stanley Cup. I was amazed, always wondering what it felt like being down on a professional football field. The crowd roaring, all the energy swirling around, and so much excitement in everyone there is no where anything better. Anyways... Jon began talking about being able carry the cup onto the field and I couldn’t help but goofy smile at how much he sounded like a little kid. He turned to look at me when he was done, and laughed a little bit.
“What?” I blushed.
“You have this dorky little grin on your face,” Jon said.
I blushed more, thank God I was wearing a hat to cover my face. “Sorry, just enjoying your stories,” I filled my cup, “would you like some?”
Jon nodded his head and handed me a glass. His mouth dropped opened up a little bit as he saw how much I gave him. I giggled, and turned towards the screen. Jon pulled me into him and placed his chin on top of my head.
“So, Cailynn,” I heard Bollig from across the table, “you a big sports fan?”
I turned to look at him, “I guess, I’m more of a Chicago sports fan.”
“Yea, she’s like one of the guys when it comes to sports sometimes,” Rachel piped in.
“Oh really?” Kane leaned onto the table, “So I’m guessing that make you a pretty big Blackhawks fan.”
The boys all perked up, clearly interested in my answer. I didn’t want them to think I was a “jersey chaser” but, I was an avid fan. Had only two options, either lie or tell them the truth and hope they don’t find me creepy. I chewed on my lip and then answer, “Yeah, I try not to miss any of the games. My mom got me into the Blackhawks at a young age so, I had no choice.”
Kane smirked at me, as Smith on the other side of Towes began to nudge him. “So, I’m guessing you were watching when I scored my first hat trick?” Kane smirk at me, wiggling his eye brows up and down.
“Well, if she says she tries to not miss a game that means she’s seen most of all our goals,” Shaw said, “except you, Bollig, you have to make a goal for her to see that.”
Bollig screamed a hey and threw a balled up napkin. The guys laughed, as I sipped some on my beer. I usually was the first one to get excited to talk about sports with people, especially hockey. Yet, this was awkward. Talking about a sport with the actually players made me feel unworthy. From behind me, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. I whipped my head around, looking slightly up to see from under the bill of my hat. Standing just a few feet from me at the bar was Jacob and Robby. When our eyes met his mouth twisted as he began walking over towards me. I began to chew on my lip as I turned back to the table for find Rachel. She herself had a face of worry and shock. I mouthed a quick help to her and she shrugged her shoulders. Jon’s hand squeeze me shoulder as a way of getting my attention. Peering up at him I whispered, “Sorry.”
I stood up, pulling down my jersey and met Jacob who was standing right behind me. He opened his arms for a hug, which made my stomach drop. I half hugged him, trying my best to force a genuine smile onto my face. I could feel the eyes behind me burn into the back of my head. Rachel met me at my side as she hugged Robby, then Jacob when I was done.