Starting Over

26. All Star Draft Day Three

(Regular POV)

The next morning found Nicole and the Blackhawk’s driving through the City – Nicole had claimed the driving since she had lived in Pittsburgh the previous year; an argument the guys knew they would lose against.

They made their way through the early morning traffic and soon found themselves in a more rural area outside the city limits.

“This is an odd area for the league to send us,” Johnny said from the passenger seat – he was acting as the navigator even though the car had GPS; Duncs, Kaner, and Crow agree to his statement from the back of the SUV.

Nicole hums, “Not really; it’s an up and coming developmental district – so really it makes since for them to build a brand new compound out here.”

The car ride is quiet after that, only the radio plays softly. Soon the GPS pings, signaling the arrival of the destination. Nicole turns down the paved road – it takes nearly ten minutes before the first sign of the compound comes into view. The only thing the small group can see is the privacy fence standing twenty feet tall and made of thick, white washed concrete. The wall runs as parallel as far as the eye can see before it curve away from the road. The group stops outside of the tall, double gates made of iron.

“They did say we would have privacy,” Duncan says as Nicole punches in the entrance code.
Corey snorts, “Privacy? If anyone could find this place, then they deserve to know what we’re up too.”
The gates slowly open and Nicole drives through. A vast, open lawn comes into view. Oak trees line the driveway that fallows the curve of the wall. Two massive, identical houses – mansions Johnny corrects – sit opposite each other with an expanse of pea gravel sitting between the two. The only real difference between the two mansions is the colored flag on each – one for the home team and one for the away team.

Nicole pulls the SUV to a stop next to the dark colored Tahoe. The group climb out of the vehicle as the doors to both mansions swing open.

“Greenie! You’ve got to see this place,” Seguin yells as he rushes to greet the new arrivals. He wraps Nicole in a bone crushing hug, making her giggle as Johnny grumbles behind the pair – the remaining Blackhawks’ resist the urge to laugh at their disgruntled Captain.

“Let the girl breathe Segs,” a deep voice says, causing the young rookie to drop the ‘Hawk.
“Sorry Z,” Tyler says looking a bit sheepish.

Chara shakes his head at the energetic Bruin before greeting the group and heading back inside the home team’s mansion.

Nicole turns to the young player as her guys unload the SUV, she couldn’t help but notice the kicked-puppy look that Tyler was wearing since his captain had walked out and reprimanded him, “So who all is here?”

Tyler recovers with an easy smile before answering, “Well, the Pen’s crew were here first, the Flyers, Stamkos, Hall, the Staal’s and Hank, the Wild, you guys, and Big Z and myself. You should see the inside – it’s massive; tons of rooms but all the bedrooms are doubled up. We do get to choose our room though.”

Nicole gives Tyler a smile at his rambling, “So you and Z?” Nicole lets the question trail off.
Tyler’s face falls slightly, Nicole’s growing suspicion spikes, “No, Z got the only single room – King-sized bed – you know, since he’s a freakishly tall dude.”

Nicole gives a small laugh, “That’s understandable.”
“I could show you around,” Tyler offers just as Johnny and the ‘Hawks finish unloading.

“Ready, babe?” Johnny asks – a hint of jealousy tints his voice.

Patrick gives Nic a pointed look before speaking, “I think we can handle it from hear, Johnny. You should probably see how many of your team is here.”

“Yeah,” Nicole pipes in, “Go do that Captain thing you seen to be so good at.”

Johnny stares at the trio for a moment.

“Come on Captain, let’s go see the boys,” Duncan says, giving the man a small nudge.

Johnny’s eyes glance at the young Bruin before turning back to the small woman, “Call me if you need anything,” he says before bending to give Nicole a gentle kiss – the moment last longer than necessary and Nicole can hear someone snicker.

Nicole pulls back and gently brushes Johnny’s cheek, “Don’t forget about the dinner at Paulie’s tomorrow. Tell Jordan too; I’m sure he’s forgotten.”

Johnny gives her a smile, “I won’t and I will. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Nicole says before giving Johnny another quick peck.

Nicole, Patrick, and Tyler nearly make it up the steps before Nicole turns and yells, “Hey, Duncs! Johnny likes being the big spoon!”

The guys burst into laughter as Johnny turns bright red – remembering the words Duncan had said to him on stage. Nicole sends her flustered boyfriend a wink before disappearing inside.

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(Nicole’s POV)

Tyler keeps his promise and shows Pat and me around the Mansion – he was right on the hugeness. We had entered into the Great Foyer – a large round room with high ceilings and a circular staircase. Off the Great Foyer was a Formal Dining room large enough to sit all twenty one players, plus a few extra. Off the other side of the Foyer was a den with dark leather furniture and a large fireplace.
Tyler leads us through the library, ball room, conservatory, great room, rear foyer, kitchen – where we run into Max, Stammer, Geno and Sidney – into the family room and finally up the back stairs to the second floor.

Tyler says that there is a full gym, a rec room, and media center in the basement with theater style seating – the cushions are oversized; big enough to stretch out on apparently – and a fully stocked snack bar.

Ten bedrooms are one the second floor – there are eleven total bedrooms but the last is on the main floor off of the dining room; that’s where Chara is staying. Pat mumbles something about a dragons den, making Tyler and me laugh.

He points out who was in what room so far and mentions that each room has its own full bath with walk-in showers. He had chosen the one at the very end of the hall – it was painted a light green and had brown bedding with various shades of green and tan accents. The room across the hall was still available so Pat and I choose it – the walls are a light blue with black and white accents.

Tyler hovers in the door – clearly wanting to stay but not wanting to intrude as we try and settle in. He opens his mouth to say something when we all hear the sound of tires on gravel. Tyler excuses himself to go greet the new arrivals.

Pat lets out a chuckle, “Wow, he really is like a puppy.”
I throw a pillow at the blonde, “What was that for!” he demands, rubbing his nose.

“That’s not nice,” I say before turning back to my open back.
“What? You said so yourself,” Patrick argues back, after hitting me with the same pillow.

I glare at my offending team mate, “I’m worried about him,” I say, causing Patrick to look at me.
“Who? Tyler? Why?”

“Did you see the way he reacted when Chara came outside?” I ask.
Patrick gives me a blank stare.

“Seriously Pat, the kid looked like someone had kicked his dog……and he had the same look when I asked if he was rooming with his team mate.”

“You heard him though – Chara needs a bigger bed – that’s why he isn’t rooming with him.”
“Yeah but….” I start.

Pat cuts me off, “Don’t worry about it Nic. It’s not your concern what their team dynamic is – not every team has the same dynamic as we do.”

I continue to unpack quietly, “You’re right.”
Patrick shoots me a cocky look, “Of course I am.”

I throw the pillow across the room as Patrick collapse in a fit of laughter.

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(Johnny’s POV)

The guys and I make our way into the mansion – the place is huge. We find the kitchen and the three Staal’s sitting around the breakfast nook.

“Johnny! ‘Bout time you made it,” Jordan called from across the table; Jonathan and the guys greet the trio.

“Roo’s upstairs getting settled – most of the rooms are still free but you guys will have to double,” Eric informs us, “Except Tazer.”

I give the tall blonde an inquisitive look, “And why is that?”
Marc answered for his brother, “There’s a single down here if you want it; we all figured the Captain should get dibs.”

“Thanks, but I think one of the older guys should have that,” I say; trying to get out of the obvious special treatment.

The guys shrug, “Your call; Zetterberg or Weber might want it.”

We give our thanks, Crow, Duncan and I head up the back stair case. A long hall leads to ten rooms; most of the doors are closed; a couple are open with guys getting settled. We say hello as we pass before stopping in front of two different doors.

The moment is slightly awkward, seeing as we didn’t discuss who would room together. We resort to an old fashion game of rock-paper-scissors; I lose, so Duncs and Crow room together while I have to wait to see who my roommate for the rest of the week would be – ‘this would have been much simpler if I had picked Nicole’ I think as I walk into the room; dark blue walls are trimmed in while. It’s a comfortable room and reminds me of home.

Looking out the window, I can see Weber, Rinne, and Jamie Benn - from Dallas – climb out of a car; they must have car pooled from the hotel. I see a flash of dark hair race out of the house across the way; I realize that it’s Seguin greeting the new arrivals and smile slightly – Nicole was right – the kid really is like a puppy.

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(Nicole’s POV)

It’s late afternoon when the rest of the team finally shows. Sidney sends out a mandatory team meeting text for after dinner – which I find silly seeing as we were all going to be eating dinner here as a team tonight.

Pat had gone to the game room with several of the guys – I had decided to decline the offer, opting for a quick nap after we were settled. I had just dozed off when I hear the door to our room creak open. Ignoring the interruption, I roll the other way – hoping Kaner would take the hint and leave.
For a second I think he does – until a large figure lands on top of me.

“What the hell!” I exclaim; trying to wiggle out from under the offending mass.
“Wake up, sunshine!”

I turn enough to see a pair of blue eyes laughing at me, “Nealer, I’m going to hurt you,” I deadpan.
James fawn hurt, “But I thought you loved me,” he pouts.

“I told you to leave her alone,” a second voice near the door says.
A third pipes in, “You know she’s at her grumpiest when her nap is interrupted.”

I shove James off enough to see Stammer and Max standing in my door – each with an equal look of humor on his face. I push James away enough for me to climb over the winger and hop off the bed – straight into the waiting arms of the Lightning’s Captain.

“Stammer! Oh how I’ve missed you,” I exaggerate just to rub it in Nealer’s face.
Steven laughs, “You saw me yesterday.”

I pull back and look up into his baby blues, “But I didn’t get to really ‘see’ you. What with the media day and the draft.”

“And what am I? Chopped liver?” Max ask, a slight pout on his face but I can see the humor in his eyes.

I untangle myself from the blonde and latch onto the Flyer, “Of course not; but I did get to see you yesterday and the day before.”

Max scoffs, “Yeah, right before you stole my girlfriend.”
I give the taller man an evil look, “You’ll be lucky if I decide to give her back.”

James and Steven crack up at the look of horror that crosses Max face.
“So was there a reason you boys decided to interrupt my beauty sleep?” I ask the trio.

“There is not enough sleep in the world that could compare to your beauty,” Max says with a cheeky smile.

I give him my best serious look.

“Careful Nic; you’ll give Tazer a run for his money with that look,” James chirps.

Steven breaks up the fun before we can get started on each other, “Food’s about ready and Sid’s dead set on having a team meeting after.”

I sigh, “Of course he is.”
The four of us make our way out of the room and down the stairs.

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(Regular POV)

The food was set out on the formal dining table off of the great foyer. Professional chefs had been brought in to make sure the players were well fed according to the strict diet plan of a professional athlete.

Nicole found herself sitting half way down the table – Mike Green had grabbed the chair to her left while Max took the right side; Jakub Voracek claimed the seat across from Max, Steven was directly across from Nicole with Corey Perry next to him.

Patrick was at the far end with Malkin, Sid, and Erik Karlsson – Sidney was trying to talk strategy but Geno kept interrupting. Tyler was sitting next to Jamie Benn and Taylor Hall; Nicole couldn’t help but notice that Chara had taken a seat at the opposite end of the table from the young rookie. The remaining team had spread out in the empty chairs.

The room was loud as people were trading war stories. Laughter filled the area around the group as they spent time getting to know each other.

Once the food – what was left of it – was taken away, Sidney stood and announced that the meeting would take place in the family room in ten minutes. They group quickly dispersed to grab refills or check phones before meeting back up.

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(Nicole’s POV)

I walked back down the stairs, not realizing that I was one of the last to arrive. The guys had claimed the various chairs and seats that had been placed around the room – a few were sitting on the floor or in the window seat that looked over the back gardens. I looked around the room for an empty spot when I saw Seguin wave his arm in my direction. I walked over and sank onto the floor next to him with my back pressed against Hank’s knees.

“I saved you a seat,” Tyler says proudly.
I give the rookie a smile, “Thanks.”

I can feel Henrik trying not to laugh as I shoot him a small smile.

Sidney stands before Tyler can say anything else, “Alright, is everyone here?”

“Raise your hand if you’re not here!” Max yells from the sofa across the room. A small trill of laughter floats through the room as Sidney shoots Max a look – Max looks unabashed at his former captain.

Sidney continues, “So I just want to give you all a run down on how the next couple of days will go. We will have practice tomorrow to determine who will be participating in each event. As we all know, the skills competition consist of four events – fastest skater, accuracy, hardest shot, and the team relay. We will have practice tomorrow to determine who will be participating in each even. The three of us,” Sidney pauses to point at Kaner and Karlsson, “Have an idea of who should be in what but if anyone wants to volunteer for a specific event, please let us know.

We have another morning practice the day after to work on lines; you will have the afternoons free to do as you please but be back at the house no later than 2 a.m. – and that’s every night.
So that’s day four and five….. Day six is the Skills competition – unfortunately we will leave from the rink after and come directly here so if you need to see anyone try to do so before or directly after the Skills.

Day seven is the game and after you are free to leave….so that’s that.”

Someone – I’m assuming Max – starts clapping; causing Sidney to turn bright red as the guys laugh – drinks had been pouring freely since dinner. Sid gives us a dismissal wave and everyone slowly makes their way to various parts of the house.

I was in the kitchen refilling my drink when Mike gently hip checks me, “Movie?” he asks.
I nod, “I’ll get the popcorn – you see who all wants to watch.”

I heads out of the room as I search the cabinets; ‘of course the popcorn is on the top shelf’ I think before I hear movement behind me. I turn and see Gabriel Landeskog and Eddie Lack standing near the counter – are all swedes that pretty? The two are clearly trying not to laugh as they watch me struggle.

“What are you doing?” Eddie asks.

“Trying to reach the popcorn; but someone clearly hates short people because they put the box on the top shelf,” I answer.

Gabriel walks over and reaches the box easily, “What did you need it for?”
“Mike wants to watch a movie – you guys are welcome to join us – and I have to have popcorn for a movie.”

Eddie smiles sweetly at me, “we’ll help you.”

I thank the guys as soon we have ten large mixing bowls full of popcorn. Eddie and Gabe carefully balance four of the bowls on the way to the media room while I lead with two – guess they didn’t trust my balancing skills after I knocked over the first bowl….oops.

We enter the room to see all twenty one of the players’ laid out around the room – Mike gives me a smug look from the center of the theater style couches and pats the spot next to him.

Eddie and Gabe take in the room, “I think we’re going to need more popcorn,” Eddie says.

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(Johnny’s POV)

Dinner was over and so was the meeting that I had decided to call – I wanted to give the guys a run down on the remaining week and give the younger guys a chance to get to know the rest of us better. After, the team had dispersed throughout the house. I was sitting in the den reading, the fire crackled quietly in the background, when Carey Price walked in.

“Want some company?” he asked.

I nod and motion to the seat next to me.

Carey sat quietly for a few moments, “What’s on your mind Tazer?”

I look at the printed page before looking at the goalie, “Nothing, why?” I say.

“Because you’re being abnormally antisocial,” Carey says with a pointed look.

I give the goalie a sheepish look, “That bad?”
I smiles, “Yeah, that bad.”

We sit quietly again before he asks, “It’s not Nicole is it?”
I let out a sigh, “I’m trying not to worry about her…..”

“But you can’t help it,” he finishes for me, “You know she can handle herself. I’m sure she’s fine; but it’s okay to worry about your girl, Tazer. Especially with those goons,” he motions to the house but his words are light.

Just then my phone chimes, signaling a text. I open the message and chuckle; Carey gives me a quizzical look.

“Yeah I think she’s fine,” I say before handing over the device. Carey lets out a hardy laugh at the photo.

Nicole was partially laying on the theater seats of the media room – we had the exact replica – her head was laying back on a pillow with Mike Green resting on her left shoulder, his arm draped around her midsection, a Flyer’s blanket – courtesy of Talbot I would bet – had been laid across the pair; Eddie Lack had stretched out next Nicole and had his head in her blanketed lap – one of her hands was resting in his blonde hair. Tyler Seguin had managed to sit backwards on the seats above and had fallen asleep with his head on Nicole’s free shoulder.

The photo had been posted to Twitter and Instagram by Jamie Benn with the caption – “All Star Week: Bringing Everyone Together #Frenemies #MovieNight