To Sweden With Love

We fucking did it.

We became Stanley Cup Champions.

We celebrated on the ice and back at the hotel that night with our family and friends like there was no tomorrow.

But I felt like something, more importantly someone, was missing.

“Carl!” Phil exclaimed as he plopped down in the plane seat beside me. “We won the Cup man!”

I laughed as I took a swig of my beer. “I am still in shock man. Cannot believe it.”

He slapped him on the back and went back up front with Sid and the Cup, Malin soon replaced him.

“Älskling, are you alright?” She asked.

I gave her a smile. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? I am a Stanley Cup Champion. I have everything I have ever wanted, what could be missing?”

She gave me a sad smile knowing what I was thinking. “Bara ge henne tid kärlek. Hon kommer runt.”

I sighed. “Jag klantade bra Malin. Jag tror inte att hon kommer.”

She patted my leg. “Det kommer allt att fungera. Lita på mig.”

I nodded as Patric called me to come drink with the Cup. I excused myself and went up to celebrate with the boys.

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As we landed, Sid carried the Cup out to the crowd awaiting us.

As I got off the plane, I saw Ellie standing with Malin and Patric.

“Ellie!” I yelled as I ran up on her and spun her around.

“Jesus Carl!” She laughed as I put her down.

“What? Can’t I just be happy to see you? What are you doing here by the way? Aren’t you supposed to be in New York?”

She waved me off. “A story for another time. So, how does it feel to be a Stanley Cup Champ?”

I gave her a huge smile. “Amazing. Best feeling ever.”

She must have seen something in my eye as she grabbed my hand and squeezed.

“She is very happy for you, for all of you. She just couldn’t be here ya know?”

I nodded and smiled. “I know. Right now though, it doesn’t matter. Cause we are Stanley Cup Champions!”

A bunch of the guys cheered as I yelled. She shook her head.

“I’ll see you at the parade Carl.”

“What? No party tomorrow night? Afraid you might attack someone?” I joked.

She smacked my chest as I faked being hurt. “You’re real funny Carl you know that? Hilarious.”

I laughed as I told everyone I’d see them tomorrow as I headed to my car.

After signing what feels like a million autographs and taking several pictures, I finally managed to get to my car and head back to my place.

I heard my phone ping before I started up my car.

dudeeeeeee. You’re the champion of the worlddddddddddd

I chuckled at Derick’s text.

are you okay bro?

peachy. Justttt peachy

I shook my head as I pulled out of the lot. Something was going on considering how Ellie was acting earlier.

give me 20 and ill call ya

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After stopping for some liquor, and being congratulated by almost everyone, I finally made my way home.

I cracked open a beer before settling down on my couch and putting on ESPN. Shortly after, my phone was ringing.

“My brother.” Derick slurred.

I laughed. “You realize it is the middle of the day right?”

“You act like you aren’t drinking too.”

I paused as I put the bottle to my mouth and shrugged. “Fair enough. What’s up Brass?”

“I just miss her man.” He hiccupped.

“Ellie? She’s here in Pittsburgh. Why didn’t you come down and party with her?”

“Cause I’m an asshole.”

I laughed. “Dude, I told you that a long time ago.”

“No, you don’t understand. I might not be in New York next year.”

I waited for a climax to his story. “Okay and?”

“She isn’t happy about it cause I didn’t include her in the decision.”

“Well, I mean, did you make it before you met her?”

He groaned. “Yeah.”

“Okay then, include her in the decision of where you are going.” I said as I cracked open another beer.

“Dude, I just got her a job!”

“Well then, put a ring on it and take her with you.” I suggested.

“Dude! Dude. That isn’t such a bad idea.”

I laughed. “I mean, do you love her?”

“More than life itself.” He answered. “I gotta do it man! Now where is Liv’s number so I can call her to help pick out the ring.”

I froze when he mentioned her name. “You know where Liv is?”

“Yeah man. But I can’t tell you. It’s a secret.” He responded as he made the hush sound.

I rolled my eyes. “Dude, I just told you to propose to Ellie. The least you can do is help me out.”

“What makes you think you deserve my help?” He slurred.

“Come on man, you know what she means to me. I need to make this right.”

“Man, if I told you she was in Hawaii, Ellie and her would flip shit.”

I smiled and chugged my beer. “Hey that reminds me, I’m planning a little guys trip in a couple weeks to Hawaii. You in?”

I could hear him crack open another beer. “Man, I would if I could. But I gotta make this right with Ellie. Besides, I heard it was beautiful out there.”

We chatted a little more before we hung up.

You can get drunk guys to tell you anything.

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A couple days later, it was picture and parade time.

I walked into the arena with extra pep in my step.

“Man, did Carl get lucky last night after the party?” Dumo joked.

I laughed as I shook my head. “Just excited boys. Today we get to celebrate good and hard.”

We put on our gear for the picture and got out on the ice. We joked around in between taking a few pictures.

After, we had a few beers in the locker room before it was time to hop in our rides for the parade.

I saw Ian on the phone and decided it was a good time to man up and apologize.

As I got closer, I heard part of his conversation.

“Thanks Liv. Yeah I know this is big. Yeah it sucks you can’t be here.” He turned to see me. “Hey, I’ll call you back later.”

I gave him a fake smile as the anger burned inside of me. “Hey man, I just wanted to come apologize for, uh, you know.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I get it Carl. Really, it’s fine.”

“I was drunk and pissed. I didn’t need to take it out on your face.”

He smacked my back. “Trust me, it didn’t even hurt.”

We both laughed as the announcement to go line up for transportation was made.

I followed Phil out to our truck.

“You ready man?” He asked as his sister got into the truck before us.

“More than you will ever know.”

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A few days later, I was sitting on a plane heading to Hawaii with a couple of friends.

I looked out the window as we soared over the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii, and Liv, here I come.