Page 18 of Capturing the Captain

Making our way into a store that seems to sell everything, we each grab a cart.

“I’ve gotta be honest. I've never seen you this happy before. Not even when you were with him, who shall not be named.” We both shiver. “The way you light up when you speak about him? I can tell this is real.”

Giving her a side hug as we make our way down the store aisles, I could not be happier that my best friend slightly approves. I know she wants what's best for me, but her knowing how much this relationship means to me is everything I could ask for.

“You know I love you, right?”

“Of course I do, baby girl. I love you, too.” She kisses me on the cheek and hops away from me. “Okay, let's get our retail therapy on.” She sing-songs.

It’s Thursday afternoon, and me and Sasha are in my new office. I called Katherine yesterday asking if it would be okay to bring a friend under the guise of “helping set up my office space” when realistically I wanted to just show off my new work place. It just so happens that the team is at practice right now. I promised her that once we're done here, I'll take her down to the rink so she can see them in action.

“This place is great. I'm truly jealous.”

“You should be. My office is like a palace compared to yours.” She throws a pencil at my head and I laugh as I duck down to avoid it. “Is that everything?” I ask, looking around my new office. The once bare space now has notebooks in the shelves, along with a few of my favorite romance novels for when I need a break, small artificial plants in random places around the room, and new pens and pencils even though I rarely use them since I work either on a camera or laptop, but you never know. I have a picture frame on my desk. A photo of me and Sasha inside. Eventually I'd like to have photos hanging on the walls that I've taken while working here, but until then, the walls are bare.

And last but not least, a new coffee machine, gifted by Sasha, as a congratulations on the new job gift. I swear I need coffee on tap when I'm editing. It's my least favorite part of the job so I need all the fuel I can get.

“One more thing.” Sasha says, turning towards the door and grabbing her bag. She pulls out a box and hands it to me.

“What’s this?” I ask, surprise in my tone.

“Just a little thing to go with your coffee machine.”

I open the box, pulling out the cutest mug I have ever seen. ‘Best photographer ever’ written on the front.

“Aww, Sash! This is so cute. Thank you.” I give her a warm hug. It's a small gift but it means so much to me.

“Did you look at the back?” I turn the mug around, eyeing the writing on the back.

‘I'm a slut for hockey players’ in giant red letters. I give her a dull look.

“You’re kidding me…” She beams at me and I can't help but laugh. “I love it, thank you.”

We make our way towards the rink and can hear the sound of sticks hitting against ice.

“I’m so nervous but in a good way. I've never met a hockey player before. I swear if one of them makes a move on me, I don't think I'd be able to resist.”

“Girl, you literally just got engaged.”

“Ugh, I know. What horrible timing.” We laugh among ourselves as I pull my key card out of my pocket and swipe it at the door. Not a lot of people get our humor but I know Sash isn’t serious.

“Behave.” I warn her. My best friend is amazing and all, but she has a big mouth and easily gets herself in trouble.

Walking through the giant doors to the rink, my eyes immediately find Josh. It's like this magnet between us, pulling us together when we’re in the same space.

God, I've missed him. Sure, I spent the whole day with him yesterday, but when he left last night, I felt cold and alone. It’s a strange feeling, given I've been sleeping alone for so long. I didn't tell him I was coming in today. I wanted to surprise him.

I can feel the chill in the air as we descend the steps down to the rink. I'll need to wrap up when I'm photographing down here.

We stand for a few minutes, just watching, before the coach calls all the players over.

“They really are sex on legs, aren't they?” Sasha swoons, hearts in her eyes.

“Yeah, I'll agree with you on that one. Just watch out for this one,” I tell her as Conor Matthews skates toward where we're standing.

“Hey, pretty lady, I was wondering when I'd see you again.” He grins at me, taking his helmet off his head and running a hand through his blonde, curly hair that stops just below his nape. He kind of reminds me of Prince Charming from Shrek, but you know… good looking. Not as good looking as Josh, but everyone has their preferences I guess.

“Can’t say the same about you, unfortunately.” I reply, a sweet smile planted on my face.