“Tell me how you met Amanda,” Smarty says tentatively with a quick look at me.
Pops laughs at the memory. I listen as he recounts the story I’ve heard so many times. He met my mother their freshman year of college. He saw her around campus a couple of times, but one day, they were both in the library at the same time. Pops walked up to her and sat down at her table.
“I think I scared her a little at first. Imagine Levi walking up to a tiny 5’3” woman. But once I sat down and started talking to her a little, I asked her out, and she said, ‘I don’t know if I could go on a date with a Flyers fan.’ It took me a second to realize that she knew I was a fan because of my shirt. Before I could answer, she told me with a smile, ‘But I will. Someone has to show you that the Penguins are a better team.’ From then on, that woman had me wrapped around her finger. The rest is history as they say.”
Pops tells Presley a little more about his relationship with my mother, but I zone out and decide to focus on driving. I’ve heard all the stories before anyway. Soon, we arrive at the hotel. Pops got us two rooms. One for him and one for us. We drop our things off and then head to the practice.
Smarty is ridiculously excited as we watch the players on the ice. It’s amazing and bittersweet to be back in this building. The last time I was here, my mom was with me. The events of the trip similar as we’re here for a game and meet and greet too. Pops pats my shoulder like he’s thinking the same thing while Presley has her focus elsewhere.
“I’m proud of you, son,” he says softly.
“Thanks, Pops.”
“Levi Carr?”
We turn at the voice of a suited man who is walking towards us. “Yes, sir,” I respond and shake his hand as he comes to stand before me.
“I’m Greg. We’ve spoken a few times.”
“It’s nice to meet you. This is my father, Victor, and my girlfriend, Presley.”
“It’s great to have you with us today. Having a good time so far?” he asks.
“Yes, sir. It’s amazing to be in this building,” I answer.
“Mind if I steal Levi away for a bit?” Greg asks them.
They both shake their heads, and I’m whisked away to speak with a scout for the NHL. He asks about my grades and my major first, but then the conversation turns to hockey and things like my workout regime. Greg starts talking about the upcoming draft as well as the different things that could happen with that. It’s all very exciting and for a sliver of a moment, I wish my mom could be here as well.
Greg eventually wraps things up with me, and I thank him before heading back to Smarty and Pops.
“So? What happened?” Presley practically bounces.
“We just talked, Smarty. Let’s head back to the hotel for a bit before the game.”
“Yeah, I need a nap,” Pops adds.
Back at the hotel, my dad heads to his room. A nap sounds pretty good after all that driving, so I lay down on the bed. Presley, however, is a bit like a kid on a sugar high.
“Levi, don’t go to sleep! I’m too excited to be all excited by myself.” She jumps onto the bed after slipping off her shoes. I have to admit that a happy, excited Presley is contagious.
“You aren’t going to faint, are you? Or even worse, drool?” I laugh.
“Hey, there is nothing wrong with either of those considering the circumstances.”
Rolling onto my side, I look at her. Her smile is huge, and her eyes are filled with readiness for it to be time for the game. Seeing her like this, so happy, I just want to kiss her. “No drooling. That’s a little gross,” I chuckle, teasing her. She rolls her eyes. “You kind of make me think of those crazy fangirls. I feel like I need to say that you can’t tackle anyone either.”
“No promises. Plus, tackling means we may just fall to the ground accidentally and that is the perfect way to feel all those muscles.”
“You so are a crazy woman,” I laugh, shaking my head at her. Crazy or not, I am most definitely looking forward to watching her enjoy every minute of tonight, and I have my dad to thank for making her so happy today.
Chapter Twenty-One
Presley
I’m shaking. I’m literally shaking when I sit down in CONSOL Energy Arena. I have my Crosby jersey on, and my leg won’t stop bouncing watching my players on the ice.
“Smarty, calm down,” Levi whispers into my ear.