by Robyn M Ryan
“I’d just as soon learn how to take a slap shot.”
“You’re on. I bet I have some hockey sticks in the garage from when I was about your height. We’ll get Tom to play goal.”
Caryn giggled at the mental image. “You’re pretty optimistic if you think I could hit a puck far enough to get to the goal.”
“Sorry, this coach believes in you—and you’ll have to practice until you do.” He bit back a smile as she looked up at him reproachfully.
“Just promise I don’t have to do any of those drills you talk about at practice.”
“That’s an easy promise.” He tipped her chin so he could see her eyes. “I don’t want you to hate your coach.”
Caryn teased him with her smile. “Okay, no wind sprints, remember.” She nodded toward the far corner. “Race you over there. Bet I can get around the people easier than you can.” Without waiting for his reply, she dropped his hand and skated quickly, yet carefully through the crowd.
Andrew watched her for a minute before following her. She was right. It was easier for her to maneuver through the crowd. He reached the corner several minutes after she did, the laughter in her amber eyes prompting him to pull her into his arms. “You didn’t tell me you were a speed skater.”
“You didn’t ask.” She kissed his cheek. “Did I mention that the loser has to buy hot chocolate?”
***
The three-day Christmas break over, Andrew prepared for a three-game road trip. On his last day in town, they stopped in a nearby Tim Horton’s after paying Caryn’s tuition. They took their drinks to a table near the window, enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun.
Andrew reached to gently grasp her hand. “I have something else for you. I hope you don’t mind.” He reached inside his jacket and handed an envelope to her. “I didn’t want to say anything just in case things didn’t work out.”
Caryn’s expression was puzzled as she opened the envelope and withdrew a document. She looked at it, then at Andrew. “What did you do, Drew?”
“Made an investment, and I’m giving it to you.”
“How did you get this past my father?”
He smiled. “Worked through my agent. My name’s nowhere on the paperwork. Transferred the deed to your name after closing.”
Her eyes misted. “You bought the townhouse? For me?”
“It’s your home, Caryn. It will be your home as long as you want.” He searched her expression. “You’re not upset with me?”
She shook her head. “How can I be? I love my home. I couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else living there. I’m… at a loss for words. How do I ever thank you?”
He brushed his hand against her cheek. “Just be happy and finish your degree.”
Caryn reached to hug him tightly. “As long as we’re together, I’m happy. And I promise I will get that degree.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Thanks to Andrew, Caryn moved back into her home by New Year’s Eve, toasting the upcoming year with a quiet dinner and champagne at midnight. The winter semester began, and impulsively, Caryn dropped her accounting and advanced statistical analysis courses, picking up digital media and a beginning graphics design class. She had examined her credits and determined that she could pursue a minor in digital media. Her study group, Lauren in particular, applauded the move, encouraging Caryn to explore this new emphasis in marketing.
Andrew encouraged her, hoping she would discover a passion that would re-energize her studies. He knew it was difficult for Caryn to divert from the path her father had charted many years ago—despite the recent rejection. Having the freedom to explore new subject areas brought Caryn a sense of excitement and anticipation. For once, she was following her own path.
She loved the graphics design course, spending extra hours in the computer lab so she could get up to speed on the software that most of the students already used—despite the “introductory” label on the course. Andrew knew he could find her in the lab between classes or in the evenings, often joining her when he was in town and the Leafs were not playing.
“I have no clue how you produce these designs,” he commented one evening as he flipped through some printouts for a project while she saved her work to a flash drive and dropped it into her backpack.
Caryn laughed. “I’m not sure I do either. It’s fun to try new things, and the best thing is that when I mess up, I can just click ‘undo’ and it goes away.” She closed the programs and logged out, surprised to see the time when she glanced at the clock. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”
Andrew slipped her backpack over his shoulder. “I figured you’d be here. Hungry?”
“A little,” she said. “Don’t want to eat much this late.”
He walked beside her to his car. “Just tell me you don’t make a habit of staying this late.”
“I don’t, usually. I was on a roll and kept telling myself ‘just one more.’ One more became maybe ten more.”
He opened the car door for her, and then put her backpack in the seat behind her. “You can’t work on this at home?” he asked as he slid into the seat beside her.
“I really can’t, Drew. That software is so expensive and I don’t even know if I’ll need it after this semester.”
“I’d be willing to wager that you will. Unless you don’t realize you’re a natural at this.”
Caryn flushed. “I don’t know about that. So far it’s a step-by-step tutorial. I’m just getting comfortable with it.”
“Better than statistics?”
“A thousand times better…but I do miss my tutor.” She looked at him with a wistful smile.
Andrew waited until he stopped at a red light to look at her. “Just keep me around for your marketing metrics class.”
“You are the only one making that class bearable. I love our ‘study’ sessions….especially the homework.” She cut her eyes toward him with a smile, as she laid her hand on his thigh.
He leaned to kiss her briefly before the light turned green. “You want to get take out or eat somewhere?”
“Have you had dinner yet?”
“I had a late lunch after practice.”
“Then you pick. I can get a salad anywhere.” Caryn leaned back in the seat. “Maybe we can get a steak to go for you. If we get take out, will you stay over?”
Andrew glanced at her with a slow smile. “Was hoping you’d ask.”
***
Caryn tried to work ahead in her classes while Andrew was on the road, hoping to have more time to spend with him when the Leafs were home. Although he did not secure a suite, Andrew invited Caryn’s study group to many of the games, fueling Lauren’s desire for introductions to any of the single players.
“How about number twelve—he’s really cute,” Lauren pointed out during pre-game warm-ups. “I like when they skate without their helmets. You can actually see their faces.”
Caryn handed the program and a pen to her. “Okay, just make a list. I’ll give it to Andrew.” She laughed as Lauren eagerly opened the program. “I met so many people at the team Christmas party, but somehow it slipped my mind to see who was wearing a wedding ring.”
“That’s because you only have eyes for Andrew,” Lauren retorted.
“Well, wouldn’t you?”
Lauren laughed at Caryn’s flushed cheeks. “Yes. That’s why I’m looking for my own guy.”
“I still think you should flirt a little with Kevin. I’m pretty sure he likes you—just needs encouragement. He’s gorgeous—and a nice person, a little shy.” She looked at her friend. “Why not someone you know is a good guy?”
“Who said I want a ‘good’ guy, Caryn? I like the bad boys myself.” Lauren retorted, then they both burst into laughter. “And no, I am not kidding!”
***
With Caryn’s first graphic design portfolio due March first, the night before the deadline found her in the kitchen inspecting the various elements of the project—multiple pages of designs spread across the
kitchen table. As soon as she selected one, another—perhaps better—print caught her eye. She could present only ten images, but without specific guidelines—or “limitations” as the professor termed them—choosing those ten led to endless second-guessing. Andrew offered no help, as he said he thought each was brilliant. He was watching a game in the living room while Caryn worried over which designs to include. She vaguely heard him talking on his phone as she impulsively moved five graphics to the counter. Okay, those are definitely in. She tried propping the others against her books, and then stepped back to examine them from a distance. She shook her head as the pages began to slide to the floor. She’d need to place them into sheet protectors to keep the papers pristine.
She gathered her project and stacked everything on the counter, reaching to open the box of sheet protectors. She felt Andrew’s hands on her shoulders and Caryn turned, a sheepish smile on her face. “Yes, I’m still obsessing…” She caught his expression. “Drew, what’s wrong?”
He brushed her hair back with both hands, resting his palms against her cheeks. “That was my agent—Don Wilson.”
Caryn nodded, trying to read his eyes.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Cary.” He paused and pressed his lips against her forehead. “I’ve been traded to St. Louis.”
“St. Louis,” Caryn parroted. “When? Why?”
Andrew slipped his arms around her and pulled her toward him. “Why? I don’t know. Supposedly because the team’s making a playoff run and needs a top six forward.”
Caryn looked up at him and shook her head. “What?”
“Someone who can play on the first or second line.”
“Don’t they have their own?”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Evidently not. They want me to fill one of those slots.”
“But what about the Leafs…”
Andrew saw she was struggling to comprehend. “Honey, I need to go to St. Louis—rather Chicago—tonight. I’m no longer playing for the Leafs. I’m now a member of the Blues.”
Caryn blinked rapidly as his words pierced the buzzing in her ears. She shut her eyes to force back the sudden tears. “You’re leaving tonight?”
“They’re sending a corporate jet.”
“They must want you badly, Drew.” Her attempt to smile dissolved as two tears slipped down her cheeks. He wrapped his arms around her and held her against his chest.
“I guess they made an offer the Leafs could not refuse.” He lifted her chin until he could see her eyes. “Everything will be okay, Cary.”
“What do you need to do? How can I help you?” She forced herself to calm her emotions. “You need to pack and tell your parents and…”
“I know, babe. I’ll just grab enough clothes for a week, get my gear from the locker room…I don’t even know the schedule beyond tomorrow. When the team gets to St. Louis, will you help me get what I need together?”
She nodded, St. Louis suddenly half the world away. “Drop me at your place; I can pack while you see your parents.”
He shook his head. “Tom’s picking me up in a few. He’ll get me to the airport. I’d rather you get this project finished.”
“I don’t care about that stupid project. I wasted the entire evening…” She stopped as he leaned to kiss her, then hugged her tightly.
“I’m going to need you to take care of things here. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.” She nodded against his chest. “Food in the refrigerator, bills that need to be paid, the rent, the car…”
“I’ll take care of everything, Drew. Don’t worry.” She wrapped her arms around him and pressed against him. “It’s just so sudden.”
“It’s not a call I was expecting,” he replied softly.
Caryn pulled back so she could see his face. “How do you feel? Did you have any idea you might be traded?”
“That’s always a possibility until you earn a no-trade clause in your contract—which, unfortunately I don’t have. I’m not happy about it, Cary, but it’s part of the game. It will be hard realizing I’m on the Blues, not the Leafs.” He kissed her forehead. “Ever been to St. Louis?”
“No, not even to that section of the States. How do you even start thinking about what you have to do?”
Andrew shrugged. “Right now, I just think about picking up my gear and getting on that plane… then hopefully watch some game video during the flight. Tomorrow morning, I practice with the team and see what role I’ll be playing against Chicago tomorrow night.” He hugged her affectionately. “Everything else, I’ll leave for later…and unfortunately, most of it will fall on you and Tom to handle for me.” He tipped her chin so he could see her eyes. “I know this is not what you signed on for…”
“I just never thought about the possibility. I’ll do everything I can to make this stress-free for you while you get settled. Don’t worry about anything here.” She felt her emotions surfacing again and took a deep breath. “How will I watch your games?”
Andrew laughed softly. “Tom will have all that figured out by tomorrow. I’m pretty sure there’s a way you can watch on your iPad, or there may be a sports package for the cable… he’ll set you up.” He stroked her hair and cupped her chin in his hand. “When you can, print out the Blues schedule. Circle every time they–we—are home. See how many mesh with your class breaks.”
She nodded, then managed a small smile as her eyes brimmed with tears. “I wish I could go with you.”
“So do I.” He pulled her back toward him as his lips found hers, both wanting the moment to never end. They heard Tom’s knock on the door and Andrew reluctantly pulled away as he called out, “It’s open.” He met Caryn’s eyes steadily. “I promise we’ll see each other soon…as soon as possible. And we’ll talk every day, just like when I’m on a road trip…”
“…except you won’t be coming home to Toronto,” she finished quietly.
“But this time you’ll be coming home to me in St. Louis,” he added as Tom opened the door, bringing a blast of icy air in with him.
“Sorry,” he apologized, closing the door quickly. “It’s starting to snow again.”
Andrew nodded. “I’ll be ready in a minute.” He reached into his pocket and handed his set of car keys to Caryn. “I’m glad you have a garage and won’t need to worry about shoveling the car out of the snow.”
Caryn managed a teasing smile. “But I’m losing my sidewalk shoveler.”
Andrew nodded toward Tom. “That’s now his responsibility. You just let me know if he does a sloppy job.” He was relieved to see her laugh as she looked at Tom.
“Have you agreed to this?”
“I’ll be happy to take care of your walk,” Tom said. “I’ll even bring my own shovel, so you won’t need to get up extra early.”
“Thanks, Tom.” Caryn took another deep breath as she tightly grasped Andrew’s hand. “What time’s your flight?”
“Not sure. But I don’t think they’ll leave without me.” He hugged her, then turned to Tom. “Need you to help us with something before we go.”
“No problem. What’s up?”
Andrew led them to the kitchen. “Caryn, let’s see all your graphics…”
“You don’t need to do this,” she protested, but he shook his head.
“I’m not leaving until you decide which ten you’re submitting and they are in your portfolio for tomorrow.”
“Well, you’ll have to be more helpful than you have so far.”
“Tom’s an extra judge. He casts the deciding vote.”
She laughed quietly as she spread everything across the table. “You guys decide. I’m sick of all of them right now.” She stepped back, watching them treat each print as if it were a work of art. She realized what Andrew was doing. He knew that after they left she would randomly grab ten sheets to turn in tomorrow. That was so like him, worried about her when his career had been turned upside down. She touched his arm. “You don’t need to spend time on this, Drew. I promise I’ll
take care of it.”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m expecting you to be the class star. I want to see this portfolio before you submit it. You have those sheet protectors ready?”
***
Caryn forced her emotions to the side, determined to send Drew to St. Louis…via Chicago…without adding to his worries. Neither uttered the words “good-bye,” instead promising to see each other soon. She stood on the doorstep, her arms wrapped around herself as the arctic winds blew snow, watching until Tom’s car had turned the corner. She stepped back inside, locked the door, and then leaned against it, her mind numbed by the reality of the past hour. She’d never even considered the possibility that Andrew could be traded. Why should either of them have thought about it—he was having a great season, one of the Leafs' top scorers?
Her cell phone chirped and Caryn crossed the room to retrieve it, smiling when she saw his text. “Out of the cold? Door locked?”
“Yes and yes,” she responded, adding her “xoxoxo’s.”
“Call you from the airport.”
“Drive safely. Tell me if I need to do anything,” she quickly typed.
“Love you.”
Andrew’s was just the first of a flood of texts that pinged her phone over the next hour. The guys on the study group were quick to offer their help; Lauren asked if she wanted company; Leafs players’ wives sent sympathetic texts. She called Lauren, knowing her friend would be on her way over if she didn’t respond.
“I’m okay right now,” Caryn assured her. “I’m just numb.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. When does Andrew have to leave?”
Caryn sat on the chair where he had watched TV earlier that evening. “Tonight. Tom’s taking him to get his equipment bag, and then out to the airport. He’s meeting the team in Chicago.”