[Clearing the Ice 01.0] This Piece of My Heart

by Robyn M Ryan

  “Nope. You’re dining Chez Chadwick tonight.”

  The pasta was a perfect choice for a late dinner, and between bites, they caught up on each other’s daily lives since they were last together. “It feels like so much longer than a month since I was in St. Louis.” Caryn set her fork on her plate and rested her chin on her hand. “I could just sit here and look at you all night.”

  Andrew laughed softly and nodded toward her plate. “Finished?”

  “Yes, it was wonderful.”

  He reached across the table. “You mind? Save me a trip back to the kitchen.”

  Caryn held the plate toward him. “I can get more for you. Let me have your plate.”

  “No, this will be fine. Just switch with me.” His blue eyes smiled at her, Caryn not trying to break the hypnotic gaze. He held her eyes for a long moment, then allowed the smile to tug at his mouth. “Glad to see I haven’t lost the touch.”

  “So long as you haven’t been practicing on anyone else.”

  “Haven’t found anyone whose amber eyes are so bewitching. You put a spell on me a long time ago.”

  “Don’t look too hard.” Caryn started to giggle as she tried to maintain eye contact. “Speaking of spells, when does this all turn into a pumpkin? I think it’s already after midnight.”

  “That’s a surprise I negotiated with the coach. Since we won tonight, I just have to be back for morning skate. So, no pumpkins tonight, Cinderella.”

  THIRTY-ONE

  During the whirlwind weekend, Caryn tried to imagine how Andrew coped with everything on his schedule—practices, visiting his parents, the long-anticipated dinner with Tom, Dave Martin, Jim Andrews, and of course, Lauren. Andrew mentioned that he, Dave and Jim would return to the hotel for a quick team meeting at ten. She knew also that she would not see him before or after Monday’s fourth game in the series.

  “Last night and today have been wonderful,” she told Andrew as they left her home to pick up Lauren and Tom.

  “About this dinner tonight—how are you going to manage your matchmaking with all three of your targets at the same table?” Andrew glanced at Caryn with a smirk. “Don’t worry, Tom has no clue.”

  Caryn pushed his arm playfully. “They are not my ‘targets,’ Drew—just a group of friends having dinner.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What did you tell Jim and Dave?”

  “Just asked if they wanted to have dinner with you, my brother, and your friend. Don’t worry, your secret is safe.”

  Caryn leaned back in the car seat. “After tonight, we really won’t have much time together, will we?”

  “Until this round is over, no. After tomorrow we come and go one game at a time until someone wins four games.”

  “You mean until the Blues win the series.”

  Andrew smiled as he stopped by Lauren’s apartment. “We plan to win round one. Not quite ready for the season to end.”

  Caryn cut her eyes toward him. “Call me conflicted. I want the Blues to win, but I can’t wait until you’re home.”

  He slipped his hand behind her neck and pulled her toward him. “I can’t let myself think about anything besides the next game…exception: this kiss.”

  They were still in the embrace when Lauren rapped on the window. Andrew laughed as he quickly stepped from the car and walked around to open the door for her. “I can go ahead and get in the back with Lauren,” Caryn said, opening her door and hopping out. “Then, we don’t have to rearrange when you get Tom at the hospital.”

  “I was going to let him sit in the back.”

  Caryn laughed as she held his arm. “Neither of you guys could get your legs in that space.” She greeted Lauren with a hug. “Slide in. I’m right behind you.”

  “Do I look okay?” Lauren whispered as Andrew closed the door and walked back to the driver’s seat.

  “Fabulous—of course. Relax and enjoy yourself.”

  ***

  As the dinner progressed, Caryn stopped fretting about group dynamics and began to enjoy the evening. The conversation flowed easily, Lauren’s humor striking the perfect chord and keeping the tone light. She and Dave Martin bantered easily across the table as the conversation among the group shifted from one topic to another. Andrew nudged Caryn as she sipped her drink, catching her eye. “You may have found your new profession,” he whispered as he leaned closer, kissing her temple. He rested his arm on the back of her chair.

  Caryn met his eyes. “You think they’d miss us?”

  “Apparently not.” He moved his chair closer to hers. “Shall we ditch them?” he whispered in her ear.

  Caryn’s giggle attracted the group’s attention. “So, what are you two plotting?” Lauren’s tone caused everyone to laugh.

  “Just whispering sweet nothings,” Andrew retorted with a neutral expression.

  “Hey, you guys want to disappear for a while, we’re cool,” Jim commented, his expression equally neutral.

  “And miss this dinner? We’re doing just fine right here.”

  “Don’t want to cramp your style.”

  “You won’t,” Andrew said, smiling at Caryn’s reddened cheeks.

  “They always like this?” Dave looked at Tom and Lauren.

  Tom shrugged, while Lauren feigned ignorance. “I usually don’t see them when Andrew’s in town.” She met Caryn’s reproachful eyes with a smile. “Not that I’d expect to anyway. We have plenty of girl time when he’s out of town, don’t we, Caryn? And don’t ask, ‘cause we don’t tell.”

  Andrew noticed that Caryn grew quiet as they lingered over coffee and after-dinner drinks. He squeezed her shoulders as he leaned to press his lips against her forehead. “You okay?”

  She nodded, and Andrew saw the hint of sadness flicker across her expression. “I was just thinking about the game tomorrow and the next few weeks.” She smiled as she reached for his hand. “It’s going to be really strange to watch you play, then leave town without seeing you afterwards.”

  “Promise I’ll call you before I get on the plane.”

  “I know you will. You spoiled me last night, you know.”

  Her smile pulled at Andrew’s heart. He glanced at his watch. “Afraid our window of opportunity closed about an hour ago. Just look forward to summer—you’ll be wishing I was still traveling.”

  “I doubt that,” Caryn said. “You need to get back to the hotel soon?”

  “Sorry, you are Cinderella tonight, babe. We do need to start wrapping this up.” He laughed softly as Lauren appeared to have the three other men under her spell. “Exceed your expectations?”

  Caryn nodded, suppressing a laugh. “Beyond my wildest dreams.”

  Andrew caught the waiter’s eye for the check. After a brief debate with Jim and Dave, he paid and they chatted outside the restaurant for a few minutes while Tom brought the car around. “I’ll call you after the team meeting,” Andrew said as he opened the front door for Lauren, and then the back for Caryn.

  She reached to kiss him. “I’ll expect a full report,” she whispered.

  “No doubt.” He hugged her for a long moment, and then squeezed her hand as she slid into the seat. “See you soon.” He leaned to kiss her before closing the car door. “Thanks, Tom.”

  His brother laughed. “I should be thanking you.” He reached to shake hands with Dave and Jim. “Good to meet you. Wrap up this series quickly, okay? My DNA is not programmed to cheer against the Leafs much longer.”

  ***

  Before the next playoff game in St. Louis, Caryn received an unexpected call from the human resources manager at the bank where she’d had an internship interview, offering a paid position in its digital marketing initiative. Caught completely off-guard, she agreed to start as soon as her references were contacted, then agreed to stop by the next day to complete the paperwork and attend a half-day orientation session.

  As soon as the call ended, second-guessing began to intrude on her thoughts. The upside? The job promised to allow her to learn mor
e about digital media and marketing. The downside? She could not travel with Andrew as the team pursued its quest for the Cup.

  She briefly considered calling back and requesting a mid-June start date, but immediately realized that could jeopardize the opportunity. Gratitude—not the childish disappointment that flooded her—was the proper response. She knew Andrew was at practice in St. Louis, so she quickly sent a text: “Good news…I think.” At the last second, she added the hashtag “#Conflicted.”

  She called Lauren, knowing she would commiserate about the bad timing. “I’m whining, I know. I should be throwing confetti.”

  “Yeah—yippee,” Lauren said. “There goes our trip to wherever the next round is played.”

  “Chicago or Detroit, I think.”

  “Even worse. Chicago would be fun.” Lauren laughed, then continued. “Seriously, that is great news, Caryn. You know how hard it’s been to land internships—and you’ll be doing something relevant to your degree. Could even lead to a job offer when you graduate.”

  “Possibly,” Caryn said slowly. “I am happy about the opportunity. I just wish I hadn’t found out just yet. I was looking forward to the playoffs.”

  “Well, you two will have your summer together, Caryn. Concentrate on that—and that we are through for the semester. Hallelujah! We should be out celebrating. Next year this time, we’ll be collecting our diplomas.”

  “Now that’s something to celebrate.” Caryn laughed. “Want to meet for lunch?”

  “Thirty minutes—our usual?”

  “See you there.” Caryn slipped the phone into her pocket and lightly ran up the stairs to the loft. She’d just smoothed the comforter across the bed and opened the window to enjoy the spring air when her phone sounded in her pocket. Drew’s ringtone brought a smile to her face as she sat on the love seat and spoke into the phone. “That was quick! Practice over already?”

  “Nothing too strenuous with the game tonight. So, what’s the good news and why are you conflicted? And what’s with that hashtag?”

  Caryn pulled her feet under her as she leaned back. “It is good news—I have an internship, but it sounds like I’m starting immediately. I wanted to go to all your playoff games.”

  “What’s the job? Something you’ll enjoy?”

  “Actually, yes. It’s that bank where I had my first interview. They switched things around so I can work in their digital marketing department. I thought I’d try my first hashtag on you so I can pretend I know what I’m doing.”

  “Congratulations, Cary,” Andrew said. “That’s terrific—you impressed them so much they placed you where you best fit. You don’t need to pretend anything.”

  “Thanks. I’m just disappointed—I shouldn’t have said I could start right away.”

  “And risk losing the opportunity? You did the right thing. What are your hours?”

  “Eight to noon—not too bad,” Caryn admitted. “I’ll have plenty of time for the two courses I need this summer. And time to be with you,” she added, her voice teasing him.

  “Perfect all around then,” Andrew told her. “And with those hours, don’t forget weekend games. We’ll work something out—we just need to keep winning.”

  “You will,” Caryn predicted. “I know we just saw each other, but I miss you, Drew.”

  They chatted another fifteen minutes, Caryn trying to get Andrew to divulge any feedback from Dave or Jim after the dinner the past weekend. He pretended ignorance and turned the tables by asking what Lauren had said.

  “We really haven’t had a chance to chat about it—too busy with that last exam. Maybe when we meet for lunch in a few minutes. I thought maybe she had Dave had a little chemistry. What do you think?”

  “I don’t.”

  “Andrew.” Her tone reproached him. “Isn’t Dave from Vancouver, like Lauren?”

  “Haven’t asked.” Caryn lifted her hand to punch him playfully, then giggled as she let it fall back to the sofa.

  “Do I want to know what’s got you laughing?” he asked.

  “Oh, I just was about to give you a little tap on your arm. Good thing you’re in St. Louis.”

  “Tap? Is that what you call it? Those little taps leave bruises.”

  “How can you tell?” Caryn retorted.

  “Lucky for you, I play hockey. No one knows you throw a mean ‘tap.’” Even Andrew couldn’t complete the sentence without laughing. “Like I’d admit it if you did.”

  “Talk to you later on?”

  “Probably not until tomorrow, babe. If we win, it might be a late night.”

  “You’ll be celebrating. I have a good feeling about that. Have fun and score a few goals for me.”

  THIRTY-TWO

  For Caryn, working at a bank conjured images of long, dull days filled with data analysis and boring marketing assignments. With that mindset, Caryn reported to her internship without any expectations that she actually would enjoy the job. Her supervisor meshed with her stereotypical image of a banker—older gentleman in a conservative suit and a bland manner in which he conducted the intern orientation in the large conference room. Caryn was surprised to see a group of ten students, some she knew from her marketing courses. Her mind wandered as bank employment policies were covered.

  She, along with two other students, received the assignment to assist the social media director, who—unlike the stereotypical banker—presented a warm enthusiastic reception for the interns.

  “I’m Jennifer Watson,” she said as she walked down the hallway with her group. “I was an intern myself four years ago. So, relax. We have fun in this department.” She led them into her office, invited them to help themselves to something to drink from a mini fridge, and then told them to take a seat in an informal meeting area.

  “I detest conference rooms and the formality that comes with them. We’re creative, quick on our feet, and plugged into our customers who’d rather communicate using a mobile app, our Facebook page, Twitter, Google+, or any of the growing list of today’s new media.” She looked at each of them. “You three are representative of our target market. We want to interact with you, help you get a car loan or even a mortgage. Sometimes we help plan a budget our client can afford, or go to bat when a check bounces. It happens to everyone. We’re here to say, ‘It’s okay. Let’s see what we can do to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’” Jennifer leaned back on the sofa. “Let’s spend some time getting to know each other. Then we’ll decide who’s going to take on which media.”

  Caryn knew one of the interns, Scott Jenkins, from her digital media class, and the other, Amy Gordon had just completed her course requirements and would graduate in August. The group summarized each member’s online presence, and Caryn felt her face flushing when she admitted she had none.

  “A rookie?” Scott said with a smile that teased.

  “Hoping to learn quickly.” Caryn’s retort accompanied her smile.

  “I’m sure you will, Caryn,” Jennifer predicted. “I think you’ll be a good fit for Instagram and maybe Facebook. Both have a quick learning curve.” She distributed a packet that outlined the bank’s social media policies. “Please read this until you know it by heart. Keep it with you always. If you ever have a question, ask before you post. My assistant and I will be working with each of you until you—and we—feel comfortable turning you loose.” She stood and nodded toward the clock. “That’s it for today. If you have a chance, take a look at our online presence. Get a feel for the tone, content, and corporate image. We’ll pick up here tomorrow.”

  ***

  They exited the bank with some of the other interns, comparing assignments and first impressions. She, Amy, and Scott evidently had the most sought positions, especially after Scott mentioned Jennifer’s casual demeanor and his delight with his assignment to assist with the bank’s Twitter and Google+ accounts. Since Amy had already completed the academic requirements for graduation, Jennifer tasked her with creating fresh content for the bank’s blog, as well as investi
gating and reporting on emerging social media platforms that the department may wish to consider adding to its presence.

  Caryn joined most of the ten interns for lunch at a nearby pizza restaurant, grouping several tables together in the sunny courtyard. The camaraderie of the group promised an enjoyable summer.

  “Give you a lift home?” Scott asked as the group headed in different directions after lunch.

  “Thanks, but I’ve got a car. I really could walk, but I didn’t want to risk showing up late the first day.” Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she pulled it out, seeing Drew was calling. “Excuse me, Scott. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She spied a quiet green space with benches across the street and she sprinted quickly over as she answered his call. “Were you up all night celebrating?” Caryn greeted as she sat in a sunny spot.

  “Hardly. I just went back to the hotel.”

  “No celebratory meal?”

  Andrew caught the teasing disbelief in her voice. “No, management had that taken care of that up in the owner’s suite. Don’t worry, we had our fill of food and drink.”

  “And no doubt, tons of beautiful women. You can’t tell me it was a guys-only celebration.”

  “Nope, can’t say that it was. No one who interested me.” Andrew changed the subject. “How was your first day on the job?”

  Caryn described her position and her hopes for an enjoyable internship. “I guess I’ll finally jump into the world of Facebook and venture onto Instagram.” She paused a moment, and then laughed. “I just pictured my father’s expression if he knew what I’m doing. Though, of course he probably already knows, right?” When Andrew didn’t comment, she teased him. “And you’re sure I’m not going to get another text from him with a picture of you in the midst of all those beautiful women? Not even a forced selfie?”

  “I wasn’t really paying attention after the second—or was it third?—toast. Have at it. Let me know what shows up.”