Sid's POV
The next day I was going to the rink with the team for some practice. Raina was working for the day and I shot her a good morning text without a reply yet. I figured she was busy. I ran into Marc on my way through the parking lot. "What's up dude?" I gave him a friendly hand shake.
He grinned, "How was the weekend?"
"Who told you?" Marc gave me the who know who look. "Vero."
"Yup, Raina called her last night. She sounded really excited."
I just grinned and headed into the locker room. There were a few people watching practice in the stands. I looked up and found Emily on a bleacher. I felt my heart drop in my stomach. I had to find a way to make this situation right. I trying my best to ignore even seeing her. I was playing sloppy. Fans were enjoying my moves, but I knew they weren't on point and so did the guys.
I skated off of the ice and threw my stick down after I got passed the doors and away from everyone. I just wish we could of made things right the first time, Riana and I. I sighed and sat on the bench. There were a few teammates and staff walking around but didn't bother to ask what was wrong. I took off my gear and jumped on a bike. I didn't want eyes on me, especially Emily's.
I wasn't sure how much time passed while I was working out, but I noticed the sound of the guys die down. I headed back into the locker room and it was cleared out. I took a shower and walked out to my car. I checked my phone and found a text from Raina.
Morning! Well afternoon lol. I'm so busy today. How are you?
I felt a smile on my face. Having a rough day. I'm not to busy tomorrow, want to grab lunch on your break?
I put my phone in my pocket and walked to my car. I waited long enough to escape fans. There are just some days I don't want to be a public figure. As I almost make to my car, I hear my name called. I took a deep breath and looked over, noticing the voice.
"Sidney! Sid," Emily rushed over, wrapping her arms around me.
I wrapped one arm around her, patting her back. "Were you here the whole time?" I asked pretending I didn't notice she was there the whole practice.
She pulled away with a smile, "Yeah, I guess you didn't see me out there. I waited a while for you to come out. I even beat the fans!" she giggled.
"Yeah," I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "So, what's going on?"
"I just wanted to come out and support you. I thought about asking if you want to come over for dinner after you get home and relax a bit."
I looked at the ground and gave it a thought, feeling my phone buzz in my pocket. I knew it was Raina. The girl that left me so long ago. I looked at Emily and gave her a smile. "Just come to my place around four and you can cook there." I needed to give both girls a chance.
"Okay!" she gave me a kiss and winked, "I'll see you in a bit."
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I was texting Raina here and there. We decided on lunch tomorrow since all she had was a photo shoot in the morning and nothing else till the afternoon for a home visit with a client. Her salon preformed to go services. She really transformed from what seemed like a dead end job to a wonderful, career driven woman. That's what was making me see the changes, but I couldn't rely on that. I needed more time to see where my heart was.
Emily came to my house a little after four and kissed my cheek as she walked inside. "How are ya?" she asked bubbly, walking straight to the kitchen with a few bags from the store.
"I have everything planned out. You can help if you want," she said grabbing pots and pans out of my cabinets. I helped cut up chicken and make pasta. I wasn't much of a cook, but I did what I could. She had me set the table while she finished the rest. There was something about Emily that wasn't making me excited. She was predictable and clingy. Although, she was sweet and kind. She treated me well, which I was thankful for. I just wondered if she was like this because she cared for me or because I was a super star athlete. Maybe it was both. Raina didn't seem to mind that at all. When she met me, she knew a great deal of hockey, but seemed occupied with her own life and that was attractive. I had to tell my story and she wouldn't read a book about me before a date to know what foods or tv shows I liked. It was like I was working for her, instead of her working for my attention.
Emily walked into the room, interrupting my thoughts. "Ready?" she asked bring out the food.
"Bring it on!" I laughed sitting down in front of my plate. Emily talked about her job and all the drama. She worked at bank in Pittsburgh and always had a story about a rude customer or some girl she worked with. I just would take it all in and nod.
"Sid," she said drawing my attention to her face. "What makes you want Raina back?"
My heart felt into my stomach, again. This was happening too often lately. "I just..." trying to get my words to come out right, I just felt like I was stumbling. "She just... makes me feel different. Emily, this is wonderful and all, but you can't force something that isn't there. I haven't found a girl that makes me feel like I have to work for something. Raina does that. She makes me reach for more. It's like I'm not just an athlete; I'm a real person to her."
"I don't make you any type of way?" I felt her search for an answer in my eyes and looked disappointed when nothing came out right away.
"It's not that I don't feel any type of way with you. It's just it's not what I'm looking for. I love everything you do for me, but I'm pampered. You deserve a man who is going to treat you the same, if not better, than you treat them." I saw her eyes fill up with tears. I got up and moved next to her. I handed her a napkin. "I can't wipe your tears anymore, Em. We have to move on and stop trying to make this work if you're getting this upset."
"I never gave up on you, Sidney! She did!"
"Raina never gave up. I pushed her away with my attitude. I fucked up and I feel awful for that. I have to make it up to her."
"Maybe she doesn't want a guy to give her everything! She doesn't do anything for you."
I felt myself angry. "Emily, she makes me happy. She always has. Sometimes your just drawn to someone and you can't explain why." She didn't bother to hold tears back. Her make up was starting to dip down her face. "I'll clean up. You can go home. I'm sorry, Em. I was trying. I really was."
"No hard feelings." She grabbed her purse and walked to the door. I followed to shut the door behind her. She turned around and pressed her lips against mine. "Bye, Sidney."
With that she walked outside. I felt the cold air swoop inside of my house. I shut the door and ran my fingers through my hair. "Fuck!"
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The next day I felt like shit. I drank a few beers and passed out on the couch. It was almost ten and I made plans to see Raina for lunch. Quickly getting ready, I thought about last night and wondered if what I did was right. In my heart it felt like it was, but my mind was just wondering. Raina texted me, I'll meet you at Applebee's in Robinson at 11:30. I couldn't wait.
