Page 26 of Capturing the Captain

“WHAT? Oh my God!” She practically sprints past me towards the bathroom. The evil smile on Sasha’s face says it all.

“Josh.” She greets me and I give her the same in return.

“Sasha.” We’re quiet for a beat before she speaks up.

“She’ll be okay, you know?” I nod, trying to believe her. “Seeing Ryan really threw her off. He’s always been able to get in her head. Make her see things that aren’t there.” She shakes her head. “He’s such a prick.”

“Can I ask you something?” She nods, “Do you think she’d ever go back to him?”

She looks at me for a moment, questions in her eyes. “No, she wouldn’t. I know she wouldn’t. What makes you ask?”

“Seems like he’s trying to get into my head too is all.”

“Don’t let him. He’s always been like this. Doesn’t want her happy with anyone but him. He used to do the same with me and Liv.”

“Such a prick.” I mutter.

“She feels awful for last night. Saying those things to you.”

“I know. But I also know it wasn’t her. I could see it in her eyes that she wasn’t in there when she said those things.”

“You love her.” It’s not a question but a statement.

“Is that even possible? I’ve known her for barely two weeks.”

“I believe it’s possible. I see it in your eyes. The way you look at her. Anyone with half a brain would know you love that girl.”

“Do you think she’ll forgive me?”

“She doesn’t need to forgive you, Josh. You have done nothing wrong here. Could you have told her about your fucking around before now? Yes. But you don’t need to be sorry for that.” I let out a long sigh, hands gripping the back of my neck. “She’s heard the reputation of hockey players. I think it was just a kick in the cunt to hear it from you.”

This is not the time to smile but I’ve never heard anyone say that before; I can’t help it. Sasha smiles back at me. “You’re good for her. And I know I don’t know you, but I think she's good for you too. You just need to show her that she can trust you and you’ll be okay.”

“Thank you, Sasha.”

The bathroom door opens and we go quiet.

“I’m ready.” Olivia says, looking between the two of us. She looks like she’s at war with herself. Just walk out the door now or come to me. Relief washes over me as she chooses the latter, embracing me in a tight hug, not wanting to let go. I need to kiss her but I’m scared that if I make the move she won’t let me.

Pulling out of the hug, she cups my face with her hands. They are soft and gentle against my skin, as she runs her thumbs along my cheek bones.

I have one hand wrapped around her waist, the other snaking through the hair at the back of her head. She brings her face closer to mine and I seize the moment. I kiss her.

It’s not rough, not hungry but passionate. Gentle. Our tongues brush together, fleeting. In this moment, I hope she can feel how much she means to me. How much I need her to come back to me.

The kiss ends too soon and she leaves my apartment. I just hope this isn’t the end for us.

15

Olivia

It’s Sunday evening. I’m sitting on my couch, preparing for my new job tomorrow. My will to work is nonexistent this weekend. The urge to call Josh every two seconds is so strong, it's driving me crazy.

The guys won the game last night. One step closer to the Stanley Cup. I’ll be honest, before I got this job I knew fuck all about hockey so I’ve been doing some research. And to be even more honest… it doesn't make sense to me. I understand that there are three 20-minute plays, and I know about penalties and how to win. But, that's as far as my knowledge for the sport goes. I'm sure I'll learn as I go along.

Everytime my phone lights up with a text or call, my heart beats like crazy. I wish Josh would call me. I know I told him not to, but I wish he would go against my wishes and call anyway. I want to see him so badly. I've never felt so lonely in my life. Not after my dad left. Not after my mum basically abandoned me. Not even after I left Ryan and had nowhere to go. But this weekend has been hell. I've been alone with no problem for years now, but after having Josh in my life for a week, I know I don't want to be alone. I can’t be alone. Not where Josh is concerned.

Sasha had done a great job at distracting me on Friday, but he was always in the back of my mind. I hate myself for the way I spoke to him. The guilt is like a gut-punch causing an agonizing pit in the bottom of my stomach. It’s consuming me. Not even watching Friends on a loop is helping.