All or Nothing;8

I was sound asleep until I heard my phone ringing on the table in the kitchen. The television was blaring with Ken and Mickey going over highlights of the game.

"Hello?" I answered, still groggy.

"Jeesh, someones sounds like they've been sleeping on a floor all night." I immediately recognized the voice.

I laughed, "Yeah, I guess you know everything huh Aaron?"

"I try. Listen, though, someone let the cat out of the bag."

I cracked up at the use of his words, not bothering to comprehend them until later.

I groaned loudly, "Who? Helm?"

"Yeah, nice guess." He sounded surprised.

"Well, you let him know that I'm coming to practice tomorrow. Wait 'til I get my hands on him."

He laughed, "Can't wait to see this! I'll make sure to get the word out. Oh and one more thing"

I sighed, "Yes Aaron?"

"Fil was flattered, to say the least."

I shook my head and hung up the phone.

[Val's POV]

At practice I found what Helmer told me about Riley more adorable than anything else.My first impression of her was just a sweet, down to earth girl. But obviously she had a fun side to her, which I liked. Every one of the guys told me to ask her out but truthfully, I wasn't looking for a girlfriend, and I wasn't about to waste her time. Heidi and I had just broken up not even a month ago. And I wasn't sure if I was ready for another girl just yet.

Just as I was contemplating all of this in my head, she burst through the door of the locker room. She shot me a quick smile and I waved, the look on her face was like she was relived. Her walk then turned into a run as she spotted Darren hiding behind Maltby. I laughed as she playfully jumped on his back, put him in a headlock, and was talking into his ear. I was surprised that Helm couldn't toss her little frame right to the ground, but he listened and I'm guessing he deserved to.

I saw her make eye contact with me and then jump off his back, almost loosing her balance and her sweatpants at the same time. I could tell she was cracking up so I motioned for her to come over and sit next to me. She was still laughing when she sat down and her cheeks were a light shade of pink.

"Sorry," She said, "That had to be done. But I would have preferred not to moon everyone in the process."

"It's alright," I answered. "He did deserve it..."

She looked up at me, "Listen Val, whatever was said the other night, I'm really sorry if you took it the wrong way. I'm not like that at all."

I smiled at her, "Not a biggy. But what happened last week? I thought we were going to hang out after the game?"

She pressed her lips into a hard line, "Ozzie didn't tell you?" She turned her attention back to the full locker room, obviously looking for him.

She finally gave up looking for him, "Mrs. Illitch stopped me and wouldn't shut up. I'm so sorry. I'm not one to blow people off."

"Well, you'll just have to make it up to me then." I said proudly.

She laughed nervously, "I have a game tonight so what about Wednesday?"

"No tonight's perfect. I've been wanting to watch you play again anyway. Can a bring some of the guys?"

A smile spread across her face, "Yeah sure, tonight would be great."