storm clouds may gather
and stars may collide
**Ice storm continues to ravage southern Ontario, OPP warns motorists to stay off the roads**
You're gathering your stuff after the successful sports symposium, when Tessa says, "Scott, sounds like its pretty nasty out there".
You are about to counter with a macho retort about how well you know these roads, when you realize that the storm may well net you more Tessa time, so resistance is futile.
"Yeah well, by the OPP, I abide...I guess I could call some buds in town, but I'm not sure where everybody is at these days", you trail off, brief hit of puppy dog eyes.
"Well, I've got a whole suite at the Drake for the weekend, courtesy of CTV, come hang with me at a nice hotel for a change", she does that Tessa almost wink and your knees are already jello.
"Ok, deal." The Drake Hotel, hell, good thing you are sporting a very Tessa approved outfit.
The city is filling with tiny pellets of ice, it's quite pretty in the late afternoon light. Not as pretty, of course, as Tessa, in her bright eyes and stylish suit and happy, accomplished face.
"I thought that went soo well. It was so great to talk in an openly, and informed way, as opposed to the usual media speak. Did you you hear the moderator call us candid? And we got lots of social media from sports professionals in the audience."
"I'm glad you're happy T", you say and mean it. "Honestly I was a bit nervous, I've never spoken at a conference before, but it was super chill and I actually really felt respected for my thoughts and experiences."
"Scott, you were great", she says squeezing your arm, disarming smile. "You're a natural, especially when you're talking sports and skating. I mean it when I say you don't need a degree for that, you have your expertise."
She's told you this before, discussing further schooling, coaching at Gadbois. You want to believe there are possible next steps for you, but you know that you are not as prepared as she is for this whole transition.
The two year hiatus from competition was not your most productive time. You wonder sometimes if your sorry ass was a motivator for Tess to really invest in the comeback.
You owe her so much.
The Drake is swanky and stylish. It fits Tessa to a T. It's not a place you would typically find yourself gravitating to, but there's a new you finding place in these spaces, with this woman by your side.
You suggest a drink in the hip hotel bar before she does, because you know its what she wants to do.
She beams, asks the host for a spot by the front window. If he recognizes either of you he doesn't say, a perk of such privileged places. Tessa orders for both of you, two bourbon cocktails.
You sit in companionable silence while the Queen streetcar rumbles by, happy for the comfort of each other after a long "on" day.
The sun is setting, there's an ice storm brewing outside, you've got fancy socks on, and the most incredible woman in the world sitting across from you, toying with her maraschino cherry.
Turns out the bartender does recognize you, discreetly sending two more complimentary drinks and a plate of calamari.
Tessa's eyes darken, lose a bit of focus. You take the cue to bring the banter.
"So you were consciously shielding me from that mascot, right? Cause I sensed that and it kept me from launching an attack."
"I've always got your back, Moir".
You hold her gaze, settling in to this personal moment together. Away from competition, from the sports federation, coaches, parents, reporters.
A bar, a hotel room upstairs. No tomorrows that trump today.
She kisses you in the elevator, you pull her gently towards you, she leans in to the dance.
In the soft light of the hotel room you slowly undress her, kissing your way down her body. You whisper Tessa, Tessa. She hisses Scottt.
The wind outside howls, you spend the night adding to its song.