Here is Chapter 2 of Chuck vs. The Figure Skater. Please let me know what you think. Usual disclaimers apply.
Chapter 2
Chuck's dream of a certain blonde beauty was disturbed by what sounded like the Olympic theme music fanfare. What in the world is going on? Why would they be broadcasting that music so early in the morning? He then cracked open one eye and looked around the room. After the fog lifted from his brain, he realized where he was and searched for the offending alarm clock, only to realize that there wasn't one and that the noise was coming from his phone. Chuck snatched up his phone and silenced the alarm, stretched, stood up and headed for the bathroom.
He took a shower, wrapped a towel around his waist, and went to his closet to get dressed. Just then, he heard a soft knocking on the door and wondered who could possibly be at the door at 9:00am. It's probably Morgan because he forgot his key.
Chuck went to the door and without looking through the peep hole, opened it and said, "Morgan…"
Chuck's mouth dropped open when he realized it wasn't Morgan, but was Sarah, holding a container with 2 cups of coffee and a bag from a bakery. "Wha Wha…..ummm, Oh hi, Sarah. What are you doing here?"
Sarah looked at Chuck appraisingly, raised an eyebrow and said "Did I interrupt something? Do you want me to come back?" Sarah looked at Chuck's wet hair and bare chest and liked what she saw. "I brought you coffee and a blueberry muffin." She held them out toward him.
Chuck, finally remembering his state of dress, or rather undress, almost turned completely red, including his torso. "Wait, nonono, come in. I'll go get dressed in the bathroom."
Sarah entered the room and set the items she brought on the table. Chuck grabbed his clothes and headed for the bathroom. "Make yourself at home," he said over his shoulder as he closed the door.
Sarah smiled to herself and went about the kitchen area and found two plates and set the food on them. A blueberry muffin for Chuck and a chocolate croissant for her.
Chuck came out the bathroom clad in jeans, a T shirt and a Harvard sweatshirt. He finally took a good look at Sarah and noticed she was wearing a blue top with white buttons and jeans that were revealed after she took off her coat. She looked fantastic.
"Wow, Sarah. What a nice surprise. I certainly wasn't expecting to see you this morning."
"My roommate left early for practice and I didn't feel like eating alone. So, I remembered what you said last night, about blueberry muffins, and took a chance that you'd be here. I hope you don't mind."
"Why would I mind? I'm so glad you came. Why didn't you call your partner, Bryce?"
"I'm meeting him for practice soon and I see him enough as it is. Besides, I thought it would be fun to see what my new friend looked like in the morning."
"Friend, huh?" Chuck couldn't help but smile. "I like that."
"Me, too," said Sarah. "Now come and eat your breakfast."
After a pleasant time eating breakfast and chatting amicably, Sarah left Chuck's room and headed off to meet Bryce for practice. Chuck and Sarah exchanged contact information, including emails and telephone numbers. Chuck gathered up his hockey gear to prepare for his practice session.
Chuck's phone rang and he picked it up. It was Ellie.
"Hi, little brother. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing great sis. Are you going to see any events today?"
"No, but we are going to see the Pairs figure skating short-program tomorrow night. We're going to go to the long-program the next night, too."
"Great, sis. I'll see you there."
"Do you want to have dinner with us tonight?"
"I can't sis. I have a date."
Chuck had to hold the phone away from his ear after Ellie squealed in delight.
"You have a date, Chuck? With who? How did you meet her?"
" We met after the opening ceremony and seemed to hit it off. She's Sarah Walker and she's a pairs figure skater. You will see her at the rink tomorrow?"
"Sarah Walker, who skates with Bryce Lakin?"
"That's the one."
"I'm a big fan of their team. Can you introduce me?"
"Of, course El."
"We're going to Gotham Steakhouse for dinner tonight. Why don't you join us? We sure would like to meet her."
"Is she going to want to meet the family when we haven't even gone on our first date?"
"I see your point. Why don't you ask her, and if it's too soon, we can do it another time."
"OK, El. Sounds like a plan. What time are you going to be there?"
"We have reservations at 7:00."
"I'll let you know."
Chuck hung up the phone and looked at the clock. It was 12:30 and he decided to call Sarah since it was still before her practice time.
Sarah heard her phone ring and looked at the display and saw it was Chuck. "Hello Chuck.:
"Hi Sarah. Do you have a sec."
Suddenly worried, Sarah said "Sure Chuck. Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing like that. I'm really looking forward to our date tonight."
"Me, too."
"The reason for my call is I received an invite to join my sister and parents for dinner at the Gotham Steakhouse and I told them I couldn't because I have a date with you. Then they invited both of us to join them. I know we haven't been on a first date yet, but it would be nice for you to meet my family and have a nice steak dinner. We can go dancing afterward. Are you interested?
Sarah pondered the new developments for a moment. I was really looking forward to being just with Chuck, but the restaurant sounds really nice and it would be great to meet his family.
"That sounds like fun, Chuck. Let's do it. Carina told me about a great dance place close to here that we can go to afterward."
"Great, Sarah. Have a great practice. See you at 6:00."
"You, too. See you then."
Chuck called back Ellie and gave her the good news. He picked up his bag and headed off to the cafeteria before going to the Canada Hockey Place for practice.
Sarah met Bryce and their coach, Diane Beckman, at the Pacific Coliseum for practice. Sarah noticed a smug grin on Bryce's face when she got there and raised an eyebrow.
"What are you looking so smug about Bryce? You look like the cat that got the canary. Did you hook up with Carina or something last night?
Bryce answered back. "Or something…."
"Don't be coy with me, Bryce. Spill."
"Let's just say you're friend and I had an understanding. A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell."
"You're no gentleman, Bryce. Did you get lucky last night?
"Ok. Ok. Yes, she got lucky last night."
"Nice way to put the benefit back on her. You truly think a lot of yourself, don't you, Bryce. Carina is the perfect diversion for you. Neither of you are interested in any kind of long-term commitment. Just don't let it become a distraction.
"You're one to talk. I saw you leaving that hockey player's room this morning. Why are you interested in him? He looks a little geeky to me."
"I'm a bit of a geek myself, don't forget. We preferred to be called nerds. I just brought him breakfast this morning. I'm going to have dinner with him and his family tonight."
"Talk about distractions. You're going out to dinner the night before the short-program?"
"We're not skating until late in the afternoon. Besides, I don't sleep well before a competition. I might as well go have some fun to make the time go by faster. Don't worry. I won't drink any alcohol before the competition."
Beckman, tired of listening to her two protégées bickering came over and stood in front of them. "Come on you two. It's time to focus. This is the biggest competition you will ever be in and you have a good shot at a gold medal. I'm surprised at you, Walker. You normally don't get involved with anyone anywhere near a competition."
"She hasn't gotten involved with anyone in over two years, Diane. Maybe you should cut her a little slack. God knows she could use a little loosening up. She's been wound as tight as a drum lately," said Bryce.
Sarah cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. He's right. I have been rather tense for quite awhile. Maybe this, whatever it is, with Chuck would be real good for me. Even during a competiton.
Beckman sighed. "You're right Bryce. Sarah has been rather tense and it would be good for her to relax a bit. Just not too much. OK, you two. Have some fun but don't lose focus. You really have a good shot at winning."
The three talked a bit more before Sarah and Bryce hit the ice and went through their routine. Sarah had a bit of trouble with the landing on the throw triple lutz but didn't fall. Other than that everything went well. They spent some time working on their side-by-side jump combinations and triple toe-loops and then went through their routine twice more. Everything went well and it was time to go.
The three looked over to the side boards and saw their chief competitors for the gold medal. Daniel Shaw and Amy Smith were standing on the ice talking to their coach, Pierre Melville, who was standing on the other side of the boards. Pierre saw them and stared daggers at Sarah and Bryce.
US Hockey coach John Casey called the team over to the bench. "Gentlemen, you are really looking great out there. We just really need to capitalize on the power pay and play great on the penalty kill. Better yet, let's stay out of the penalty box. Bartowski, you've earned your place on the checking line and will need to go against the other team's best center. Do you think you can handle Sid the Kid?"
"I'll do my best, sir."
"Let's hit the showers men. Next practice is tomorrow morning at 11am. We'll emphasize the power play and keeping the third man on high to avoid out manned attacks."
The players wearily headed to the locker room. Casey ran practices like he was a drill sergeant in the army. If the team could survive the practices, they should go far in the tournament and play for the gold medal.
Chuck could hardly wait to get back and get ready for his big date with Sarah.
Waiting outside the Canada Hockey Center was a dark haired man wearing an overcoat talking on his cell phone.
"He's on his way back, sir. What do you want me to do?"
"Just observe and follow for now. We will contact you later with further instructions."
The man pocketed his phone and headed to his car.
After leaving practice, Sarah went to the nearby department store to buy a dress for her date. Not expecting to need one at the Olympics, she didn't pack one. She met her roommate and friend Zondra Rizzo at the store to help her pick out a dress. Zondra was a speed skater and a favorite to win medals in the longer distance races. Happy for her friend Sarah, she was eager to help her pick out the perfect dress.
"Sarah, try this blue one on. It's perfect for your eyes and sexy, but not overtly so."
Sarah agreed and tried it on. It fit perfectly. She tried on several others but kept coming back to the blue one and decided to buy it. Zondra also found her some shoes to match and they headed back to the village with her purchases.
Chuck arrived back in his room and started getting ready. His parents had taught him to always be ready for any occasion and he had packed a sport coat, dress shirt and tie in case he needed to look nice.
Morgan looked Chuck over and pronounced him fit for his date with Sarah. He handed Chuck a red rose to take with him to give to Sarah. Chuck thanked him and he headed out the door.
Reaching Sarah's room, he knocked nervously on the door, hoping he looked ok. When Zondra opened the door, Chuck was surprised and thought for a moment that he was in the wrong place. Zondra smiled and said, "You must be Chuck. Sarah will be right out. Please come in."
Chuck stepped into the room as Sarah exited the bathroom. She looked stunning in her blue dress and Chuck momentarily stopped breathing as he looked at her. Sarah smiled at him, noticing his reaction and said "Hi Chuck. Is that for me?"
Breaking his trance Chuck said, "So sorry. Yes, this is for you. You look fantastic Sarah."
"Thank you, Chuck. You look very dapper yourself. Let me put this in water and we can go."
Sarah put the rose in water and placed it on her nightstand. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Chuck."
"You're welcome, Sarah. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah" Sarah replied. They said goodbye to Zondra and headed out the door.
Sarah took Chuck's offered arm and they walked to the curb and got in a taxi to head to the restaurant.
After a pleasant ride and conversation, they arrived at their destination, the Gotham Steakhouse. Once inside the restaurant the maître de took their coats and he showed them to their table where Chuck's parents and sister were waiting. Stephen Bartowski stood as they arrived and greeted the couple.
"You must be Sarah. Hi, I'm Chuck's father Stephen and this is my wife and Chuck's mother Mary and his sister Ellie."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Bartowski. You too Ellie" replied Sarah.
"Please call me Stephen."
"And you can call me Mary. Please have a seat."
Chuck pulled Sarah's chair out for her and slid it back in like the gentleman he was taught to be. Then he sat down next to her at the round table they were given. The waiter came over and asked if anyone wanted something to drink. Since they were still competing, both Chuck and Sarah ordered Cokes and Stephen ordered a bottle of Chardonnay for him, Mary and Ellie to share.
"So Sarah", Ellie asked, "what do you think your chances are for winning a gold medal?"
"Since we are the current World Champions, it certainly helps with the name recognition with the judges. As long as we skate our best, we should have a good shot at it. We have been really good in practice, so we are pretty confident."
"What kind of work are you in Ellie"
"I'm a neurology doctor in Los Angeles."
"I hope to study medicine at Stanford after I have finished competing. I have been accepted to start in the fall. What kind of work are you in Mr., I mean Stephen?
"We own our own computer company called Orion Technology Group. Mary and I own it and Chuck helps design software for us in his spare time."
Mary said "I head up the marketing division and Stephen leads technology development."
"Do you do business with companies or consumers? Sarah asked.
"Mainly companies and government contracts, but Chuck is working on more consumer products like educational and entertainment games."
The waiter brought their drinks and handed them the menus. He told them the soups of the day and the daily specials.
Everyone discussed what was on the menu and made their choices: Filet Mignon, baked potato and salad for Sarah, Prime Rib, baked potato and soup for Chuck, New York steak and prawns and for Ellie, and Porterhouse for Stephen and Mary, along with baked potato and salad.
They all asked Chuck and Sarah how they met and what the thought of the opening ceremony. Later, the food arrived and they thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Chuck's family really enjoyed meeting Sarah and Sarah liked Chuck's family very much.
At the end of the meal, Stephen picked up the check and they all said their goodbyes. Ellie told Sarah that they would all be there to cheer her and Bryce on in the short and long programs.
After dinner, Chuck hailed a taxi to take them to the Caprice Nightclub. Once they arrived, they headed upstairs and stood at the balcony to watch the dancers below on the large dance floor. A waitress stopped by and asked if they wanted anything to drink. While they watched the crowded dance floor, the waitress returned with their soft drinks and Chuck paid her.
"You have a very nice family, Chuck. I'm very glad I got to meet them."
"I'm glad you liked them. My parents can be a little intense at times but they sure liked you. Ellie was very excited that she got to meet them. You are going to have a larger fan section at your event that you thought with us Bartowskis cheering you on. "
"I know that I'll enjoy the extra support, Chuck. I hope it's not too soon to say something this, but being around you makes me feel comfortable. Safe."
"I'm glad to hear that, Sarah. I really enjoy being with you too. Even though we only meet a couple of days ago, I feel like I've known you for months. Do you not feel safe sometimes?
"There have been times in the past where I have been bothered by some, shall we say, over zealous fans."
"That's terrible, Sarah. I hope they haven't hurt you before."
"Fortunately, no, but they have sent me some weird things, like strange pictures and stuff."
"I'll be happy to serve as your bodyguard, Sarah."
"I hope you don't think that the only reason I agreed to go out with you was that I needed a bodyguard. I like you, Chuck."
"I hate to admit that thought crossed my mind. I keep wondering why you would even want to go out with me."
"Why would you think that, Chuck?"
"Oh, every guy in this joint has done nothing but stare at you the entire time we have been here. You're beautiful, talented, incredibly smart and could probably kick the ass of everyone in here. I'm just an amateur hockey player that only made the team because an NHL player got hurt. Besides, I'm a total nerd."
"Your sister told me what a smart guy you are, getting straight A's at Harvard. You made the hockey team Chuck and you're going to be playing in the Olympics. You're a handsome gentleman and very, very nice to boot. Why are so insecure around women?
Chuck pondered her question for a minute and decided to give her a blatantly honest answer. "It goes back to my last girlfriend, Jill. She was my first love in high school and I foolishly thought she was the one. I know. Pretty stupid, wasn't it. I'm long over her but I'm afraid every woman I want to get to know better and get close to will reject me. So, I haven't tried too hard at any relationships in college and focused on school and hockey."
"I haven't been too good at relationships either, Chuck. Most men I meet just want to see how fast they can bet me into bed. You're different, Chuck. I like that. Although I did have a long-term relationship that didn't end well a couple of years ago. So I may come with baggage."
"Oh, I could be your very own baggage handler." Chuck then realized how dumb of a comment that was and thankfully Sarah just let it slide.
Sarah looked down at the dance floor. "Would you like to dance, Chuck?"
"I don't know. I'm not very good."
Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand and led him down the stairs. "Just relax Chuck and feel the music. I'll help you."
Chuck turned out to be a better dancer than he led on about and they thoroughly enjoyed their dance and decided to stay out on the floor for several more. Finally the band stopped playing and they took a break. Chuck led Sarah over to a table and went to buy them another drink. While Chuck was gone, Zondra and Carina showed up with Bryce and another speed skater and went to where Sarah was sitting.
"Fancy meeting you here, Walker" said Carina. "Is that your new boy toy that just left?"
"His name is Chuck and he's not my boy toy. We're on a date."
"Nice buns, Sarah. Are you going to take him for a spin tonight?"
"Wow, Carina. You're asking that in front of Bryce? I thought you two hooked up last night."
"We did, but he doesn't have any exclusive rights. Chucky looks like he works out."
"Chuck is a perfect gentleman. He's treating me like a queen. I'm really enjoying that."
"A gentleman, huh. How disappointing. What's he bringing back. Rum and coke?"
"Just the coke, Carina. Have you forgotten I'm competing tomorrow? No alcohol until after the competition."
Chuck came back with their drinks. "Here you go, Sarah. Who are your friends?"
Sarah introduced him to Bryce, Carina and Skip, the other speed skater.
Carina pressed up against Chuck and whispered into his ear. "Care to dance, Chuck?"
Chuck stammered back, "No no no, thank you anyway. I'm here with Sarah. Carina looked a Sarah and said "You don't mind if I take him for a spin around the dance floor, do you Sarah?"
Sarah looked at Chuck who was panicking. She came over to Chuck, stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. Chuck blushed and Sarah smiled at him and said, "Go ahead, Chuck. One dance won't hurt."
Carina took Chuck's hand and led him to the dance floor. A new band had started playing a slow song. Chuck to Carina's right had in his left and put his hand at the small of her back and proceeded to lead her around the dance floor and they chatted while dancing.
"Sarah is one of my oldest friends. What are your intentions with her?"
"My intentions are completely honorable, Carina. I only want to treat her with the respect she deserves."
"How disappointing, for me that is. Sarah is a really good person and isn't into one night stands. She really needs to be with someone like you who wants a real relationship."
They looked over and Skip was dancing with Sarah and Bryce with Zondra.
"I really like Sarah, Carina. I don't do one night stands. I like Sarah a lot and I hope it will develop into something more. We just met at the opening ceremony. I'm willing and excited to give it a chance."
"I can read Sarah like a book and I can tell she really likes you. I say go for it. It's about time she met a good man."
"Wow, thank you for the endorsement Carina. I'm very pleasantly surprised."
"I may come on a little strong at times, but I'm really just trying to have a little fun. Besides, I really only want what's best for Sarah. She treats sex and relationships a lot differently that I do."
The song ended and another was starting up. Carina steered Chuck over to Sarah and as Chuck took Sarah's hand to begin dancing, Carina whispered into her ear and said "I approve. He's a keeper but he's going to need a little nudging along the way."
Sarah winked at Carina to let her know that she understood and mouthed a thank you to her.
The next dance was a tango. Chuck expertly took Sarah into his arms and led her around the floor. Sarah was amazed that he could dance this dance so well and when the song ended, Chuck executed a perfect dip and looked deep into Sarah's eyes. Both were breathless and not being able to resist, their lips met in a chaste but passionate kiss.
"Chuck, I thought you said you didn't know how to dance. That was….fantastic."
Thinking of the kiss, Chuck said, "You're right, that was fantastic" as he touched his lips not believing what had just happened.
Sarah realizing what he meant just smirked at him and said, "I was talking about the dance, silly. But the kiss was great, too."
Chuck woke from his trance and blushed. "Would you like something else to drink?"
"Sure, Chuck. But we probably shouldn't stay out much longer. You have practice in the morning and I have the short program tomorrow."
"I didn't realize it was getting so late. I'll call a cab and have them pick us up in about half an hour.
Chuck brought them some more drinks and they chatted with their friends until it was time to leave.
Chuck went and got his and Sarah's coats and helped her on with hers. They went outside and Chuck held open the door for Sarah to get inside the taxi. Once inside, she leaned into Chuck and he draped his arm over her shoulder for a very pleasant ride back to the village.
Once back at the village, Chuck paid for the taxi and he walked Sarah back to her room. Chuck was wondering the whole way if he should kiss her goodnight and was afraid it was too soon.
Sarah was also wondering if Chuck was going to kiss her goodnight. She really liked him and was sure he really liked her and she was hoping he would, but she was unsure if he would make the first move. She resolved that she would give him every hint and indication she knew that she wanted to so he would feel comfortable kissing her goodnight.
When they arrived at her door, Sarah took out her key, fumbled with it and dropped in on the ground. Chuck, being the gentleman he was immediately stooped down and picked up the key. He inserted it into the lock, unlocked the door and opened it for Sarah. He took the key out of the lock and took Sarah's hand and put the key in it as she faced him. Both knew it was too soon for her to invite him in so she said "Thank you for a wonderful evening Chuck. I really had a nice time."
Chuck beamed a brilliant smile and said "I'm glad you had a good time, Sarah. I did, too. I'm looking forward to watching you compete tomorrow."
"I'm glad you'll be there. It'll also be fun to have the Bartowski fan section cheering us on."
Sarah took Chuck's hands in hers and looked deep into his eyes with her chin tilted up at him and waited telling Chuck in her mind to kiss her already. Chuck, being timid slowly lowered his head toward Sarah. Just then Zondra showed up, breaking the moment. As she walked inside she turned to Chuck and said "Will you hurry up and kiss her already? I've been waiting around the corner but just had to go to the loo and couldn't wait any longer."
Zondra, after walking inside, left Chuck and Sarah standing alone at the door. Chuck started to speak "Sarah, I don't know…."
Sarah interrupted him. "Chuck?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up and kiss me."
And he did.