Disclaimer: Hello, I am the author of this story, and I don't own anything in it.

Chapter 6

When Bombay is Away, The Cat Shall Play

Adam looked out from the balcony of the dorms. Practice had been cancelled for the day. Bombay was having a party at his condo for the rich and famous thrown by Hendrix and wanted to have the day to prepare. The rest of Team USA took the day to see the sights of Los Angeles. Dwayne, Jesse, Averman, and Goldberg had gone to Rodeo Dr. to check out some shops and proceeded to get kicked out of every shop they tried to enter. Luis and Kenny stayed in to sleep. Portman and Fulton hadn't gotten back yet from heaven knew what. Adam, Charlie, Guy, Connie, and Julie all went out to tour LA. Adam was grateful for the day off but part of him was guilty he hadn't gotten any practice in. He also felt a bit disgusted at Bombay for calling practice off for a party. Their coach was really changing.

A prone figure on the banks (A.N. no pun intended…really) of the lake caught his eye. Julie Gaffney was sitting alone on the grass under a tree, her knees pulled up to her chest looking sideways out at the lake. Adam's brow furrowed with worry. Julie never spent time by herself; she was normally with Connie or himself. Adam turned from the balcony and made his way out of the dorm, grabbing a jacket and keys on the way.

"Hey there, need company?" Julie looked up at Adam, his hands stuffed in his jean pockets, her green eyes melencholy. She nodded. Adam sat down next to her, leaning back on his elbows.

"You wanna tell me what's wrong?" Julie glanced at him.

"What makes you think that?" Adam smiled.

"Julie, I've gotten to know you really well. You aren't the type to sit by yourself when there's a lot more to be done. That's my gig."

She cracked a small smile. "All right, you got me there. I don't know if you want to hear it though. It's kind of a long story."

Adam looked at his watch. "Well, its almost six. Lights out is…well, never since Bombay isn't here to check. I'd say we have a long time for a long story."

Julie shook her head, "You're incorrigible. But okay, this is my sob story."

"Has anyone told you you're way too hard on yourself?"

Julie shot him a look, "You wanna hear it or not."

Adam figured this was a good time to shut his mouth.

"Thank you." She took a deep breath, "I wanna play. I've been here for three weeks, and my butt has been permenantly welded to our bench. The only time I've moved is to make room for the line coming in from actually playing. I knew that coming from Maine meant I'd have to compete for my spot, but I thought I'd actually get some playing time." Julie hung her head, her expression glum. "Is that totally selfish?"

Adam cupped her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "Hey, come on now. That's not selfish at all. It's understandable. I know you're a great goalie. I don't think Bombay understands that yet, he hasn't exactly been around. Talk to him tell him how you feel. He has to listen." He wiped the stray tear running down her cheek with his thumb. "One day, I promise, Bombay will give you your chance to show the world what you've got. And I'll bet that it'll be the one everyone will remember." Adam drew Julie to his chest, hugging her tightly.

Julie smiled through her tears and lifted her head. "Thanks Adam, that really meant a lot to me." She shivered slightly. Adam took off his jacket and laid it across her shoulders.

Adam shrugged, "You're my friend. And Ducks fly together."

"I thought we were Team USA." Julie joked bitterly.

"Huh, yeah. The Ducks wouldn't be caught up with this glamor stuff."

Julie shook her head sadly, "I don't know what I am anymore."

Adam sighed, angry at the beating Bombay was giving her self-confidence. "Here," he said, unclasping his lucky charm from his neck. "You need this more than I do."

She looked at him, her eyes wide. "Adam, I can't take this."

Adam looked at her. "Yeah, you can. I trust you with it." And my heart.

Julie shook her head, "How are you so understanding?"

He laughed, "I hang out with Fulton and Portman." He reached behind her and clasped the catch around Julie's neck. His fingers brushed her soft skin. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. Adam gazed back, seeing something different in her eyes. He swallowed hard leaning down. Her lips parted slightly as she closed her eyes and craned her neck to meet him halfway. Adam held his breath in anticipation. Their lips were inches apart and getting closer.

Muahaha! CLIFFHANGER. This is so payback for everyone who's left me hanging in their fanfic. Shall I continue? Well, yeah. R&R, and I might oblige.

Roxie