Don't own it....wish I did.

To all of those who read and review....I can not thank you enough. You all keep me going.

Author's note: To all those who think the end is in site....it is....however, there is at least 3, if not more chapters left in this saga. I fixed the mix up with the waitress' son's name. I orginally gave her twins but the wording didn't sound right. Unfortunatly, when I changed it to one kid Ideleted the wrong name....his name is Paul....sorry for any confusion.

Chapter 22: Meetings

We all figured my dad would run a tough practice today....we were so wrong. The practice was brutal! He worked them like they had lost. There were a few times I seriously thought he was going to pull a "Norway" and have the guys do hours of herbies. He didn't go quite as far....but it was close.

As the guys were exiting the ice I heard my dad call Jack over to the boards. I have to say it made me nervous....what did he want to talk to Jack about? I casually tried to get closer so I could hear what was being said. Eventually Jack and I made eye contact and my nerves were calmed. Whatever was being discussed caused no need for alarm. My nerves were furthered calmed by the fact that the whole discussion took about 3 minutes. When my dad was a safe enough distance away I went over to Jack.

"What was that about?"

"Your dad just wanted to see how my knee was feeling."

"How is your knee feeling?"

"The truth?"

"Always."

"It's sore. Nothing major. I will be fine for the game."

I search his eyes to make sure he is telling me the truth. I know Jack would never maliciously lie to me. I just want to make sure he is not sugar coating his condition.

"Ok. Just make sure you let him, or me, or Doc know if that changes."

"Yeah."

"You promise?"

"Promise."

"Good. Now that we have that settled....I am starving!"

"I could definitely eat....what do you feel like having?"

"Don't laugh at me but....I was thinking we could get burgers and bring them back to the room. I feel like getting into my pjs and just sort of vegging....tomorrow is going to be...."

"Hell."

"I was going for nerve wracking....but hell will work too....So what do you say?"

"Let me see....alone time with my girlfriend....eating greasy burgers....how could I say no?"

"Terrific. There is a diner right by the village. We can pick up the food there."

"Cool. Let me get changed and then we are out of here."

"Ok. Remind the guys to throw their practice jerseys in one of the bins."

Jack nods and heads into the locker room. That is one of the great things about the Olympics. There are people who will do the laundry. As long as you don't need it back right away and since this was our last practice....our last practice....wow! I can not believe this is all ending....I remember the fist day....so many things have changed....

I am so lost in my thoughts I don't even hear Jack come out of the locker room.

"Hello....earth to Tara....where did you go this time?"

"Sorry....I was just thinking....this was our last practice....do you remember the first?"

"There are some parts I would like to forget."

"I don't."

"Not even the fight I had with Mac?"

"Nope....I don't want to forget....or even change any of it. That is how we got here."

I wrap my arms around Jack's waist.

"And I like it here."

"Yeah....I do too. But I will like it better when I can get some food and get you alone."

"I am the one that has been waiting for you. You ready to go?"

"I was born ready."

I laugh. A lot may have changed....but Jack's ego....which I had pegged from day one....that is still exactly the same....and I love it....I love him.

"Let's go."

When we get to the diner Jack heads to the rest room and I go to the counter to order.

"How can I help you today?"

"I would like to place a take out order."

"Sure. What can I get you?"

"One plain and one cheese burger....with well done French fries."

"Anything to drink?"

"Nope....that's it"

"Ok. It will be about 15 minutes. Can I have your name?"

"Tara?"

That didn't come out of my mouth and it didn't sound like Jack....it sounded like....

"Hi dad."

"Hey sweetie. What are you doing?"

"I was tired and hungry, so I figured I just grab some take out and head back to the village."

"By yourself?"

"Yeah. I...."

"Miss how do you want those burgers cooked?"

"Um....medium please."

"Both of them?"

"Yeah."

"Both of them....you must be very hungry?"

"Yeah....I wasn't sure if I wanted plain or cheese....so I got one of each."

My dad looks confused for a second and then seems to brush it off.

"Well don't get yourself sick. We have got a long day tomorrow."

"Ok dad. Thanks. I love you."

"I love you too. Get some rest. I will see you tomorrow."

My dad turns and walks out the door and I talk a rather large breath. Jack is by my side in less than a minute.

"What was that all about?"

"He must have seen me through the window. He just came in to say hi."

"Good thing I was in the bathroom."

"Yeah....unfortunately my dad now thinks I am a pig because I ordered two burgers."

We both nervously laugh.

"Well....all will be out soon enough."

"It can't come fast enough."

"You really mean that?"

"Yeah. I am ready to come out. I want to begin the next phase....settling in at my new job....telling your parents....and everything else that is going to happen."

"Everything else? What does that mean?"

"That is for me to know and for you to find out."

I would have pressed further but the waitress was talking.

"Hey....your OC....you're on the hockey team."

Jack and I both look at each other a little surprised. He has never been recognized before.

"Yeah....that is me. Jack O'Callahan. Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine. Hey can I have an autograph for my son. He loves you guys."

"Sure no problem."

The waitress hands Jack one of the menus and a pen.

"His name is Paul."

Jack signs the menu and hands it back to the women.

"Thank you so much. Paul is going to be thrilled."

"No problem."

There is an awkward moment of silence and then a bus boy comes over with a bag.

"Oh....your foods done."

"Great. How much do we owe?"

"It is on the house. Just play good tomorrow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Now go."

"Thanks."

Jack grabs the bag and we head out of the diner,

"Well that was the strangest trip to a diner I have ever taken."

"No kidding....first your dad shows up and then I get recognized....I got recognized....can you believe it?"

"No....but it was kind of cool."

"Yeah....weird....but cool....plus we got free food. I just hope it doesn't happen too often."

"As long as they are all married women, men or small children...."

"What if it is some young women? Are you going to get jealous?"

"What do you think?"

"I think....I know....you have nothing to be worried about....I only have eyes for you."

"You better."

"Come on....the food is getting cold."

We head out the same door my dad used only a few minutes ago and head back to the village. I am really looking forward to relaxing tonight. I....we....really need it. Tomorrow is a big day!