Of Dreams and Miracles
By Misha

Disclaimer and Notes in Prologue.

Part Thirteen: Girlfriends

"So how's Little Miss Hockey USA?" Kathleen asked with a grin.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at the title. She had decided to take advantage of a rare afternoon and get in some bonding time with Kathleen.

"I'm dating Jack O'Callahan." Elizabeth told her casually.

Kathleen shot her a look. "You're dating him? When did this happen? Last time we talked, you were freaked out because he kissed you and now you're dating him?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "I figured maybe it was time to listen to your advice and stop hiding away because I had one bad experience. Besides, I just couldn't resist him."

"What about Mac?" Kathleen asked quietly. "Have you settled everything on that front?"

"Not really." Elizabeth told her. "We're on better terms, we've gone back to being friends, real friends, butÖ"

"There's still a tension there?" Kathleen commented.

"Yeah, well, we have a lot of history." Elizabeth replied. "But that's all it is, history. We're over, Kat, and we were over long before Jack entered the picture."

"You had broken up before Jack entered the picture," Kathleen corrected, "but you weren't over. I don't think you'll be over until you really talk about everything. Of course, I'm a little biased since I kinda think you guys belong together and I was kind of hoping that since you would be forced to be in his company, maybe you'd forgive him and you two might hook up again."

"Not likely." Elizabeth told her, making a face. That just wasn't even in the cards. She and Robbie couldn't go back.

"Too bad." Kathleen commented and then looked at Elizabeth. "I know, I know, there's too much history there, but I still think that you guys were good together." She paused and grinned. "So when do I get to meet this new boy of yours? You know I'm always up for meeting hot guys; especially hot, athletic guys."

Elizabeth laughed. "Ok, I'll see if Jack and some of the others want to get together tonight. I'll introduce you to a whole group of hockey players and you can take your pick."

"Really?" Kathleen asked eagerly.

"Yeah, most of the guys are single." Elizabeth told her. "You can choose, with the exception of Jack, obviously, Jimmy, he's got a serious girl, or Buzz, since, well, he's married. But the rest are all unattached."

"What about Mac?" Kathleen asked innocently. "Can I hit on him?"

Elizabeth just shot her a glare.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Kathleen smirked and ducked as Elizabeth aimed a pillow at her head.
---

That night, Elizabeth and Kathleen met the guys at O'Reilly's.

Kathleen zoomed in on Mark right away and began to flirt with him.

"She hasn't changed at all?" An amused voice said from behind Elizabeth.

She turned to see Robbie standing there. "No, she's still the same old Kathleen."

Robbie and Kathleen had spent a lot of time together in the past, obviously. After all, Kathleen had been Elizabeth's best friend since they were kids and for a long time, Robbie had been a significant part of her life. Elizabeth knew that the two still hung out occasionally, even after the break-up, though not since training had begun.

"Mark doesn't have a chance of resisting her." Robbie said, shaking his head. "Do you think we should warn him?"

Elizabeth grinned. Kathleen did have a bit of a reputation of being a man-eater. "Nah, where's the fun in that?"

Robbie just laughed.

"What's so funny?" Jack asked, coming up to them, two drinks in hand.

"Nothing." Elizabeth dismissed, since she doubted it would have any meaning to him.

Jack frowned, but seemed to accept it.

"I'm gonna go catch up with some of the others." Robbie told her then, walking away.

After he walked away, Jack handed one of the drinks he was holding to her. Elizabeth took it and took a small sip, smiling when she noted that it was her customary rum and coke. He knew her pretty well.

"Your friend seems to be a hit with the guys." He commented.

Elizabeth grinned. "She always is."
---

"So do you approve?" Elizabeth asked later that night, as she and Kathleen settled down to go to bed.

Kathleen was sleeping over, so that the two of them could have some more bonding time. After all, free time was a rare thing for Elizabeth these days and she knew it would get even worse as the Olympics got closer.

"Definitely." Kathleen told her. "Your boy is very yummy."

"Yeah, he is." Elizabeth agreed. "You seemed to hit if off with Mark."

"He's yummy too." Kathleen told her with a grin. "In fact, most of them are pretty cute, you're a lucky girl getting to spend all that time with them."

"You haven't seen them right after practice." Elizabeth told her, wrinkling her nose. "They're all sweaty and disgusting."

"Yes, but think of them in the locker room afterwards." Kathleen said with a mischievous grin. "All wet and soapyÖ"

"Kathleen!" Elizabeth squealed.

"Oh, come on, like you've never thought about going in there." Kathleen said, shooting her a look.

Elizabeth blushed. "Okay, maybe once or twice."

Kathleen laughed. "I thought so. I have to admit, I think that'd be a scene I'd really appreciate."

"Me too." Elizabeth admitted.

The two girls giggled.

"Of course, my father would murder me." Elizabeth remarked after a moment.

"Yes, but wouldn't it be worth it?" Kathleen asked wickedly.

Elizabeth paused and then grinned. "It just mightÖ"
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