Notes: A HUGE thank-you as always to my very patient friend Sally who goes through my stories with a fine tooth comb and helps to make them better, and also to my wife who continues to tell me that the story is good and to keep writing it.
Chapter 3 – Post Game Pizza
Clarke, Octavia, and Raven all came out of the locker room and headed up to the lobby together. Upon entering, they immediately noticed Bellamy standing with Clarke's parents and Gustus. They were all smiling and laughing together and the sight brought a smile to Clarke's face as well. As they got closer to the group, Jake noticed them and broke away to sweep his daughter up in a bear hug. Clarke squeaked and dropped her gear in order to hug her dad back.
"That was an amazing game," Jake told her as he put her down. "You were amazing," he added with a look of pride.
"Thanks, Dad," Clarke smiled at him. "It was a lot of fun."
They made their way to the rest of the adults and joined the small group. All were commenting on the game. Bellamy hugged his sister, high-fived Clarke and punched Raven in the shoulder.
"Ow! Jerk!" Raven yelled, as she punched him back.
Bellamy just grinned and offered Raven a ride to the restaurant. She accepted readily, and the three of them waved to the Griffins and Gustus, saying they would see them soon.
Gustus then looked at Clarke, "I heard you extended an invitation to my team to join you in your post-game tradition," he said with a raised brow.
Clarke didn't miss the surprised look on the faces of her parents as they looked on in interest. Clarke didn't miss a beat, however, keeping her face impassive as she stated with a shrug of one shoulder, "Well, it was an intense game, and I have a lot of respect for how both of our teams handled themselves out there. It seemed like the right thing to do, considering this was the last game before the break and it's the holidays and everything."
She shrugged again and looked at Gustus, then looked away from him before adding, "Are they going to come?" She tried desperately to sound nonchalant.
Gustus looked at Clarke carefully, having picked up something in the young girl's voice and responded with, "I don't know. I know Lexa was going to ask the team, but I left before she did."
"Well," Clarke said, "even if they decide not to join us, you should still come."
"Yes, you should Gustus," Abby interjected, Jake nodding beside her, "it would be nice to have another adult to talk to for the next couple of hours," she added, laughing.
"I'd love to," Gustus replied, "I just have to check with Lexa. I'm giving her a ride, so if the team isn't going, then I need to make sure she has a ride home."
As if on cue, Lexa arrived in the lobby, and Clarke's eyes were immediately drawn to the other girl.
Oh, my God...she's beautiful, was the first thought that went through Clarke's head. Her eyes roamed over the other girl as she approached, taking in her long legs wrapped in tight jeans that hugged in all the right places, tanned arms showing beneath a tight black t-shirt, and her wavy, slightly frizzy chestnut locks which had been hastily braided away from her face.
Clarke's eyes lingered on her high cheekbones and strong jawline before falling to her plump, pink lips. As Lexa finished her approach, Clarke's gaze snapped up meet the green eyes she had previously seen through the visor of a hockey helmet. Only, they were so much brighter, and much greener than Clarke had thought possible. As Lexa's eyes met hers, Clarke gasped, only to find that she had stopped breathing and, as a result, choked on the quick breath entering her lungs.
As she coughed violently, her mom rushed to her side and pounded her on the back. After a few moments, a slightly embarrassed Clarke managed to take a normal breath and straightened up, waving her mother away. She quickly wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes as she sneaked a quick glance at Lexa. She thought she saw a mixture of concern and amusement there, but it was gone so quickly she was unsure if it was just her imagination.
Trying to hide her embarrassment, she quickly nodded at Gustus and Lexa and reached down for her bag saying, "I hope we see you at the restaurant. If not, then I'm sure we'll see each other again on the ice." She made the statement devoid of inflection, unsure how she accomplished it considering the breadth of emotions clamoring for attention in her chest, stomach, and head.
Clarke quickly stepped away from the pair, looking at her parents who were regarding her curiously. "Let's go. The girls will be waiting for us." With one last look at Lexa's intoxicating green eyes, Clarke swallowed her looming panic at the possibility of not seeing her again for over a month and moved toward the door, her parents following in her wake after saying their goodbyes to Gustus and wishing him a happy holiday in case they decide not to join them.
Once again, Lexa watched the blonde girl move away from her. She had noticed Clarke watching her as she approached, and was shocked momentarily by something she saw in the girl's eyes when they locked briefly. She didn't have time to identify it, though, before Clarke started to choke.
Lexa had stepped forward in reflex when Clarke doubled over, but Abby had been closer, so Lexa stopped herself before she had even taken a full step. She watched as Clarke composed herself and didn't quite manage to mask her concern before Clarke's eyes found her own unexpectedly.
She quickly rearranged her face into a mask of impassivity, but the quizzical look in Clarke's eyes made Lexa think she had seen something anyway. The abruptness of Clarke's exit confused her, almost as if Clarke didn't care if Lexa accepted her invitation or not. Lexa felt her stomach sink at the thought and wondered at her own reaction to the blonde.
She turned to Gustus, with a slight crease between her brows.
"Ready to go?"
"Yep." he answered. "Where are we going?"
Lexa hesitated. She had met Clarke just hours ago, but she felt like she already knew her. Like she had always known her. It confused her, and if she was being honest, it scared her. She hadn't let herself feel this way in a long, long time.
It was like all the defenses she had built over the last year were made of nothing more than gossamer in the presence of the intense Clarke Griffin. It both scared and fascinated her, and as much as Lexa wanted and needed to remain in control, which she found very difficult in the presence of the blonde, she couldn't deny that she also wanted more of Clarke. More of those brilliant blue eyes, more of that wide, sensual mouth, more of those wavy blond locks, more of everything.
Just, more.
So, Lexa sighed and said to Gustus, "The team was actually pretty excited when I told them about the invitation. Some of them go to school with the Arkers, so they know them outside of hockey. They also have a lot of respect for the team as a whole...and their captain," she added. "So, most of them are going to go, and some of them are probably already there. I'm the captain, so I guess I should show up too." Lexa pitched her voice to indifference, but her heart was beginning to beat harder at the prospect of seeing the blue-eyed blonde again.
"Okay, then," Gustus responded. "Let's get going. Pizza awaits!"
He helped Lexa with her gear and added as they walk out of the arena, "We should call Lincoln and get him to meet us there. He'll be waiting at home to eat with us."
Lexa nodded and replied, "I'll text him."
They made it to the car and Lexa pulled out her phone to message her cousin.
Lexa: Going to eat at the pizza place on 6th. Meet us?
She only had to wait a moment before her phone buzzed back with his reply.
Linc: hell yeah cuz! save me a seat and order me a ml and a brew. c u soon
"He'll meet us there," she informed Gustus. "And he wants a meat lovers pizza, and a beer. Big surprise," she added with a roll of her eyes.
Gustus just laughed as he pulled out of the parking lot and they drove to the restaurant.
The drive to the pizza place in the Griffin's vehicle was quieter than usual and the two older Griffins exchanged silent looks during the course of the 10-minute drive. They had been trying to get Clarke to talk about the game, something she usually went on and on about, but today they had only managed to get short, clipped answers from her.
Finally, Abby decided she'd had enough.
"Out with it, Clarke," she said.
Clarke snapped her head up, brought out of her moody contemplation by the sharpness in her mother's tone.
"What did I do?" Clarke asked bewildered.
"What is going on with you, sweetheart?" her mother asked more softly. "You've barely said three words the entire drive. Are you and Finn fighting?"
"Shit!" Clarke exclaimed at the mention of Finn Collins, as she fumbled in her pocket for her phone.
"Language!" both of her parents yelled from the front seat in perfect unison.
"God, you two," Clarke stated, "I'm 21 years old, in my 3rd year of university for heaven's sake. I think I'm entitled to a few curse words when needed," she added as she pulled up Finn's contact info on her phone.
Finn usually came to all of Clarke's hockey games, but he had been pulled into work this afternoon, and Clarke had forgotten all about him. She was supposed to have texted him and let him know how the game went and where he could meet her later. She quickly sent him a message letting them know the Arkers had tied and that they were doing the after game pizza extravaganza.
Abby had turned to watch her daughter and when she put her phone back in her pocket, asked "So you two aren't fighting?"
"No Mom, we're fine," Clarke sighed.
"Then what is it, honey? This isn't like you," Abby questioned with real concern in her voice.
Clarke closed her eyes, rested her head against the back of the seat and took a deep breath. How could she tell her mother about the emotional roller coaster she found herself on, all because of a young woman she had only met a couple of hours ago? How her heart was beating out of her chest at the prospect of possibly seeing her again in mere minutes? Or, how her stomach bottomed out when she contemplated that she may not see her there at all?
How could she explain the guilt she now felt about forgetting about Finn, yet still not caring if she saw him today? She couldn't understand these things herself, so there was no way she could say them to her mother.
Instead, she lied and said "I don't know, maybe I'm just tired."
Her mother looked at her skeptically but didn't push. That was one of the things that Clarke loved most about her parents - they didn't push. As a result, Clarke told them everything when she was ready, and knew that this time would be no different.
Her mother knew it as well.
Just then her phone vibrated in her pocket. So she took it out and read the messages waiting there for her.
O: Clarke! Where are you?
Clarke: On my way O, about 2 mins away. Have you ordered?
O: you betcha! A variety of tasty za awaits, along with some refreshing brews. I"ll save you a seat with Raven and me.
Clarke: excellent, thanks, O. See you soon.
Just as she was about to put her phone away, another text arrived.
Finn: Hey babe. I'll be done work in a bit, should I come meet you?
Clarke: No. It's ok, it'll be getting late, so I'll just see you tomorrow. I think I just want to spend some time with the girls anyway. It's the last time the team will all be together until the New Year, so we'll probably just be talking hockey. Then I'm going to go home and get some sleep.
Finn: Sounds good. Talk to you tomorrow. Love you.
Clarke's guilt grew, but she really couldn't think about dealing with Finn tonight. She closed her eyes again and focused on her breathing. Within a few minutes, her dad was pulling into the parking lot of the TonDC Pizza Parlour. The family walked into the restaurant and were met with a chorus of greetings from multiple people from both teams.
Clarke saw Octavia and Raven stand up and wave them over to their table, where coach Kane was also sitting. She and her parents made their way over, stopping to talk to different people along the way who wanted to congratulate Clarke on the game and discuss each check, pass and shot in minute detail.
By the time they finally made it to their table, they were more than ready for the beers the girls had waiting for them. They all sat and lifted their pints in the air in salute to a great game and great friends. As they were putting down their glasses after a long pull, Clarke noticed Octavia's eyes go wider than she had ever seen them.
"O?" Clarke asked.
"Holy mother of God," she said in a low whisper. "Who is that? I think I'm in love," Octavia said as she motioned towards the front of the restaurant with her chin.
"I've gotta find out who that is."
They all turned as one to look in the direction that Octavia indicated. Before any at the table could stop the dynamic brunette, she was up and pivoting through the close-set tables and chairs to the front of the restaurant to introduce herself to the stranger standing at the door.
The young man was dark skinned and muscular, with a defined jaw and intense brown eyes that seemed to take in the whole restaurant as he scanned the crowded area. He was almost a foot taller than the little brunette who came to a stop in front of him, whom he looked down on with no small amount of amusement.
"Hi!" Octavia blurted out. "Are you looking for someone?"
He revealed a blinding white smile before answering, "I was, but I think I'd rather hang out with you." He gave her a quick wink and grinned before extending his hand and saying, "I'm Lincoln."
Octavia's mouth had dropped open when he'd smiled, and she had to force it shut and swallow thickly before licking her lips and reaching out to shake his hand.
"Octavia. My name is Octavia."
"Nice to meet you, Octavia. I'm actually looking for my uncle and my cousin, they said they were coming her for dinner after their hockey game." Lincoln said.
"Oh! We're here after our hockey game, but I've never seen you before, and I would definitely remember you. You must be with the Grounders?" Octavia asked, still holding Lincoln's hand.
He didn't seem to be in a hurry to get it back.
"Yeah," Lincoln said. "My dad is the coach."
"Gustus is your DAD?" Octavia yelled. "That's awesome! Come sit with us. We have room for everyone and he's not here yet."
She pulled on Lincoln's hand and dragged him over to the table to introduce him to her very amused friends.
"Hey everyone, this is Lincoln," Octavia said. "Gustus is his Dad and he's here for pizza."
"Well duh, O, why else would he be here?" Raven rolled her eyes. "Hi, Lincoln. It's nice to meet you," she added, standing up to shake his hand. "Please join us. We have the best company in the joint," she quipped jauntily with a wink.
Abby and Jake stood to shake Lincoln's hand, introducing themselves, Bellamy went next, shaking hands amiably enough, but shooting him a slight glare as he watched Octavia stare up at him.
Then Clarke had her turn, smiling at Lincoln as she welcomed him to their table, trying to quell the butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach when she realized that Lincoln's presence meant that Lexa was indeed coming. As Lincoln got comfortable next to Octavia, Clarke caught her eye and waggled her eyebrows at her best friend. Octavia blushed slightly and smirked, before turning back toward the handsome young man.
A few minutes later, Lincoln stood up and waved. Clarke didn't have to look to know that Gustus has entered and that Lexa was with him. She could feel it in her bones, in her soul. She could feel Lexa's presence before Lincoln even moved. Her heart beat faster in her chest, her mouth went dry, her respiration increased slightly and she had to fight the urge to turn and look at the newcomers. Instead, she started a conversation with Raven about possible plans to get together over the holidays, and tried to ignore the sense of anticipation she was feeling.
The pizza arrived with another round of beer, with Gustus close behind. They exchanged greetings, and Gustus squeezed in next to Jake and Abby.
Jake looked around before asking "Where's Lexa?"
"Oh, she's making the rounds, talking to the girls," he said. "She knows where we are."
Clarke felt like her insides were trying to claw their way out of her abdomen. She was nervous and jittery and suddenly she felt like if she stayed still, she would explode. She excused herself from the space beside Raven and worked her way around the table, making sure not to step on anyone's toes. When she made it out of the booth and finally looked up, she could see Lexa standing by a table talking to some of the girls from the Grounder team. As if she could sense Clarke looking at her, she turned from the table, locked her gaze with the blonde's and gave her a short nod.
They stood still, staring at each other for the space of several heartbeats, before Clarke tore her gaze away and headed to the bathroom.