"You." Sydney's voice was full of resentment. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Oh?" Dean poured a glass of water and took a large gulp. "What is it?"
"You making out with Renee. It's all over the internet in case you're wondering how I found out."
Dean paused from drinking his water and slowly set the glass down. Anger steamed inside of him as he thought about the circumstances behind the pictures. He harshly blew out air through his nose and he walked over to Sydney, who held up a hand to stop him where he was. "Syd, I can explain."
"Don't," she shook her head, "there's nothing to explain at all."
The calmness in her voice told Dean the fight was just beginning. "I told her I didn't want to see her anymore and we shouldn't be friends. She tried to pass herself off as Bonita and I laughed in her face. Are there pictures of me laughing? There should be."
"That's beside the point…"
"The point is it's over and done with. I kissed her goodbye and in hindsight, I probably should've just told her we were finished and that was it. No harm, no foul."
Sydney felt anger pinch inside her chest and she stood up. "How many more are there?"
"Pictures?" Dean shrugged. "I don't know!"
"No, women. How many women are there?" She demanded.
"Oh, for fuck's sake, Sydney!" He defended. "You honestly think I have just a bunch of women in different cities?"
"What am I supposed to think, Dean?" Sydney pointed to her laptop. "There are pictures of you two on a date! You're on a fucking date with her!"
"It was a dinner and I told her I didn't want to see her anymore!" Dean argued. "I had no idea she had the fucking paparazzi out there!"
"Well, she did. She did it the last time and apparently, you thought that was just for shits and giggles." Sydney yelled. "Well, fine. You want Renee? You can certainly have her." She closed her computer and began to put away her supplies. "And just to think I felt bad for what happened I saw Roman. Not anymore."
"What happened between you and Roman, Syd?" His voice was thick with annoyance.
"It doesn't matter, does it?" She smirked. "You played kissy face with your ex while mine did the same. I guess we're even."
"You kissed Roman but you're mad at me for kissing Renee?" Dean chuckled. "That's comical."
"Whoever makes the first move shows the most interest," she pointed out, "because surely, Renee did not approach you first."
"Syd, don't do this. Please, you're just tired and haven't had enough sleep and…"
"Fuck you!" She replied. "I can't be angry about any of this? There has to be a reason for my attitude? There has to be a reason why I'm acting this way? No, you being a dick is too convenient for an excuse so instead I'm hormonal?"
Dean shook his head. "You know what? Fine. If you want to leave, leave. I'm not going to argue with you anymore. I told you the truth and you still think I want to be with Renee, so fine. You keep thinking that. I'm heading out." Dean picked up his car keys.
"You look like you want to be anywhere but here," Two-Tone sat at the table with Dean.
Dean rolled his eyes and took a swig of beer. "I asked her to move in because I thought it would make things easier. I got rid of Renee because I thought it would make things better. Both decisions were stupid. I don't know what I'm going to do." Dean felt the pressure of his contract and it wasn't the playoffs. "I can't have this bullshit off the ice distract me anymore than it already is."
"Renee?" Jack asked. "You said you regret getting rid of her."
"That was a poor choice of words," Dean replied, "her crazy came out and I can't handle it."
"I don't know. I guess I need to go home, talk to her, see what's going on, and calm her down. I said some pretty messed up things and I just need to make it right for her."
"Is she the one?" Jack asked.
"No doubt." Dean shook his head.
"Then go home and get your girl. Make her happy, massage her feet…do whatever it takes. Don't let her become a memory and the next thing you know, you're stalking her online to see if she's okay." Seth added. "Make it right for her and for you. Then get your head back in the game. Tomorrow is the start of six-game road trip. We can't have distractions."
"You're right." Dean finished his beer and left money for the tip. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"See ya', man." Jack called out as Dean waved himself out of the bar.
"That is why I can never get into a relationship with any female," Randy licked his lips, "girlfriends are too expensive and too much bullshit. No thank you."
Seth agreed. "Yeah, I'm sure you and your right hand get along just fine."
"Syd?" Dean called out as he entered the foyer. He carried two-dozen long-stemmed roses and a large teddy bear. As an added bonus, he stopped by an art store and picked up some drawing materials. "Hey baby? Syd, I brought roses. I brought a bottle of champagne." The silence was deafening. "Syd?"
Dean put everything down and went searching for his fiancée. She was nowhere to be found. He made it back to the kitchen when he saw the engagement ring along with a note on the counter.
You wanted Renee, you got her. I'll be back for the rest of my things tomorrow.