Hockey Imagines

Anxious- Michael Latta

[anxious (adj.)- experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.]

It was a busy day. There was a morning skate at 11, which I had to go to. Michael made me promise that we would go everywhere together today. It was his birthday and there was a huge playoff game against the Stars. We were planning to go out with the team afterwards to celebrate the big 25. But the most nerve wracking, lunch with his family. I had met his family before, for Christmas (2014) and I'd spent time with them since, especially when the caps had games in Toronto and during the All-Star break this year. However, I had this odd feeling that his mother didn't like me. She was a very nice woman, however the last time we saw each other, on New Years, we had a very deep conversation. It was very much like the conversation Jojo's brothers had with Ben on The Bachelor. She felt I wasn't as invested as he was. I tried to explain my feelings but I don't think she really took it all in. I supposed it was just a mother being protective of her baby, but part of me was really upset about it. I think Michael is planning on proposing soon. I'm ready to jump into his arms and kiss him so much that a "yes" isn't even needed. I hoped she could see that at lunch that day.

Once morning skate was over, we just barely had time to go home and get ready before going to the restaurant. Michael almost made us late and I poked fun at him, because usually the roles were reversed. He gave me a sarcastic laugh and then dead panned. But I laughed at his attempt to be mad and it broke him from his stare. He brought me into his body and kissed the top of my head as I breathed in deeply, smelling his cologne.

"You smell so good." I practically moaned into his chest, sounding a bit more sexual than I meant it to.

"You like it? Willy gave it to me this morning. But you know, I'm looking forward to whatever you got me."

"I think you'll love it."

"Can I get a hint?" I smiled really big at him, knowing he would love it.

"Well, all I can say is that it includes my anniversary present from you."

"Ooh, I was wondering when that would make an appearance." Our anniversary had been about 2 weeks ago, May 4th. He got me the most beautiful black lace lingerie set I had ever seen and one of those long, opaque princess robes, with the feathers on the end of the sleeves and all over the bottom, to match. I hadn't gotten to wear it for him yet because I had already bought some lingerie for that night and with the busy playoff schedule, we hadn't had time to go all out. I had gotten him a very nice watch that had "I love you, to infinity and beyond" engraved on it, because Toy Story was our favorite movie to watch together.

We got in the car, on our way to our late lunch, I started getting very anxious. He asked what was wrong and I knew he wouldn't let me brush it off.

"I don't know, I'm just a bit anxious. I feel like your mom doesn't like me." I look down at my hands, playing with the numerous rings on my fingers. It was my nervous habit, but when I didn't have rings on I tended to pick at my thumbs, so I tried to wear at least one ring at all times.

"My mom loves you. What's making you so anxious about it?"

"Well, okay do you remember when I made you watch the Bachelor? And Ben got chewed out by Jojo's brothers?" He nodded his head, vaguely remembering. "Well, we had a very similar conversation and I've kind of just felt awkward about it ever since."

"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?"

"New Years. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to have to fight with her over it. It would just make me seem even worse."