In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

FOUR

As I steal a glance at myself in the rearview mirror, I can't help but notice an unexpected allure. "Why is it that I'm always so freaking hot in this car's mirror?" I ponder with a smirk, while skillfully applying a layer of lipstick. 

Olivia, seated beside me, observes the ritual with an amused expression. "You're seriously head over heels for him, aren't you?" she remarks playfully. I chuckle and shake my head, responding, "Absolutely not. He's just my high school sweetheart." Nonchalantly, I close the small mirror above me. 

Her eyes roll in mock disbelief, and with a theatrical sigh, she swings open her car door, ready to step out into the night.

Meanwhile, my phone, tucked in my handbag, vibrates persistently. Braden has attempted to call me at least four times already. Defiantly, I choose not to answer, deliberately showcasing that I can be fully in the present moment and not always at his beck and call.

With purpose, I slide the phone into my petite purse, sealing it away for the night. The decision is a deliberate act of liberation. 

"I'm so excited, M," Olivia expresses with genuine enthusiasm.

"Oh, don't be. It's just like an apartment full of hockey players and probably a bunch of puck bunnies," I say with a dismissive wave of my hands, adding a touch of playful sarcasm.

She laughs heartily as we step into the elevator, the anticipation of the evening palpable in the air.

As the elevator dings open, Olivia practically races to the door, eager to start the festivities. Jack swings the door open, red cup in hand, and I can already deduce it's a vodka Red Bull from the yellowish color.

The song n.h.i.e from 21 Savage plays in the back ground. 

"Hi," he says with a cold tone.

His frosty demeanor manages to ruffle my composure. I can't help but wonder if his little attitude will persist throughout the evening. Is this the new norm?

Olivia, undeterred by the chill in the air, rushes to greet the boys.

As I stand in the doorway, I glance down at my shoes. "Do I need to take off my shoes, or does floor could use a clean?" I inquire, seeking clarification.

He nods at me, a terse response that adds to the chilly atmosphere.

But then, unexpectedly, Jack breaks the frost. "It's good to see you here," he says, offering a small but genuine smile.

A sense of relief washes over me as his brief warmth breaks through the initial coolness. Maybe tonight won't be as tense as I feared.

"I'm not sure. I'll regret it later," I smirk a little.

"Trust me, I won't make you regret it. Make yourself at home; there's a bunch of drinks in the kitchen," he says, closing the door behind me.

Olivia has already made her way to the kitchen, preparing a drink for herself.

The sound of laughter and cheering draws my attention to the living room, where the guys are focused in a game of flip the red cup. "Hi, guys!" I announce cheerfully as I approach the table to watch them play.

They all greet me in unison. While I don't recognize every face in the room, some are familiar.

"You came to game tonight! Jack told us," Mercer remarks.

"Yeah, I did. Don't tell my brother this, but you guys were amazing tonight," I say, putting extra emphasis on the word 'amazing.'

"You mean the Habs or the Devils?" Teases Nick Suzuki, the captain of the Mtl Canadiens.