Delayed Offsides

I'm Leo Orting, the goofy center and team captain for the Chicago Blackhawks who no one ever takes seriously.

I'm used to being the player.

I'm cool with it.

Being the star front-man of the team, I'm involved in every play. My lifestyle, much like any professional athlete, has its perks, and mostly between the legs of countless puck bunnies.

One girl, my favorite regular, Callie Pratt, has been on my mind for a while. It wasn't like I was in love with her, but I did think of her a lot.

That's a lie.

I thought of her all the time and found every excuse I could to call her, send an inappropriate text, or be around her in some way. She kept me on my toes and never played into the crap I spewed, but part of me wanted her to see what I was really about under the joking exterior and player mentality.

Trying to assuage my mild obsession over her, I took her home on New Years Eve to satisfy that urge.

After our one night together, we found ourselves offsides, trying to avoid a penalty, hoping that what we have can withstand even the most challenging of opponents.

And now for those who could never take me seriously, I've found myself needing the most important girl in my life to put her trust that I will finish this game. I have to finish this game... if she'll give me the chance.