Captains Come First

It was the day of the funeral. Heather grabbed her plain black dress that she had packed somehow knowing she'd need it. She had survived the viewing and family wake. It was amazing how many people called her Mrs. Crosby or referred to her as Sid's girlfriend. Not wanting to make a big deal she'd just smile and be gracious as she was there to support Sid. It wasn't her place to correct anyone. Sid was surprisingly quiet. Her phone unexpectedly rang after getting out of the shower. She smiled seeing the name across the screen. "Phone sex hotline, Madame Babydoll speaking." She answered playfully. "Mmm." The familiar voice said to her.

"What are you wearing?"

"Just a towel actually." She said grinning to be telling him the truth. "You just caught me after a shower"

"Why oh why didn't I FaceTime you?" He teased her. "So when do you come home?"

"Tomorrow." Heather smiled. "Just in time for the Mom's trip." She joked. "Trina is coming with us. It'll be good for her but poor Troy will be stuck here alone."

"Yeah how's that one going to work?" He asked her. "How are we...or anyone going to get time with you?"

"Geno' already claimed me babe. Geno and Brooksie." She laughed.

"That guy has it so bad for you." James said.

"Geno?" She asked curious.

"No Brooks. If he wasn't married I'd be worried." He said laughing. "Listen I have to talk to you about something before you hear from someone else." He said concerned.

"Uh oh. This doesn't sound good." She said.

"No I know." He said to her. "A friend was in town a little while ago. The night you were with Beau and Bortz." He said. "We went out for lunch together. But there is a history there."

"History?" She asked curiously.

"We were kind of each other's somebody when ever the other needed someone." He said taking a breath. "Anyway, she showed up on my doorstep. Out of nowhere. We went for lunch. I told her I was seeing somebody and that was that." He said. "Well she did kiss me. Then one thing led to another and I had to tell her to leave after she started taking off her clothes." He said feeling guilty.

"Wow" Heather said unsure what to say. After all, she did bang Sidney yesterday. It was part of her job but somehow she didn't think he'd appreciate it. "I should umm. I should get ready." She said quietly.

"Please don't be mad." He said to her desperately.

"I'll get over it." She said. "Bye James." She hung up before she even heard him say goodbye. She continued to get ready for the funeral. Trina had asked Heather if she'd sing at the funeral. She was more than happy to oblige. She agreed that she'd sing the Frank Sinatra standard I'll be Seeing You. She'd have a chance to play it over on the piano once before the service. She was pretty nervous. She decided to head downstairs to see Sid.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked her before he even looked at her.

"What are you talking about Sid?" She asked sitting beside him.

"James." He said with a harsh tone. "I turned my phone on for the first time last night after the first viewing. There was a message from Flower. He said you and James are a thing."

"Oh." Heather said seeing the hurt in his eyes as he looked up. "Sid I didn't mean to hurt you. Things just kind of happened Sid." She shrugged.

"Heather I promised my Nana I would look after you." He said to her. "I love you." He said with obvious hurt in his eyes.

"Sid maybe we should talk about this later." She said shaking her head.

"This." He said taking a ring out of his pocket. "This was my Nana's. She gave it to me to give to a special girl. It was going on your finger if you wanted it." He said to her.

"Oh Sid no." Heather shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"I got you a flight after the funeral." He said not looking at her again. "You'll be home to your James sooner that way." He said. The doorbell rang. Heather went to answer it.

"Is Sidney here?" It was a tall, leggy brunette with brown eyes. She was a good 6 inches taller than Heather, she looked about the same height as Sid. Heather looked her up and down. She was definitely well endowed. "I'm Vanessa." She said as she could read the look of confusion on Heather's face.

"Ness." He said from behind Heather pushing forward to give her a hug. "I called her last night. I got her a flight to come today." He held her hand.

"I see." Heather said crossing her arms. "I'm going to drive myself" Heather said grabbing her coat and keys to the rental vehicle. As she was leaving she could see Vanessa giving Sidney a kiss. She couldn't believe it. All in one day yet again the two men that she cared about most had betrayed her or told her of their betrayal. She felt a pity party coming on for herself. If it wasn't for Trina, she'd be leaving right away for Pittsburgh. The tears came down her cheek. Why would Sid do this to her?

---

She didn't sit with the family at the funeral. She explained to Trina before hand that she felt it would be better for Sid. Trina understood though she didn't agree with her son's methods. Heather sung beautifully. Like she was saying goodbye to Sid. 'I'll be seeing you In all the old familiar places That this heart of mine embraces All day and through In that small cafe The park across the way The children's carousel The chestnut trees, the wishing well I'll be seeing you In every lovely summer's day In everything that's light and gay I'll always think of you that way I'll find you in the morning sun And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you I'll be seeing you In every lovely summer's day In everything that's light and gay I'll always think of you that way I'll find you in the morning sun And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you'

After finishing she paused before getting up to give the family each a hug and kiss. She walked to the back of the church and left. She couldn't face Sid. It didn't take her long to pack up and go. Lucky for her she was able to catch a flight to Pittsburgh. When she got home she texted Brooks with a simple message: 'you, me, sex, my place NOW.'

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"Wow. That really sucks." Brooks said holding her in his arms as they lay naked in her bed. It wasn't exactly post coital bliss, but he understood how she needed to blow off a bit of steam.

"Yeah." She said snuggling into him. "Now you can see why I just wanted to do something to let this all go." She added.

"I just don't don't get it. Why do you keep setting yourself up for this pain?" He asked. "Maybe you need to stop seeing hockey players." Brooks laughed.

"Maybe." She said. "Maybe I'm just going to end up a puck slut until I'm old and haggard. Then I'll go after the coaches." She laughed

. "Nah." Brooks said squeezing her shoulder. "Somebody will be good enough for you." He added. "So what about Sochi?" He asked

"Oh God I didn't even think about Sochi." She said covering her face in frustration. "I mean I'm already paid to go, have my travel visas and all." She said.

"Then go. Team USA could use you if Sid can't." He said.

"And betray my home country?" Heather laughed. "Never."

"Well if you want to hang when you're there you know I'm down." He said. "My family won't be there. They're too worried about the security." He added.

"Thanks Brooks." She said to him. "Can you do me a favour in practice?" She asked.

"What is it?" He asked her.

"Take a hard shot at Flower. He spilled the James news." Heather said rolling her eyes. "That yenta." She added laughing.

"You got it Hun." He said kissing her forehead.

Notes