In Your Eyes

Piper couldn't wait to be done with her class. Even as she stretched and felt the burn in the back of her legs in her downward dog position, her mind was elsewhere. Her mind was still in Nova Scotia. Her legs were still wrapped around Sid's wide waist. Her face wasn't sweating because of her work, but because of Sid's work...on her.

Flawlessly, her lithe body moved from one position to the next as she spoke softly and regularly, guiding the women in her class. Beside her, Danika also moved, showing variations of the moves for those who desired less intensity. Another fifteen minutes, and they were finished.

Looking around after class as the members dispersed out and into the street, Piper counted a full 25 people in attendance. Almost twice the normal amount. It both excited her and exhausted her; more people meant more classes and more money...but less free time....to spend in another country.

"You've had the same look in your eyes all day and it's starting to concern me." Danika tossed a face towel at Piper, who gladly took it to dab up the sweat around her neck.

"What look?" she asked rather innocently.

Dani sighed. "You know - the one that screams 'I just got laid and I'm proud of it'?"

"As it should!" Piper replied with a smirk. "I'll likely have it for a while, so get used to it." She watched Dani roll her eyes and smile, and decided maybe she could try and temper back the amount of dumb, happy looks on her face.

Or not, she said to herself. Ooorrrr not.

Once they straightened up the equipment closet and did one sweep of the floors so they weren't slippery for the next class, the girls headed out into the sunshine of the early day. They decided that neither of them were all that hungry, and since they only had an hour before they were off to instruct their next class, they walked down to the docks to enjoy their other favorite pastime: people watching.

It hadn't rained in a few days, and there wasn't the normal deck of fog that typically settled over the harbor and its surrounding islands during the morning hours. This gave Piper and Dani a clear view of the activity about them: lobster boats, fishing boats, touring boats and one cruise line...all dotting the waters surrounding them, with plenty of tourists and locals going about their morning routine.

Piper sat down on the grass, happy that for once it wasn't damp and soaking through her pants. Dani took a seat next to her, stretching her legs out in front.

"Gorgeous day" she said. "A shame we have to be inside."

"I know. It was exactly like this when I was away, too." Piper hadn't brought sunglasses, though she did bring her new Pens hat. She slipped it on over her mess of wavy hair, which was loosely pulled back in a black hairband. She then handed a Luna granola bar to Dani, and then tore open her own. "Although it's nice to just be here and soak it in while we can."

Dani chewed on her granola bar for a moment. "Has he called yet?"

Piper shook her head. "It's only been a day, Dan."

"I know, but..."

Looking over at her friend, Piper frowned. "But what?"

"I mean...I guess if I had slept with you and told you that we'd try dating--"

"--He's busy, Dan" Piper said in defense. "I think he's going to some training thing in Colorado."

Dani raised an eyebrow. "Easy, girl. I was only asking."

She knew that. She knew it was only an innocent question....but Piper had been here before, and one too many times. But Sid wasn't like other guys she'd slept with....right? He'd call; she knew he would. It just took time...because he was Sidney Crosby, not just some guy. The look in his eyes told her that much; the way he'd kissed around her belly button, telling her how cute it was...that also told her. The way he'd purchased ingredients to make her her favorite breakfast...that really told her. Normally, Piper wouldn't even stay long enough to see the sun rise, let alone have breakfast with some of the men she'd met and slept with.

"You have it again."

Piper glanced over, chewing. "Hmm?"

"That look on your face." Dani smiled. "It looks good on you, though. Matches your hat."

She laughed. "Gee, thanks."

Piper wouldn't tell anyone, especially Danika, that she'd gotten off the ferry the other day, went straight home, and took a pic of herself wearing her items, which she sent to Sid. It turned into her taking a few more pictures, most of her just in the hat....others with her in just the shirt. Sid had written back some pretty fun and naughty things....which made her seriously question why she ever came back to Maine in the first place.

It's just new and shiny right now, she told herself. It will eventually wear off. But when? She didn't know. A part of her didn't want to know.

She went about the rest of her morning and afternoon, trading on and off different classes, which proved to be just as full of patrons as previous classes that day. By the time her, Danika, and her other instructor Amy, had finished for the day, it was nearly 5 pm.

And no call from Crosby.

She drove home feeling a little glum, but figured she better believe her own words when she said them. He's busy she told Dani. Dani believe it, and so did she. She saw Sid's garage full of gear and his two sets of washers and dryers, both of which seemed to be going the entire time she was there. Plus....he told her to expect this.

So Piper tried in the very best way she could. She put her practice of yoga to use, trying to remain in the moment and centered. She tried to realize it was just the beginning of a 'trial' relationship. Crosby owed her nothing, and yet she wanted more of everything.

She'd had a taste, and now she wanted the entire drink.

* * *

Sid exhaled hard, squirting icy cold water into his mouth. When he blinked, beads of sweat ran into his eyes, matching the ones tickling his top lip and around his jaw. He wiped his face hard with the back of his hand, taking another drink.

"Tired already, Crosby?"

He grinned at his trainer, shaking his head. "You wish."

Andy stood, hands on his hips. "Not gonna let old Matty over here catch up to ya?"

Sid tossed the bottle and skated back out onto the rink faster than Matt Duchene was expecting. The younger star of the Colorado Avalanche had barely turned around before Sid was already handling the puck back towards Andy. His breath was ragged in his chest, but that's why he came to Vail in the first place: the high altitude, the seclusion, the exclusivity of the training....it was a perfect match for him.

He passed the puck to Andy from behind his back in a spin no one was expecting, catching both Andy and Matt off guard. The puck passed by both of them, bouncing off the side boards.

"The hell was that!??!" Duchene yelled, skating over to retrieve the puck.

Sid was laughing all the towards them. "Sorry not sorry."

"You've been in an awfully good mood, Sid - what gives?" Andy noticed more about Sid than Sid would like to think he did, but his long time trainer was no stranger to his moods. They were mostly consistent: consistently serious. Today, however, and for the past three days...Sid was more laid back.

"It's the air" Sid replied, stealing the puck from Duchene.

"Matt hasn't been this chipper." Andy knocked Matt in the back with his stick. "Isn't that right?"

Matt chirped him back, but Sid wasn't paying attention. His eyes were locked on the puck he was absentmindedly bouncing off the end of his stick. Piper said this turned her on... Bouncing it more, he tossed the puck higher, watching it with his eyes. He caught it, then tapped it in the direction of where the chirping was still ensuing.

"I thought we were working out here?" He lifted two gloved hands and laughed.

They got back to it: a little one-on-one action between Sid and Matt, while Andy yelled at them about a myriad of muscle movements while they did their thing. It was a warm-up of sorts; the kind to get your muscles moving and your lungs adjusted to the thin mountain air, all while having a trainer remind you of your stance.

An hour later, after Sid had beaten Matt at just about all the mornings challenges, he shot more water into his mouth. "Are you sure we need to quit? I feel like I have another few hours in me." He was clearly egging on his younger friend and fellow Canadian, but if he stopped for a minute and really examined what was going on - he'd realize he was in a good mood...and it wasn't the air that was causing it.

"Whatever, Sid" Matt teased, skating towards him. "Your call, Andy. What's next?"

What Andy had in store was just as grueling as what they'd just finished doing. Now it was time for off-ice work...and the transition wasn't slow. Both Sid and Matt were out of their gear in no time, off to train smaller muscles now that they'd warmed up their larger ones on-ice.

Sid dug in, gritting his teeth, moving through challenges with weights, with ropes, with sprints....all of it. He ate this up; it gave him purpose, it made his drive stronger than ever. His labored breathing didn't bother him, and his taxed muscles bothered him even less. When it was all said and done, it was just another one of Andy O'Brien's workouts.

Feeling refreshed where most would feel spent and weary, Sid headed into the locker rooms within the facility. It was a plush, 5-star training facility; one that he'd been frequenting the past few summers for high altitude training. He looked forward to it every year, and poured everything he had into his week there. In the end, it was always a great experience.

He peeled the dark blue Reebok shirt off his sweat-laden body, tossing it into the never ending pile of gross workout clothes that needed washed badly. Next came his gray mesh shorts, and eventually his compression shorts.

After a much-needed shower and change into more casual clothes, Sid emerged out into the gym where the second half of their workout had taken place. Andy was standing there, talking to one of the facility managers. He looked over and gave Sid the 'one minute' gesture with his hand. Sid waited patiently, checking his phone while he waited.

Two texts from his sister.
One from Piper.

Hey stud! Just checking to see if you're alive. Hope all is well. Miss you....and your house....and your waffles. ;)

It made him smile. It was the second text he'd gotten from her in the three days he'd been in Vail. A part of him felt bad he wasn't able to truly call her or really text a lot with her. He always responded, sure....but a call just wasn't possible. Not with the guys around, and not with the schedule he had. While he tried not to focus on it, he still felt guilt bubble up inside.

He quickly wrote back: Miss you, and you in my house, and you eating my waffles. Is that weird? Talk soon.

"Sid, hey."

Slipping the phone into the pocket of his shorts, his attention went immediately to Andy. "What's up?"

"Great job out there today, as usual."

He smiled. "Way to surprise us with the damn ropes."

Andy clapped a hand on the back of his neck. "I knew you could handle it; plus...I mean....you still had what? A 'couple hours' left in ya?"

Sid knew he'd eat his words, but he also knew Andy like a brother. He knew it was safe to chirp him and know he'd still give him a fair workout; no more or less than his body needed.

"Now let's get down to it" Andy said, lowering his voice. "Matt saw it. I saw it. You know better than us…What gives?"

"What....gives?" He scratched at his chest through the thin t-shirt he wore. "I'm not sure--"

"--You find some Colorado girl and not even bother to tell us?"

Andy's grin was a mile-wide. Sid couldn't help but choke out a nervous laugh, all while shaking his head to play dumb. "I....I have no idea--"

"--You have every idea, Sid."

He felt Andy's hand clap him again on the back, this time in a congratulatory manner. "Good for you."

"Honestly, Andy....there's no Colorado girl" Sid replied.

"A Utah girl?"

Sid smirked. "No."

"ANY girl?"

"No" he lied. "What makes you think that? Just because I was having fun today?"

"It was a different kind of fun, Kid." Andy folded his arms over his chest, looking squarely at the boy he watched grow into a man for the past 13 years. "It wasn't the usual Sidney Crosby on the ice or hitting the machines with a gleam in his eye for success. This..." He moved his finger around at the gym area. "This was different."

Lifting his black duffle bag off the ground, Sid gave a one-shouldered shrug. "Think what you want. I'm telling you - it's just the air here." He smiled and waved. "See you at 8?"

Andy nodded. "See you at 8, Kid."

* * *

"What the FUCK?"

Rolling over onto her stomach, Piper pressed her head into the pillow.

"Whyohwhyohwhyohwhyyyyyyyyy" she mumbled defeatedly. Frustrated and still way too tired, Piper rolled onto her back once more. She stared up at the dark blue ceiling of her bedroom, staring at the ceiling fan as it wound round and round.

He hasn't called in four days. Hasn't texted in two. I won't text him again....I won't be that girl.

She rubbed her face, hoping that along with the sleep, she'd rub away all the doubts and worries and fears that were welling up inside her.

Fat chance of that happening.

She checked her phone one more time. Still blank. Still showing the background picture she took of the ocean from a trail she often frequented in Acadia National Park.

"It did happen…right?" No one answered as she suspected.

It was Friday morning, exactly one week since she was arriving in Yarmouth and spending a short weekend with Sid. In that time, she barely got to talk to him. A text here, a text there. Usually it was pretty cute, but it was always short. Their picture message and text message exchange the day Piper returned back from her weekend with Sid had been the most active. From there, it steadily dwindled.

Was it something I did? Or did I say something?

"No" she said out loud. It came out louder than she expected, as if she was trying convince herself she was being a maniac over this.

Why do I even care so much? It's not like I haven't fucked other guys before.

"But he's not just some other guy."

Round and round went the blades of her ceiling fan.
Round and round went the thoughts in her head.

He was the one who pushed this. He was the one who asked me if I wanted to try dating.

"So why hasn't he called?" Piper looked around at her empty room and groaned. "Am I really talking to myself right now?"

No one answered. With a frustrated laugh, Piper slung her bare feet around and forced herself to get up for the day. Beneath her multi-colored quilted comforter was where she really wanted to stay, but the day was new and the sun was shining. She had to get out there and enjoy it before her classes began.

Because the morning air was chilly, even now at towards the end of July, she threw a knee-length gray cardigan over her t-shirt and shorts and called it good enough. She shuffled out to her kitchen, and in a few minutes, coffee was brewing. She took the cup into her living room and planted herself firmly on the couch...with her cell phone never far away.

As Piper drank her coffee, she realized there was really only one person who might have answers to most of her puzzling questions. The only other person who had any experience at all with a hockey player.

Picking up her phone, she dialed Allison, hoping against hope she wasn't waking her. She had no idea what that girl's schedule was like anymore. Last time they talked, she was spending less time working and more time going to school to finish her master's degree. Between work, school, her husband and her husband's job, Piper felt like she was being a little bit of a pest.

Luckily for her, that's not how Ali felt.

"Well now THIS is a surprise!"

Piper smiled against the phone. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Not at all! I was up early anyway. I had to take James to the airport since he's flying back to Whitby for training. I'm flying up next week to join him."

Training. They're all training, Piper thought to herself.

"So what's up?"

"Weellll...." She took a laying position on her couch, figuring this might take a while. "....you're the only one I think who can help me with a problem I'm having--"

"--It's Sid, isn't it?"

Piper blinked. "Um...well..."

"I told you he would be a challenge."

Her voice sounded so sure, and yet so calm. It made Piper hesitate a second longer. "When you say a challenge, what do you mean by that?"

There was a sound on the other line; some movement and then a louder noise, like a door closing. "Sorry - just came outside. Is it a nice day there? It's gorgeous here."

"Same here" Piper said, wishing she'd just get to the point. She seemed to be taking this so nonchalantly. "But about--"

"--Look, you don't have anything to worry about" Ali said, cutting her off. "Honestly, Piper. Sid is a really, really, really good guy. It's just that..." She paused, sighing a little. "It's just that he's not like, you know...James, or any of the others on the team."

"Is that what you mean by 'a challenge', then?" Piper asked.

"Yes. And no."

"Oh gee, that's helpful" she joked.

"I know, I know, hush! I'll get to it" Ali teased right back. "Okay, so Sid - he's um....he's pretty serious, yes?"

"Yes." That much, Piper could agree with.

"Okay, and he's also very fun, but kind of in a reserved way, yes?"

"Yes to that too." She thought for a moment. "Unless we're fucking."

"EW STOP."

Piper laughed. "Anyway, continue…Reserved. Yes."

"Yes, and it's almost never by choice" Ali added. "In fact, he has to be that way."

She was chewing on her nail now, frowning. "In what way?"

"Reserved. Private. Serious. He's basically the face of the NHL, dear. It comes at a price."

That's what he must have meant, then Piper thought, when she remembered Sid's words, asking her if she knew what his life was like now. It hadn't really hit her until then...she'd been too wrapped up in everything else.

"So what's he done, exactly?" Ali asked.

"Well he hasn't fucking called, that's for starters." Piper rolled her eyes. "A few texts, sure...but no calls. Not since I left."

"See, that doesn't surprise me."

Piper sat up. "Really?"

"James was that way at first, too. Drove me nuts - but he'd just...show up, ya know? Like he wouldn't call for a couple days, but he'd do the texting thing. Then I guess whenever he was back from a road game, he'd just show up and sleep at my place for a day or two."

Piper heard Ali giggle, and it made her smile. She wished they had stayed closer leading up to all this. She felt like she missed a whole chunk of her friend's life and was only now just catching up.

"But James is kinda lazy and a bit of a slob, so now it makes total sense" Ali joked. "Buuuuuut I love him."

"How slobby?" Piper asked with a grin. She heard Ali laugh again.

"Well....since January, I've gotten him to pick up about three of his sweatshirts. Does that paint a picture?"

She couldn't help but laugh as well. "Really!?!? Do you think Sid is like that too?"

"Oh my god, no!" Ali nearly shouted. "He's probably the neatest one on the team!"

Piper could agree with that. She thought back to Sidney's summer house and how spotless it was....but it could've just been a result of not living there 365 days a year. It could also be because he knew a visitor was coming and wanted to impress her. She'd need to see his Pittsburgh home to really tell. But I'll never see it if he's lost interest.

"Do you think he's lost interest?" Piper asked flat out. She twirled one curl around her index finger, nervously awaiting the answer. "Just tell me straight, Ali."

"No."

Piper stopped twirling. "No....you won't tell me straight? Or No...he hasn't lost interest?"

"He has not lost interest."

"Oh."

Silence.

"You must really like him" Ali said, the tone of her voice curling at the end. "Someone's gottt a boooyyyfrrriiieeenndd--"

"--Hey!!! Shut up! I do not!" Piper scrunched up her nose and her legs folded into her chest excitedly. "Do I??"

"You're the one who slept with him! You tell me!"

"YOU never tell me anything about how well James fucks!" Piper fired back playfully.

"Well that's because there aren't enough hours in a day to tell you."

Piper could actually hear Ali smirking. "Fair enough. But you owe me."

"And I'll deliver. This is about you and Sid right now!"

Piper started laughing. "But he hasn't called in almost a week. What the hell is UP with that?!?"

"It comes with the territory, at least for now."

Ali's voice went back to being calm and supportive again, and Piper relaxed at the sound. "He's a challenge, right?"

"He is, but he's worth it" Ali replied. "Really, really worth it. He'll call...but he'll call when Sidney Crosby, Number 87 for the Pittsburgh Penguins, can call. You know what I mean?"

"I do, yes." Piper seemed to feel a little better. She felt less like she'd done or said something wrong, or that Sid had second thoughts...and felt more like this was a situation she may have to get used to, whether she liked it or not.

"But tell me this" Ali said, breaking up her thoughts. "Are you willing to deal with it?"

"Oh Ali, we're just dating...."

"Ohhhhh, but I said the same! Now look."

Now look. The words hung heavy in the air stretching between Pennsylvania and Maine. Piper realized what Ali meant, though. The phrase didn't mean so much that every hockey player you dated, you married...but it did mean that stranger things have happened.

"Just...play it cool, okay?"

Piper nodded.

"Which you ARE."

"Yes, I very much am" Piper responded with some flare.

"Show Sid the sassy bitch I know you were in bed with him!"

Piper's mouth opened. "Hey!"

"Just saying!"

She smiled. "Thanks, Ali."

"You're welcome."

* * *

Sidney handed the last of his luggage over to the attendants to his private jet. He'd originally flown there with Duchene, but he had to leave a few days later than him to head back to Ontario…so Sidney was using the opportunity to fly alone in his favor.

When he was booked to leave on this particular jet, he made a request….one that made a lot of those standing around him raise their eyebrows and scratch their heads.

"What are the chances you could take me to Maine instead of Halifax?"

The pilot stared at him. "Maine?"

"Bar Harbor. Specifically." He smiled. "I'll cover the costs, whatever they are. It's not a problem."

Andy stood there confused. "For how long?"

"I don't know. A few days?" Sid was wondering how long himself, but he figured he could manage two days tops. "Likely just tonight and tomorrow." He started to laugh as he crossed his arms. "Don't worry, I'll be back in town for Monday morning's workout."

His trainer laughed. "That's not why I'm standing here looking like this."

"I thought you always looked like that?" Sid bounced back. He tapped him in the arm. "Come on, can't a guy vacation?"

Andy thought about it. "I guess…" His eyes narrowed on him, as they often did. "But doesn't Maine look a lot like Nova--"

"--I heard Acadia's something you need to see at least once, though" Sid replied, catching him before he could even say it. He'd have to play this smart if it was ever going to work. "Honestly. I just need to relax. Come down in elevation a little."

"Sounds like a good idea to me" the pilot remarked. "No additional cost for you, Sidney."

"I'll tip you anyways." He flashed his grin at the pilot and then at Andy. "You're getting nothing."

"Oh, soooo very sweet of you" Andy replied.

And that's how it was left.

Now, as Sidney boarded the small private plane, he checked in with the pilot one more time to ensure everything was set. It was, and Sid never felt better as he took his seat.

Sinking down into the leather seat, he gazed out the window at the mountains surrounding the small mountain airport. Colorado was a great place, but he wanted the water. He wanted to see Piper again, and make up for all the silence between them. He wanted to go home, and yet, he knew the minute he held Piper in his arms again, he'd be leaving her again to more silence and more traveling that didn't involve her.

She'll learn…and then I'll know.

He sighed.

But is it really worth potentially hurting someone I am really beginning to care for?

The engines fired outside the plane, causing the body to whir to life, vibrating under the power just outside.

Sid was used to taking chances. But this was something he guarded himself against more than he probably should, but his life just prevented this from ever being easy. Not now, not in his prime.

But it IS worth it, I think.

He checked the large watch he wore on his wrist. 2:00 pm, Mountain Time. 4:00 pm Eastern Time.

She should be done with work by the time I get there…

The plane began to turn on its wheels, heading towards the end of the runway. Sid watched out the window, looking back on the terrain all around him.

Give me the ocean any day, he thought, and smiled.

* * *

Piper sat on her couch, feet propped up on the edge of her coffee table. In one hand she held a bottle of black nail polish, in the other hand she held the brush. Carefully, she painted the last of her toes, giving it a final coat. She followed this up by fanning them to help them dry.

It was later in the evening, but the sun was only just going down. Piper was successfully on the downward swing of her uppity mood earlier that day. Her talk with Ali had helped, and instructing five yoga classes helped even more.

Now, with her music playing in the background and her thoughts more relaxed, she was settled down for a relaxing night. As she let her nail polish dry, she closed her eyes and rested her head back against the cushions of her couch. Her body felt good, her toes looked better, and the breeze coming through the window was just the right temperature. The groove of the song currently playing in her living room helped coax her into an even more relaxed state.

Humming along, Piper let her thoughts drift. The song was a soothing one by a newer female artist she'd found online. Her voice oozed sex, but the beat had a nice groove to it. It fit the mood she was in. In fact, she was so into the song that she didn't hear a knock on her front door the first time it happened.

The knock was louder the second time around, and Piper lifted her head. She listened to make sure she was hearing things right while she grabbed for the remote to her stereo. Just as she was turning the music down, she heard the knocking again. Her phone also went off on the couch, signaling a text message. She ignored it as she hobbled into the kitchen and over to the door, trying not to mess up her nail polish.

Upon opening the door, all sound stopped dead in her throat.

Sidney looked up from beneath the bill of his hat and smiled. "Busy?"

Piper blinked. "What...."

"Hopefully you're not, because....." He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into him. "I have plans."

"P-plans?" she asked, stunned. Is this really fucking happening right now?

He answered by pressing his lips to hers. It was strong and slow; not too eager but full of need. Piper never felt an instant spark like the one she did at that very moment. As some of the shock of his presence wore off, she felt the secure grip of his hands on her waist, every soft press of his skilled tongue against hers. It felt right having him there. The shakiness Piper felt slowly melted away, and she felt Sid smiling against her mouth as he pulled back.

"So..." he whispered, his thumb brushing along her jaw. "Are you busy?"

She chuckled softly. "No."

Their eyes connected, both of their smiles widening.

"How the hell are you standing here right now?" She just had to ask him. She had to. There were way too many questions and her brain never had to work this fast with a guy before.

"I have my ways" Sid said with a laugh.

"But holy SHIT!"

He was laughing, not just because her animations made him happy...but because he hoped he would get a reaction like this.

"No, but really Crosby" Piper said, looking up into those caramel eyes. "How did you find me? My house? How....I mean, weren't you just..."

"Slow down, sloooww down." His lips found hers once more, and Piper felt herself fall deeper into the softness of his mouth. His hand ran through the ends of her hair, needing to feel the softness of it more than he realized. If he were to be honest with himself, he'd realize he needed more of her than either of them really knew. A week away from her, and Sid could feel it. "We can save all that for later."

"Right...later...." Piper couldn't stop laughing, so she bit her knuckle to help her stop. With her disbelief on the backshelf, her giddiness took over. She threw her arms around him, encircling his shoulders and holding him tight. "You're something else, Crosby."

He smiled against her cheek. "So I've been told."

* * *

Notes