Counting Stars

My phone wakes me up in the morning, blaring the signature ringtone of my personal assistant Emma. I groan throwing out my hand to my nightstand and answer the ringing monstrosity with a groggy, “Hello?”

“Bridge, it’s Emma. Just making sure you’re awake. I’m coming up in 5 and then we need to leave in 30. First day of filming love, so busy day. We will run the schedule in person, but just be…”

I interrupt with a sigh, “Yes, Emma got it. Thanks and please I know you’re driving so hang up the phone and I’ll see you in a bit.

She chuckles, “Fine fine, but rememb-“ I hang up the phone and collapse onto the bed. I close my eyes and submerse myself in the luxury king bed for a few final moments before slowly rolling out of the bed. I’m in the shower by the time Emma walks into the hotel suite. I quickly dry my hair and do some light make up before heading out to the living room.

“Alright, so I laid out a pair of jean shorts and that blue v-neck along with those boots. Figured you would be changing soon anyways.” Emma began as she handed me my Starbucks sweet tea, lemonade.

“Sounds good to me, thanks for the drink.” I disappear into my bedroom quickly and slide on my clothes. “So, schedule?”

“The car will be here in ten. We are one location in the Strip District. It’s the seventh scene.” I nod and she continues. “Luckily with the sound stages being finished in those converted warehouses there won’t be a lot of travel time. Production is saying that we should be done around 5…”

I zone out a little as I collect my wallet, keys, script and phone into my Michael Kors tote. We start moving towards the door. When we get to the door I stop, “What are those?”
Emma stops and took a flash of guilt goes through her eyes, “Umm flowers, but like I was saying catering has those sandwiches you like.”

“Emma, who sent them?”

“I believe that Zac sent them to you.”

I laugh before grabbing the arrangement and walking out the door, Emma close behind me, “Uh Bridge what are you doing?”

We step into the elevator while Emma continues to look at me questioningly. When the elevator dings at the bottom I walk out first and quickly place the arrangement on the nearest table.

“I really don’t think you should put those…”

“Well, it was there or in the trash, I sure as hell was not keeping them,” I sigh. “Sorry, I just did not need that from him or anything from him for that matter.”

She nods and gives me a quick hug, “I understand hun, don’t worry. You’re going to have a great day. I mean it was ugly anyways, like red roses? Boring.”

I chuckle. This is part of the reason I love Emma. Yes, she is an amazing assistant but we were best friends before I was anywhere near being famous. We walk to the door and we are joined by my two favorite bodyguards, Ethan and Jacob.

“Hello boys, I’ve missed my personal army.” I give them each a quick hug. These guys keep away the paps and the creeps. Originally hired by my agent as intimidating bodyguards they’ve turned into my closest confidants. Without question they have my back, not to mention they are really easy on the eyes. Ethan is a 6’4 Californian surfer boy through and through and Jacob, is a bit more mysterious but nonetheless attractive with his tan skin and dark hair.

“Alright, here we go,” Ethan opens the door and Emma steps in front of me as Jacob places his hand on the small of my back. We steer through the small yet ravenous group of paparazzi; I never felt safer though sandwiched between these two men.

The ride to set was uneventful and the day passed quickly much like all first days. Everyone was excited and energized which made for a fun and inspired filming. Once the director yelled the final cut, I returned to my dressing room, quickly ridding myself of my costumes and makeup. I was just about finished when I heard a knock, “Come in.”

“There she is!” My manager, Janet Schmerling, walks in holding her i-phone in one hand and a Starbucks cup in the other. This woman literally holds my life in her hands, she takes care of the big picture stuff and she knows things about me that I don’t even know. Her short black hair and pantsuit exude power and confidence. “I’m hearing great things from the production team, like that’s a surprise though right?”

“Thanks Janet, it went really well, but I’m exhausted. What’s up?”

Her smile cracks a little, “Well David is here, can he come in?”

Ah David, my PR liaison. We define the love-hate relationship. Personally, I think he is a sleazy weasel in a cheap suit, but he does an amazing job, so I put up with it. I paste on a smile,

“Sure.”

“Brooklyn my love, you look great,” he walks in and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “So word on the street is that you and Liam have amazing chemistry and I was talking to Liam’s people and we were thinking…”

“No.” I cut him off. “I’m not having a fake relationship for God’s sake I just got out of a real one!”

Janet and David share a look, “It wouldn’t be a relationship per say, just a heavily publicized friendship.”

“No, I won’t do it,” publicity relationships always end ugly, and I can’t play the guitar so a breakup hit is out of the question.

Janet moves to sit next to me on the couch, “Liam doesn’t want a relationship either, but he does enjoy your company and I know you do too,” Janet continues, switching to a motherly tone. “I know you’ve been a little tired lately, but”

“Tired?” David interrupts. “I told you I could get you something for that. If that’s why you don’t want to do this.”

“No,” If this will shut them up I guess that I’ll participate in this idiotic scheme. “Fine, I’ll do it. What’s the plan?”

David’s grin breaks open, “Perfect, I have a list of possible tweets for this evening and photo ops. Emma is grabbing clothes from your suite as we speak. Liam will be here in 45 minutes to pick you up.”

I grab the paper, “Okay, but what are we actually doing?”

He is playing on his phone, “I got two tickets for the uh…what’s the hockey team here?”

I smile, “The Pittsburgh Penguins.”

“You know they’re just playing you right?” Emma questions. Janet and David left after their scheming and I’m currently changing for my meeting with Liam. “Without you they wouldn't have a job.”

I sigh. Emma doesn't understand that without a kick ass manager like Janet I would be nothing. I owe her everything and would be lost without her. “Yes, but without them there is no auditions, no sponsorships, no nothing. So I’ll put up with their publicity bullshit as long as I still get to do what I love. Besides three hours with Liam Hemsworth? I could think of worse ways to spend an evening.”

“I just worry about you,” I emerge from the bathroom and give Emma a hug.

“Thanks love. I’ll call you tonight and give you all the juicy, platonic details.”

She laughs, “Have fun, Bridge.”

I smile at her nickname for me, a vestige from our drunken nights of undergrad. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of those times. A knock at the door knocks me out of my reprieve. “Come in!”

The door opens and lo and behold the 6 foot divine gift of Liam Hemsworth walks in, “Hey Brooklyn, great first day huh?”

We share a quick hug, “Definitely, looking forward to the next month or so. Sorry about this I’m sure you wanted to rest.”

He shrugs, “Well, beautiful actress or Netflix? It was close, but I guess you’ll do. Just promise me that you explain this game to me.”

"No worries, I’ll be your personal encyclopedia.”

We were quiet for a moment, the silence slowly filling up my trailer, “Alright, we best be off then. My truck is quite close.”

I nod and we walk to the car, saying goodbye to the few crew members who are still milling about. Once in the car the silence continues with only the soft sounds of the radio as a reprieve. I have to think of something to say, “You don’t really use your twitter right?”

“Umm no, why?”

“Well, I have a list of absolutely absurd possible tweets to use tonight,” I shuffle through my bag until I find the paper. “Like this, ‘Hangin with my fav Aussie costar after a long day’s work #timetoplay’.”

He lets out a snort, “God that’s awful.”

“Or how about, ‘The ice may be cold, but my date is HOT’ and then I’m supposed to attach a picture of you of course.”

He groans, “I beg of you, do not do that.”

Laughing, “Don’t worry I’ll think of something else.”

When we arrived at the stadium I could easily tell that this was a set up in the making. Liam had a VIP parking pass that I’m assuming got us into the official parking lot for the players. I looked down at my clothes and his when we got out of the car and instantly realized we would stick out like sore thumbs. He looked absolutely gorgeous in a pair of distressed jeans and a dark grey long sleeved thermal sweater, which he had casually rolled up the sleeves. Myself on the other hand was wearing dark jeans with a pair of coral, geometric pumps along with a white, oversized vintage top. Not to mention my hair and makeup was meticulously done. Everyone would recognize us, there was no doubt.

It seemed that Liam realized this fact just as I did, “Well, this is going to be a shitstorm isn't it?”

I nodded, “I hope you weren't planning on actually watching the game.”

With that we walked to entrance where we were greeted by Mitch, apparently we have a personal assistant for the entire game. I was already shaking my head, but Liam spoke up first, “Thanks, but we really don’t need that, if you could just help us to the main concourse that would be great.” Mitch nodded albeit a little dejectedly and led us to the elevator. When the doors opened we were immediately submersed into Penguins world. People wore jerseys everywhere or at least black and gold. I saw familiar names like Crosby, Fleury and Malkin as well as some other lesser known ones. Without question the two of us attracted attention. People took in our attire and immediately pegged us as outcasts before placing our faces in their minds.

I turned to Liam pretending as if we weren't being dissected like animals in a zoo, “Alright, where are our seats?”

He digs the tickets out of his wallet, “Sections 113, Row A. That sounds promising.”

I nod and we head to our section, the stares becoming more prominent as we get closer and closer to our section. As we walked down the stairs and got closer and closer to the ice I realized that it was going to be impossible to hide. We were on the glass right in front of the face-off circle and across from Penguin’s bench. As soon as I sat down the people around us stopped talking and then I felt a quick tap on my shoulder. I turn to see two men probably in their mid-20s in penguins gear. “Yes?”

“Wow it really is you. Could we get a picture real quick? Our buddies would never believe us otherwise.”

I smile, “Of course, no problem.” I move to stand in between them as their hands fall around my waist, but still a safe distance from my butt. They hand their iPhones to Liam and he snaps the picture.

“Thanks, Brooklyn you are so hot,” one of them said.

I smiled, “Have a great night guys and go Pens,” I sat back down and turned to Liam. Now that someone had asked me for a photo everyone was trying to take photos nonchalantly and completely failing. “Do you want a beer?”

Liam cracks a smile, “Of course, you want to wait here?”

“Yeah I think that would be best. I’ll work on what to tweet,” he laughed at my response and then went on his way. As soon as he left, the penguins came out for warm ups. And I decided to finally take in my surroundings and I smiled. I had never set front row before and I quickly started taking pictures and I mean all of the pictures. As Liam came back I sent a quick photo to my dad wishing he was here with me.

***************
“Dude, did you see who was here?” I overheard Neal talking to Geno on the bench right after the national anthem. I was trying to focus, but I was curious to see what poor girl was the object of James’ attention now.

“Who? Old girlfriend?” Geno was finishing his stick.

“Brooklyn Donahue man. Brooklyn Fucking Donahue!” Geno looked confused with James’ answer. “You know the girl played that plays the superhero’s love interest and is one Game of Thrones?”

Kunitz joined in the conversation, “Damn, I knew she looked familiar. She’s also supposed to be in that new thriller getting Oscar buzz.”

We all turned to Kuni, “What? The woman made me watch it.”

I tapped my stick against the boards, “Boys, can we focus on the game. We need to start this season off strong starting with the Rangers,”

As I was skating away I heard Geno ask, “Where is she sitting?”

“Cross the way by the faceoff circles.”

I shook my head clear and focused on the first puck drop. We were playing fairly well, the season had just started so all the guys were loose, but we were connected and focused. I was especially focused until an icing call brought the puck down to the aforementioned faceoff circle. I promised myself I wouldn't look and then my head just lifted up and there she was. We were taking a commercial break and noticed that all the guys both Penguins and Rangers were sneaking looks at the blonde beauty sitting in the front row. She was with the guy from that Hunger Games movie, but they weren't dating or at least they didn't look like it. God I need to focus. She was doing something on her phone, a slight smile on her face when she suddenly looked up. And just as suddenly she was looking right at me. Her mouth opened in a slight ‘o’ before she shot me a quick smile. But what surprised me most wasn't her beauty or bright smile, but the fact that I smiled back.

I suddenly felt a quick bump to my shoulder and looked up to Kunitz, “Man, I bet she is coming down to the room after the game, plenty of time to ogle then.”

Chuckling I nudge him back, “Don’t know what you’re talking about. Just focus on getting the puck when I win the faceoff.” I got into position and focused on winning this faceoff then the game, but I would be lying if my gaze didn't shift to her seat everyone once and awhile.

**************

And your Number 1 Star for the season opener….SIDNEY CROSBY!!!!

Everyone in Consol was standing chanting Crosby while he came out and saluted the crowd. I had to admit he had a great night, scoring a goal and assisting one another. In a 2-0 win that’s pretty important. I sat down to gather up my things and Liam did the same. We were going to wait and have an usher take a photo of us for one last tweet for the night. Throughout the game I tweeted sporadically mostly about the game and very little about Liam. Both of us decided that we wanted to keep this casual. A few more fans asked for autographs and then we were some of the last people there. The usher came down smiling and we quickly posed for a photo. The other few fans left snapped a photo of us as well. I quickly posted it to twitter and Instagram with a generic statement about what a great night it was and gathered up my things.

Liam and I were just about to exit our row when a security guard came down, “Miss Donahue and Mr. Hemsworth, the Penguins would love if you would come down to the locker room for a little bit, Mr. Lemieux’s daughters are huge fans.”

Liam smiled, “We would love to.”

We followed the security guard through the labyrinth of the arena, while on our journey I tried to suppress the hope that I would get to meet the man behind the eyes that I focused on during the game earlier tonight. I mean Sidney Crosby would never take the time to meet some dumb actors, I’m sure he prefers to leave the arena as soon as possible. Furthermore any eye contact was definitely an insane hallucination on my end.

By the time I finished my little pep talk we were at the door to the locker room. The security guard turned to us, “They should be done changing and most of the press is gone. I’ll take you back to Coach Bylsma’s office and Mr. Lemieux should be there,” Without further ado he opened the door to the innermost sanctum of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The guard opened the door and Liam walked in first, the idle chatter that I heard in the room when the door first opened died considerably by the time I walked in. We didn't stop though the guard led us directly to an office where two men sat, Dan Bylsma and Mario Lemieux. They stopped talking when we walked in.

“Ahhh Miss Donahue and Mr. Hemsworth, so great that you could come down. We hope you enjoyed the game,” Mario began the introduction and once that was finished he offered to show us around the rest of the locker room. Liam stayed with Dan to discuss the game while I left with Mario.

“Was this the first game you've attended?”

“My first here, but I went to a few in Columbus when I was growing up.”

He smiled, “So you’re a hockey fan?”

“I love to watch, but honestly I don’t know much about the specifics,” I smiled as we approached the threshold to the locker room.

“Well then you’ll get a kick out of this,” he laughed and then waltzed into the locker room.

“Alright boys, for those of you remaining may I introduce the lovely Brooklyn Donahue. Apparently, she’s a hockey fan so let’s remember our manners.”

The maybe 10 guys remaining smiled and waved and I waved back using every ounce of strength to not look at the man I knew was only slightly to my left. Mario took me around and introduced me to a few, coincidentally those who stayed were either younger or the ones without pictures of children taped in their cubbyhole. We took pics for their twitters and Instagram, but it was all mostly a blur. I didn't even really focus enough to swoon over Neal’s blatant flirting or Geno’s lovable broken English. All of my attention was trying to stop my brain from thinking about the fact that I would be meeting Sidney with those gorgeous eyes in just a few moments.

“And this is our Captain, Sidney Crosby, but I’m sure you already knew that,” and I guess that moment is now.

I think I smiled as I stuck out my hand for him to shake, “Brooklyn Donahue, nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Sidney returned my smile and gently squeezed my hand before I reluctantly released.

“Great game, it was really fun to watch.”

“Thanks,” we were silent for what felt like hours before he spoke again. “Well I guess I should be-“

“Could we have a photo?” I winced. “Sorry, I mean you’re my dad’s favorite so could we please have a photo?”

He smiled, “Not a problem at all,” I handed my phone to Mario. And stood next to Sidney, completely unsure of what to do with my hands, until Sidney slipped an arm comfortably around my waist. There was a flash and then his arm was gone and Mario handed my phone back to me.

“Thanks for the photo, I truly appreciate it. I know it’s sometimes annoying.” Again silence floated around us. Liam walked back into the room and came up to me, “Ready to go Brooklyn?”

I broke eye contact with Sidney immediately, “Yeah of course. Nice to meet you and great game,” I looked at the entire room, “Great game all of you. And thanks for inviting us down here Mario.”

Mario smiled, “I’m sure we will be seeing you again.”

With that Liam and I left the room, a smile on my face the entire time.

*******************

As soon as the door closed it began, the multiple exclamations about the gorgeous goddess that just graced us with her presence.

“Man, her ass was great, the movies just do not do it justice,” Beau and Burtozzo were discussing her behind.
Nealer and Depres on the other hand, “What I wouldn't do to those tits of hers. Has she done any hot magazine covers yet?”

“I’ll ask my sister, she is totally obsessed with her.”

I block out the conversations as I gather the last of my things. Suddenly, a large shadow is hovering over me. I look up and notice that Geno is staring at me with that weird knowing look in his eyes. “Walk to cars with me?”

Nodding, we made our way to the parking garage in silence, the guys too involved in their own discussions of Brooklyn’s assets to notice our absence.

“You like her.”

Geno did have a way with words, “And why would you think that?”

He paused and then continued, “You looked at her during the game and you put your arm around her during your picture,” He shrugs. “You like her and she likes you.” And with those words of wisdom that Russian bastard gets in his car and drives away.

I walk to mine, shaking my head. There is no way I like her, if anything its crush and I’m a grown man who is too old to have a damn crush. She is gorgeous no doubt, but again I’m too old for this bullshit. I turn up the radio loudly on the ride home, hoping to keep my mind from pathetically reliving meeting Brooklyn.

Notes

There arent a lot of stories with the girl more famous than Sidney, so I thought I would try one. Enjoy!