Counting Stars

I’m having a great dream when I wake up the next morning and realize that it’s in fact my reality. Sidney is kissing my neck and I quietly sigh, “Mmmmm good morning.”

I feel his hands pushing up the flimsy t-shirt I wore to bed, “I could get used to waking up next to you.” Relaxing I let Sidney push up my shirt and then pull him towards me. Our kiss starts slow and luxurious before building, his lips and tongue becoming more and more insistent. My hands roam greedily across his bare chest and I can’t help but moan feeling all the muscle beneath the skin.

I reach to untie the string of his sweatpants and he pulls away with a groan, “I have a game today babe. This morning is all about you.”

Pouting I try to move my hands again, “But, I want you.”

He chuckles and pins my arms above my head, “Later, I promise.” And with that he places a quick kiss on my lips and then moves to my neck, tickling my sweet spot. All I can do is lie back and enjoy Sidney’s sweet torture. Sidney releases my wrists and moves farther down my body kissing slowly. His tongue circles my bellybutton and gently bites my hip bone before moving lower. I moan loudly as Sidney’s tongue works magic on my body. My head falls back against the headboard and Sidney thrusts a finger into my tight wet hole. Sidney pulls away and meets my lips in a hot searing kiss and I can taste myself on him, “You taste so good baby.” I can’t find words as Sidney adds another finger and I feel myself getting closer and closer. Sidney’s mouth is close to my ear, “Come for me Brooklyn, my gorgeous girl.”

With Sidney’s fingers I come apart and his mouth absorbs my final scream. As my breath slowly returns Sidney is caressing my face. I look up at him, “No man should be allowed to do that so easily.”

He chuckles and rolls to the side, “I’m assuming that’s compliment.”

I nod emphatically and lay my head on his chest, matching his breathing to mine. We lay quietly together and I take a moment to just relax. When I came to Pittsburgh I had no idea that this would happen, I’m definitely not complaining though. In a few moments I hear both of our cellphones ringing though. Sidney gets out of bed and grabs our phones from the other room. He tosses me mine and I sit up holding my comforter to my chest, “Hello?”

“Brooklyn love, I just landed in Pittsburgh we have things to discuss,” It’s Janet and I’m momentarily thrown off by the fact that she is here in the city.

“Why are you here?” I can tell that Sidney is talking to his agent next to me and he leaves the room.

“You have the wrap party on Thursday remember. And then on Friday the Studio is having another one in L.A. We need to discuss clothing options, travel arrangements and Sidney of course.”

My thoughts start racing, what could Janet possibly want to discuss about Sidney. More importantly how does she know about Sidney? “Uh yeah sure. What about Sidney though?”

She clucks her tongue, “Nothing to trouble yourself over right now. We are having lunch with Sidney and his agent today to discuss it all. I’ll be on set today anyways so we can touch base. See you in a few, kisses!”

Janet hangs up before I can even acknowledge what she said. I head to the bathroom and when I come back out Sidney is sitting on the bed putting his clothes from yesterday back on. “So we have lunch plans I guess?”

He nods, “So I’ve heard. Any idea what they want to discuss?”

“Probably something that the two of us really don’t care about,” I check the time and realize that I need to leave. “I have to go though, have a good skate and I’ll see you for lunch!” We share a quick kiss then I’m out the door and off to set.

I film my scenes quickly and am actually done by the time lunch rolls around. When Janet walks into my trailer Emma and I are discussing her new little niece. “There you are. How are we doing today?” Before we can respond Janet continues, “Good. Emma you can go home for the day. Brooklyn and I have some things we need to discuss.”

Once Emma leaves I focus on Janet, “Okay, what is going on Janet?”

She hands me a folder, “Here is all the information for the wrap party on Thursday here and then the bigger one in L.A. on Friday. These clothing options have all been approved by David so you can choose what you want to wear for each event. Hair and makeup will be meeting you at the hotel and then I will be there too of course. Are we good on that?”

I nod, none of this is out of the ordinary, “Now why do we have to discuss Sidney?”

Janet takes a deep breath and I know that I’m not going to like where this conversation goes, “Well, I’m assuming the two of you are dating each other, correct?” I nod. “Well, we need you and Liam to be close at this event keeping the ‘are they, or aren’t they’ mentality. If you spend the evening with your boyfriend that isn’t going to happen.” She pauses and I go to speak, “That being said, Liam has his eye on a girl anyways. So his people and I have decided that this charade has reached its zenith.”

“So, Sidney can’t come to the event is what you’re saying.”

She shakes her head, “No, since this is the first big budget project to be filmed entirely in Pittsburgh the event is meant to showcase both the city and the film. This means that select members of the Penguins, Steelers and Pirates are all invited as well as the usual culprits: executives, producers, investors, select crew members. “

It dawns on me that Janet wants to me to act as if Sidney is simply an acquaintance at the party, “Basically you want me to ignore him.”

To her credit Janet acts surprised, “Never! Just make sure that you don’t show him too much attention.” She looks at her watch. “I know I can count on you hun, you are the consummate professional. But we need to go have lunch with Sidney and his agent. We have a private table at the Terrace Room.”

********
The morning skate was a little brutal this morning, obviously Coach was not pleased with our performance on Saturday. After some interviews I head out of Consol quickly to get to lunch on time with Pat, Brooklyn and her manager. When I walk into the Terrace room I automatically feel underdressed, but the hostess simply leads me back to a secluded table where Pat is already sitting. We shake quickly and I sit down, “So, what is this all about?”

“You tell me, Sid. I mean you’ve never had a high profile girlfriend and now you choose a famous actress? It just doesn’t make sense.” He takes a sip of his water. “Have you told your parents yet? Because Taylor is going to find out everything in those Gossip magazines she reads sooner rather than later.”

Shit, I hadn’t even thought about that, “No, we’ve only known each other for almost two months, but I can’t explain it Pat. We just work; she doesn’t seem like an actress, just a normal girl.” I pause as our waiter brings me water. “You should be happy, it’s not like she is after my money.”

He nods, “That’s great and all, but you’re going to have to put up with a lot of shit. Is she worth it?”

Just then two women enter the empty restaurant, first is a middle-aged woman in a navy suit with a short severe bob. Honestly she kind of scares me, but I only focus on her for a second. Behind the woman is Brooklyn she looks beautiful with her hair pulled back in a high pony tail. Her clothes have changed since I saw her this morning. Now she is wearing leggings with a long purple sweater and a maroon scarf, with those tall boot things. Even dressed casually she takes my breath away, I tear my eyes away so I can look at Pat, “Yeah, she is definitely worth it.”

The two of them reach the table and Pat and I stand. Brooklyn introduces her manager and I introduce Pat. Once the introductions are over we sit and place our orders. Until the food comes we talk in simple pleasantries and I’m slowly becoming anxious. I want to know why the four of us needed to meet. My leg starts to bounce and Brooklyn places her hand on my knee and rubs small circles. I smile at her and she returns it, “How was the skate this morning?”

“It was a little tough, Dan wasn’t pleased with us,” she nods. “And how was filming?”

“I’m actually done for the day.”

“You should come back to my house then, maybe nap with me?”

Her forehead crinkles, “Nap with you? Is that some weird Canadian euphemism?”

I laugh, “I always take a nap before a game, a way to channel any last bit of energy.” I don’t think she really believes me, but agrees anyways. Our waiter finally arrives with our food. And we eat quietly for a moment before I notice Janet put her fork down.

“Alright, we might as well start this now,” she reaches into her portfolio and takes out a few pieces of paper. “This is a non-disclosure agreement that you, Pat, and Sidney need to sign. Basically, it says that when you and Brooklyn break up private stories and moments will not be shared with the press. No book deals, no press tours, nothing. If you break this agreement then Brooklyn will be entitled to millions in reparations.”

I’m shocked, and I turn to Brooklyn to see if she is equally stunned. “Janet, I really don’t think…”

But Brooklyn doesn’t get a chance to finish because Pat is pulling out papers as well, “I thought this was going to happen, so I brought papers for you and Miss Donahue as well.”

I turn to Pat, “Really?”

He shrugs and exchanges papers with Janet, who starts to speak again while reading the document, “I know that Sidney and a few of his teammates were invited to the wrap party on Thursday. Their relationship cannot take away from the film or the fact that it was filmed in Pittsburgh. Therefore, Brooklyn will walk the carpet alone and spend most of her time with her costar, Liam Hemsworth.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing, we have to pretend that we aren’t together to save face? Once again I look at Brooklyn who is now looking down at her plate, “Did you know this?”

She nods, “Yeah, it’s not ideal, but this is a onetime thing. Right Janet?”

“It shouldn’t be a reoccurring issue, no. That being said though we need the two of you to stay separate until at least next week.” With the team I travel a lot and our time together is already limited. Now we need to spend even less time together? Janet continues though, “And finally we need to decide if you want an official announcement.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary. Sidney and I want to keep this simple, in a few weeks if people start to ask, then comment. But I don’t think either of us wants photo ops like Julianne and Brooks did. It was tacky.” Finally, Brooklyn says something expected.

“Anything you want to add Sidney?” Pat asks me and I am honestly too stunned to respond. I shake my head and I see Brooklyn look at me with concern. “In that case, we will go ahead and sign this.”

Janet and Brooklyn sign their contract as well. “I know this wasn’t the happiest lunch meeting in the world, but these things needed to be mapped out. We thank you both for your cooperation.”

Our check comes and Pat pays it and Janet immediately excuses herself, “Lovely meeting you both, and I’ll be seeing you on Thursday Sidney. Take care of our girl.”

It’s just the three of us and we are all quiet for a moment, “I’m sorry I feel like I should apologize for Janet she can be a little brusque. I know that you’re important to Sidney though and I would love to have an enjoyable dinner at some point maybe.”

Pat stands and gives Brooklyn a quick peck on the cheek, “I can respect what Janet does, but I feel like the two of you have a few things to discuss. Good luck tonight Sidney.”

I nod to Pat as he leaves and then it’s just the two of us for a few minutes. The events of the short yet unnerving lunch run through my head. Suddenly, I’m consumed with the feeling that I am in way over my head with Brooklyn. Contracts, photo ops and red carpets, should never have to be discussed before entering into a relationship with someone. I think briefly back to Pat’s question at the beginning of lunch, is Brooklyn really worth it?

******
To say the least lunch was awkward. I knew that Janet probably had some controversial things to say, but she was downright rude. You don’t have to be psychic to tell that Sidney is frustrated and a little upset after lunch. “Sidney, please say something.”

He takes a sip of his water and purses his lips, “I really don’t know what to say.” He takes a breath. “Usually I don’t make a habit out of discussing my relationships in the same sentence as contracts and nondisclosure agreements. You have to understand that I don’t think that was necessary at all.”

He has a point and I recognize that he was uncomfortable. Unfortunately, Janet has to protect me and she doesn’t know Sidney. “We aren’t going to need those agreements past today, I promise. And your agent had paperwork too, so please don’t pretend that this is entirely my fault.”

We are both silent for a moment and I can tell by Sidney’s tensed fists that he is frustrated. And I’m slowly starting to feel frustrated as well. It dawns on me that both of us are used to being the busy one in the relationship, the one that the other plans their schedule around. The one who always left and traveled. We are going to have to seriously compromise to make this work. “I just thought Janet was rude and belittled our relationship. She basically said that your movie was more important than us. Doesn’t that seem a little messed up to you?”

I snort, “Because you have never sacrificed personal aspects of your life for your career?”

“It’s not even the same thing. I would have had the decency to at least warn before this whole lunch from hell happened!” Sidney’s voice has risen and I can see some of the wait staff starting to take notice. I brush it off knowing that Janet made sure the wait staff was handsomely paid to keep quiet about this little meeting.

“I didn’t know this was going to happen, okay? I didn’t want this to happen, and honestly I think you’re overreacting a little.”

Sidney sits back in his chair and I see that his head has finally caught up with his heart. He gives a quick shake of his head and his face transforms. Instead of the fun-loving Sidney that I knew this morning or even the passionate Sidney from the ice I see cold and distant Sidney. His face and mannerisms are stiff as if he has to answer questions from the press. “Maybe your right, but I don’t have time to talk about this more. I have a game tonight, and I think you should go home. “

I don’t want to walk away from this meal angry, “Don’t be angry about this please, it’s just business and it shouldn’t affect us.”

He gives me a cold kiss on my cheek, “I’m not mad, babe. I just need to think, I’ll see you Thursday night.”

Sidney leaves the restaurant and I’m left there contemplating the last hour or so. For the first time since we’ve been serious Sidney hasn’t invited me to the game and from the sound of it, he doesn’t even want to see me for the next few days. A waitress comes up to the table, “I’m sorry miss but we need the table in a few minutes.”

“Of course, I’m sorry I will get out of your way,” I stand and make my way out of the restaurant.

Notes

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Thanks for reading!