Counting Stars

I wake up the next morning and instantly realize that Sidney isn’t next to me. The bedside clock reads 10:37 and it dawns on me that Sidney must be at his morning skate. As I lay there I’m tempted to try to never leave bed all day, but I know that my phone will be full of messages and phone calls about Zac and Sidney. I sigh and roll out of bed, righting Sidney’s clothes as I try to remember where Sidney set my purse down last night.

My purse is on the island downstairs along with a note from Sidney, It was hard leaving you this morning, but I hope you slept well. I should be home around 11:30. There is some fruit and yogurt in the fridge

I smile and then take a deep breath as I pull out my iPhone. Sure enough I have about twenty text messages and a few phone calls. I decide to put the messages on the backburner and decide that I need to call some people first. Emma picks up on the first ring, “How are you doing?”

“Fine, really. I just woke up so I haven’t looked at the internet or anything.”

There is only silence on the line, “Maybe you shouldn’t.”

“I’m big girl Emma, I can handle whatever is out there. I would rather know what’s going on than being in the dark,” In Sidney’s fridge I grab some orange juice and an apple.

“It’s up to you really. Janet and David have been contacting me nonstop. Apparently, everything is going smoothly in L.A. No one is upset with you for missing the party tonight or for dating Sidney.”

I take a big bit of the apple, “Well, that’s good at least. Are you going to the game tonight?”

“Yeah, I am. Actually, they had an open practice so I’m in the arena right now,” I hear voices on the line. “Wait, Vero wants to talk to you.”

There is some shuffling and then the recognizable French lilt, “Hello, ma petite! I just wanted to tell you that we love you. And we will miss you tonight at the game!”

Vero truly has an amazing attitude, “Thank you, I’ll see you soon I promise.”

“So, did you and Sidney talk about Zac?” Emma is back on the phone.

“No, not really, I don’t want to have the ex-talk yet. We are just getting deep into this,” Emma doesn’t know that the talk would include me confessing my drug use; she just thinks it was a rough breakup.

“So what did you do then?”

I pause, “Well we uh.”

“You guys had sex didn’t you?” I don’t bother lying. “Was it good at least.”

“Unbelievable Emma, shower sex is the best,” My phone dings and I see that it’s my mom calling. “I have to go though, my mom is on the other line.”

My mother without questions read every article about me this morning. She knows a lot of the situation with Zac, but not everything. “Good morning mom.”

“Don’t play coy with me! I want to hear all about him,” my mom, like any mother I’m sure takes an unhealthy interest in my love life.

“His name is Sidney and he plays for the Penguins. What else do you want to know?”

“How did you meet him? How long have you been dating? What are his parents like? Does he treat you well? When are we going to meet him?” I’m pretty sure my mother might be blue in the face after her barrage of questions.

“I met him the first week of October, and this has been going on for about a month and a half. I haven’t met his parents. Of course he treats me well mom. Let’s hold off on the meetings for a while okay?”

She’s quiet for a second and I know that she doesn’t like my answers, “Well darling, at the very least he is a very attractive man. You pick well my dear. “

I laugh, “Thanks mom. Sidney will be back in a second though I should probably get ready.” Of course I don’t have any clothes here to wear or a hairbrush or makeup.

“Are you already sleeping over?” I stay silent. “Honestly, I don’t blame you, I would be on that man like…oh never mind just please be careful. I’m still too young to be a grandmother!”

“Don’t worry mom. I love you, talk to you later.”

We hang up and I respond to the texts from Liam and my sister as well as a few other close friends and relatives. Finally, I sit down at the island and grab my phone. I take a deep breath than go to the trusted ENews website. It definitely does not disappoint.

********
I walk into the game day skate a little slow. Last night was interesting and judging from the amount of congrats texts I got this morning, the world is slowly learning of Brooklyn and I’s relationship. Also, my sister has been sending me texts by the hour on the hour demanding information about everything. My phone starts to ring as I lock my car door. Surprise, surprise its Taylor, “Yes?”

“You must tell me everything!” Her scream physically hurts my head. “What is she like? Is she as gorgeous as she is in the movies? What does she smell like? Does she know about me? Oh my god does she know the details about Zac?”

“Taylor, I would be happy to answer all of these completely trivial questions, but I’m at work. Anyways, shouldn’t you be in class or something?”

She scoffs, “My brother is part of the biggest news story right now, you think I’m going to class? Everyone has been asking me what is going on, and I had to pretend that you asked me to keep it private. I was blindsided Sidney, the next time you decide to date a movie star some warning would be nice.”

"You’re unbelievable,” I’m about ten feet from the door to the locker room. “We will talk later, you guys are coming for Thanksgiving remember?”

“I'm calling you later today! But also, she makes you happy right?”

“Yeah Taylor, she does. Now go study.”

I walk into the locker room and the guys who are there immediately come over and start asking me questions. Luckily it’s an optional skate so only a few guys are here. Before I have a chance to answer any of them Flower pulls me over, “Guys, give him a minute to breathe.”

Sitting down in my stall Nealer, Geno, Flower and Dupuis all gather around and someone produces a tablet, “Guys, don’t tell me you’ve been looking at gossip websites.”

“This morning I swear Carol-Lynn couldn’t talk about anything else, she came with me this morning hoping that Brooklyn would be here.”

Flower nodded, “Vero is the same way.”

Nealer is operating the tablet and I take another glance around the locker room, “Is Beau here yet?”

Just then Beau walks in and immediately sees our small posse gathered around, “What’s good? Emma has been talking my ear off all morning.” He looks at Flower and Duper. “I pawned her off on your ladies, figured they would want some inside intel.”

“Has Emma heard from Brooklyn this morning, I left before she woke up.”

Beau shakes his head, “No man, sorry not as far as I know.”

Just then James shoves the tablet in front of my face, “Congratulations first two articles on this entertainment site, a mention on the yahoo news feed and even Puck Daddy decided to comment. Not to mention you are trending on twitter.”

“Are you shitting me?” I try to take the tablet, but Flower takes it and begins reading an article.

As of last evening ENews has exclusively learned that Zac Efron has checked back into rehab. A statement from his agent was released last night, outlining that the hunky star has unfortunately relapsed. From the report it seems that Zac choose to readmit himself into rehab. While his agent had no comment on the exact reason for the visit sources close to Zac hint that-

“I couldn’t care less about him Flower, how is this relevant to me?”

He scoffs and then skims the article, “Ah here we go,”

It seems that ex-girlfriend, Brooklyn Donahue learned of the sad news at the wrap party of her newest film. The night started out wonderfully for the young starlet, she arrived in a beautiful navy gown and looked the epitome of class. Inside she shared a dance with co-star Liam Hemsworth and then things got interesting. Earlier this month Brooklyn has been linked to Sidney Crosby, Captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and its seems that the two are committed to making this work. The debonair Mr. Crosby cut in on the dance floor and proceeded to sweep Brooklyn off of her feet. Attendees remarked that the two looked comfortable together and content. And then things got interesting when the two shared a sweet kiss on the dance floor before Brooklyn’s manager escorted her out of the room. From there the details are fuzzy for us. We assume that Brooklyn was informed of Zac’s situation when she left the party. Brooklyn never returned, but cameras caught her leaving the hotel about twenty minutes later with none other than Sidney Crosby. Paparazzi hounded the pair as they made their way to the car. Brooklyn looked visibly upset and shaken, while Crosby looked focused on protecting his newest lady love.

Over the last two months Brooklyn has been pictured at multiple Penguins games, once even wearing an official Crosby jersey (a gift perhaps?). And she has frequently spent time with other women dating Penguins players. Especially Veronique Fleury and Carol-Lynn Dupuis, the three ladies had a wild night on the town a few weeks ago. There have been no comments from either Brooklyn’s camp or Crosby’s camp. The two are definitely a gorgeous looking couple!

I leaned back, “Damn, look at all of those comments.”

Neal had already stolen the tablet and began reading, “This is the article from Puck Daddy.”

As if you didn’t have reason to hate Sidney Crosby enough. Last night news broke that the twerp from those High School Musical movies got sent back to rehab, and this news upset his former girlfriend the undeniably sexy, Brooklyn Donahue. Now what does this have to do with Captain Canada? Well apparently Donahue has been finding comfort in the talented center’s arms. The two were caught kissing on the dance floor at a recent event and have previously been pictured together out and about in Pittsburgh.

Apparently in addition to being a multi-millionaire and ridiculously good at hockey isn’t good enough for Sidney. Sources close to the pair claim that things are getting serious, which I’m assuming means that Crosby gets to wake up to the beautiful and talented actress every morning. The only good thing to come of this is maybe a few gratuitous shots of the actress at some Penguins game. God knows it would be the only thing that would make them bearable. We have included some of her best pictures below to fuel your hatred, or put you in a good mood on this Friday morning.

Below are the usual comments about how much I suck as well as wondering what a girl like Brooklyn would see I me. I shake my head, “This is insane, guys. Why do people read this shit?”

“Beats me,” the guys walk away when they realize we need to get practice.

Again we have a light practice, we are playing well and we have back to back games again. We have an open practice so there are probably about a hundred people in the stands, including some of the wives with the younger children. I give a little nod to Vero and then focus on the skate. It’s over before I know it.

Back in the locker room our PR lady comes up to us, “Hey Sid, I’m sure you’re expecting this, but there is a lot of press here for you.”

I nod, “Thanks, but yeah I figured.” She leaves and the press are on me in an instant. Surprisingly I answer about four hockey related questions (four more than I thought I would answer) until the more entertaining ones start.

“You are involved in a pretty big news story this morning, care to comment?”

Wow, that was vague, but I rely on my extensive training and go for vague and neutral, “Yeah, the guys were sure to show me when I came in this morning. It all seems a little blown out of proportion to me.”

The same reporter continues, “So you are not dating Brooklyn Donahue then?”

I adjust my hat and decide to just go with it, “No, Brooklyn and I are dating, it still new. We were hoping to keep it private for a while. Now that it’s not though we would appreciate it if our privacy was respected.”

Another reporter raises their hand, “Will the increased media scrutiny affect any part of your game?”

“Uh, no. I’m pretty used to media attention and dealing with reporters. I don’t anticipate any problems.”

The man who first asked about Brooklyn all those weeks ago speaks, “There are allegations that Ms. Donahue partook in drugs while she was in a relationship with Mr. Efron. Do you think that your image could be hurt by this?”

I shrug, “I haven’t heard those rumors, but I wouldn’t put too much stock in them. I just hope that Zac can get the help that he needs.”

With that our PR lady deftly moves the scrum to the next player and I relax in my stall. I hurry and gather my stuff. On the way out I run into Emma, “Hey, have you talked to Brooklyn this morning?”

She nods, “I talked to her around 11 I think. She sounded good, she was about to finally check all of her messages and the internet.”

“Okay, thanks. Um, do you have any advice for how to deal with this?”

She laughs, “Bridge is a pro with the press. She doesn’t care about people knowing about the two of you.”

“No, I mean with Zac.”

Emma suddenly becomes serious, “Let her know she can tell you about her breakup. I think she isn’t telling me something.” She pauses then continues, “But from what she said this morning you are doing a really good job.” She winks. “And I mean a really good job.”

I turn every shade of red, “She told you?”

“Girls love to talk about sex too,” She gives me a once over. “And trust me you have nothing to blush about Sidney.”

Beau comes out just then, “Hey guys, what are you talking about?”

“Uh, nothing,” I stutter “I’m about to head home though, thanks again for the advice Emma. I’ll see you tonight Beau.”

******
It’s almost noon when I hear the garage door open, I’ve been stranded at Sidney’s house and trying in vain not to snoop. Once I hear the door though I run and jump on the couch trying to look engrossed in the old sitcom on the television.

“Honey, I’m home!” Sidney strides into the room with a big smile on his face.

“Hey, how was practice?” I move to get up, but he waves me down and instead joins me on the couch.

“Good, nice and short. I had some interesting questions afterward.”

I tap my finger on my chin, “I wonder what they were about.”

Sidney pulls me into his lap, “This extremely annoying actress, who I think might be obsessed with me.”

“Actresses are the worst, I hear they love attention,” I’m really glad that Sidney is in a good mood. “But seriously it wasn’t too much of an inconvenience?”

“You’re not the only one who knows how to handle ravenous reporters,” He rubs my leg comfortingly. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine Sidney, really,” I smile widely. “Please, can we just drop it?”

“Sounds good, to me. I have a question for you, I talked to Emma after practice and she called you Bridge. Actually she calls you that name a lot. Any reason why?”

Oh good, a safe subject. “We were in undergrad and we went out a lot, probably more than we should of, but its fine. Anyways one night I fell on our way home and they started singing Fergie’s London Bridge song which of course makes it a short leap from London Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge and then eventually it was shortened to Bridge. When I first started acting I almost used it as my stage name, I love it really.”

“I like it, it suits you.”

“Well if you want you can call me that.”

The two of us sit and watch TV for a little before Sidney’s phone starts to ring and he fishes it out of his pocket, “Oh my God, it’s my sister again. She has been calling me nonstop about you today.”

I laugh, “My mom and sister have been the same way. Answer it, I’ll say hi. Or better yet, let me answer it.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Sidney looks at me concerned. “She may never stop talking to you.”

“I’m sure.” I take the phone from Sidney and answer, “Hello?”

I almost throw the phone when I hear the replying scream, Sidney winces. “Oh my God, it’s you isn’t it! I’m a huge fan, I really love your work. You are totally going to win an Oscar this year.”

“Well, thanks Taylor. Your brother’s busy do you mind if we chat for a second?”

“Do I mind? No, not at all, I don’t even need to speak to Sidney. Speaking of which what do you see in my idiot brother?”

I laugh, “I don’t know if you want to know.”

“Fair point,” she swears. “I have to go class I really didn’t think he was going to answer and I definitely didn’t think YOU were going to answer. “

“It was really great talking to you, have a good day,” I hang up and look at Sidney. “She is very energetic.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“No! No, she seemed great. It will be great to meet her sometime.”

Sidney smiles, “I would love that.” He looks at me and tilts his head, “I forgot you don’t have clothes here. Let me take you home, I have to nap for my game anyways.”

The ride home is quiet, and he just pulls into the circle to drop me off, “Thank you for the ride home and for helping me last night.”

“Please, you never have to thank me for taking care of you, I'm happy to do it. We should be back late Monday night from our road trip. I’ll text you.”

“Not if I text you first,” I rest my head on his shoulder.

“No, we aren’t going to be THAT disgusting couple,” I feel his chest shaking with laughter under my head and I savor the feeling of being small.

“Fair enough, now leave while I still let you,” we kiss quickly his arms pulling me closer to his body before he lets go. “Good luck and stay safe, I’ll be watching.”

He waves and I head up to my suite. Once I get there I pop open a bottle of wine, even though it’s early in the afternoon. I sit on my couch and then dial, “Hey, I need you. Can you come over?”

Notes