Counting Stars

I wake up the next morning with a text from Sidney telling me to have a good day and that his parents had fun last night. Smiling I wonder into my kitchen and make some pancakes. Checking the clock I realize I have about a half an hour before my phone interview. It goes well and uneventfully, they were obviously instructed to not ask any questions concerning Zac or Sidney.

During lunch I call my sister, “Hey, love. How is good ole Philadelphia? Did I finally catch you during lunch?”

“Yes, today has been extremely hectic. These kids are really not feeling the quadratic equation.” She’s quiet and then gasps, “Wait, how was meeting the parents?”

I smile, “I think it went well. We went out to dinner and we hugged afterwards. Also, we’re watching his game together tonight. So that’s a good sign, right?”

Her mouth is full when she answers, “Yes, that sounds like they at least want to spend more time with you. This is so exciting, Lynn! I’m really happy for you and I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Thanks, I really do want them to like me, but you have to tell me about your news.”

She is silent for a moment, “Well, I’m bringing a guy home for Thanksgiving!”

I scream, “What? No way, tell me everything!” My sister has never brought a guy home before.

“Well, he um actually he…”

“Oh, no you’re making me nervous here.”

“He plays hockey too is all.”

I laugh, the odds of both of us dating hockey players? Slim to none and kind of creepy if you ask me, “Like just in an after-work league or something?’’

“Yeah, something like that. He’s actually the captain too.”

“Really? Well maybe it’s a good thing Sidney isn’t coming. I wouldn’t want your guy to feel upstaged.” I’m joking obviously, but something sounds off with my sister.

“Right, yeah I wouldn’t want that to happen,” I hear a bell ring. “Look I have to go, I’m sorry we couldn’t talk longer, but I just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow!”

For the next few hours I field questions from my mom about tomorrow and she sends me a shopping list. I’ll leave tomorrow morning after I make pineapple bread. Realizing I have no food to make said dish I throw on some leggings to run to the grocery store.

I park and roam through the store looking for the ingredients I need. In the vegetable aisle I feel a tap on my shoulder, I turn around and there is a middle aged woman standing there with her daughter. When I turn I see their faces light up, “Oh my, it really I you. We are so sorry to interrupt you, but we had to stop and say hi.”

“I’m glad you stopped, really. Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving?”

They nod emphatically, “Do you mind if my daughter gets a picture with you?”

“No problem at all,” we pose for the picture and I go to leave.

“Wait!” I turn back around. “Are you really dating Sidney Crosby?”

Laughing I answer, “It’s probably one of the worst kept secrets in the world, but yeah we are dating.”

“I’m a huge Penguins fan, and you seem so nice. You guys are definitely going to get married.”

Her mother places a hand on her shoulder, “Lydia, please. I’m so sorry Brooklyn.”

It still strikes me as odd when a stranger calls me by my first name, but regardless I smile, “It’s really no problem. Have a happy Thanksgiving.” The rest of my shopping goes by with little incident. When I leave there are probably about ten men with cameras waiting for me. They get as close as they can without touching me and I put my head down. I hear them asking questions, “How long have you and Sidney been seeing each other?” and “Have you had any contact with Zac?” It’s a struggle, but I make it to my car and pull out of the parking lot.

Back home I pack for the weekend with my family and make myself a quick dinner. Once six rolls I around I figure that I should get ready. I decide to wear my leggings a white t-shirt with a black cropped jacket. Instead of my long boots, I wear my booties once again and make my way to Consol. On my way there I text Janet and let her know that I will be out and about tonight. Sidney gave me a parking pass, so I pull into the fancy player’s garage and walk the now familiar steps to Will Call. When I arrive the same woman is working again and she immediately leaves to grab my pass. She hands it to me, “Now Miss this is your personal pass, you don’t have to return it and it grants you access to pretty much everywhere. Also, this pass is good for all home games this season and finally you won’t have to return to Will Call again before entering. Enjoy the game.”

“Wait, what’s your name?”

“Susan.”

I smile, “Susan, I just wanted to thank you for all of you help. I really appreciate it.” She returns my favor and then I make my way into the arena. I show the security guards my pass and then immediately let me through, “Next time Miss Donahue, I recommend that you use the VIP entrance.”

When he says that I notice that people are beginning to stare and I quickly take the escalators up to the club level. I don’t get a chance to enter the family suite because Trina and Taylor are waiting outside. They see me and wave. Neither of them are wearing Penguins gear, which I assume is to help them blend in. We exchange pleasantries and then Taylor speaks up, “Sidney got us tickets on the glass, he never lets us sit there, so he obviously likes you.”

Trina simply rolls her eyes, “Just behave yourself okay. We will see you downstairs after the game. Have fun you two.”

Taylor and I turn tail and head back down to the concourse. Once out of sight from the club level she sheds her jacket and proudly displays what I’m sure is a game-worn Malkin jersey. I look at her, “You don’t wear your brother’s jersey?”

She shrugs, “I kind of have a crush on Evgeni, but don’t tell Sid. Obviously it’s not going to happen, but a girl can dream.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” I stop at a concession stand an order a beer. “Do you mind? I would get you one of course, but it’s not quite legal.”

Taylor scoffs, “You didn’t drink in college?”

“No, but I never drank where there were cameras.”

“Fair point,” I buy myself a beer and her a coke before we walk to our seats. The usher takes barely a glance at our tickets before escorting us to our seats.

Sidney outdid himself, we are close to the aisle on the end where the penguins will score twice near the corner. The seats are amazing, “Did you need anything else from me?”

I look up at the usher, “No, I think we are fine. Thank you.”

“Enjoy the game Miss Crosby and you as well Ms Donahue.”

When he uses our last names I wince. Those around us immediately turn to find out who is talking to a Crosby and then they land on me. People instantly recognize the two of us, even if they look slightly confused that Taylor chose to wear a different jersey than her brother’s. Luckily for now no one bothers us. I drop my jacket into my seat and take a big gulp from my beer. “Have you sat on the glass before?”

“Believe it or not, no. When we come to Sidney’s games we always have to sit up in his box or somewhere where there are open seats. Like I said he must really like you.”

“He could of done this for you though.”

She shakes her head, “I doubt it.”

We are silent for a moment as the Canucks come out and start warming up. “So, Sidney told me you are in college, do you like it?”

“I love it, its nice being away from home for a little bit and being my own person.”

“What do you mean?”

She sighs, “Let me be clear, I love my brother, but it is tough being the younger sister of a hockey phenom. Nothing I ever did ever matched what Sidney accomplished. At college I have a chance to do plenty of things that he has never done.”

“I know exactly how you feel. Do you mind if I give you a word of advice from a younger sibling in the shadows to another?”

“Go for it.”

“Your parents love you both a lot, seriously they do. I know they say it all the time but it’s true and all the time you spend comparing yourself to Sidney is a huge waste of time. That being said I still find myself comparing my sister to me.”

“Your sister is more successful than you?” Taylor is shocked I can tell.

“She is the perfect daughter, in every way.”

Taylor whistles in appreciation, “Well, her boyfriend can’t be better than yours.”

I laugh, “You are absolutely right.

********
This game might be the craziest one of the season. We are sitting on the bench and the game is tied four to four ready to go to a shootout. Its Geno, Nealer and I again and I relax against the boards as we wait to come back from a commercial break. For about the millionth time tonight the screen above goes to a shot of Brooklyn and my sister. The lovely people at Consol are nice enough to put a little explination at the bottom of the shot identifying them as my sister and Brooklyn. Clearly, the people recognize Brooklyn because the arena cheers wildly. The two of them are in the midst of a conversation laughing hysterically about something and when they look up they both give a shy wave. The arena gets even louder and I can’t help but smile. It feels like the fans have accepted her and that’s important too. They are like another family to me.

I have to focus though and it comes down to me again. By some miracle my shot finds the back of the net and we win. I skate by my sister and Brooklyn and see them cheering wildly, while giving high fives to the people around them. She looks at me though and sends me a quick wink.

The post-game interviews go by in a blur and I can’t even remember if they asked about my family being there or not. I’m just supremely happy. I practically sprint out of the locker room and over to the family room. My mom, Taylor and Brooklyn are all there. Most likely my father is talking shop with Mario somewhere. I hug my mom first, “Amazing game sweetie, you never cease to impress me!”

Taylor is next and she hugs me quickly, “You are lucky as hell, that shot had no business going in.” We both laugh. “Great game bro.”

Finally I turn to Brooklyn who looks wonderful as always, I pull her into my by her waist and kiss her long and deeply in the middle of the room. The best part is she kisses me right back. When we pull away I hear some clapping and whistling from the other guys, but even that can’t ruin my mood. “Great game superstar.”

She is breathless and I smile wide. I lean down and whisper in her ear, “Come home with me tonight.”

Brooklyn looks at me and bites her lip, but before she can answer I’m yanked away, “Can you not paw your girlfriend in the locker room?” I shove Geno’s offending hand and watch as he hugs Brooklyn as well. “Did I play good enough for kiss?”

She pretends to think really hard, “I suppose so.” After the quick kiss on his cheek I immediately want Brooklyn back to my side.

“Where have you been? Has Sidney been hiding you?”

To Brooklyn’s credit she laughs, “No, no. I’ve just been busy. I’ve missed you though.”

“Of course, you missed Geno. You must come out for drinks with us!”

I interrupt, “My family is here Geno, you remember my mom and sister right?”

Geno smiles wider and immediately sweep my mom in a hug, “Mrs. Crosby! Did you bring any of those brownies with you this time?” My mother simply shakes her head in disbelief at the huge Russian who has now attacked my sister. “Ah, and little Crosby. You look beautiful, more beautiful each day.”
My sister blushes and shares a look with Brooklyn who winks. Brooklyn then walks back over to me and I casually place my hand around her waist. “So about my offer…”

“I have to leave tomorrow morning to drive home, not to mention that your family is home.”

“We could be quiet,” I slide my hand down and gently cup her ass.

She squeals and then turns into me knocking my hand away, “Behave.”

That is the last thing on my mind right now. Geno is entertaining my family and my father still hasn’t made an appearance. An idea pops into my head, its reckless, but now that it’s in my head I can’t shake it. “Come with me.” Before Brooklyn can protest I grab her hand and sneak her out of the family room.

*******
I’m not sure what has gotten into Sidney as he drags me down the hallways of Consol. “What are you doing?”

He shushes me as we walk a little farther through the labyrinth of Consol. Finally Sidney opens a door and leads me into an empty conference room. He locks the door behind us and immediately kisses me. For a few seconds I’m content to enjoy Sidney’s lips on mine until his hands start to slide into my leggings, “Wait, we can’t do this Sid.”

He ignores me and begins to nip and kiss my neck, “Babe, you’re leaving for home and I have a few road games. I want you.”

His words ring true and turn me on, I kick off my booties and throw my jacket on the floor. We kiss again and it’s rushed even sloppy. Sidney’s large hands run through my hair

I’m not sure how, but Sidney is shirtless and the broad expanse of his chest is mine for the taking. While I focus on Sidney’s chest he starts to slide my leggings off. He pushes them father exposing my tiny black thong. When the door knob jiggles e both freeze. I look into Sidney’s eyes and see my fear mirrored in his. Second tick by and we relax.

Sidney runs a shaky hand through his now disheveled hair, “You’re right. I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

Now that I’m all worked up I don’t care about propriety anymore. Staring straight into Sidney’s eyes I slowly slide my leggings all the way off my body. Sidney licks his lips, “Brooklyn.”

I ignore him and pull my shirt up and over my head. Sidney pulls me back to him in an instant. “You are going to be the death of me.”

Sidney guides me to the long conference table in the middle of the room and brushes a stray hair away from my face. Then he lays me down on the table face down. His warm body covers mine as he stretches my arms out to grab the other end of the table. I widen my stance and wiggle my ass suggestively. Sidney groans and I feel his hands squeezing my soft behind. “Have I ever told you that I fucking love your ass?”

I laugh and then gasp as Sidney quickly fingers me. Soon I hear the telltale sound of his zipper and then he fills me. Sidney thrusts hard and fast and it feels wonderful. I’m gasping loudly unable to contain my excitement when Sidney covers my mouth with his hand. Sidney muffles my climax with his hand as he thrusts one final time and bites my shoulder blade, hard.

The two of us remain for a moment frozen before Sidney stands and helps me with my clothes. Once we are dressed we inspect each other for signs of our tryst. He laughs, “Your hair is a mess.”

I shove him towards the door, “Well you shirt definitely needs ironed.”

We walk back to the family lounge hand in hand, giggly like high-schoolers. Gathered outside the door is Sidney’s family along with Geno and James. Trina speaks up first, “We were wondering where the two of you went?”

The guys exchange a glance and Geno just gives an over the top wink. Taylor on the other hand looks a little disgusted while Troy just looks suspicious. Sidney speaks up, “I was showing Brooklyn around the arena.”

“I’m sure you were,” troy mumbles just as Trina interjects, “That’s sweet of you Sid.”

We all stand in silence for a moment and then the awkwardness becomes too much to bear and we make our way out to the parking garage. I have to split up from the group first, “I hope everyone has a lovely holiday. It was great meeting y’all again and Taylor I had a lot of fun.”

I hug everyone and turn to leave, “I’ll walk you back to your car.” Sidney and I walk to my car and when we get there. “I’ll see you Wednesday.”

Pouting I grab his hand, “A whole week, really?”

He nods, “It will go by fast, I promise.”

“I see how it is we fuck and then you just go on your merry way,” I cross my arms and smirk.

Sidney doesn’t fall for my sarcasm for a second, “Don’t pretend it wasn’t worth it. You loved it, and I know you did.”

Laughing I rest my head on his shoulder, “Probably more than I should have. Now go though before I blow of my family to spend an extra day with you.”

“Tell your family I said hi and that I’m sorry couldn’t make it,” he gives me a quick kiss. He helps me into my car and then blows me a kiss, before I pull away. The entire ride home, I’m smiling.

Notes

More family time in this chapter, thanks for all the support my lovely readers! Also, happy playoffs!!! #letsgopens