Counting Stars

Even as I walk through the Pittsburgh airport on Wednesday after the awards my spirits are still flying high. The last few days have been absolutely unbelievable. But still with all of the excitement I’m still most excited to see Sidney again. Unfortunately, he is busy napping before his game tonight. I’ll take a cab to his place and then drive to the game later. A loud voice calling my name jars me out of my thoughts. “Hot stuff over here!” I look up and smile; Sidney and a few of the guys are waiting just a few yards away. Disregarding the rather crowded terminal I run towards my man and his teammates. When I get close enough I fling myself into Sidney’s open arms. The guys cheer and Sidney holds me close, “I’m so happy for you babe!”

Somehow my legs have wrapped themselves around Sidney and I pull back slightly to smile, “I still can’t believe it.’

He pushes off the baseball cap I wore to hid part of my identity, “Never doubted it, you’re too damn talented.”
After a few more seconds we kiss and then I finally let go of Sidney and turn my attention to his teammates. James, Geno and Beau all crush me into a hug in congratulations. A few people begin to notice us and we decide it’s time to head out. Sidney and I walk hand in hand to the exit. We squeeze into the range rover as Sidney drives, “Wait, shouldn’t y’all be napping or something?”

Geno leans forward, “We are breaking the rules just for you.”

“Oh, do I feel special.”

Sidney grabs my hand, “As you should. Everyone is excited to see you.”

“So, we were going to surprise you with this after the game, but I can’t keep this secret any longer.” James starts speaking and I sneak a glance at Sidney. To say the least, this introduction is making me a little nervous. “We organized a VIP section at Diesel, everyone is pumped. Basically, we want you hammered tonight.”

I laugh, “Oh, really?”

“Well we didn’t get to help you celebrate in L.A. but we want to show you that Pittsburgh can get rowdy too,” Sidney chimes in.

“Gosh, I don’t know if I can get rowdy tonight guys.” I chuckle and Sidney sends me a disapproving glance. “Seriously I would love to; it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.”

The backseat erupts into cheers. The five of us make small talk for the rest of the ride as we drop off the guys at Consol, where they left their cars. When we get back to Sidney’s house I make a beeline for the bedroom and Sidney follows as well. I collapse on the bed while Sidney quickly changes and joins me. “Geno is picking me up for the game; you can drive my car so we only have one car to worry about later tonight.”

I yawn and snuggle close to Sidney, “Sounds like a plan. It feels good to be back in Pittsburgh.”

Sidney kisses me on the forehead, “It feels good to have you back here, I have half a mind to ask for a trade to L.A.”

“We both know that you would never do that,” I smile. “Lovely of you to pretend though.”

“Just sleep, babe. I’m so damn proud of you.”

I wake up to an empty bed around six o’clock and realize that I might be late for the game. In the next twenty minutes I set a speed record. I throw on a black simple skirt, black sheer tights and a black and white horizontal striped scoop neck. Instead of my usual black high boots I grab a pair of ankle boots and head out of Sidney’s house. Traffic is pretty bad since I’m so late, but luckily parking in the player’s garage saves me some time. I slip on my special WAGs pass and enter the arena.
In minutes I’m up at the suite.

Taking a deep breath I open the door, “Oh my God, congratulations!” Vero jumps up from her seat and greets me at the door. “You looked absolutely gorgeous on Sunday! And the guy you were with? So hot! You have to tell me everything.”

We walk over to our usual seats closest to the ice. Carol-Lynn is seated as well and we share a quick hug. “It was like a fairytale. I’ve never felt more beautiful, or nervous. Honestly, I don’t remember my speech at all.”

A few girls are around us by now and we are all laughing, “Seriously though, how did you breathe in that dress?”

“Don’t get me started, the things I would do for a pizza right now, but I’m on a strict diet for the next few weeks.” Once we have exhausted Golden Globes topics I decide to shift the focus. “So, what has been new around here?”

Vero leans in close, “Well, Ann Adams and Megan Vitale got into a bit of an argument over the next diaper drive. Basically, the WAGs were split down the middle, and chose to side with Megan.”

“And now Ann is thinking about resigning as President,” Carol-Lynn chimes in and I can see that she loves this piece of gossip.

Honestly, even I’m intrigued. Ann always seemed like she had such a strong handle on everything, “If she resigns who is going to take over?”

My two friends look at each other in surprise, “Oh Brooklyn, you don’t understand.”

Vero completes Carol-Lynn’s thoughts, “You are the captain’s girlfriend, the girls are going to want you.”

“What?” I screech and everyone in the suite turns to me and even a few of the fans in front of us. Wincing I lower my voice, “That makes absolutely no sense, I haven’t even officially joined.”

“Well, everyone is in love with you and if you are the President we will get so much more exposure,” Vero reasons.

I shake my head, “Really guys, I think that it would be a huge mistake.”

“Just think about it!”

Deciding that I don’t want to discuss this right now, I promise that I will. I know that I simply cannot be the president. Sidney and I have barely been dating for two months and have only known each other for three. I try to focus on the game and not on the absurd notion that Vero and Carol-Lynn introduced.

******


The game was great, but honestly my mind was more on the party for Brooklyn tonight. Even though some of the guys are staying home with their kids we invited everybody. We don’t have a game until Saturday so everyone wanted to let loose and Brooklyn provided the perfect reason. Especially with the Olympics coming up everyone needs to have a night of drunken antics. Those of us who are going decide to change in the locker room for the club and even start drinking a little. We pulled some strings and let the girls use the Visitors’ locker room as a changing area. Yesterday, Vero stopped by and raided the clothes Brooklyn had left at my house and grabbed something for her to wear. In about twenty minutes we hear a lot of giggling and then a few knocks on the door. Seconds later our girls emerge with Vero in the lead she coughs, “Now entering, Golden Globe winner, Brooklyn Donahue!”

We all cheer and Brooklyn walks in laughing, face flushed. From this far away I don’t know if she is tipsy or a little embarrassed, probably a little of both. It doesn’t matter though, because she looks sexy as hell. She is wearing a tight dark pink skirt that is so short it should be illegal and a long sleeved deep v black top that has one of those peplum things. She looks incredible. We make eye contact and she makes a beeline for me in her sky-high silver sequined heels. She leans into me a little, “How do I look?”

My hands settle around her small waist, “Beautiful babe.”

She smiles and reaches into her clutch, “Here, Vero can you take a picture of us? We have literally zero pictures together.”

Brooklyn’s speech combined with her dexterity makes it obvious that my girlfriend is tipsy and I can’t help but smile. We are finally getting the opportunity to celebrate together; I just hope she remembers at least part of tonight. After the photo our caravan makes it way over to the club. When we get there our group surpasses by the long line. Inside a bouncer escorts us to our section where there are already bottles waiting. Nealer yells, “First round of shots is on me!”

A few hours later all of us are feeling it, but none more than Brooklyn who has spent the entire night on the dance floor with Vero. In about an hour the bar will close and I look towards Flower, “We should go dance with the girls.” The two of us are the only guys left single up in the VIP section; everyone else has paired off. Flower takes a look around and then nods. Of course, the girls chose the exact center of the dance floor so it takes a minute to get there, but when we do I slide up behind Brooklyn who turns around in surprise at first. She smiles when she sees that it’s me behind her and wraps my arms around her waist. The two of us have never danced and I’m wondering why. Brooklyn is an amazing dancer, her hips sway with the music and I pull her closer to me. My hands run along the edge of her skirt teasing with it. I’m sober enough to stop myself from moving my hands to wear they really want to go. Brooklyn on the other hand not so much, she grinds against me sensually and I have to hold back a groan. Settling, I pull her closer to me, “I want you.”

Brooklyn looks over her shoulder and makes eye contact with me, “Then take me Crosby, I’m all yours.”

With that I bring her face to mine and we share a searing kiss on the dance floor. She turns in my arms and my hands settle right above her ass. I don’t know how long we kiss, but it’s worth every minute. Then someone jostles me and I realize that these photos will probably see the light of day. With that thought I grab Brooklyn’s hand and lead her back to the VIP section. Flower and Vero are up there as well, so I drop Brooklyn off and Flower and I go to settle the bill. When we return I grab Brooklyn’s arm, “Ready to go?”

She nods and starts to move towards me but Vero pulls her back, “Wait! Come here, say goodbye.” Flower and I smile indulgently as Vero and Brooklyn go to hug, but they don’t hug. Instead Vero pulls Brooklyn’s face to hers and they start to kiss, except it quickly escalates to a full blown make out session.

“Holy shit.” Flower and I stare at our two beautiful women. I’ve never understood the girl on girl thing until this moment; it’s hot, really hot. A cheer brings us back to reality though and Flower and I pull the girls apart. For them it’s like nothing happened and Brooklyn simply waves on her way out. Outside a cab is waiting for us and I quickly get us inside. Brooklyn falls asleep on my chest by the time we get home and I end up carrying her into my house. When I return to the drier I pay him handsomely for his silence. I get Brooklyn into my bed and changed without her waking up once. Finally, I climb into bed and pull her near me, her petite body folds into mine perfectly and I can’t help but smile.

*******


I wake up the next morning next to Sidney and try to piece together the events of last night. Everything is a little blurry, but I think that I remember everything, well hopefully. Stretching I slide out of bed carefully and head to the bathroom. Stupidly I look in the mirror and wince, my makeup is smeared around my eyes. After a few minutes of scrubbing my face I feel like a human again and I walk back into the bedroom. Sidney is awake now propped on some pillows. He smiles at me, “Good morning, how do you feel?”

“Surprisingly well,” I make my way to his huge bed and sit down. “I had a lot of fun last night, thank you for throwing the party for me.”

“I was happy to. You deserved it and the guys wanted to celebrate with you.”

We are silent for a moment and Sidney’s hand draws lazy circles on my thigh, “I didn’t embarrass myself too much did I?” Sidney doesn’t immediately respond. “Oh no, what did I do?’

“Well right before we were leaving Vero stopped you…”

With that introduction a flood of memories come back to me. Vero and I made out in the middle of the VIP section last night, and if I remember it correctly it was definitely PG-13 at least, “Oh my god.” I slap my forehead and throw myself back on the bed. “Vero and I totally made out didn’t we?”

Sidney is full on laughing now, “Yes, yes you did. If it makes you feel any better, she instigated it.”

I cover my face with my hands and my voice is muffled, “No, no it does not. Jesus, I haven’t done something like this sense College.”

“It really wasn’t that bad,” Sidney pulls my hands away and climbs on top of me. “You know, it was kind of hot actually.”

“Oh, really?”

He leans down to kiss me, “Really. And it got me to thinking.” Sidney runs his hands along my sides to push up my shirt. “That I have missed your body, so damn much.” With each word Sidney places a kiss farther down my stomach until he reaches my hips. His tongue traces a slow path as he slides my shorts down my legs. “Have you missed me babe?”

I gasp as Sidney’s tongue finds my spot, “Oh yes, Sidney. You have no idea.”

He chuckles and the reverberations send shockwaves through my body. I run my fingers through his gorgeous hair and lose myself in the wonderful sensations Sidney is causing. Eventually I pull Sidney back up to me. He looks a little confused, “Something wrong?”

Shaking my head I simply roll Sidney over onto his back and straddle him. I smile, “I love that, but I need you Sidney.” I kiss him on his gorgeous lips and tangle my tongue with his. “Right now.”

I throw off his shirt and run my hands along his amazing abs, lost in the power that ripples just underneath the surface. Then both of us work clumsily to take off his sweatpants and are quickly rewarded. Looking at Sidney naked I can’t help but smile. Sidney is all man and he is all mine. I straddle Sidney and lift my hips up. Gently I guide Sidney in and I’m rewarded with a groan. “Fuck, you are so tight.”

Once Sidney’s member is fully sheathed I let out a shaky moan myself. After a few tense seconds I start to move up and down. “Oh my god.”

My hands land on Sidney’s naked chest and hold on tight. I set the pace slow reveling in the friction with each slow movement. He fills me deliciously and it’s like I can feel every sensation all the way down to my toes. I lean forward and capture Sidney’s lips in a deep, decadent kiss. Sidney’s hands run through my hair before grasping onto my hips. They tighten and suddenly I realize that I’m no longer in control. His hands dictate the motion of my body and soon his thrusts match the movement of my hips in deep, punishing yet oh so fulfilling connection. I moan loudly and Sidney increases his pace. He briefly releases his grip on my hip to quickly slap my ass and I can’t contain my gasp. And then he does it again and I feel it go straight to my core. The third time he does it timed with a thrust and I climax.

Sidney simply smiles and flips us so that I’m on my knees, “Did you like that babe?”

My body hasn’t had a chance to come down yet and I can feel it gearing up again to match Sidney’s powerful thrusts. “Oh, fuck Sid.”

His hard body dwarfs mine as he continues to thrust in and out. Sidney buries his face in my hair and nips at my neck, again I moan. My mind has lost the ability to form coherent sentences; instead I’m only able to focus on where Sidney and I meet. A second climax seems close, but I don’t know if I can handle it and then I feel Sidney’s deft fingers playing with my clit. I throw my head back in ecstasy as Sidney whispers in my ear, “Come on Brooklyn, I know you can do it. Come for me.” Between Sidney’s hot breath on my neck, his hard thrusts and his hands I fall apart. I scream his name and feel my body contract around his. “Shit, babe. Fuck yes.” Sidney thrusts one last time hard and I practically collapse with the pressure.

Finally Sidney pulls away and then grabs my waist as well. We fall onto the bed in a pile of limbs. As I curl into Sidney’s side I feel deliciously heavy and languid. “That was...” I search for the word.

“I didn’t hurt you did I?” Sidney gently caresses my face.

“What? No, trust me that didn’t hurt at all. Well maybe a little, but it was good.”

“I’m glad. You’re so small, I’m afraid I’m going to break you sometimes.” He pulls me into him and I lay my head on his chest.

I chuckle, “I love that you’re so much bigger than me. It’s hot as hell.”

“Well good.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Flower texted me while you were in the bathroom. The guys want to meet for lunch, you in?”

“Of course! Shower together?”

*******


Brooklyn and I walk into the Italian place where the guys are hand in hand. I can’t help but think about this morning, it felt good to have her back with me even if it was for a short period of time. We walk over to the table where Geno, James, Beau, and the Fleurys are. It’s a circular table and Brooklyn takes a seat next to Vero.
The two of them hug and the table erupts into chants demanding a repeat of last night. Brooklyn merely rolls her eyes, “You wish.”

Vero blushes, “I can’t believe we did that.”

I look at Flower, “Trust me we were all surprised.”

James of course can’t let it go, “The two of you together would make a fortune you know that right?”

“I doubt there will be a repeat performance,” Brooklyn starts and then looks at Vero. “Unless you want there to be.”

Vero has mischievous glint in her eye, “I wouldn’t be opposed. And then we could…” The rest of her sentence is whispered in Brooklyn’s ear who looks down and blushes dramatically. Around the table all the guys groan while the girls simply shrug.

I lean over to Brooklyn, “Only if I’m there to watch babe.” I squeeze Brooklyn’s thigh and then slowly caress her thigh.

Brooklyn’s hand clamps down on my hand, “Remember, don’t start what you can’t finish.”

I settle for draping my arm around her chair and enjoy the rest of our lunch. It’s casual and comfortable and I love that Brooklyn fits in so well with my teammates. In the parking lot afterwards its just Fleurys and us. Vero turns to Brooklyn, “You never told me who the guy that sat next to you was.”

“Oh, just my bodyguard Jacob, great friend too,” She says it dismissively so I know I should let it drop, but I can’t.

Once we are in the car and alone I bring up Jacob. “He said some interesting things on the phone that night.”

Brooklyn is fiddling with her phone, “Weird, he told me y’all just talked about guy stuff.”

“He was actually kind of rude, insinuating that he was more important in your life.” Brooklyn is still playing with her phone. “Any reason why he would say that?”

She turns to me, “Nope. Seriously Sidney, these past few months with you have been amazing. I’ve never been happier.”

Looking into her eyes, it hits me. I love this woman and everything about her. “Brooklyn, I lo…”

Her phone starts to ring, “Shoot I have to take this.” The moment is gone and the next day is too busy. Brooklyn leaves for the next awards show before I have a chance to tell her how I feel. As impatient as I am I want the time to be right. I suppose it can wait, until she gets back to Pittsburgh.

*******


I’m nervous as the SUV takes my Dad, Emma, Jacob and Ethan to the theater. Tonight is the SAG awards and in addition to being nominated I’m also presenting. On the plus side, this show is substantially shorter than the Golden Globes. We arrive and my dad helps me out of the car, he looks great in his suit and I remember how uncomfortable he was when he first put it on. When I’m out of the car Emma rearranges my gown and I smile at her thanks. Tonight I’m wearing an interesting ensemble. The long white skirt is high waited and made out of layer upon layer of white gossamer. It makes the skirt full and geometric, but still isn’t see-through. My top hits right below my breasts, so I’m showing some skin, it’s a white lace top with a sweetheart neck and thick straps. Instead of curled hair, it’s loose around my shoulders in waves. The look is a little bit of a risk, but I couldn’t help myself.

We walk through the press area with little incident. When I’m done catching up with Jennifer Lawrence I feel Jacob place a hand on my arm, “Let’s keep moving.”

I look at him inquisitorially, “What’s wrong?” I turn around to locate my father and I notice him. Zac is just finishing up the press area himself and he sees me. He waves and I think I wave back. Both Emma and Jacob swear behind me as Zac walks over to us. Luckily my father is occupied talking to Ethan about the logistics of the red carpet so doesn’t see my ex-boyfriend approach. Once Zac reaches us we embrace in a quick kiss and I hear the cameras clicking closer to us, “Well, this is a surprise.” Emma and Jacob both take a few steps back to try to block some of the cameras.

“I know, but I was released Wednesday and I had to be here,” He looks at me in the eye. “To support you.”

“That’s sweet Zac really.”

We are quiet for a few tense moments and I’m ready to say goodbye when Zac speaks up, “After this I was wondering if we could grab drinks, the two of us?”

“Oh Zac, I’m flattered, but I’m seeing someone.”

His calm façade fractures slightly, but it’s back in place almost instantly. Whoever trained him for this event did a damn good job, “You’ve been busy apparently.”

“Don’t Zac please, it’s been over six months.”

He simply shakes his head, “You broke it off because of my…” Zac waves at a few fans. “My condition, which is now fixed. Why wouldn’t we get back together?”

“Because I’ve moved on and you should to,” I really don’t want to have this conversation on the red carpet, but it seems like Zac isn’t giving me a choice. Out of the corner of my eye I see Ethan and my father notice us. Ethan holds my father back while nodding to Jacob.

“Miss Donahue, it’s time to go,” Jacob speaks in his professional voice and places a hand formally on my elbow.

Zac laughs, “No need to be so proper Jacob. You used to be very helpful to Brooklyn and I.”

Jacob doesn’t relent, “We truly must go.”

“Fair enough,” Zac kisses me on the cheek one last time. “See you around love.”

As Jacob leads me away he apologizes, “Don’t worry about it. You can’t control him.” I shake off Jacob’s hand though still upset with him about what he said to Sidney. Instead I link arms with my dad and we make our way into the ballroom.

********


Back at the hotel bar after our game, I’m watching the highlights of the awards show with Pascal. Both of us are pretty quiet after a tough loss against Florida. Regardless though I listen intently when I finally hear Brooklyn’s category, “Brooklyn Donahue continues her quest for the Oscar with a win this evening.” Pascal and I fist bump, at least one of us won tonight. She looks gorgeous and happy with her dad. I must have been staring too long because Pascal nudges me, “So, how long have you been in love with her?”

“Officially, three days ago. If I’m being honest, weeks ago.”

Pascal holds up his glass, “To you, my friend.”

The TV shows Brooklyn once again and I’m intrigued, “Brooklyn had a big night, in addition to winning the SAG she also ran into Zac Efron, who made his first red carpet appearance since his release from rehab.” They cut to footage of the two of them embracing and then talking for a little on the red carpet. It looks casual, but it boils my blood nonetheless. “Sources that overheard the two say that Zac was there to support his ex-girlfriend. From video and photo evidence it appears that Brooklyn remained poised and collected even when facing this extremely awkward conversation. Remember Brooklyn is in a serious relationship with hockey star Sidney Crosby. When the starlet returned to Pittsburgh last week the Canadian athlete hosted a party in her honor and thinks got a bit crazy. The couple did manage to snap this adorable pic though.” Now the screen displays the picture we took. “Clearly the two are happy, so don’t hold your breath for reconciliation between the ex-lovers anytime soon.”

“Don’t worry about it Sid. Brooklyn would never go back to that guy.”

I shrug, trying not to think about it too much. Instead I focus on the fact that Brooklyn will be back late Monday night and won’t really have to leave again for a few weeks.

When I wake up Tuesday morning with Brooklyn next to me I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I kiss her on the cheek and get out of bed without waking her. She only got home a few hours ago so I’m sure she’s exhausted. At the arena I’m one of the first ones there and start getting ready for the game-day skate. In a few minutes Flower bursts through the door, “Sidney man, tell me that you’ve been on the internet this morning.”

He looks frantic and I’m a little confused to say the least, “No, I haven’t why?”

Before he can answer Mario walks in the locker room with, Ray Shero, Coach Dan, our Communications Director and our PR lady. “Sidney, we need to speak with you, privately.”

I stand, “Is everything okay?”

“We can talk about it upstairs, Pat, your agent will also be on the phone.”

“Sidney, one moment please. I want to tell you,” Flower starts to talk but Mario intervenes.

“That will be enough, Mr. Fleury.” Mario motions towards the door. Shit, this is serious. With one last glance at Flower I walk out of the locker room surrounded by some of the most important people in our organization.

******


My phone ringing for the billionth time finally gets me to sit up in Sidney’s bed. I answer groggily, “Hello?”

“Brooklyn, it’s Janet. You need to turn on the TV to the news this moment and I need you to get on your laptop. I do this still half asleep. “Did you do it?”

I yawn, “Yes, now what’s the problem?” She doesn’t need to answer though because my brain finally focuses on the words pouring out of the TV. It doesn’t quite make sense to my brain, but I pick up my name, drug use, video, and cocaine. “Holy fuck.”

“Yes, now I want you to take a deep breath. We already have people on it so it’s going to be fixed. The bad news is that it’s out now. I want you to tell me that you can handle this.”

I take a deep breath, “I don’t really have a choice. So what’s the situation?”

“There’s a video circulating of you and Zac from the summer. It’s obvious that you do a few lines. It’s not just you though, Zac does some too and the other people in the video.”

“How did this get out?”

“We aren’t sure yet, not our primary concern. Also, Zac’s camp commented, verifying the authenticity of the video and hoping that you get professional help just as Zac did.”

I’m pacing in the bedroom, “Are you kidding me? Damn hypocrites, wouldn’t surprise me if Zac’s scumball agent organized this. So, do you want me to tweet something?”

Janet is silent on the phone for a moment, “Start thinking about what you want to say. I definitely want you to release an informal statement today, but I want to approve it. We release a formal statement after the tweet, so it’s clear that we are putting your fans first.”

“Sounds good.”

“And I’m booking you for a flight to L.A. for a few days, will Sidney be okay with that?”

When she mentions Sidney I almost pass out. He needs to hear this from me, not on the news or from a teammate. This isn’t going to end well; I’ve told him so many times that I didn’t have anything to do with this. Shit, he is going to kill me. Not to mention his family is going to hate me and his fans will hate me. I need to see him immediately. “Janet, I’m going to have to call you back.”

I throw on leggings and an oversized sweatshirt and practically run out the door. My phone is constantly beeping and ringing. I ignore texts and calls from my parents, and friends as I drive like a maniac to Consol. I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to tell Sidney and I’m drawing a blank. What if they are in the middle of practice? What if he already knows? There are too many unknowns right now and I hate myself for putting us in this position.

When I pull into the parking garage I pray that the security guard will recognize me even if I look like a maniac. I’m in luck because they wave me through and I walk/run to the locker room. I hear guys on the ice and see that it’s the Canadians so the skate must be over. As I get closer I realize that no press is around and find that a bit odd, usually press is always around. Finally, I get to the locker room and walk through the open doors, “Sidney, I need to tell you some-“

He is sitting on the bench looking down at first and then he looks up. Instead of in rink clothes he is dressed casually. Actually it doesn’t look like he skated at all. His face is withdrawn and judging by the silence in the rest of the locker room everyone already knows. “Yeah Brooklyn, I think we need to talk.”

Notes

And so it begins... A huge thank you to all those who comment, subscribe, and vote! All of you readers rock!