Counting Stars

My first thought in the morning is that I need water. Secondly, I check to see if I’m still clothed, well at least I’m wearing something. I wince when I notice the body sleeping soundly next to me and try to slip out of the bed unnoticed. No such luck though, they start to stir, “You were running away?”

“Just going to freshen up Jacob.” The past few days in the Bahamas have been filled with music and bottomless beverages with tiny umbrellas. Jacob and I have been toeing this line from the first night. Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me it’s ended here; I just hope we didn’t go too far.

Instead of acknowledging my statement he wraps a strong arm around my middle, “It’s too early to be moving, you’re on vacation.”

Yes, vacation from the world in which my life is falling apart, first professionally and then personally. It’s Friday morning or I guess afternoon now. I wonder if Sidney is skating at Consol now. When I start thinking of Sidney a pit forms in my stomach. Judging by my near nudity and Jacob’s bare chest something definitely happened last night. I need to know what Jacob and I did last night, even though all I want to do is hide under the covers. “So, um last night?”

He groans obviously upset he doesn’t get to sleep more, “What’s the last thing you remember?”

Well, that is an excellent question. I remember dancing with Jacob and then leaving with him. “We had another drink here, and then…” My memory gets a bit blurry, but I know we made it to the bed. And then on the bed, neither of us was very shy.

Jacob puts me out of my misery, “We fooled around. We fooled around a lot, but it stopped before anything was official.” He shrugs and smiles confidently, “Pretty sure you were into it.”

His words bring the rest of the night into focus. Of course I was into it, Jacob is hot and he knows what he is doing. At least I returned the favor though. “Oh, trust me I remember. Damn.”

Pulling me closer he looks into my eyes intently and traces my lips, “Who knew that annoyingly loud mouth could be so talented?”

I punch him in the stomach, “A thank you would suffice.”

He laughs, “Thank you.” The two of us are silent for a moment lying next to each other in the large king bed. “So are we leaving today?”

“Yeah, and I think it would be best if we just left whatever this was here,” I get out of bed. “You know, what happens in the Bahamas stays in the Bahamas.”

It’s a bad joke, but Jacob laughs along anyways, even if it sounds a little off, “Whatever you want boss.”

A few hours later we are on a flight back to the states and I feel relaxed and well rested. Even if I was a little unsure of the trip at first, it was a good idea. Emma and Brianna really outdid themselves. We book our flight through Philly for Brianna so she can get home. As we part for our next flight I turn to my sister, “Thank you so much for this.”

“It was the least I could do. Remember we all love you Brooklyn, always.”

We hug one last time, “Tell Claude I said hi.”

“Will do,” She waves and then she is on her way.

Jacob, Emma, Ethan and I board the next flight to L.A. and we are back late in the evening. With the extra cash that I’ve been bringing in during awards season Emma has managed to get me a three month lease on a gorgeous house in the hills. Truthfully, I need a permanent house in L.A., but this will do for now. We arrive and the guys split up to get the lay of the land, while I explore the furnished home. It’s in the Mediterranean style, so lots of warm tones and terracotta. Looking around I decide that it feels more like a vacation home than an actual home, but I’m happy with it. “House looks great Emma.”

“Glad you like it. I think I’m going to head back to my place for now.” She leaves and moments later Ethan and Jacob reappear.

“How does it look?”

Ethan shrugs, “A few possible weak points in the perimeter, but maintaining your privacy and safety should be fairly easy.”

“Awesome thanks.” Ethan leaves and then it’s just Jacob and I.

“Do you need anything else?”

I smile softly, “No, I’m fine. Thank you for your help.”

He shrugs, “It’s my job, you’re my job.”

“So the thing in the Bahamas was part of your job?” Damn, where did that come from? I’m not supposed to care about that one drunken mistake.

Jacob kisses me on the forehead, “No love, that was just for me and you. I’ve wanted to kiss you like that for a very long time.”

We are standing close to one another in the foyer, the dim lighting barely illuminating our forms. When I tilt my head up we are unbelievably close and getting closer. Jacob’s rough hand caresses my chin and then brings me to him. Our kiss is slow and intimate, a reflection of all the secrets that we’ve shared. I wrap my arms his neck and he pulls me closer. It feels great, amazing really. I mean kissing a guy that looks like Jacob could never be bad, but all that I see when I close my eyes is Sidney. Pulling away I distance myself from my friend and employee. “This, we uh we can’t do this.”

He looks a little surprised and then sad, “It’s him, isn’t it?” I don’t even have to say anything. “You love him, still?”

“It’s barely been a week Jacob.”

“You’re right, besides I was out of line.” Jacob straightens and stiffens. He is all business now with any trace of a friend or possible lover is gone. “You’re my boss and I have to respect that relationship. Hopefully, you can still trust me to be part of your security.”

“Always, you’re the best in the business.” He brushes another soft kiss across my lips then departs. I’m left in my new, empty house never feeling so alone.

********


In the morning I kick the girl from the club out early and as firmly as possible without being rude. The fact of the matter is I could have been a dick and made her pay for a cab, and it wouldn’t have mattered. Bridget would still run to her girlfriends and brag about the night she slept with Sidney Crosby. It’s still weird to me honestly, but when I first started playing in the NHL I thought it was the coolest thing. And all of those experiences as a rookie trained me to be able to get her out without mysteriously losing any belongings and the importance using of a damn condom. Once she is gone I grab an Advil and water. Chugging it I take a moment to think where Brooklyn is. She is probably lying on the beach in a tiny bikini sipping girly drinks, or as I like to pretend a Yuengling like she ordered on our first date.
Regardless I don’t know and I shut out the part of me that wants to know.

When I walk into the locker room no one acknowledges me at first. I’m later than normal and I’m sure that I look more bedraggled than usual as well. Finally, James comes over to me, “How was your night?”

Of what I can remember, it was good. Sure, the sex was a little sloppy and nowhere near as good as it was with Brooklyn, but it was still good. I look at Geno and Flower though who are listening closely. Of the guys in the locker room these are the two most likely to report back any news to Brooklyn. Therefore, I need to embellish, “I owe you a thank you man. The girl was good.”

James is intrigued and takes a seat next to me in the empty stall, “Details?”

For the next few minutes I combine fact and fiction to convey the hottest and most depraved one night stand. By the end I have the entire locker enraptured, I never do this, so the guys have no idea what part of this is true and what wasn’t. When I finish everyone is silent for a minute. And then Paul Martin speaks up, “Well we always wondered.”

“What?”

“How you kept a girl like Brooklyn. Clearly it was just your dick.” The locker room is silent and I know everyone is wondering how I’m going to react to the friendly ribbing. It stings at first, but then I’m relieved that I can at least partly appreciate it, not to mention the sound of her name no longer makes me want to cry.

Holding on to that second feeling I respond to Paulie, “Don’t worry man I can give you some tips later.”

Now, the locker room erupts into laughter and pushing and shoving. The last week and a half has been rough, but it finally feels like it’s getting back to normal. I shake my head laughing and then catch Geno looking at me weirdly. We make eye contact and he simply shrugs.

I’m at home doing some cleaning when my cell rings, it’s Taylor, “Hey, what’s up?”

“How are you doing?”

Oh good, my sister wants to talk about feelings. I take a deep breath, “Better every day, thanks.”

“Have you talked to Brooklyn?”

“Now why would I do that?”

She sighs dramatically, “Well from what you’ve told me the last conversation you had was a little emotional. Perhaps you should reevaluate with a level head.”

“Honestly, you don’t really understand the situation. Maybe in a few more weeks we will get together again, but I’m not in any rush.”

“I don’t understand you! Brooklyn was amazing and you were amazing together. Why are you throwing this away for one little mistake?”

My family doesn’t know about the whole Jacob part of the equation or the fact that I’m pissed because Brooklyn hid the whole situation from me, “Again, you don’t understand the situation. It’s more complicated than you know.”

“Fine. Just be aware the press hates you, for leaving her during the trouble. You look like a flake.”

“I don’t care what the press thinks Taylor.”

She chuckles and I can almost see her roll her eyes, “Sure you don’t. Just promise me that you won’t wait too long to reach out to her. She won’t wait for you Sidney.”

With that she hangs up and I’m tempted to text Brooklyn. But pictures of her in the Bahamas with Jacob remind me that it wouldn’t be worth it. I bet she didn’t even realize that she was wearing the shoes I got her for Christmas. Maybe she already moved on and I refuse to go crawling back to her, after all she was the one who screwed it up. I didn’t do anything. My good mood from earlier in the day is virtually gone now.

******


On Tuesday I’m on a plane bound for Pittsburgh and I try to remain calm. Janet called and set up an audition here. Apparently, they are filming a new book adaption that promises to be more popular than the Hunger Games. I would be perfect for the part and it would be an easy payday, the only catch is that they are planning to film in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately Janet wouldn’t let me turn down the opportunity simply because Sidney lives here. She did though schedule the trip for days that Sidney is sure to be out of town. My chauffer takes me to a hotel and I don’t even bother unpacking my suitcase. Sitting in my hotel room I decide that I should do something. If I sit idle I will start to think about Sidney and that never ends well. I decide to call up a friend, “Oh my gosh, Brooklyn!”

Vero’s sweet and slightly accented voice fills my speaker, “How are you hun?

“How am I? I should be asking you that. I’m sorry I haven’t tried to get to you sooner, we’ve just been so busy and Marc didn’t want it to seem like we were taking sides.”

She feels bad I can tell, “It’s really not a problem, Vero. I understand.” We are both silent for a moment. “The reason I’m calling though is to see if you want to grab dinner?”

She gasps, “You’re in town?”

“Just for two days or so, I have an audition. So what do you say?”

“Bien sur, ma petite! We have so much to talk about!

We agree to go to a simple Italian place and promise to see each other at 5. When 5 rolls around I’m sitting alone at a table when she turns the corner. She shrieks when she sees me and we quickly hug like old friends. I didn’t realize how much I missed Vero until this moment. I’m not sure when it happened, but Vero and I definitely became friends. She sits and I order wine while she sticks with water. I raise an eyebrow, “Since when did you turn down wine?”

She smiles brightly, “I found out last week, Marc and I are expecting again.”

Gasping I look to where Vero is holding a hand on her impossibly small stomach, “Congratulations, that’s so exciting! Jesus, I remember when we first talked about that. It feels like ages ago.”

“It really does.”

We are quiet for a moment while I remember the other part of that conversation. Vero asked me if I ever wanted kids and implied that maybe I would have little Crosbys. My breath catches as it dawns on me that her prediction will probably never come to pass. Sitting there I realize that briefly I saw that in the future for the two of us. I must be lost in my thoughts for a while because Vero daintily coughs, “Oh, I’m sorry. What else has been new? What’s going on with the WAG drama?”

“Well, unsurprisingly Ann decided not to step down. I mean that woman loves power. And no one else really wanted to step up, especially with you…” She trails off.

I chuckle, “No longer being a WAG. It’s okay you can say it. I’m getting used to it.”

She smiles sadly, “I’m really no good at this.”

“No one is.” Our food comes and we eat quietly for a while. I’ve been putting this off this question for as long as possible, but my willpower is only so strong. “How has Sidney been?”

Vero stops eating and pauses before carefully choosing his words, “I can’t really tell. Something is off with him of course, but he goes around pretending everything is alright. He is overcompensating so much though. I mean a few days ago he bragged about a girl he took from the club in vivid detail and he never does that. He is usually so private and respectful.” He already took a girl home? And I was worried that he was wallowing. “Oh, my god I can’t believe I said that. I’m so dumb sometimes. Really, it didn’t mean anything. Marc met the girl at the club that night apparently a real ditz; she was just a rebound I’m sure. They haven’t spoken to each other sense.”

“Please, just stop. That isn’t helping any,” I hope that I don’t say it too harshly because I’m not mad at Vero, truly. No I’m pissed at Sidney for acting like an idiot teenager.

“How about a new subject?”

For the rest of the meal we focus on safe things like shopping and movies, the usual girl stuff. I pay for dinner and we walk out towards our cars. We stop and hug, “I’ve missed you Brooklyn.”

“Same here, we had so much fun together. Tell Carol-Lynn I said hi.”

“Will do,” She moves to get into her car and then turns back to me. “I’m glad you’re healthy Brooklyn and for the record you will always be my friend regardless of who you’re dating or what you do. Love you girl.”

I can only nod as she pulls away, because I’m about to cry. Tonight was a great surprise and excluding the small part about Sidney a great moral boost. It’s nice to know that Vero doesn’t hate me for screwing things up with Sidney. When I’m about to get in my car a waiter comes up to me, “I think you left this ‘mam.” He hands me my card and a scarf. I wasn’t wearing a scarf though, so this must be Vero’s. I’ll just drop it off tomorrow night after my audition.

The next day is exhausting. I audition for the producers, casting directors, director and then we do wardrobe fittings. After that we discuss contracts over the phone with Janet and finally they take me out to dinner at an extremely nice steakhouse. It’s clear that they are going to offer me the part I just have to wait for the official call. Part of me is relieved; it seems that my little hiccup with the drug scandal isn’t going to affect me professionally. We shake after dinner and I send a quick text to Vero letting her know that I’m on my way over with her scarf. I wish I had time to change out of my nice clothes, but I don’t want to stop by too late.

*******


Flower invited me over for a drink tonight, a kind of goodbye before the Olympics. Originally, we weren’t supposed to be in Pittsburgh tonight, but they rearranged the schedule last minute. I arrive a little after dinner dressed casually. I’ve been here enough times that I just walk through the open front door comfortably, “Hey guys!”

“In here, Sid.”

I follow Flower’s voice to the living room and am unsurprised at the domestic scene before me. Estelle is on a blanket on the floor playing with blocks while Marc and Vero look on. Neither of them are paying attention to the TV. When they notice me I wave and Vero picks up Estelle, “We will let Daddy and Uncle Sid have some time to talk alone.”

“Really, it’s fine,” I start to interject.

She waves and gives me a peck on the cheek, “Nonsense, it’s bedtime anyways. Go enjoy guy talk, after tomorrow it will be a while until you’re home.”

I grab a beer from the fridge and sit on the couch as Flower starts to pick up the toys strewn around the floor, “She is so small, but she makes the biggest messes.”

“You sure you want another one?” I chuckle, taking a sip from my beer.

“Really don’t have a choice now.”

I stop, “Are you saying….?”

Flower has a huge grin on his face, “We found out definitively a few days ago.”

“Congrats man!” I pat Flower on the shoulder. He and Vero might be the best parents I’ve ever seen. Their next kid will be the most loved in Pittsburgh, well tied with Estelle of course.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s exciting. How about you man, are you pumped for Sochi?”

“A little nervous as always. We really want to bring home the Gold again.”

We are silent for a moment, “Have you talked to Brooklyn or heard from her?”

“She’s texted, but I haven’t responded. I’m wondering if she’ll text me during the games.”

“I bet she will,” I look at him in doubt. “She still cares about you, just as you do. Don’t try to bullshit me.” Flower knows me too well and he’s right. I still care about her and more than anything I would love to have her with me at the Olympics supporting me. “She’s in town you know.”

“What?”

Flower simply nods, “Yeah, Vero had dinner with her last night. I think she thought we were out of town.”

I’m intrigued and wondering if she is still here. Maybe I should text her. “Did Vero tell you anything?”

“Nope, something about girl code,” He shrugs. “I don’t know.” Just then we hear the doorbell ring and Flower yells, “Come in!”

“Do you know who it is?”

“WAGs have been dropping stuff all day for care packages for you dumb Olympians, it’s probably one of them.”

Whoever it is opens the door and walks in. Flower and I go back to watching TV as we hear heels click across the hardwood floors, “Vero, you must have left this at the restaurant last night.”

I freeze, I would recognize that voice anywhere; it’s been haunting my dreams for the past two weeks. Vero emerges from the nursery frantic while Flower and I both turn around and stand. Lo and behold Brooklyn is standing there, looking gorgeous. It looks like she just came from dinner or date. The little black dress she is wearing emphasizes her body in all the right places while still looking conservative. She sees me and her face immediately blanks. Instead of starting a conversation with me she turns to Vero for strength first, “Oh there you are.” She shuffles through her purse with shaking hands. “I know it’s here somewhere.” She finally places it on the counter and makes a triumphant noise. “Found it!”

She hands it to Vero, “Did you want to stay for a drink?”

Brooklyn turns to me again and then looks back at Vero, “I have an early flight in the morning, I should really go. Good seeing um, all of you.”

When she turns to leave Flower practically punches me and motions me to follow her, “Wait, I’ll walk you out.” She is surprised for sure and then reluctant. I send her a gentle smile and then walk towards her. The two of us are silent until we reach her car. Opening the door for her I finally need to speak, “How have you been?”

“Hanging in there. You?”

I rub the back of my neck, “About the same.”

The silence stretches, “How is your family?

“Good, good. Taylor says hi.”

Her smile illuminates the driveway, “Sweet of her, tell her I said hi too. My sister doesn’t say hi.”

We both get a chuckle out of that last statement. “I leave on Friday for Sochi.”

“You must be excited. Your parents are going right?” I nod. “Well I’ll be rooting for you. Not Canada though, just you.”

“I’ll have the most beautiful fan then,” She smiles again and I take a step closer to her. Like always I’m impossibly drawn to her.

I can tell that she feels it too, “When you come with the Gold I would really love to talk to you. I miss you Sidney, a lot.” My heart grows about three sizes.

She misses me, and I can finally admit to myself that I miss her too, “That would be great.”

“Brianna and Emma tried to take my mind off everything and it kept coming back to you.”

Her words trigger memories of the pictures of her and Jacob in the Bahamas and I can’t leave well enough alone, “How is Jacob?”

Brooklyn’s eyes grow wide and she fumbles with her keys, “He’s fine.”

I know she is hiding something, “What happened?” She looks guilty and her silence is answer enough. I see red, that douchebag touched her, touched my Brooklyn. “Unbelievable, you slept with him!”

“We did not sleep together, but I’m glad that you assumed that I would.”

“So, what did you let him go past the blue line?”

The use of our old inside joke jolts her back a few inches, “Will you get off your pedestal? Vero told me all about your little tramp from last week. You were such a gentleman.”

Brooklyn doesn’t say another word, but simply gets in her car and slams the door shut. Finally, she rolls down the window, “Good luck in Russia.”

Her tires squeal as she pulls out of the driveway. I walk back into the house and slam the door. Vero and Flower are sitting in the kitchen looking tense, “So, how’d it go?”

“Spectacularly,” I glare at Flower, “You told Vero about the girl from last week?”

“Well, it wasn’t like you were being secretive about it.”

That’s fair enough, but I’m still pissed. I don’t know who I’m most upset with though, Flower for telling Vero about the girl, Vero sharing it with Brooklyn, maybe I’m
pissed at Jacob for taking advantage of Brooklyn while she was in a vulnerable position or I’m pissed at Brooklyn for starting this whole mess. “I think I’m going to head home. Sorry for the outburst, see you tomorrow man.” I kiss Vero on the cheek, “Congratulations by the way.” She simply smiles.
On the drive home I’m still angry. The last two weeks have sucked and I just keep messing things up. Maybe I’m just pissed at myself after all.

******


After argument after argument with Janet and David we decided that I should attend the BAFTAs on February 16th. I’m nominated and it will be good to make a formal appearance before the Oscars in a few weeks. Since I left Sidney in Pittsburgh, I can’t help, but run the conversation over and over in my head. Both of us screwed up, but we are too damn stubborn to apologize. After seeing him and leaving him again I realize that I want him a part of my life again. All these thoughts are running through my mind as I step out of the limo, the crowds scream when they see me and I give a huge wave. Emma arranged my high-wasted gown. We decided to go with something elegant and soft, the pale blue lace on the bodice changes to white tulle right above my waist. It’s by no means my favorite look, but the public will appreciate it. Truthfully, I don’t remember the carpet or the ceremony. My thoughts are consumed by Sidney and his performance at the Olympics. Apparently, people aren’t thrilled with how he is doing. The tournament starts tomorrow and I’ve never been more nervous for him.
I win again by some miracle and I can’t help but smile. Backstage though Emma hands me my phone, “You have a few missed calls.”

Looking at my history I see that Geno has been calling me. I wonder why. The next morning I call him back and he answers on the first ring, “Finally.”

“Is everything okay Geno?”

“No, Sidney needs you here.”

I’m confused as to where he is getting this information from or what he wants me to do about it, “I don’t understand Geno. Is Sidney hurt?”

He sighs loudly, “He isn’t playing well. Really he hasn’t been himself since you left. Come to Russia, watch at least one game.”

“Come to Russia? Geno you have to be kidding me! There aren’t even tickets left and I’m pretty sure Sidney will have a heart attack if I show up unannounced.”

I hear Geno laugh on the other line, “I am like the Sidney Crosby of Russia, well if you exclude Ovechkin. I will, how you say, pull strings. This Thursday you will sit with me and watch Canada play U.S.. It will be fun, promise.” Am I actually considering this? We didn’t end on the best of terms so maybe he doesn’t want me there. And I don’t know if I have time either. “Why you think so much? The answer is yes I already decide for you.”

“Geno…” But I can’t fight him any longer. “Fine, I’ll be there.”

“Wooooo! You are a good person Brooklyn. I send you all the information.”

He hangs up and I immediately call Janet to run this by her. I get leave for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately most of that time will be traveling so most likely I might not even have time to interact with Sidney. Regardless though I’m going to try to make this work.

After jumping through multiple transportational hoops I arrive in the Olympic Village a few hours before the game. I’m wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses in the hopes of passing by undetected. When Geno finds me I realize that all the hopes are dashed. The 6ft-plus Russian stands out to begin with and then pair that with his Team Russia apparel and we stand out. “Brooklyn!” He runs to me and captures me in a huge hug. “I’ve missed my favorite American.”

I smile and try to focus on breathing, “How are you doing?” They were eliminated a few days ago and I know it must have been a disappointment.

He shrugs, “Today, first day I’ve been sober. We drank all the Vodka in Sochi.”

I just shake my head as he leads me into the arena. A few people come up to us and ask for pictures. Most people want a photo with both of us and finally we have to start saying no so we can get to our seats. The atmosphere is electric, both teams have a big crowd and it feels like a rivalry game. Canada is out warming up and I spy Sidney, it hits me that I haven’t seen him play in over a month. It feels like the first time, he amazes me all over again. Geno got two good seats that are right between where the Canada families are sitting and the American ones as well. In our section though are all the Russian athletes. Naturally they all recognize Geno and then me shortly thereafter. One player asks for a photo and then everyone starts asking for one. The commotion is rather large and it’s attracting attention. A camera finds us and we are on the big screen. The crowd doesn’t know whether or not to cheer. I’m not wearing any paraphernalia for either team. I decide not to wave and just sit down. On my way to my seat I glance over at the Canada section and sure enough Sidney’s parents are staring at me. Inside I’m cursing, but I hope that I smile at them and give a friendly wave. Once safely in my seat I glare at Geno, “You are so dead.”

He just laughs, “Look at Sid smile though.”

I follow his hand and he’s right, Sidney is in fact smiling. The first period goes by quickly. Canada is definitely outplaying the U.S. and I’m not upset about it. I’m definitely pulling for Canada simply because of one man. Sidney has made me turn my back on my own country, I just shake my head. Then in the second Sidney scores and I stand cheering loud and proud. Everyone around me gives me death glares and I just smile sheepishly. After the second I see Trina make her way over to us, “Shit, Geno. Sid’s mom is coming over here, what do I do?”

The Russian merely shrugs as Trina approaches. “Brooklyn dear, so good to see you.” We hug quickly. “Will you be here for the remainder of the tournament?”

“No, just today. I had some extra time in my schedule and figured it would be a fun way to pass the day.”

“So you just decided to hop on a plane to Russia?”

“Um, yes?”

Trina looks amused and I think she might even laugh, “Regardless of your reason, I’m sure Sidney is happy to have you here.” She leans forward conspiratorially. “I wish you would have told me you were coming we could have had lunch.”

I pull back surprised, “That’s very sweet of you Trina, but I don’t know how Sidney would have felt about that.”

“Pish, posh.” She waves a hand. “Mother’s always know better than their sons.” She gives me one last hug. “Enjoy the game dear.”

She leaves and I sit down stunned. What just happened? Does Sidney’s mother want us to get back together? I shake my head and focus on the game. Canada beats the U.S. in convincing fashion and the guys shake hands before heading to the locker room. Geno looks at me shyly, “Brooklyn, I can’t get you in the locker room. I was hoping Sidney would have texted or sent someone.”

He’s disappointed and I am a little too, but I put on a smile, “He didn’t even know I was coming Geno. I wasn’t expecting anything. Let’s get out of here.”

That night I’m in an airport again waiting to board a plane that will fly east to L.A. I’m just about to turn off my phone when it beeps, signaling that I have two messages from Sidney. The attendant comes over to tell me turn everything off, I guess it will have to wait for now.

Notes

Please don't hate me...
I also wanted to thank you all for the huge response to the last chapter, I loved reading each comment! Pretty sure most of us can agree that they are both too stubborn for their own good. Enjoy!