Counting Stars

When we land in L.A. the first thing I do is check my phone for the messages that Sidney sent. I take a deep breath and open the first one, Thanks for coming to my game today, I really appreciated it. I’m smiling when I open the next message, When I come home we need to talk, there is a lot I need to say. As great as it was seeing you at my game again, I miss seeing you in my jersey. Have a safe flight. My squeal earns me a glare from the man sitting next to me. I send him a sheepish smile and then start to think on what I should send back. He won’t be back in the states until Tuesday before the Oscars so it still might be weeks before we can get together. Based on that information I decide to play it cool or at least pretend to.

I don’t text Sidney back until I’m back at home and it takes me multiple drafts until I decide which one will work best. After much trial and error I decide to send this, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, just wish that I could be there to see you win it all. Definitely would love to chat when you get back, just let me know.

Once I hit send I throw my phone on the couch and pray that the message is good enough. I spend the next two hours obsessively waiting for his response; I know that he’s read it, but he hasn’t responded. Finally, I give up for the night. I’m sure he’s busy, I mean it’s near the end of the Olympics and he’s captain. There has to be more important things for him to do, not to mention the time difference. With those comforting thoughts I decide to call it a night.

It’s Wednesday and I still haven’t heard from him. By now they should be back in Pittsburgh, with their gold medals in tow. Yes, they won and I couldn’t be happier for him, but I wanted to be able to share that moment with him. The best I could do was send him a text message, which he still didn’t respond to. I sigh and then focus on getting dressed for the Nominees luncheon today. The Oscars are Sunday so my schedule is full of interviews, parties, luncheons, basically everything you could think of. I’m tightening my silver belt when my phone rings and I can’t believe who is calling. “Hello?”

“What is going on between you and my brother?” Taylor does not sound pleased on the other end. “And the real story would be great thanks.”

I’m a little taken aback by her tone and confused to say the least, “Is everything okay hun?”

“No! I’m being kept out of the loop by everyone and I don’t like it. Like, Mom got to talk to you in Russia and Sidney isn’t telling me the whole story. I’m just frustrated. Not to mention EOnline has a new story about you guys today.”

She is talking quickly, but I focus on the part about a story, “Wait, what do you mean there is a new story about us?”

“Just google yourself,” Taylor sighs and I can’t help but chuckle a little.

I follow her advice and quickly see that a few places have published yet another article about Sidney and I. Over the past month or so everyone has pretty much come to the conclusion that we broke up, but no one was really sure why. Some guessed that it was the drugs, others thought it was Jacob and some just thought the relationship fizzled out. Now, though everyone seems to think that we are getting back together.

Well, things are looking up for Brooklyn Donahue and Sidney Crosby. The past few weeks have apparently brought the former lovers closer together. First the starlet was seen in Pittsburgh grabbing lunch with an old friend. Sources confirm that during Donahue’s short stay in the city she made time to catch up with her talented ex. While we aren’t sure what the two discussed we can assume it wasn’t the weather. Fast-forward a few days and Brooklyn was spotted taking in the Canada vs. U.S. game in Russia. As far as we know the trip was a last minute decision for the actress considering that she has been busy with her own engagements. Other fans commented that Brooklyn tried at first to be a third party observer at the game, but quickly started to cheer for her man only. Most interestingly Sidney’s mother stopped by to say hello and the two had a quick and judging from photos amicable interaction. Donahue was not present to watch Crosby win the Gold for his home nation, but she did go to an L.A. bar to watch the game with a good friend. It seems that supporting the hockey star has become a priority for the A-Lister. No official announcements have been made by either camp, but in our humble opinion reconciliation seems like it is on the horizon. Sorry all you #TeamJacob fans.

After reading the article I can’t help but groan. “Those hashtags are dumb.”

“So, are you two really getting back together?”

Just then Ethan and Jacob walk into my place ready to escort me to the luncheon and I nod to them, “Honestly Taylor that’s something your brother and I need to talk about. We tentatively have plans now that he is back in the states, but there aren’t any guarantees. A month is a pretty long break for how long we were together. That’s all I can tell you.”

“You have to still like him though? I mean you wouldn’t go all the way to Russia if you didn’t want to be with him?”

This girl is smart, but I don’t feel comfortable discussing this with Sid’s sister, “Please, don’t put me in this position Taylor.”

“You all suck.” With that she hangs up.

Ethan and Jacob have made themselves at home on my couches, “What was that all about?”

I grab my purse and check my makeup in the mirror, “Taylor wanted to know what was going on with Sid and I.”

Jacob’s curiosity is piqued, but he tries to remain casual, “So, what is the deal with that?”

“No official change, he wants to talk and so do I, but this is literally the worst time for me to try to talk with him.” I groan and check my phone. “I can’t talk about this any longer, we are already late. Ready to go boys?”

******


Walking into the morning skate on Wednesday feels great. The last two weeks have been amazing and a bit of whirlwind, mostly I just want to get back to the routine. Having Flower sitting next to me again feels great. He looks at me and simply pats me on the back. It’s tough some of us are riding on the high of the Olympics while others of us had a depressing showing, our coach included. Basically it’s understood that we are all teammates again and we need to focus on the rest of the season. When Geno comes in though I seek him out, “Can I talk to you for a second?”

He nods and we go outside, “What do you need?”

“I just wanted to say thanks for bringing Brooklyn to Russia.”

“Sid, you should have invited her, not me. I was just fixing your mess.”

Geno has a point; I haven’t been in the best form the past few weeks. And now that I’ve seen her again it made me realize that I want Brooklyn in my life. When we were together I was happiest that I’ve been in a really long time. Something has been missing the past month and I realize that it was Brooklyn. The only problem now is that I have to win her back. “Did she say anything about, uh, about me?”

“She couldn’t stay long, so no. But she was sad that you didn’t invite her to the locker room.”

I look down in shame for a second, remembering the thought process. My parents were at the game and wanted to celebrate after. And I was a chicken, that didn’t want Brooklyn and them to interact. “I’ve messed this up with her haven’t I?”

“You need to fix this Sid. Now.”

With that Geno goes back in the locker room and I think about what he said. Brooklyn said she wanted to talk about everything and I pray that means she wants to work everything out. Later that evening I finally work up the courage to call Brooklyn. I wait breathlessly until she answers, “Hey.”

I haven’t heard her voice since we were arguing in Flower’s driveway and it sounds like coming home, “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good. I should be saying congratulations though! You were amazing Sidney, really.”

Hearing her praise makes my day, “I wasn’t that good…”

“Oh, shut up. I hear they are going to build a statue of you in Ottawa.”

“Now that might be a bit farfetched.”

She laughs loudly and I smile back, “Come on, it wouldn’t surprise you though, would it? I wish I could have been there.”

I don’t dignify her question with a response and we are both silent for a few seconds. Finally I decide that we need to start talking about us. “How have you been?”

“Um, I’m okay now, you?”

“About the same.”

“I would love to talk with you,” She pauses. “You know, face to face. I need to apologize for some things…”

I interrupt her, “I want to see you too. And there is a laundry list of things that I need to say to you.”

“Okay.”

We are quiet again and I try to suggest a time that we could see each other, “When can you meet?”

“Well, the Oscars are Sunday so probably not until Tuesday.”

Shit, I forgot about the Oscars, she must be insanely busy, “The team is about to start an away trip, but the two of us will work something out, I promise. We really are a piece of work aren’t we?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you don’t come to the Gold Medal game and I’ve yet to go with you to an awards show. Not the most supportive couple are we?”

She laughs loudly, “Oh my God, you’re right. Literally, we are the worst.”

“Well, that’s going to change.”

“Whatever you say captain. By the way, you need to talk to your sister.”

“Why?”

“Well, she called me, demanding to know what was going with us. Apparently, you’ve kept her out of the loop. She doesn’t like that she hears the news about us from the tabloids before you.”

I groan, “Damn, I’m sorry you had to deal with that. What did you tell her?”

“That we were going to talk soon, that’s all. You definitely need to call her though.”

Nodding I lean back on my couch and think about how empty my house feels. The past month or so has made this house seem bigger and bigger and emptier and emptier. Now that I’m on the phone with Brooklyn I don’t want to let her go. If she hangs up, I’m alone again. “Where are you?”

“At my house in L.A.”

“I didn’t think you had a house there.”

She sighs, “I needed a place here so Emma found me a house that was already furnished. It’s nice, too big though.”

“Tell me about it. My place feels empty.” I take a deep breath. “Especially without you here.”

I only hear silence on the phone and then some rustling, “Sidney.”

“Brooklyn.”

“I wish I was there.” We are both quiet and I can tell that she has something else to say. “But, this isn’t fair to either of us. We need to talk in person.”

“You’re right.”

I bite my lip debating on what to say next, but Brooklyn speaks up first, “Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything,” From this point forward I’m going to start making it up to her. I have a lot of work to do, but I need to start somewhere. There is no time like the present.

“Titanic is on TNT, stay up and watch it with me?”

“Of course,” I turn on the TV and realize that the movie just started. Brooklyn loves it and has told me repeatedly that watching this made her fall in love with the industry. Honestly, I think it’s a little overrated, but I would never tell her that. She comments throughout the movie and we end up doing more talking than actual watching. Damn, I missed this, just talking to her. When she laughs I can’t help but laugh too. It gets to the part where both Rose and Jack are trying to fit on the door. “They both definitely could have fit.”

Brooklyn gasps on the other end, “Are you kidding me? They tried to both get on it and it almost tipped!”

“Well, they didn’t try very hard.”

She sighs exasperatedly, “Rewind your TV a minute and I will show you.” I do. “Okay, now look at Leonardo Dicaprio, do you see the realization come across his face that he’s going to die, and then finally determination to save Rose. He sacrificed himself, after they both tried to use the door. This is one of the most nuanced performances I’ve ever seen. It’s all right there.”

Honestly, I don’t know what she is talking about, but she sounds so sure about it. If I don’t agree I feel like I’m going to break her heart and I would rather not do that again, “You know, I see it now. You’re right.”

“Oh Sid, leave the acting to the professionals,” She chuckles. “Thanks for pretending.”

The lifeboats come to save Rose, “Anytime.”

We are quiet as the story starts to wrap up. It isn’t until Rose and jack are reunited that I hear some sniffling on the other end, “Are you alright?”

“Fine, it just always gets me.” She takes a few deep breaths. “Okay, I’m good now. That movie will never get old.” I check my phone for the time and realize that I’ve been awake too late for a game tomorrow. Really, I should have gone to bed hours ago. The only problem is that I don’t want to stop talking to Brooklyn. “Don’t you need to go to bed? Y’all are hours behind us.”

“You’re right, I probably should.”

I don’t hang up though and we are both quiet, “Well are you?”

“What if I don’t want too?”

“I’m not going to be responsible for you being tired tomorrow. Go to bed Sid. I’m always a phone call away.”

Sighing I know that she is right, “Fine. I will see you soon Brooklyn. That’s a guarantee.”

She simply laughs, “Good night Sid.”

Once she hangs up I decide to call Beau, “Jesus Sid, it’s late. What’s up?”

“I need Emma’s phone number.”

******


Sunday arrives and I’ve never felt more nervous in my entire life. Today is the Academy Awards and I swear that I’m going to puke at any minute. I’ve been pampered and primped all day while my staff runs around me like chickens with their heads’ cut off. Janet is trying to control multiple clients, while David is liaising with the press and Emma has been mysteriously AWOL all day. I sigh trying to relax fearing that someone will come over and tell me to relax for the fifty-third time today. Truly nothing is more stressful than being told to relax. It’s around three when my dress arrives with Emma. The two of us walk into the bedroom of our rented hotel suite, “Where have you been all day?”

“Running so many errands. I swear to God, can you please never be nominated again?”

I laugh, “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for all your help so far. Did my family get in?”

She nods, “Yes, sent a car for them. Unfortunately, you won’t get to see them until after the ceremony.”

“Okay, that’s fine.”

“You’re doing great. Let’s get you into the dress.”

Emma and my stylist help me get into the dress. We looked at about a thousand before we decided on this new designer gown. It’s blush colored satin that has been altered until perfection. I run my fingers carefully across the fabric that is pulled tight around my waist and hips until it dramatically flares out at the tops of my thighs. The trumpet cut makes me look statuesque while accentuating all of my assets. The straight strapless neckline is adorned with a little pop of color. Specifically it’s a downward triangle filled in with large, multicolored and geometric jewels. The color on the top adds some fun to the otherwise sophisticated and boring dress. I hold on to Emma’s shoulder as I slide on the bright pink stilettos. Very carefully we move to the vanity and get to work on my hair and makeup. In another thirty minutes my loose up-do is completed and my makeup flawless. “Wow, it looks great. Thanks love.”

The makeup girl simply smiles and we walk back out into the main room. Jacob, Ethan, and Janet are all waiting for me. I enter, “So, what do you think?”

“Brooklyn, my dear. This is it. Even if you don’t win, everyone will remember this dress.”

I smile, deciding not to pay too much attention to the back-handed compliment “Thanks I think.”

David chimes in, “This is major, Brooklyn.” He hands me a glass of champagne. “Shall we all toast?”

We pour glasses for all of us and Janet starts, “To my favorite and most promising client. Enjoy this evening; we are all so proud of you.”

We cheers and then David speaks up, “My dear, working with you has by no means been a walk in the park, but it has been a joy. You deserve this evening.”

Ethan goes next, “I wouldn’t want to protect anyone else from creeps than you.” We all laugh and clink our glasses.

“Bridge, you are the best friend a girl could ask for and a great boss. I hope you have so much fun tonight, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you later.”

We hug and then all eyes turn to Jacob. Truthfully, I’m curious as to what he will say as well, “Brooklyn, you deserve the best in life. Never settle.” We all hesitate for a moment and then finally drain the last of our champagne.

Emma comes over and slips on the simple diamond choker I’m wearing tonight as well as the matching bangles and earrings, “Are you ready?”

“Isn’t it a bit early?”

Janet and Emma share a look, “We are a bit concerned about traffic.”

I simply nod, and try to focus on walking safely. Earlier we decided that we would take the elevator to the second floor and then I would walk down the staircase in the lobby for practice. Luckily I make it to the elevator without incidence. Janet looks at Jacob and David, “You two go first. Jacob I want you in the front tonight. Ethan will be point with Brooklyn.” Strange, usually Jacob is my number one, maybe Janet knows something or maybe he asked for a different post. I don’t have time to dwell on it because my phone rings once they leave in the elevator. Emma takes it out of the bag that contains the rest of my personal items, “Who is it?”

Emma looks at me, “It’s um, Sidney.”

To say the least I’m surprised. He texted me this morning to wish me good luck, but they have a game tomorrow in Nashville, so I figured he would be busy. “I’ll answer it.” Emma hands me the phone, “Hello?”

“Hey babe, how are you doing?”

“Extremely nervous. I’m progressing; I didn’t have to call you this time.” I give a half-hearted chuckle as we walk into the elevator.

“Well, I decided I would call you this time. Who’s the lucky guy that gets to sit with you tonight?”

“No one tonight,” We are silent, “Any reason, you wanted to talk me?”

“Yeah, um,” He clears his throat a little nervously. “I wanted to wish you luck and um I wanted to say that I’m sorry, for everything. These past few weeks have been miserable for me and I can’t believe I put you through all this bullshit because of my pride. If anything you should have dumped me. I don’t deserve you, at all. I just want an opportunity to make it up to you.”

The elevator opens on the second floor as Sidney finishes his speech and Janet practically drags me out of it, “Wow, Sidney I don’t know what to say, besides that I’m sorry too. And I think we should discuss this another time.”

I start walking down the staircase as gracefully as possible completely focused on the stairs and the phone, “Fair enough. I just have one more thing to ask you.”

“What Sid?”

When I reach the bottom of the stairs I start walking towards Janet and Emma who are a few steps in front of me, but I’m stopped by a hand on my elbow. I turn around and my jaw drops, there in front of me is Sidney dressed in a tuxedo looking the epitome of perfection. “Can I be that guy?”

******


I’m standing in the hotel lobby surrounded by teammates, who are waiting anxiously to see how this will turn out. There is a bet running on whether or not I will crash and burn. I’m pretty sure that most of the guys are betting on failure. On Friday I called Emma and asked if I could surprise Brooklyn tonight. With a few well-placed lies I convinced Brooklyn that I had a game on Monday in Nashville and therefore unreachable Sunday. If she believed that then she should be completely shocked to see me at her hotel ready to take her to the Oscars. In actuality we have a game tomorrow here in L.A., so going to the ceremony worked out perfectly with my schedule. Now, she just has to not slap me upon seeing my face. Emma approaches us, “Wow, you clean up good Crosby.” I’m too nervous to say anything. “Okay, so I’m going back up there to do the last minute touches. She is already dressed and she looks amazing, so it shouldn’t be too long. I’ll send you a text when we are about to get into the elevators, call then. From there, it’s up to you. We do have about 15 extra minutes built in so the two of you can talk a bit. You ready?”

All I can do is nod for a moment until she waves a hand in front of my face, “Yeah, sorry. I’m ready.”

She rolls her eyes, “For Christ’s sake someone give this guy a drink.”

Once she leaves a drink materializes in front of me and I down it in one gulp. The guys chat amongst themselves for a second, most ignoring me since I’m not really talking. In a few minutes my phone beeps and it’s Emma giving me the go ahead. I take a deep breath, here goes nothing. After a few tense rings I hear, “Hello?”

I swallow, hopefully my voice doesn’t crack, “Hey babe, how are you doing?”

“Extremely nervous. I’m progressing; I didn’t have to call you this time.” She chuckles a little and I can’t help but smile.

“Well, I decided I would call you this time. Who is the lucky guy that gets to sit with you tonight?” That was smooth Sidney.

“No one tonight,” I can’t think of anything else to say for a moment. I wonder how close she is to me, “Any reason, you wanted to talk me?”

“Yeah, um,” I can’t seem to talk so I try to clear my throat and organize my thoughts. “I wanted to wish you luck and um I wanted to say that I’m sorry, for everything. These past few weeks have been miserable for me and I can’t believe I put you through all this bullshit because of my pride. If anything you should have dumped me. I don’t deserve you, at all. I just want an opportunity to make it up to you.”

I hear the elevator doors open as I finish my speech and I take a few steps away from my teammates. According to Emma she should be walking down the main staircase just a little away from me. “Wow, Sidney I don’t know what to say, besides that I’m sorry too. And I think we should discuss this another time.”

In another second I see her on the top of the stairs and for a moment I lose the ability to form coherent thought. I sneak a peek to my teammates and all of them are frozen in time as well. With another deep breath I walk a little closer to the steps. Brooklyn is so focused on walking that she hasn’t even noticed me, “Fair enough. I just have one more thing to ask you.”

“What Sid?”

She reaches the bottom of the stairs and starts to walk towards Emma and her manager. I close the distance between us and place a gently hand on her elbow to turn her. When she turns I smile at her shocked expression, “Can I be that guy?”

“Oh my God.” Well, I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. “Oh my God, you’re actually here!” With that she launches herself into my arms with a smile on her face. I pull her close to me and it feels amazing to have her in my arms once again. Her arms are wrapped around my neck while her head rests on my chest.

I lean into her ear, “Surprised?”

“Of course! I can’t believe that you’re here.” She pulls away though, “I thought you had a game though?”

Her face is scrunched in confusion and she looks damn adorable, “We actually have a game in L.A. tomorrow. I might have lied to you a little, forgive me?”

She laughs loudly, “No doubt about it. I’m so happy that you are here.”

“I wanted to be here for you, to support you tonight. The Oscars are kind of a big deal, right?”

“Right now I couldn’t care less about that dumb statue. You’re here, that’s good enough for me.”

I’m happy that she’s happy, but I want to use our extra time to make some things clear, “I want my girlfriend to win an Oscar tonight and I want to be on that red carpet as your boyfriend. So we have a little extra time, can we talk for a bit?”

She nods, “Yes, I want that too.”

Janet comes over, “Sidney you look great. If you’ll follow me over here you two can talk in the ballroom.”

Once we are alone I take a good look at Brooklyn again. The dress looks amazing on her and she just looks gorgeous. I can’t believe that she ever agreed to be mine, much less wants to do it all again. “Alright, I’m just going to get to it. I overreacted when you first told me. I was blind sighted and thought I understood the situation, I didn’t. Basically, I was an idiot. My pride and fear got in the way and instead of letting you talk, I assumed.”

“Sidney please.”

Brooklyn tries to speak, but I cut her off, “No, there’s more. You are the kindest, sweetest, most talented woman I’ve ever met and the fact that I put you through all this shit is unforgivable. I deserted you when you needed me the most and I’m pissed at myself for doing that. You did absolutely nothing wrong. And that’s the worst part, I hurt you.”

She walks over to me and holds my face in her hands, “Oh Sidney, but I did. I should have told you all that stuff, because it could of hurt you. I was selfish and scared that you would reject me. So let me apologize for keeping that from you but please know that it was my intention to tell you at some point. I promise.”

“I don’t care anymore what’s happened doesn’t matter. Like you and Jacob, I don’t care. If anything I deserve it after how I treated you. I tried to replace you, I should have known that would never work because you Brooklyn are irreplaceable. The past month has been hell, pure torture without you. And if I learned anything while we were broken up, it’s that I need you in my life and I want you there.” I take a deep breath and run my hand gently across her cheek. “I should have said this weeks ago, I love you Brooklyn and hopefully you can forgive me enough to feel the same way.”

She gasps, “Oh, Sidney, I...”

From the way her voice sounds, I don’t think I will like what she says, and I realize that this may be too little too late. So, I rely on actions instead. I pull her face close to mine and kiss her. She resists for a moment and then relents with a soft sigh. Her lips open and I can’t help but groan. I’ve been missing this, and I take the next few minutes to make up for all of our loss time. Our lips slant against one another and her body moves closer to mine. I run my fingers through her hair as the door opens behind us, “Alright, we need to get…” I turn to see Janet who takes in our positions, “I’ll go get the hair and makeup team.”

The two of us finally pull apart and I laugh a little, “Sorry about that.”

“Never apologize for doing that, but Sidney I need to tell…”

Her assistants come in and I take that as my cue to go. “I’ll see you in a second.”

I walk back out to my team and Geno asks me first, “So?”

Before I can answer James speaks up, “Well he has lipstick all over his mouth, so I’m going with pretty well.”

All the guys burst out laughing and pat me on the back. Duper comes over, “Nicely done man. She looks amazing.”

“She does, doesn’t she? I have a lot of making up to do though.”

Just then she exits the ballroom with Janet and Emma. For a moment she looks confused and then she spots me. Hopefully, I don’t imagine the huge smile that spreads across her face when she sees me.

******


My stylist is fixing my makeup and hair with a barely contained smile as Janet looks on disapprovingly. I can’t help but smile though and I don’t bother hiding it. Truthfully, I cannot remember the last time that I was so happy. Sidney is going to be my side during my first Oscars; it’s too good to be true really. Once the touchup is done I follow Janet and Emma out. I stop Emma for a second, “You knew didn’t you?” She simply nods, “Janet too?”

“Yep, but it was all Sidney’s idea. I hope it was okay?”

I hug her, “More than okay. Thank you for helping him organize this.”

“Well, I had ulterior motives; I wanted to see him in a suit.” She lowers her voice. “And I am not disappointed.”

We both laugh as we renter the lobby. And I search for Sidney again, smiling when I finally locate him. Emma is right, the man looks too good. His suit outlines and defines the muscles he works every day to earn. It’s a miracle I don’t jump him right now, but a pointed look from Janet at her watch makes it clear that we need to leave. I walk over to Sidney and am welcomed with open arms by the guys. A few of them even hug me and I realize that I missed this as well. Geno hands his phone to Sidney, “Picture for twitter.”

We take a silly one and a good one, “Just wait to post this until the ceremony starts, please.”

He nods and I spot the coaching staff sitting in a few chairs. I walk over quickly and Coach Dan stands to kiss me on the cheek, “You look gorgeous Brooklyn.”

“Thanks. And thank you for letting him come out tonight. When does he need to be back?”

Sidney’s coach shakes his head, “Don’t worry about it for now, he knows. Just go have fun.”

I smile and then walk back over to Sidney and an impatient Janet. She opens the door to the outside and I can hear the crowd outside start to scream. They all know that actors and actresses are in here, they just aren’t sure which ones. I’m not the first one to leave nor will I be the last, so the crowd is still very excited. I grab Sidney’s hand and start walking towards Janet and Ethan, when I remember something. I do a quick turn around and stride over to James, who looks a little confused. “This is for that tramp in Pittsburgh.” I slap his shocked face and then finally join Janet by the door. “I probably shouldn’t have done that.”

Sidney laughs, “He deserved it, you should slap me too.”

“I already slapped you once, remember?” I take his hand then quickly drop it as Ethan gets him to the car as inconspicuously as possible “Stop beating yourself up about it please.”

Once Sidney is in the car I take a deep breath than walk out the doors myself. I wave quickly to the screaming fans while Emma and Janet try to block any photos of my dress. In the blink of an eye, I’m bundled into the back of the limo with Janet, Ethan, Emma and of course Sidney. We pour champagne and I try to relax as Janet goes into her spiel, “Okay, press walk first and foremost, it’s the longest one yet so just remember what we practiced. Sidney will rejoin you after so you can walk the rest of the carpet with him. Ethan and I will be with you while Emma and Sidney walk around. Jacob will be inside.” At Jacob’s name, Sidney’s hand tightens around mine. I send him a comforting smile as Janet continues, “I have the list of the people who want to talk to you, don’t worry about it, I’ll get you where you need to go. You and Sidney are front row and center surrounded by cast members. I believe that Angelina will be on your right. And Sidney, I think…”

I zone out and instead focus on the stunning man next to me. His speech earlier today was amazing and something truly heartfelt. I still cannot believe he is here right now. I’m spoiled and extremely lucky that this man is mine. All I want to do is kiss him. We are getting closer to the theater and I’m stuck with the overwhelming desire to do just that. “Hey.”

He looks down at me and I can tell that he’s nervous, “Hey?”

“Quickie in the car?” His lips quirk and mine do too as we both remember when I first met his parents.

“Don’t tempt me Donahue.” I laugh as he repeats his own words and then lean up to kiss him. My intention is purely innocent at first.

Then Janet coughs, “We don’t have time to redo your makeup...again.”

We both go back to sipping on our champagne though. I draw lazy circles on his thigh as we get closer and closer. Once we pull up to the red carpet and I start to hear the dull roar of the crowd it strikes me that I never told him how I feel. The two of us are the only ones left in the limo and I grab his hand just as he is about to climb out,
“Sidney, you never gave me a chance to say this, I love you too. I don’t have a big speech or anything, but I just hated when I wasn’t with you.” His smile is huge and he pulls me towards him to share a kiss. I almost laugh at the absurdity. He has one leg out of the car and is being pulled by Janet as Emma pulls me back to separate us like two uncontrollable teenagers.

“Compose yourself,” Emma hisses at me. I take a moment, check my lipstick and then gracefully exit the car. When I look at Sidney I can’t help but laugh. He has lipstick smudged around his mouth and I wipe it off as Emma arranges my dress. I still have a smile on my face as we walk to the carpet my hand fitting snugly and perfectly in Sidney’s.

******


I’m holding on to Brooklyn’s hand for dear life as we officially walk onto the red carpet. This is the first time that I’ve accompanied her to anything and I feel the pressure. The fans are loud and Brooklyn turns every once and a while to wave and smile. She leans into me, “How are you doing?”

“My red carpets are never like this.”

She laughs and leans into me, “Well, you’re doing great.”

Eventually, she leaves to take thousands of pictures and I’m left with Emma to walk around. A few people come up to me and ask for pictures and I happily oblige. No one has asked if I’m there with Brooklyn yet. I catch the end of her press walk and I can’t help be amazed. She handles the crowd the cameras and the noise with poise. Never once does her smile waver or look contrived and her body looks, well unbelievable. They rejoin us and she immediately links her hand in mine. “The press asked about you.”

We are walking now towards the interviewers, “Oh yeah, and what you say?”

“The truth,” She shrugs and then sends me a slow smile. “That you’re my boyfriend.”

I kiss her full on the lips right there and I hear the crowd cheer loudly and the cameras shutter. When I pull away Brooklyn is laughing and smiling. Right then and there I realize that both of us couldn’t care less about the award, we are just too happy.

Brooklyn does her first couple interviews flawlessly and I wait in the wings. I even get to talk to a few stars who are apparently fans of mine. A lot of them though make sure to tell me that this is my second and last chance with Brooklyn. When her scandal broke earlier I remember Hollywood really coming how to support her so it isn’t shocking when people tell me to never break her again. They have nothing to worry about; I will never do it again. Everyone here loves her and I’m reminded once again how special she is. While we are waiting to do our last interview Brooklyn comes up to me after whispering with Janet, “I have a surprise.”

“Yes?”

“You are doing my last interview with me,” before I can disagree she pulls me to the raised platform where Ryan Seacrest is waiting. We both step up and Ryan introduces himself to both of us. Man, he is short in person.

I spy the cameraman counting down and then, “Thanks, G. Welcome back everyone, we are talking to the woman of the hour, the wonderful and incredibly talented Brooklyn Donahue and date this evening, Sidney Crosby. Nice to meet you man.” We shake. “And you are looking lovely, Brooklyn. How are you feeling?”

“Amazing really. This whole thing just feels like a dream. Jennifer did stop me though and told me she would pay me $100 I trip tonight.”

“And will you take her up on it?”

“Maybe after a few more glasses of Champagne.”

We all laugh and then Ryan focuses on Brooklyn’s dress and even asks me about my attire. By some miracle I remember who made my suit and then it’s over. We leave the platform and return to our group. “You did great Sid.”

I simply smile, “I have no idea what I said.”

My comment makes the whole group laugh and we make our way inside the theater. I have never seen so many attractive people in my life. Being an athlete has some perks don’t get me wrong, but as far as the famous totem pole goes, Actors will always been on top and there is a reason for that. We take our seats that our literally front and center and the ceremony begins. By the second hour or so the mystique wears off and Brooklyn and I try to play I-Spy to pass the time, but it’s a little difficult. A camera is always near us and I try not to look at it too much. When Ellen passes out pizza both of us almost jump up to grab some and we are sedated for a little bit. Finally it gets to Brooklyn’s category. Daniel-Day Lewis steps out and delivers a short speech. Her grip on my hand becomes significantly tighter and I put my other one on top to try to conceal her nerves from the camera. “And the nominees for best actress in a leading role are…” After the last name is read the envelope is opened and even I’m holding my breath, “And the Academy Award goes to, Brooklyn Donahue, Glimpses of Paradise.”

I cheer and look towards Brooklyn who has crumpled in her seat slightly before straightening and looking at me. We are both sitting and I help her slowly stand. She leans into me and whispers, “Is this serious?” I simply nod, since I can’t yell over the applause and Brooklyn kisses me quickly. “Oh my God.” I squeeze her hand one last time and she walks up to the stage, stopping to hug a few friends as she gets there. Once there she safely traverses the stairs and receives the award. I stand clapping and look around realizing that everyone is also standing. The moment is surreal. Finally we quiet slightly and Brooklyn approaches the microphone. “This is unbelievable. Oh my God seriously. Um, okay, this is, y’all need to sit please.” The audience laughs and sits. “I need to say thank you to so many people, starting with my parents. Mom, Dad, I know you are here.” A cheer goes up and she looks towards the mezzanine, “Oh, there you are. Crap, I’m sorry I should have gotten you better seats.” The audience laughs. “Anyways though, thank you for being the best possible parents in the world, for supporting this unbelievable dream that I’ve always had.”

She names a few more people, and then takes a deep breath. “As you might know Hollywood got the best of me for a few months last year and I need to thank all of you in this room who provided emotional support after that time period as well as the standard that I realized I needed to live up to. Without you, I would not be here today. Thank you for your faith in me. Finally, I want to thank love, which is something scary and mysterious in the world, but so worth fighting for. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but we are stronger and better people because of it. We shouldn’t give up on love because love won’t forsake us. Love and those you love will continue to surprise for you every day and those you love are the ones worth living for. So, please don’t ever be afraid to love and to dream of love. It is more than worth every daydream. Thank you.” She raises the statue again and everyone is cheering and clapping as she leaves the stage. To say the least, I’m humbled by Brooklyn and by her accomplishments.

Brooklyn comes back, Oscar in hand during a commercial break and hugs me, “I’m so happy that you’re here.”

I look into her clear blue eyes and declare emotionally, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Congratulations, I’m so happy for you.”

Notes

I knew that this was going to be the way the scandal would be resolved, but it was fun finally writing it all down. Hopefully, y'all enjoyed it and thought it was cute. Let me know what you think! And let's hope the Pens close out this series soon!!!