Counting Stars

I’m overwhelmed when our limo pulls back up to the hotel after the ceremony. We will have about 30 minutes to change before heading to the after parties. Sidney helps me out of the limo and we walk hand in hand to the elevators. Since the evening began I think the only time I’ve let go of him is to accept my award. Today has been a dream and it’s not even over yet. When we arrive at my suite Sidney pulls away, “Where are you off to?”

“I need to check in with the coaches,” He kisses me on the forehead. “It’s still early so hopefully I can make it to a few parties.”

He leaves and Emma helps me inside. The night just keeps getting better and better. My family is in the suite waiting for me. First my mother hauls me into a hug, “Oh, my baby! I’ve never been happier for you. You looked gorgeous up there, ah I’m going to cry again just thinking about it.” She squeezes my face, “You’re all grown up.”

Smiling I return the hug, “Thanks mom, I’m glad you were there.” I look around my mom and locate my dad. “You too Dad. I’m glad you could make it.”

He opens his arms and I run into them, “I wouldn’t miss it for anything, babygirl. I’m happy for you.” His eyes search my intently. “And are you happy?”

“Never better.”

Just then Janet returns, “I hate to break up the reunion, but we need to get the Oscar winner dressed for her parties. Mrs. Donahue if you would like to hold the statue.”

Janet’s words and the offer to hold my award placate my parents as she ushers me into the bedroom. Very carefully Emma helps me slide off the gown and jewels. Then just as carefully I slide into a simple magenta gown. It’s long and with only a matching belt to define my waist. We let my hair down and pin it back on one side. The look is completely different and much more suited for partying. And I am ready to party. As we are getting ready Emma pours me more champagne. I swear this stuff is on tap for Oscar day. Really I can’t remember a time where I was without champagne today, not that I’m complaining.

I text Sidney asking where he is and he sends me back a room number. We quickly say goodbye to my parents and I turn to Janet in the hallway, “I’m going to grab Sidney and then we will be down.”

She sends me a look, “We don’t have time for the two of you to screw around.”

“Of course not,” Jacob rolls his eyes, but not even his sour mood can’t ruin my night.

Without a second look I take the elevator down a few floors to see Sidney. The door is propped open so I simply walk in, “Hey Boys!” Gathered in the average hotel room is Geno, Marc-Andre, James, Pascal, a few others and of course Sidney. A chorus of congratulations greets me and I smile in return.

Geno hops up and intercepts me from getting to Sidney, “So happy for you! I give you one last chance; choose me instead of Captain.”

Between his accent, puppy dog eyes, and question I can’t help but laugh, “Oh, I don’t deserve you Geno.” He lets me go after a tight hug and I wander over to Sidney, who casually throws an arm around my waist. “What have y’all been up to?”

James mumbles, “Icing my face.” I stick my tongue out at him in response.

“We watched you win,” Beau starts. “And Captain here fumble around in his interview.”

Sidney blushes, “Come on, I was nervous as hell.”

“Dude, it sounded like you had turrets.”

I intervene, rubbing Sidney’s arm comfortingly, “You did fine, babe.”

“What happened to great?”

“I lied, forgive me?” We kiss quickly and the guys groan.

Geno gets the idea that we all need to take a group picture. So I get in the middle and the guys surround me as they push out one of the rookies to take the picture. I look at it, “Aw, that’s cute. Send it to me.” We talk for a little while longer and I realize that we are running out of time. “Anyways, we need to go. Are you cleared for after-parties?”

He nods and we start walking towards the door, but Pascal interjects. “Before you go we have to do a shot in celebration.”

Sindey and I nod emphatically and Marc-Andre clears his throat as we lift our glasses, “To Brooklyn Donahue, Oscar winning actress, gorgeous woman, wonderful friend. God only knows why you date Sidney, but we thank you for taking pity on him.” We are all chuckling as we take the first shot. I wince as it burns on the way down.

And then Geno, not to be outdone pours us all another one, “Last one, Geno.”
The mischief in his eyes concerns me as he goes to speak, “To Sidney, without you we would not have Brooklyn.” Now everyone is full on laughing as we take the shot.

I can’t leave well enough alone though and gesture for Beau to pour another round for everyone. Once everyone is situated I speak with raised glass, “To the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL team with the most talented, most attractive and most,” I pause realizing that I might be a little more drunk than I originally thought. “well-endowed players!” Sidney’s teammates cheer and they second my toast with amused if not slightly shocked faces. This shot goes down like water and I offer a stupid smile to Sidney who is mid-laugh.

Just then, Coach Dan enters the room with a severe gaze, “Brooklyn, congratulations are in order, but I do believe you’re forgetting something.”

“Oh, right I’m sorry. Geno another round,” I hold up my glass. “To Coach Dan, the best…”

Dan’s cough interrupts my toast, “No, we have a game tomorrow.”

With that Sidney gently lowers my arm, “Sorry coach.”

“Ohhhh,” I whisper. “Sorry coach.”

All of the guys are shaking with bundled up laughter as Dan makes Sidney promise to be back at the hotel at a reasonable hour. He does and we pass out hugs on our way out of the hotel room. When we are in the lobby Janet is staring at her watch accusingly and I shrug. I’m too drunk on happiness, well just too drunk.

******


My alarm going off the next morning is the cruelest sound I’ve heard in a long while. Next to me I hear Pascal moving and I silence my phone, “Oh my god, this might be hell.”

Pascal laughs, “I think you’ll survive man. You went right to bed when you got back.”

Great, because that makes it better. The last thing I remember is taking a photo with Jennifer Garner, Brooklyn and Ben Afleck. “It was fun as much as I remember.”

“You were definitely having a good time when you got back. The guy with you not so much.”

“Wait, guy with me?” I rack my brain for any recollection of a guy and me alone, nothing.

Duper shrugs, “Brooklyn’s bodyguard.”

“Great,” My roommate looks at me in confusion. I assume he is talking about Jacob. “We aren’t each other’s biggest fans.

The two of us let last night antics stay forgotten and I focus on getting ready for the morning skate without becoming ill. I’m downstairs eating breakfast, trying to pretend to feel fine when Coach Dan walks over, “How are you feeling Sid?”

His voice hurts my head so I hope that I don’t wince. Besides that I try to shoot Dan a smile, “Great, Coach thanks.”

“And the parties?”

I shrug nonchalantly and my stomach lurches. “You know, a party is a party. We weren’t even out that late, maybe midnight.” God, I hope that’s true.

Dan raises one eyebrow, “Hmmm good for you.” As he turns to leave he throws a stack of papers on the table. “Some light reading for you this morning.”

Once he is gone, I double over holding my head in my hands. The guys at my table chuckle around me, “Funny guys.” On the bus I finally read the papers that Dan dropped on my table. Turns out the pages are an article from theHuffington Post.

Hollywood, CA—Well, the Academy Awards this year certainly did not disappoint. We’ve already given you the list of winners last night, so let’s turn to the juicer bits of the evening. Let’s begin with arguably the most interesting starlet in Hollywood today, Brooklyn Donahue. The talented and now Oscar-winning actress has only been our radars for a little bit, but she has certainly made an impression, whether it be her old-Hollywood looks, penchant for attractive boyfriends or connection with scandal. Last night though seemed to be the culmination of all three. With her win Donahue virtually silenced all critics. Rest assured, her star is shining brighter than ever with no burn out in the foreseeable future.

While her win wasn’t a shock to most voters, her escort certainly was. She arrived, all smiles with ex-boyfriend Sidney Crosby. The two were hot and heavy late last year and early this year, until the news leaked concerning Donahue’s drug use. After the news the two weren’t seen together until last night. And sources from both camps confirmed that the two had called it quits. It seems that the status of their relationship has changed, even though it was rumored that the A-List beauty had moved on to more geographically compatible man.

After their actions last night, no one could argue that the two haven’t reconciled. From the moment the two stepped on the carpet they only had eyes for each other. It was obvious from photos and video that Donahue and Crosby could not keep their hands off each other. Don’t think we missed the lipstick smudged on Mr. Crosby’s face. This behavior continued well into the evening. After changing into a simple, Ellie Saab creation Brooklyn and Sidney attended the Vanity Fair Party. According to sources inside the event Brooklyn took great pride in introducing the Penguins Captain as her boyfriend. Both were definitely enjoying each other’s company, guests remarked on their casual touches and heavy PDA. We are assured though that they maintained the propriety of the event. Neither of the pair stopped smiling from when they arrived at the party to when they left at almost three in the morning! Regardless, it seems that the two are happier than ever, good for them!

When I finish, I groan. Earlier today I told Dan that I was back at midnight, apparently this wasn’t the case, and maybe he didn’t read the article. My hopes are dashed when Dan gives us an especially difficult practice and busts my chops the entire time. I grin and bear it, realizing that I brought this upon myself. By the time the game-day skate is finished my hangover has subsided slightly and I focus on dealing with the reporters. “This is the first day of a West-Coast swing, what’s the team’s mentality going into it?”

I’ve heard this question a thousand times, “Just play it one game at a time. The season is in the homestretch, so staying consistent and healthy is important.”

“Have you enjoyed your time in L.A. so far?” the reporter is smiling and the question actually draws a laugh from the rest of the group.

Even I’m smiling, “Yes, L.A. has been a lot of fun, probably too much fun.

“Safe to say that you are once again seeing Miss Donahue?” I nod and they continue. “Any big changes from mid-January to now, with regards to the relationship?”

“I’m not quite sure what this has to do with the game but,” I sigh. “Obviously, it was a difficult time for her and I don’t think I handled the situation correctly. She’s a great girl, I’m lucky to have her in my life.”

Dan potash asks the next question, “Are we better interviewers than Ryan Seacrest?”

“You guys saw that huh?” I wipe my face. “These questions are a lot more in my comfort zone at least.”

“About a week and a half from now you have back to back games in Philly, any remaining tensions between you and Claude Giroux?’’

Finally, another hockey question and an easy one at that, “We aren’t overly concerned with those games right now. There are too many points on the line between now and then.”

After the morning skate, I stop Brooklyn’s room in the hotel. Emma answers the door, “Hey Sid.”

“Hey Emma, is Brooklyn here?”

“She is, but she’s not awake yet.”

I’m shocked to say the least. My girlfriend rarely sleeps in this late. She must really feel like shit, “Well, could I come in anyways? I need to nap.”

She opens the door and I slip into the suite. Yesterday I remember this suite being immaculate and organized, today not so much. Pizza boxes are strewn on the counter and various clothes clutter the floor. “Jesus, what happened?”

“We had an after-after party. Brooklyn was sad you couldn’t make it.”

I simply nod and then find my girlfriend in bed. She is still wearing her second dress from last night. The huge bed devours Brooklyn with superfluous pillows and the softest looking comforter I’ve ever seen. All in the entire picture is just so damn inviting. I slide off my shoes and crawl into bed. After setting an alarm I pull Brooklyn into my arms and she relaxes immediately. Her unconscious movement brings a smile to my face as I fall asleep.

******


Rustling sounds wake me up and I crack my eye open. I’m still in my second dress from last night and I can’t help but chuckle. I stretch as Sidney turns around, “Getting ready for your skate this morning?”

It’s his turn to laugh, “Oh, babe I’m about to leave for my game. You’ve slept all day.”

I sit up immediately, and brush some hair out of my eyes, “My God, that’s impressive. I’m sorry, I’m so lazy.”

Sidney sits on the bed, “Well, Emma told me you guys brought the party back here, if that explains anything.”

The night comes back to me in flashbacks. Luckily, it seems that everything went well and I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself. I did convince Sidney to stay a lot longer than he should have. “Sorry, I made you stay so late.”

He shrugs, “I doubt I protested too much. Need to go though, I’ll see you later.”

“Actually, I’m going to the game with the winners. Some dumb publicity stunt, but I’ll be there.”

Sidney smiles and drops a kiss on my forehead, “Perhaps a change of clothes though?”

I laugh and pull Sidney down to the bed with me, “I think this is perfect, thank you.” We are both simply lying on the bed for a few seconds. “I’m so happy Sidney.”

He turns to me, “Me too Brooklyn.” We lean closer to each other and share a sweet kiss. In typical fashion we get carried away. Sidney’s phone starts to ring, “Impeccable timing, but this means I really have to go. See you at the game.”

“Kick some ass Captain.”

A few hours later I’m at the Staples Center with a full entourage, since this is an official appearance. Once again Ethan is assigned as my near guard while Jacob is in the back, I make a mental note to ask him why it changed. But now I focus on not tripping in my shoes as a security guard takes us the back way down to ice level. I start to feel a little chilly and realize it’s because I’m dressed for fashion not comfort. According to Janet and David, I need to look better than ever. Personally I just feel out of place. I’m wearing a gray long sleeved shirt with a tight blue skirt that comes to about my knees. The killer though is the impractical if not gorgeous pair of red heels I have on. Our group gets to an empty conference room where King’s staff is waiting as well as my fellow Oscar winners. We exchange hellos and take some pictures, until finally an important looking man speaks up, “Okay, the guys are finishing the last warm-up as we speak. Then we will do the anthem and then the ceremonial puck drop. As Ms. Donahue and Mr. Leto walk out there will be a short explanation of the partnership between The Academy and the Kings…”

I zone out, knowing that Janet has already gone over all of this with me. Instead I wonder how the crowd will react to me. At least it’s not Philly. Once the spiel is over a few guards usher Jared and I out to the ice entrance. I’m shivering and Jared looks over to me, “Maybe if you were wearing practical clothes.” I shove him slightly and he just laughs, “How did you feel this morning?”

“I’ve been up for three hours if that says anything.”

He whistles, “Damn, I shouldn’t be surprised though, you had a great party.”

The two of us are given the go ahead and we walk out onto the red carpet that has been laid on the ice. Walking to center ice it hits me that this is what Sidney experiences on an almost daily basis. The cheering crowd, the bright lights, it’s impressive to say the least. Once we reach center ice, we turn and take a photo then someone hands Jared the puck, “Do you want to do it?”

Sidney is skating up on my left as Dustin Brown, captain of the kings does on my right. It strikes me that I’ve never been around Sidney in his uniform and I have to do a double take. He is even taller than normal and a little bit sweaty, it’s hot. Sidney notices me looking at him and sends me a quick wink. I shake my head and focus on the referee and Jared who are waiting for my answer, “Um, uh no. Let’s do it together.”

Very carefully I bend down and drop the puck on the ice. The four of us take a quick picture and Justin’s hand slides casually around my waist. After the picture I shake his hand and we kiss on the cheek, “Good luck tonight.”

“Don’t lie to me, I know you’re rooting for the pens.” He chuckles. “It’s the lips isn’t it?”

I laugh, “That and a whole host of other things.”

“Lucky guy.”

Jared and I change places and I quickly kiss Sidney on the cheek, “Good luck Captain.”

“You didn’t wear my jersey?” He mock pouts.

“I don’t like to get booed, unlike you,” I stick my tongue out slightly and he laughs.

The four of us make our way back to the benches, Geno waves emphatically. I can’t help but smile and return his wave. With the wave the crowd starts to boo and I quickly get off the ice. In the fancy suite upstairs, we all drink high end cocktails throughout the game. Really, it doesn’t even feel like hockey game. Everything is a little different in L.A. and I guess this is no exception. Not many people are paying attention to the game and every time I try to focus to the on ice action Janet pulls me away to talk to someone. Throughout the night she whispers to me, ‘’You’re working Brooklyn.”

Turns out that it’s probably a good thing I didn’t see much of the game. The guys lost 3-2, but to my untrained eye it seemed like a good game. I’m ready to go see Sidney when Janet comes up to me, “Ready to go see the players.” I nod and then realize that she means the Kings. Regardless I remind myself that I am being paid to go to this game, so I should probably suck it up. I mingle for a little bit and then take a huge picture with all the guys. One of the guys comes up to me on my way out, “Uh, just wanted to say that you looked amazing last night.”

I smile and instantly feel bad that I don’t this guy’s name, “Thanks. Y’all played a great game tonight.”

“So, I was wondering if you’re not busy tonight, maybe we could grab dinner?”

This guy seems so sweet ad it almost breaks my heart to say no, “Sorry, I um have a boyfriend.”

He scoffs and the sweet guy is gone, “Give me a break, ask around the locker room. Not a single one of us has anything good to say about him. Ask your bodyguard, Ethan.”

I roll my eyes, “Don’t think I will, but thanks. Enjoy your dinner alone tomorrow.” Once I leave the locker room I find Janet, “I’m officially done for the night. Let me go find Sidney.” She doesn’t look pleased, but let’s me walk away anyways.

In the visitor’s locker room the atmosphere is surprisingly good considering that they just lost. A few other people are milling around visiting players so I don’t feel out of place when I meet up with Sidney, “Hey hun, tough loss.”

Sidney shrugs, “You win some you lose some.” He pulls me onto his lap and I run my hands over the lapel of his suit, “You looked great out on the ice before the game.”

I flip my hair, “Have to look good for my man.”

We talk for a little and then Depres comes over to us, “Explain this!” He shows me his IPhone and there on twitter is a picture of me with the L.A. Kings from
Daniel Carcillo’s account.

@CarBombBoom13: Playing in L.A. definitely has it perks. @BrooklynRae Thanks for coming to the game tonight.

The guys have gathered around curious, “What’s the big deal?”

Beau interjects, “We are supposed to be your favorite team. You are dating our captain.”

I laugh and then realize that the guys are being serious. “Fine, give me one second.” Finding the picture from last night in the hotel room, I tweet.

@BrooklynRae: Per @Despres747and @BeauBennett19 request, here is one of the best pics from last night. #gopens #favoriteteam

“That’s more like it,” Depres responds.

My phone starts beeping with mentions from Sidney’s teammates. @jneal_18: Damn right @BrooklynRae, but you forgot to mention that I’m your #favoritepen

“Really James?”

@malkin71_: @jneal_18 No, I’m @BrooklynRae’s favorite Pen. And then Geno attaches the picture of the two of us from before the ceremony.

I laugh when I see the tweet and all the guys are enjoying the twitter war. Finally though I decide to put an end to it.

@BrooklynRae Sorry, @malkin71_ and @jneal_18 My #favoritepen has to be Sidney

The guys groan and Sidney looks at me in confusion, “What’s going on?”

I show him the faux argument on twitter and he chuckles. James addresses Sidney, “You should really get twitter you know.”

“Wait, you should!” Sidney looks unimpressed when I agree with James. “What? It’s a great way to connect to fans.” His look tells me that I should drop it and I do. People are starting to pack up the gear and I take that as my cue to go. “Alright, I’m leaving. Great game guys. You’ll get them next time.”
Sidney and I hug, “I’ll see you…”

“Actually I’m going to be in Philly Thursday for your game. Brianna wants me to be there. Maybe we will finally have dinner with them,” Sidney looks less them impressed. “Please contain your excitement.”

“I’ll try,” He kisses me softly. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“I love you.”

It’s so corny I can’t help, but smile. “I love you too Crosby.”

On the ride home I notice that #favoritepen is trending on twitter and I can’t help but smile. I finally get home that night and send Jacob, Ethan, Emma and everyone else home. After I change into some pajamas I turn on the TV and start to look through my mail. Usually, I don’t have much since I’m not listed. Most of it’s junk mail until I get to one letter. There is no return address. Shrugging I open it. Inside is an innocuous looking letter, typed with a greeting:

My Dear Brooklyn,
You looked beautiful last night, but you look beautiful every night. I’ve been watching your career from the beginning and I’m so happy that you’ve triumphed.

I rarely get fan letter’s out my house, but it’s sweet nonetheless. I continue reading.

I just wish that I could be by your side truly. Really, why did you go back to that meat-head athlete, he will never understand your life. I would stay by your side I wouldn’t leave you like HE did. I’m confident that you will realize your mistake. He is wrong for you. I’ll be waiting. –Your admirer.

Well that escalated quickly. I would be lying if I said that letter didn’t creep me out, but truthfully it’s not anything that I haven’t seen before. Fans sometimes get out of hand, but nine times out of ten nothing comes from this. The only thing that bothers me is that whoever this is mentioned Sidney. I’m exhausted from this weekend so I promise myself that I will tell Jacob and Ethan about this tomorrow and I decide to just go to sleep.

Notes

Kind of a transition chapter, but there is more drama on he way!