Counting Stars

My flight lands in Philly on Thursday in the afternoon. When I land I make a beeline for the exit in an effort to avoid the crowded airport. I search the driving lanes for my sister and then I hear my name. Turning I locate my sister who is walking towards me, “Look at my sister the Oscar-Winner!”

We hug and I wince when I notice that a few people have pulled out phone cameras, “Maybe a little quieter?”

“Oh come on, just get in the car.”

I do and immediately realize why I couldn’t find my sister, she got a new car. “Wow, nice car. What is it a BMW?”

She nods and carefully pulls into traffic, “Yep, a convertible actually but Philadelphia in March doesn’t really mean windows down driving.”

“So Philadelphia pays their teachers pretty well then?”

“Fine,” She sighs. “Claude bought it for me.” I open my mouth to speak. “And before you say anything Claude also got you a birthday present. Well, I picked it out and Claude paid for it.”

“Y’all didn’t have to do that, thanks.” It seems that the two of them are definitely close. My Birthday was last week and I spent it in London in a hotel room, fun right? But I focus back on my sister’s apparently serious relationship with Claude. “Seriously Bri, he bought you a car. This is really serious.”

“Yeah it is,” She bites her lip. “Well, Claude asked me to marry him. And I said yes. We are getting married this summer!”

Brianna says this and I don’t comprehend at first. Getting married? They haven’t even been dating that long. But that explains the car at least. Oh my God, I’ll be at the wedding. Sidney will come with me to the wedding. Sidney surrounded by Flyers. This just keeps getting better and better. I glance at my sister who is looking at me with excitement and realize that I’ve been thinking the wrong things. My sister is getting married, I should be excited for her, not worried about my boyfriend. “That’s exciting Brianna! I’m so happy for you!”

“Really?”

I take a deep breath, “Really. How did he ask?” She jumps into a really cute story and I can’t help but smile. Claude really outdid himself. “And the ring?” We are stopped at a light and she holds out her ring finger. I actually gasp.

“Gorgeous right?” That’s putting it mildly. The massive oval shaped diamond looked perfect on my sister’s finger. It’s a canary diamond, just what she wanted when we were younger. It’s huge and ostentatious and I don’t know how I didn’t notice it instantly.

“Holy shit.” And that’s all I can say. What else is there to say, she gets a car and a ring. They have been dating as far as I know for four and a half months. Naturally I try to compare them to Sidney and I.

Luckily, Brianna interjects, “Enough about that. You will probably get sick of wedding planning considering you will be maid-of-honor after all.”

She says it quickly and offhand so I almost miss it. “I’m your maid-of-honor?”

“Would it be anyone else?”

I smile, we knew this would happen from when we were kids. “Damn well better not.”

We laugh and make plans for the weekend. Even though I offered many times to get a hotel room, Brianna insisted that I stay with her and Claude for the next few days. I try not to grimace too much. The guys are meeting us for dinner tonight downtown and then we will go to the game tomorrow. Hopefully this one is a little less exciting than the last one.

When we get to their house Claude is sitting watching T.V. and already dressed for dinner, “Both Donahue sisters in my house. I must have done something right in a past life.”

I smile and give Claude a quick hug, “You can stop sucking up now, you know. Congratulations future brother-in-law.”

“Thanks,” He pulls my sister into his arms.

“You did ask our parents first right?”

“Kind of antiquated don’t you think?” I just look at my sister in horror. If Claude didn’t ask our parents first, they might as well not be engaged. Our silence is starting to worry Claude. “Babe, wait is Brooklyn being serious?”

I don’t want to be here for this conversation, “Alright so I’m going to let you two work this out while I go get ready for dinner.”

In the extra room I call Sidney, “Hey babe, what’s up?”

“I know that we are going to see each other in an hour, but there is news that you need to hear. Claude and Brianna are engaged.” There is only silence on the other end. “Did you hear me?”

“Yeah, yeah I did. Just took me a second to process. Holy shit, that’s crazy.”

I sit down on the bed, “Tell me about it. I had no idea they were this close. And she asked me to be maid-of-honor.”

“That’s a good thing right?”

“Well of course! I was just thinking, you would be my plus one.” I trail off and Sidney isn’t responding.

“Of course, I would be your plus one.”

“Even if the place is crawling with Flyers?”

He laughs, “Babe, if you want me there I’m going to be there.”

“Aren’t you being mature?” I give him a hard time, but I appreciate it. “Alright, well I’ll see you soon.” We hang up and I throw on a black pair of skinny jeans and a purple sweater. When I make it back to the living room the tension is palpable. “Everything okay?”

Brianna stands up, “Sure. Here are the keys to my car. Claude and I will go in his.”

Our trio leaves and I’m suddenly dreading this dinner.

*******


I arrive at the restaurant and Brooklyn is already seated with Brianna and Claude. “I hear Congratulations are in order?”

Claude smiles and puts an arm around Brianna, “Thanks man.”

Brianna shrugs off his arm, “It’s not happening if you don’t talk to my parents Claude.”

I make eye contact with Brooklyn, hoping for some extra information on the tension between the couple. My girlfriend simply shakes her head and I take that as a sign to not ask. The waiter comes to take our order and recognizes Claude and then me. “Jesus Christ, you guys aren’t going to start getting along are you?”

Claude and I exchange a look, “Maybe just off the ice.”

“Don’t push it.”

The waiter nods, appeased and then looks at Brianna and Brooklyn, “Damn, you two are hotter in person. Seriously, I run this blog about hot sport wives and everyone talks about the Donahue sisters.”

Brooklyn blushes and squeezes my hand under the table, while Brianna speaks, “That’s so sweet of you. We were thinking about doing some interviews.”

“We were?” Brooklyn asks in confusion and Brianna waves her hand dismissively. The waiter takes his our order though and the four of us are alone once again.

The four of us focus on small talk for a little, but really it’s the girls who are running the conversation. Claude and I interject with some head nods or well-timed chuckles, but really we don’t need to be here. Finally though the conversation hits a lull and Brianna turns to me, “So, what made you decide my sister was good enough for you again?”

The question shocks me and I don’t respond. Brooklyn does though, “Bri, what the hell?”

“I just mean, you drop my sister like a sack of potatoes and then you show up at the Oscars assuming that she will take you back. Just wanted to know when you realized you would never do better than her.”

Again I’m speechless and so is Claude. “Brianna, let’s go to the bathroom.”

My girlfriend practically pulls her sister from the table and Claude and I are left alone. I play with my silverware for a little until I hear Claude mumble, “Donahue sisters, they’ll mess with you man.”

I nod agreeing with the fellow captain, “They’re worth it though.”

“Damn, right.” He smiles. “But seriously, what changed your mind?”

“Your fiancée was right, sort of. I realized that Brooklyn was the best thing that ever happened to me.” I take a bite of my pasta. “And you? When did you decide to propose?”

The bastard smiles like remembering the best thing in a world, “During the Olympics when I was stuck here with little to do, we spent literally every waking moment together. I just never wanted it to end.”

“Sucker,” I take a drink.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” He laughs. “What about you? Popping the question any time soon?”

I sigh and I can’t believe that I’m having this conversation with Claude Fucking Giroux of all people, “I would be lying if I said it never crossed my mind, but we just got back together so it’s kind of on the backburner for now.”

“Just, if you ever do ask their parents first. I might hate you, but I don’t hate you that much.”

The two of us are laughing about road trip stories when the girls back and I can tell that Brooklyn is surprised. Nonetheless the rest of our dinner passes by without incident and Brianna even apologizes. When we are done, I reluctantly let Claude pay for the meal promising to check him particularly hard tomorrow. By the cars the four of us part. I kiss Brianna on the cheek and then shake hands with Claude, “This doesn’t make us friends.”

He scoffs, “Of course not.”

Brooklyn and I walk back into my hotel room. I yell out for Pascal and no one answers. I look at my beautiful girlfriend, “You know what that means?”

Instead of answering me she simply pulls me onto the nearest bed. Our hands are fevered and earnest as we work to get each other out of our clothes. Brooklyn kisses me desperately from her position straddling me. “That means we get to have fun.” Running my hands along her smooth skin it hits me that we haven’t had sex since before our split and since I’ve told her I love her.

I pull away slightly and Brooklyn looks confused, “I love you.” My lips meet her gently and my tongue teases her lips. Pushing her hair behind her ear carefully, I look into her beautiful blue eyes, “And I want to make love to you.”

“Oh, Sidney I wouldn’t want anything else,” Her sigh invigorates me and I flip us so I’m on top.

Once again my hands trace the beautiful, familiar curves of her body. I don’t know how I lived without this woman and without this body. Moreover I don’t know how I thought I could replace her with some tramp. I slide the two of us under the covers and revel in the feel of her bare skin on mine. One more time I lean down and kiss her gorgeous mouth before moving to her neck. I hit the sweet spot and hear her whimper. It’s nice to know that I still have the touch.

I can barely focus on Brooklyn’s neck because her hands are slowly moving down my torso. When she drifts lower I groan and I realize that I’m not the only one who still has it. As amazing as her hand feels on me I gently push them away. “You never let me have any fun.”

Gently I smile down at her pout and lean down to kiss it away. “Trust me babe, this will be much more fun.” With those words I slide into Brooklyn with ease. The familiar sensation takes my breath away as Brooklyn gives a breathy moan.

“Point taken,” Brooklyn pulls me into a kiss as I move achingly slow. Each movement is a struggle, but the resulting feelings are completely worth it.

Between the sensations and Brooklyn’s sounds I know that I’m about to lose it. I lean down and tug on Brooklyn’s earlobe with my teeth, “Babe, look at me. I want to see those gorgeous eyes.” Her blue eyes flutter and then open. They’re dark with passion and I revel in the fact that I can make this beautiful woman feel this way. Our lips are just a hairbreadth’s away from each other as I feel her tighten around me.

She closes the space between us slightly and whispers, “I love you.”

Her words are my undoing and my finish makes my head spin. When I’m focused again, I feel Brooklyn running her hands across my forehead and I lean into her cool touch, “Babe, I love you so much.”

She laughs as I pull out and then cuddles into me. We are silent for a moment tracing interlocking our fingers when I feel her legs intertwine with mine. In no time I’m ready to go again and Brooklyn knows it. A mischievous smile crosses her face and she starts to slide down my body, “Now, I’m going to have my fun.”

“Really, Brooklyn you don’t have…” I can’t finish my sentence because all of my blood has rushed south. My head hits the head board as I lean back. Her mouth is doing amazing work and my hand threads through her hair. I’m lost to the sensations when the door to my room opens and in walks Pascal and a few other teammates. I swear, “Fuck!”

My teammates immediately turn around as Brooklyn emerges from the covers. I toss her my shirt and help her fix some of her hair. Finally I through on a pair of shorts as she wipes her mouth. “Is it safe?”

“Yeah man.”

Pascal turns around, “Good evening Brooklyn.” She simply nods. “How was dinner?”

“Um good.”

“Looks like she was still eating,” James mumbles and I promptly throw a pillow at him. Brooklyn on the other hand just drops her head into her hands.

“Can you give us another minute?” Beau opens his mouth, but I stop him. “Don’t even think about it Bennett.” The guys leave and I turn to Brooklyn. “I’m so sorry hun. I should have put the night lock on.”

She shrugs, “Nothing I can do about it now.” Brooklyn slides out of bed and puts her on her clothes.

I simply groan, “Remind me never to buy you clothes.”

“You’re hilarious Crosby.” She kisses me on the forehead. “I’ll see you after the game tomorrow. Good luck.”

“I’m sorry again.”

“They’re just jealous, don’t worry about it.” With that my amazing girlfriend waltzes out of the room and once again I’m left with the feeling that I don’t deserve her.

*****


Before I exit the elevator in the lobby I take a deep breath. I’m pretty sure Sidney’s teammates are down here and I don’t look forward to passing them. Steeling myself I walk out of the elevator and almost make it to the doors before I hear a whistle. I turn and spot three-fourths of the Pittsburgh Penguins, all of whom are giving me thumbs up. Sighing I bow and then flip them all off. Their laughter follows me outside. Walking to my sister’s car I realize that at some point I became really good friends with his teammates and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I get to the car I notice a piece of paper on the windshield. I figure it’s just a flyer until I notice the typing. The heading is eerily similar to something I read just a few days ago

My Dear Brooklyn, I hope you are enjoying your time in Philadelphia. You didn’t think I forgot about you, did you? Those phone calls you’ve been getting since my first letter, were all me. I just love to hear your voice. I’m not like those other thousands of letters you get not like those other fans. I’m patient and I will wait for you, because I’ve been waiting from the beginning. You’ll come around I’m sure. In the meantime, remember I’m just a few steps behind you. –Your Admirer

By the time I finish the letter my hand is shaking. I practically jump into the car and step on the gas. All that I know right now is that I need to get somewhere safe, and soon. I remember the calls that this creep is talking about and come to the conclusion that this is serious. When I get back to Claude’s place the two of them are asleep so I make the phone call from my bedroom, “Brooklyn, what’s up?”

“Thank god you answered. I think I’m in trouble, I’ve been getting these phone calls and letters. They don’t seem like the normal benign shit Jacob, I’m really nervous.”

“Take a deep breath,” I do and he continues. “I’m getting on the first flight to Philly.”

“Yes, that would be perfect,” That sounds wonderful and then something dawns on me, “Wait, how did you know that I was in Philly?”

He chuckles, “Lynn, I’ll never leave you.”

I don’t sleep well that night and considering the circumstances I’m not surprised. Jacob and I meet at a coffee house in the suburbs around 11. We hug and Jacob leads me to an empty booth in the back. The two of us haven’t been alone since that night in my house in L.A. Unsurprisingly I don’t think about that though. Instead I’m focusing on this creep who has decided to invade my life. “Okay, what’s going on?”

In one breath I tell him the entire story while he just listens quietly. Even when I finish he hasn’t said a word, “Thoughts?”

“Do you feel like you’re in danger?”

I shrug, that’s an excellent question. “This one just feels different, maybe I’m just being paranoid.”

“Better safe than sorry. We will institute a small permanent security detail. Do you have the letters?”

“Yes,” I rummage through my bag and hand them to him.

“Good. If you don’t mind, I want this to stay in between just us. You don’t need any more press revolving around your personal life right now.”

He makes a good point, but I don’t agree to it immediately. “Not even Sidney?”

“It’s up to you. Right now it will probably just worry him more than necessary. If it gets worse then that’s between the two of you.” Jacob squeezes my hand gently. “I’ll keep you safe love, don’t worry.”

When I get back to Brianna’s place I have a lot to think about. The last time that I kept something from Sidney it tore us apart, and now something is coming between us again. I want to tell him, but the playoffs are coming up and I would hate to throw Sidney off his game. By the time my sister and I leave for the game I still haven’t made a decision. We are walking through the concourse both in our matching jerseys when I realize that we aren’t heading to the club level, “Brianna, are we sitting in a suite?”

She doesn’t slow down, “No, why would we? Those seats are horrible and full of people that will just eavesdrop. This way we can enjoy the game.”

I can’t believe she did this. From the looks I’ve already gotten if I go down there I might start a riot. Literally, I can feel the hatred coming at me from every direction. “You don’t think that might be a bad idea?”

We are in the line for concessions, “Why?”

“Ummm, I don’t know, maybe because I’m dating Sidney and wearing his jersey.”

“That’s how I was in Pittsburgh. I survived.”

I roll my eyes, “Well, no one in Pittsburgh knew you were dating Claude.” Someone bumps into me and doesn’t apologize. “I’m pretty sure they know who I am and who I date. Besides I got the tickets before you told me about Claude!”

We each get a beer and walk towards our section, “Come on, you’ll be fine. I’m sure the fans are more concerned about the game than you.”

“We’ll see.”

The two of us aren’t in our seats for a minute when the fans next to us attract our attention, “Brooklyn. Hey, Brooklyn! How does it feel to be the dumber sister? I mean you picked Crosby over Giroux, rookie mistake.”

And then his friend chimed in, “Your boyfriend is gay do you know that?”

After a few more uber-intelligent comments I turn around, “I’m pretty sure you guys paid good money to watch a hockey game, not for a chance to berate an innocent woman. Do you feel like a big, strong man for insulting me? Or for calling a stranger that is twice the man you will ever be gay?” I shake my head, “Get a fucking life.” Surprisingly my rant earns me a few cheers and I smile softly then focus on the game. I guess Philly does have a few good fans.

Once the game starts all bets are off. The game is ugly for the Penguins and from the very beginning it feels like everyone is a step behind. By the middle of the third the good guys are down by three and Sidney is minus 3. Of course Claude is having a great game and Brianna can’t get enough of it. After the fourth goal the chants begin. I’ve never heard them in person, but I knew they existed. The arena loudly and proudly chants, ‘Crosby Sucks’ for a solid four minutes. During the riveting chant I end up on the video screen and it takes everything in me to not flip off the camera. Instead I talk to my sister and try to pretend that I don’t hear anything. As soon as the game is over the two of us nearly run to the locker room.

My sister and I are in the Flyer’s family suite and I take a look around. The atmosphere here is decidedly different from Pittsburgh, only a few kids mill around and most of the girls are younger than me or just a few years older. It doesn’t feel like a family instead it’s like a competition. Tonight though all the girls are fawning over Brianna’s ring, “You are so lucky. Hooking a guy like Claude, I’ve been trying to get Steve to propose for months. What’s your trick?”

Brianna laughs and I know it’s to dismiss this crazy line of questioning, “You just need to always remind him what’s waiting at home.”

I can’t believe the words coming out of my sister’s mouth. All the girls cackle and I have to stop myself from gagging right then and there. Not a single one of these girls would fit in with the WAGs in Pittsburgh. Honestly, they all sound like puck bunnies, even my sister. One of them turns to me, “But really your sister is the one that deserves the award. Just dating Sidney Crosby has to come with perks. How did you trap him?”

My terse and all together rude response is on the tip of my tongue when I decide to just remove myself from the situation. Something tells me that if I snap at these girls the entire story will end up on the internet or worse on twitter. I take a few steps one way trying to find the visitor’s locker room. Of course, I don’t know where that is. “Are you lost?”

Standing behind me is none other than Scott Hartnell, “Actually, yes. I was trying to find the visitor’s area.”

He nods and then walks closer to me, “I can take you there.” His eyes search mine for something. “If you don’t mind that is.”

“Sure.”

“Follow me then,” We walk in silence for a little while and I’m hoping that this will be a short trip. “So, how have you been?”

I shrug, “Fine, thanks. You?”

“Good, always good after a win.” Our walk stretches on as does the silence between us. “Crazy about your sister and Claude right?”

“Honestly, I can’t believe it.”

My short, clipped answers finally convince Hartnell to be quiet for a little. “Third door on the right.” I nod in thanks and move towards my destination, then I feel a hand on my shoulder. “Brooklyn, wait.”

“Yes?”

He pulls me closer to a wall so we are out of the way, “About what happened last time we saw each other, uh I want to say…”

“Sorry? Really Scot you already apologized. It feels like ages ago.”

Groaning he runs a hand through his hair, “That’s the thing. I apologized, but that was when you were dating Sidney.”

“I’m still dating Sidney,” I don’t like where this is going.

“But you weren’t for a little. And I’m so upset that I wasn’t there when you were single.”

Scott is getting closer and closer, “You just have a crush Scott, come on.”

“Remember I told you that I couldn’t promise I wouldn’t kiss you again?” I don’t have time to answer because his lips are on mine.

******


That game was absolute shit. And a quick look around the locker room confirms that. At the very least I got to check Hartnell into the boards a few times. Basically, I just want to spend a few minutes with my girlfriend before they shuttle us onto a plane to Pittsburgh. After the interviews I set off to do just that. When I turn out of the locker room, I see red. Up against a wall just a few feet from me is Brooklyn. And surrounding her are people who are quickly becoming my least favorite in the world, Hartnell and Jacob. The two men are in a quiet if not heated discussion while Brooklyn looks on tense. I walk over, “Brooklyn you alright?”

Before she can answer Jacob interrupts, “I think we have this handled Crosby.”

Brooklyn does a double take at Jacob’s terse reply and comes over to me. “Yeah Sid, there was a misunderstanding.” She intertwines her hand with mine, but I just look at Scott and Jacob. “Right guys?”

They nod and then Scott takes a step back, “I’m headed out. Don’t worry there won’t be any more misunderstandings.”

Once he is out of ear shot I turn to Brooklyn, “Alright, what happened?”

“He tried to kiss me again, but Jacob broke it up. I’m sure he gets the message.”

I look at Jacob suspiciously, “I didn’t know you were in Philly.”

“Ethan and I both are. Protecting Brooklyn is part of our job.”

“Well, thanks man.” I stick my hand out for him to shake.

Jacob just looks at my hand then back at Brooklyn. “I’m going to find Ethan. I’ll call Janet tomorrow to set those things up.”

He leaves and Brooklyn fixes my tie, “Tough loss, babe. Sorry.”

“Oh, no. Don’t try to change the subject. What was Jacob talking about?”

“I don’t know why Jacob was so snippy with you, I’m sorry about that.”

“We can talk about that later, I mean the part about the things Jacob is going to set up.” My girlfriend bites her lip and I can tell whatever it is it’s not good. I run my hands up and down her arms comfortingly. “Babe, what is it? You can seriously tell me anything.”

She sighs, “Fine, but promise me that you won’t freak out okay?” I really don’t like where this is going, but I promise anyways. “Jacob and Ethan are going to work with Janet to bulk up my security a little. I’ve been getting letters and phone calls from someone. I think they might be stalking me.”

This definitely isn’t what I was expecting, if anything it’s worse. “What do you mean stalking you?”

She lowers her voice and we find an alcove for a little more privacy, “It just seems obsessive, like more than just a fan. And he knew my address and found me here in Philly. It just creeps me out.”

Her fear is plain on her face and I can sense it in the tightness of her body. I pull her into me and wrap my arms around her, “You are moving in with me, no discussion. I have a gate and passcodes, the whole nine yards. We can get you more security too. I want you to feel safe, be safe.”

She pulls away and her eyes are glistening with tears, “I’m scared Sidney.”

“I know,” I wipe some stray tears away. “Don’t worry about it though. You are surrounded by people in Pittsburgh who will protect you. I mean my team is practically its own army.”

She laughs, “Fair enough, but we are trying to keep this quiet. So don’t tell anyone. I want to spend the rest of the weekend with my sister though. I refuse to let this guy know he’s getting to me.”

“Brooklyn, I don’t know…”

“Please. I’ll keep Jacob and Ethan with me.”

I don’t like the idea of her not being with me, but if anything Jacob cares about her. Honestly, he might care a little too much. “Fine, but stay in touch with me.”

Claude and Brianna beckon her over and I know that we have to leave. My wonderful girlfriend kisses me quickly, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” She walks away and I pray that she didn’t notice that I’m shaking just as much as she was.
I can’t sleep on the plane ride home. All of the worst possible scenarios are flying through my head. What if this gets more serious? What happens when I’m out of town and she is constantly alone? Damn, I’m freaking out. I try to reason with myself. Brooklyn did say that it was still early. Honestly, it will probably end up being nothing. In the meantime I have to make sure that Brooklyn feels safe and doesn’t realize that I’m scared too. Flower approaches me as we walk to our cars in Pittsburgh, “Everything alright, mon ami? You seem a little out of it.”

I’m tempted to tell Flower everything, but I remember that Brooklyn trusted me with this and made me promise to keep it a secret. With that in mind I simply shrug,
“Yeah, yeah. Just reliving the game.”

He pats my shoulder, “We will win next time, don’t worry Captain.”

We part and I know that Flower’s advice, while good won’t be followed. I spend the entire night worrying about Brooklyn and racking my brain for a way to protect my girlfriend.

Notes

Still upset over last night's lost, I guess there is always next year...
In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!