Counting Stars

I meet my mom and my sister at a hotel for brunch the next morning. Brianna stands and hugs me, “Thank God you are here! We have so much to do. Claude has been moping ever since they lost.” She rambles on as I sit and get settled. “Oh, but really, how are you? That whole thing with your bodyguard, just plain frightening.”

A waiter takes my drink order and then I speak. “A lot better, thanks. We were all so shocked, you know?”

“Right, I’m sure.” My sister launches into business. “Now, we’ve decided on the date of course and the venue, but I have appointments for the flowers, cake, and place settings today. Sounds fun right?”

At this point I’m wishing that I would have ordered a Bloody Mary but I nod and smile anyways. “How about your dress?”

“Damn, I almost forgot. That’s where we are going first. Really, if Claude wasn’t my fiancé there would be no way that I could plan this wedding so quickly.” She takes a bite of her omelet. “I mean it also helps when I mention that you’ll be my maid-of-honor. “

“You’ve been using your sister’s name to help you receive favors?” My mother does not sound amused.

She winces, “Only a little, I promise. I just never do it and I feel like Brooklyn wouldn’t mind in this instance.”

I want to be mad I really do, but this is my sister’s wedding and I want it to be perfect for her. “Don’t worry about it sis. I’m just happy that I can help you with this.”

“I knew you would say that! Thank you so much!”

After our brunch my sister drives us to a bridal salon and the consultant gives us both some champagne. My sister and the consultant leave to go pick some wedding gowns. “How are you and Sidney doing?”

“We’re doing good, mom. He’s just very focused on hockey right now.” I debate on whether or not to tell my mom about the kids and decide that she is going through enough already.

“I can’t believe that both of my girls are dating hockey players. Who would have guessed?”

“Not me. Do you think that Brianna has changed since she met Claude?” I pause before going forward. “You know, does she seem a little more materialistic?”

My mom doesn’t answer right away and I wonder if I went too far. “I’ve wondered the same thing. A wedding this large doesn’t seem like the Brianna pre-Claude, but we don’t know if he is exerting some influence.” She takes a sip of champagne. “I met some of the girls dating Claude’s teammates and I think they might be leading her down this way. You know, Brianna was always concerned with how other people saw her.”

“That’s true. I’m afraid that she isn’t having fun though. She should be happy.”

“Me too, but at some point you have to trust her judgment.”

We watch as my sister puts on dress after dress and none of them really seem like the right one. All of them seem a little too ostentatious for my sister. She never wanted the big ball gown, but every dress that she puts on just seems to get bigger and bigger. “Can I look around?” The consultant nods and I start shifting through the dresses. I walk over to the dressing room with one in hand, “Hey Bri, do you want to try this one on?”

Brianna inspects the dress and a slow smile spreads across her face, “Oh wow, yes.” I sit back down on the couch with my mom and wait for a few minutes. Soon my sister comes back out in the gown that I picked. It’s a simple white satin column gown. I can see that Brianna added a cream belt with a broach right above her waist. We are all speechless as she steps on the pedestal. “So what do you think?”

“Brianna, you look beautiful,” My mom tears up and grabs a tissue. “What do you think?”

“I feel amazing in this. It’s what I always thought I would end up in.”

I finally chime in as they add a veil, “Seriously, sis you look…you look perfect.”

We are all crying as my sister gives the final confirmation and they take her measurements. I elect to drive to our next location because Brianna is calling Claude from the backseat. She looks happy; there is no denying that. The rest of the day flies by. We choose flowers, china, table settings everything. Luckily, they already chose the church and venue. Our last stop is for bridesmaid dresses and I’m a little nervous.

“So I picked it out already, you just need to get fitted for it.” My sister takes a seat on the couch with my mom and I disappear into the dressing room.

The consultant shows me the dress and I wince. The simple chiffon dress is of all colors, orange. “Wow, that is awfully orange isn’t it?”

To her credit the salesgirl keeps smiling, “It’s extremely flattering on.”

“Sure it is.”

I slide it on and I have to admit if you ignore the glaring color the dress doesn’t look too bad. I gather the ends of the gown and walk towards Brianna and my mom. “So, what do you think?”

“It fits nice, Bri. You guys really decided to do orange?”

She laughs, “It’s shades of orange and pinks you remember. Truly, this will be the only pure orange part of the wedding.”

“Lucky me.” I go back to the dressing room and snap a picture to send it to Sidney. Bridesmaid dress from hell.

By the time I change back he has responded. You look better in Black and Gold ;)

Damn right. Call you tonight?

Sidney doesn’t respond to my text message, but I don’t dwell on it. All the guys are probably hanging out and bonding. My mom, Brianna and I grab a quick dinner before my mom heads to the hotel for the night. Brianna and I decide to head to the hotel bar for some drinks.

“We need to discuss your bachelorette party.”

My sister sips on her martini, “Definitely. I know you are going to France soon so we can do it after that. We should go to Vegas.”

“You want to go to Vegas?” I’m shocked, but I go along with it.

“I’ve never been and we can hire security so no one bothers us. Besides I want it to be a big party.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s plan for first week of June. Give me a guest list and I’ll start planning.”

She hugs, “You’re the best, sis. I’m sorry if I’ve been a little overbearing recently. There is just a lot of pressure. I’m sure you understand.”

“Understand what?”

“The pressure.” She looks at me and I just shrug. “You know, dating the Captain, everything you do has to be the best. We need to have the best wedding, I need to have the most gorgeous dress. And I’m going to be in charge of the WAGs next year. It’s just a lot.”

Well this explains some things. “At the end of the day, you should worry about what you and Claude want not what everyone else does. You are going to be gorgeous in the dress that you want okay? And you’ve already made the best decision, you chose Claude.”

She smiles, “You’re right. This wedding if for Claude and I, no one else.”

I twirl the straw in my drink, “Um, have you and Claude talked about kids?”

“A little, I mean we’ve discussed the future. We both want them of course. Why do you ask?”

“Sidney and I babysat some kids and it just got me to thinking. He was so good with the kids and it was fun. I imagined for a second that Sidney and I had kids.” I trail off but my sister is silent. “Oh my God, that’s weird isn’t it?’’’

“No! It’s not. I was just surprised. I didn’t know the two of you were even that serious.”

“I mean it was just a passing thought.”

“Oh.” I can tell she is choosing her next words carefully. “Maybe don’t tell Sidney about it.”

“Why?”

“Guys don’t like having that conversation.”

I shake my head, “It’s not like I want a kid tomorrow.” God, I feel like I’ve had this conversation a thousand times. Everyone is blowing this out of proportion. “But fine I won’t bring it up.”

Brianna thankfully lets it go and we finish our drinks in amicable silence. When she is finished she stands and pays her tab. We hug quickly. “Thank you for everything today. Drive safe tomorrow. Love you!”

I stay at the bar for a few more drinks keeping to myself. Finally my phone beeps and it’s a text from Sidney wondering if I have time to talk. I pay my tab and take an elevator to my room before calling Sidney. “Hey babe.”

His voice brings an instant smile to my face, “Hey yourself. How was your day in the big apple?”

“Same old, same old. Hockey, interviews, some more hockey.” I can imagine Sidney shrugging over the line.

“No touristy things this time around?”

“We need to focus, Brooklyn.” He sighs. “Tell me about your day.”

I quickly go over the events of today hoping that I don’t bore Sidney. “I can’t believe that I’m going to be photographed in that hideous dress.”

Sidney laughs. “Isn’t it some rule that the bridesmaids have to be less attractive than bride?”

“I suppose so yes.”

“Well, then it’s going to take a lot more than that ugly dress to make you less attractive. You’re going to be the most beautiful girl in that wedding regardless of what dress you’re wearing.”

“Damn, you’re on top of your game Captain.” I laugh.

“It’s the truth, babe. You are absolutely gorgeous.”

“I miss you.” I find a spot on my bed and flip on the T.V., Sports Center is on.

Sidney sighs, “I wish you were here with me.”

The news switches to hockey and Sidney’s voice fills my hotel room, “Well you’re here with me. They’re showing your interview from today.”

“God, I don’t even remember what I said.”

“The usual bullshit, I’m sure.” We both laugh. “You look so hot after practice.”

“Really?”

“All sweaty and out of breath,” My mind wanders to the other times that Sidney ends up in this state. “Reminds me of all sorts of inappropriate things. Are you alone?”

I hear rustling on the other end, “Yeah, I have my room tonight.” There is a pause. “What are you wearing?”

A small smile spreads across my lips, “That black skirt you like.”

“The short one?”

“Mmmhmmm.”

I hear him groan on the other end, “Damn, I wish you were here.” Over Sidney’s voice I hear yelling. “Shit, I have to go babe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow night.”

Before I get a chance to say goodbye Sidney hangs up and I’m left in silence. On the T.V. the interview is reaching its end and I watch wishing that the real thing was with me. With a sigh I turn off the T.V. and sleep.

I’m driving back to Pittsburgh the next morning when I get a call from Emma, “Hey, what’s up?” She begins talking a mile a minute and I have to tell her to slow down.

“I have a request from Ok! and People asking about whether or not you and Sidney are expecting a child. Anything you want to tell me?”

“Are you kidding me?” God, I can’t catch a break with this kid stuff. “Well we aren’t if that helps.”

She breathes a sigh of relief, “Thank God. Okay, I’ll touch base with Janet and David then. Are you staying in to watch the game tonight?”

“Actually, I think I’m going to head to a bar downtown to watch it. Should be fun.”

“You are going to go to a crowded bar by yourself, to watch your boyfriend, the captain I might add, play in a huge game?” Her voice drips with disapproval.

“I’ll wear a baseball cap.”

“You’re not funny. Please take a friend with you. I know I would obviously be your first choice, but I’m stuck in L.A.”

“Yeah, yeah. Talk to you later love!”

It’s a good thing that I decided to not go watch the game in public. The guys lose again and I’m woken up by Sidney tumbling into bed late in the evening. His arms immediately wrap around me, “Welcome home.” Sidney kisses my forehead. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“If I talk about it, I’ll get angry and I don’t want to argue tonight.”

Sidney leaves early in the morning and I don’t have a chance to tell him goodbye. Hopefully I will see him before the game tomorrow. I’m finishing breakfast when my cell rings, “Morning mom, make it back to Ohio alright?”

“Don’t try to change the subject with me young lady! When were you going to tell me you were pregnant?”

My stomach drops, “What?!?”

“It’s all over the news. Every magazine is talking about you and Sidney having a child! Brooklyn, your sister is getting married this summer, you cannot get pregnant right now.”

“Mom, slow down. I’m not pregnant.”

She stutters, “But even E is reporting this.”

“I drank champagne on Saturday. I’m not pregnant.”

“Oh, what a relief. I’m too young to be a grandmother.”

My phone is beeping with call waiting, “I’m glad I could allay your fears. I have to go now though.”

“Hello?”

“You’re pregnant? You and my brother are having a child?” Taylor is screeching on the other end.

“No, I’m not.”

“But, but.”

I have another call coming, “I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.” Praying that this is a telemarketer and not someone else close to me I answer, “Hello?”

“Have you seen the papers?” Brianna sounds a little nervous.

“Not yet, but I’ve heard. And I have to go yell at my manager.”

She laughs, “So I shouldn’t tweet congratulations just yet?”

“You’re hilarious.”

I take a deep breath and send a prayer that no one has told Sidney anything about this yet. Before I call Janet I send a few texts to Carol-Lynne and Vero informing them that I’m not in fact pregnant. With that done, I dial Janet’s number, “I was wondering when you would call.”

“Can you explain this? I told Emma yesterday that I wasn’t pregnant.”

Janet merely tuts, “I know, but this just good positive publicity. Have you read the articles, they are written beautifully.”

I squeeze the bridge of my nose, “Not the point Janet! Sidney is about to have a huge, no massive game tomorrow and he doesn’t need distractions, especially overly public ones. My phone has been blowing up all morning, I can only imagine what is happening with him.”

“We managed to keep the stalker out of the press, but that means that you’ve been out of the news cycle for a while. I needed something to keep it going, you’re an Oscar winning actress God Dammit! We have to capitalize on this. I won’t apologize for doing what’s best for your career.”

“Whatever, what’s done is done. I want this cleared up though. Do I tweet?”

“No, you don’t. Let people speculate for a bit. When you are in Cannes later this week you will be photographed with alcohol and often, that will dispel the rumors. Happy?”

“Ecstatic. Have a great day.” I throw my phone on the counter and groan. God, I hope this doesn’t piss off Sidney. Then I begrudgingly open the internet. Lucky for me I don’t even have to search for the article; my name is a trending topic. “This just gets better and better.” I click on the first link with the headline, ‘Baby on the Way: Brooklyn and Sidney preparing for their first child’

It just seems that things are getting better and better for our favorite actress Brooklyn Donahue. Multiple sources are reporting that Donahue and her gorgeous hockey-playing boyfriend, Sidney Crosby are expecting their first child. Spectators at the Captain’s game last week overheard the actress discussing baby plans with her friends. A lot of squealing was heard, then an inside source reveals that the couple babysat for a teammate to get in some practice before the big day. Word on the street is that they did splendidly. And finally, when in Philadelphia visiting her sister, who is engaged to hockey player, Claude Giroux, Brooklyn once again brought up the topic of children with the hockey hunk. It definitely seems like the two are excited to welcome a child into the world. While neither camp has issued an official statement we here at OK! are on baby bump watch.

The two have been dating since November and suffered a slight hiccup in February, but since the Oscars it seems that couple has been stronger than ever. We congratulate them both and look forward to the blonde beauty’s pregnancy style.

“I’m totally screwed.”

*********


After practice I’m waiting in the locker room with Geno. The two of us are going to give a short press conference in a few minutes. I’m listening to music to try to stay loose. Practice was just what I needed. It helped me get in an exponentially better mood than this morning or even last night when I got home. Speaking of which I need to make it up to Brooklyn that I’ve been so distant recently. We get the call and Geno and I take a seat and the press conference begins. It’s actually pretty laid back and we share a few laughs.I do most of the talking since Geno passes the questions to me, but I don’t mind too much. We get to the last question and Robert asks it, “So, we hear congratulations are in order.”

I cock my head to the side, “The series isn’t over yet.”

The small gaggle of reporters chuckle before the questioner continues, “I was referring to the ubiquitous reports that you and Brooklyn are expecting a child. Can you tell us the due date or sex?”

My world goes black and I struggle to find the right words. Something that leaves a lot up to interpretation. I swallow and hope that I look unfazed, “Thanks Rob, I’ll pass it along. But unsurprisingly we are trying to keep a lot private, thanks.”

With that Geno and I are released and it’s a struggle to not run back to the locker room. When I get there a few guys are still around, but I ignore them all. Geno is right behind me, “Sid?”

I sit down in my locker and wonder what I should do. Do I wait for Brooklyn to tell me or should I just bring it up. Moreover how do I feel about all of this? Shit, I’m going to be a father. Holy shit, I can’t be a father. But I wanted to be, didn’t I? We totally aren’t ready for this though. Somehow I hear someone mumble, “What’s wrong with him?”

Then I see a hand waving in front of my face, “Sid. Sid.”

Finally I look into Geno’s eyes, “I didn’t know.”

My teammate pulls back in surprise and James speaks up from across the room. “Didn’t know what?”

I take a deep breath wondering if I can form the words, “Brooklyn is pregnant.”

The atmosphere in the locker room changes instantly. Why do I always discover these things in the damn locker room? Just once I would like to find out some secret of my girlfriend’s in the privacy of my home. From my reaction it’s clear that a celebratory mood isn’t quite appropriate. Finally I hear a low whistle and Pascal stands up, “Walk out with me Sid?”

I follow my usual roommate mutely. We walk towards the cars and I can already hear a few fans gathered, “I’m not in the mood to sign autographs.”

“Why aren’t you happy Sid? Isn’t this what you wanted, even a little bit?”

I take a deep breath and know that Pascal has a point, “It would have been nice to hear it from her.”

He nods, “I would give her some more credit. Maybe she was waiting until a less stressful time.”

“I’m not mad at her or anything I just need to talk to her. I want to hold her.” I turn to get in my car, but Duper calls my name again. “Yeah?”

“Look I’m not supposed to tell you this, but” He leans closer. “Brooklyn was talking to Vero and Carol about how much fun she had babysitting and that she wanted kids, your kids somewhere down the road. This is a good thing man.”

Duper’s revelation makes me smile, “She wants to have children with me?” Pascal nods and I feel like I’m on top of the world. “This is a great thing, thanks Duper.”

I’m bouncing with energy by the time I get back to my house. I don’t have much time, especially since I picked up a small bouquet for Brooklyn. All of the guys are supposed to spend today together relaxing. I walk into the house and immediately call out to my girlfriend. She calls out to me and I follow her voice to the dining room. Brooklyn is surrounded by scripts and looks up at me, “Flowers?”

I smile and pull her up from the chair and immediately kiss her, “They’re for you. And I want you to know, that I’m excited for this and I’ll be there every step of the way.”

Brooklyn pulls back in surprise and then her features soften, “Oh Sidney. I thought I texted you.”

Her reaction has thrown me off, “What do you mean?”

“I’m not pregnant. It’s just a rumor.”

“You’re not?” I sit down and let out a breath. “Wow, you know that’s kind of a relief.”

She laughs softly and grabs my hand, “What happened to my excited baby daddy?”

“Partially a front, I have no freaking clue how to raise a kid,” I run my hand through my hair. “But part of it was genuine.” I gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Having a kid with you, would be the most amazing thing that could happen. Maybe not right now, but someday I want that and I want that with you.”

“Sidney.” Her voice breaks and I’m afraid that I’ve upset her. “I want that too. I really do. Eventually.”

We kiss again and I’m tempted to start practicing making that baby right now, but know that I can’t. “I have to go back to the guys.”

She sighs, “I know, thank you for coming home though. And I promise that the next pregnancy scare I have you will be the first to know.”

“I expect nothing less.” I give her a wink. “I love you.”

When I get back to the hotel the guys are waiting for me in mine and Duper’s room. I walk in and everything gets quiet. Finally Flower speaks up, “So?”

“It was all tabloid shit,” All of my teammates are still silent. “Guys, she’s not pregnant!” Still unsure silence. “It’s a good thing, really.”

Now my teammates cheer and a few pat me on the back. Nealer snarkily comments, “So she’s still on the market then?”

“In your fucking dreams.” We both laugh a little.

The guys filter out a little bit until Duper and I are left, “Sure this is a good thing?”

“There is plenty of time for that to happen for us. We want it, just not right now.” I’m still smiling like an idiot.

“Well, I’m happy for you kid.”

I feel good walking into the arena next morning. I flew my family in for the game, Brooklyn is going to be there and we are going to win.

*******


They lost. I’m watching the handshake line in shock as is the rest of the arena. Looking around I notice that Trina and Taylor simply shaking their heads sadly while Troy has already disappeared. The man had been silent all game and pacing. Obviously, just like his son he doesn’t handle loss well. We stand and applaud the guys as they finally leave the rink. Trina and Taylor collect their things as do I, “So now we wait?”

Trina nods, “Well, Taylor and I are going to go back to the hotel because it’s going to be a long while until Sid emerges. After elimination he won’t want to speak to us for days.”

“Days?” I can’t believe it. Of course he will be upset, but days? And if that’s true than what’s the protocol for me?

“You know having a baby in the family might have made this a little more bearable,” I choose to ignore Trina’s comment, but I don’t miss Taylor snickering.

The three of us exit Sidney’s loge; I see Vero and quietly excuse myself from Sidney’s family. I walk up to Vero and we hug, “Hey hun. How’s the morale?”

She shrugs, “Not great as to be expected, but we all know the drill. Well, I suppose you don’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“Every guy handles the loss in a different way and this one is especially rough. We all head down and leave a message with the ushers telling them whatever they need to hear and then wait for them at home.”

“So, no one stays?” I’m surprised, think if there was ever a time the guys needed something it would be after an elimination game.

“Nope.”

The remaining WAGs and I walk down to the family suite and locker room. We are all chatting, now over the shock of our guys losing. I realize that all of us have accepted the fact that life moves on and most of these women have to get their kids to school in the morning. We form a line and I see the girls each telling a frazzled looking intern messages to give their husbands or boyfriends. Vero goes right before me and murmurs something in French. When it’s my turn I realize that I don’t want to leave him a simple note. “Just let him know that I’ll be waiting in the lounge for him when he’s done.”

The poor intern cocks his head, “Um, will do Miss Donahue.”

I take a seat and Vero joins me for a moment, “It could be an hour or more.”

“I know.”

“What are you going to say when you see him?”

“Maybe nothing, I don’t know.”

She hesitates and then nods, “Well uh, have a good night.”

I pull at my phone and debate tweeting something but decide against it. Instead I play 2048 and try to think of something to say when Sidney actually appears. A shadow moves in the doorway and I tense as Mario Lemeiux enters the lounge. “I thought I heard that you were here. You know it might be a while.”

“I do,” The owner of the team strides closer and motions to a seat near me I nod and he sits.

“You are the only one who stayed. That’s interesting. Did Sidney ask you to?”

He’s trying to figure this out, make sense of it, but I know there is no reasonable explanation. “Nope, I just felt like I should be here. He doesn’t need to be alone tonight.” I make eye contact with a man that has been like a second father to Sidney. “I think we both know that Sidney does more harm than good to himself sometimes.”

He lets out a harsh laugh, “That’s very true.”

We sit in silence for a little while longer, “Were you in the locker room?”

“I was,” he plays with a ring on his finger. “It’s not pretty. And the next few days are going to be rough.”

I nod like I understand, but I’m realizing quickly that I’m way out of depth. “You’re good for Sid, you know. He needed someone like you. Someone who understands this crazy lifestyle, that it can be lonely standing in front of thousands of fans.”

“Thank you, Mario. I know that Sidney thinks very highly of you.”

“Probably misled the boy in his youth,” Mario’s phone beeps and he checks. “Ah, looks like they are starting to leave. Take care of our captain Brooklyn.” Mr. Lemieux pats my knee and then leaves.

Now, I am truly nervous and I have no idea what I’m going to say to him.

*********


When the last of the press leaves the locker room I finally deflate. The emotions are on the fringe of my conscious, right now I just feel numb. My mind is going over stats, plays, sloppy line changes, and missed opportunities. My body is starting to tingle with the telltale signs of fatigue. I look around the room and make eye contact with my team mates who remain. We don’t speak and we don’t need to. Everything has already been said and already been done. Our intern, Michael walks in with the slips of paper from the WAGs. At least I’ll be getting one of these this year. I watch as he passes them out and the guys smile sadly.

He finally gets to me and I stick out my hand, but Michael shakes his head, “Um, Mr. Crosby, Miss Donahue would like you to know that she is waiting for you in the family lounge, whenever you’re ready.”

I’m shocked and it takes me a minute to comprehend, but I manage to nod and he scurries away. It’s been over an hour and she is still waiting for me. I figured that I would be able to stew for a while alone. I grab my bag and realize that I’m the only one left and figure that I should head out. With a sigh I leave the locker room and make the short trip next door. There she is sitting peacefully looking at her phone. Her hair is loose over one shoulder and I take in her toned tan legs covered by small white shorts. The pens jersey she is wearing is fitted and has my number and I smile for the first time since the final buzzer sounded. She finally looks up and offers a soft smile, “Hey captain.”

She stands and I meet her halfway and her arms immediately wrap around me. Those emotions that were on the edge hit me full force. I’m pissed, upset, embarrassed and disappointed. Brooklyn’s arms tighten and she rubs my back. For a second I forget about the loss and the end of the season. Right now, it doesn’t matter. “I can’t believe you stayed.”

“I hope it’s okay. I just wanted to be here for you,” She pulls away and I feel her cool hand caress my cheek. “If you want to be alone I can give you space.”

When she suggests that I realize that I don’t want to be alone, never again. “I’m glad that you’re here. Having someone here, no having you here, helps.”

“Alright then,” She smiles again and I can’t help but give her a quick kiss and pull her towards the exit.

My phone rings when we are in the car and I know it’s my dad and that I have to pick up. I send an apologetic glance over to Brooklyn. “Hello?”

“Son, your mother and sister want to have lunch after the two of us have our breakfast tomorrow.”

I almost forgot that my father and I always had breakfast the morning after elimination. It’s truly one of my least favorite things to do, but it’s something we’ve always done ever since juniors. Now looking at the woman next to me though I realize just how much my life has changed. “Uh, Dad I think that I’m going to have breakfast with Brooklyn tomorrow.”

“What?”

“She stayed after the game. I’m driving home with her right now and I’m not going to leave her alone in the morning.” I reach down and grab Brooklyn’s hand.

“So when are we going discuss the game?”

I sigh and try not to get frustrated, “We have all summer Dad.”

“You need a training schedule and I was talking to Mario about your points in the playoffs. Seriously son what happened from April to May? We need to start looking at what changed. The trainers have a few ideas that I think would really help faceoffs.”

“Dad, will you just stop?” I blow up. “We lost, it sucks I know. I played like shit, I know. But can you just give it a fucking rest?”

“Sidney, don’t you dare talk to me like that.”

“You know what dad, I’m distancing myself from this season for a while. I’m taking a vacation.” I glance over at Brooklyn who is focusing intently on the window.

“I’m going to Cannes with my girlfriend.”

“We will discuss this.”

“See you at lunch tomorrow,” I hang up and breathe hard.

“Sidney?”

“I need a second.”

The rest of the ride home is silent and I’m focusing on taking some of my anger out on the steering wheel. When we get back to the house I slam the car door and follow Brooklyn inside. I let Brooklyn go upstairs first while I get a glass of water in an attempt to calm down more. It doesn’t work, my hands are shaking my body is sore and I’m upset. Upstairs Brooklyn is waiting for me on the bed dressed in the shortest pajama bottoms I’ve ever seen and a tiny tank top. I start to undress in jerked movements. “Sidney, talk to me. Don’t keep this bottled up.”

I turn to look at Brooklyn knowing that she just wants to help. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“You’re upset.”

“Damn right I’m upset. We had this series and then lost three straight, three fucking games! And I couldn’t score worth a damn. Every year it’s the same thing. Why can’t we capitalize in the post season? What is wrong with Sidney?” I’m losing myself in things that I’ve always kept bottled up.

“Babe, there is another season.”

“What happens when there aren’t any more seasons? What happens when there aren’t 80 more games to play? I won’t always be the best. And if I can’t win the cup now how the hell am I supposed to win it later? The guys below me get faster, younger and stronger and I will never be like that again. I’m just fucking terrified that it’s all downhill from here.” I’m shaking with anger and hunched over on the edge of the bed by the time I’m finished.

Brooklyn gets off the bed and falls to her knees in front of me and grabs my hands, “Sidney, you are the most talented player in the game everyone knows that. All of this stress is going to kill you.” Her soft hands move from mine to my face which she pulls in close to her. “Let me take some of this away from you.”
Her hands continue to traces my features and start to run up and down my arms. She moves in between my legs and I widen to accommodate her. Finally her lips meet mine and my hands firmly wrap around her waist. I groan when her tongue slips inside and quickly use mine to take control. I roughly push her hair away and find her neck. Nipping and biting, when she hisses I pull back, “I need you.”

“I’m yours Sidney, take me.”

With that I roll her onto the bed and straddle her beautiful body. Once again my lips find her neck and that sweet spot. It’s already getting red and I can’t help but enjoy the thought of marking her. “I can’t be gentle right now.”

My sweet girlfriend simply smiles wickedly. “Who said I wanted gentle?”

She removes her shirt. My eyes naturally flick down and I groan. “Fucking gorgeous.”

I capture on breast with my mouth and her back arches beautifully. Quickly I divest her of the barely there shorts and am rewarded. I leave her breast with one last lick and watch her eyes as I slide two fingers into her tight hole, she’s wet for me and I swell with absolute pride. I still can’t believe that this amazing woman wants me. My fingers are still working hard when she pants, “Sidney, please.”

Withdrawing my fingers I deny her request and am rewarded with a groan and a slap across the chest, “You evil man.”

Her hand connecting with my bare chest sends shockwaves and I grab her wrist, “Don’t hit me.”

Instead of being intimidated she bites her lip and hits me with her other hand, “What are you going to do about it?”

I grab both wrists with a growl and shove them above her head. With one last devouring kiss I thrust into her hard with one stroke. My loud moan matches hers and I pause for one second, savoring this feeling. When I start to move I have to consciously stop myself from coming right then. She squeezes me like a glove and with each movement my body tightens in pleasure. Her sounds of pleasure aren’t helping much either. With each whimper and moan I feel closer and closer. And I know she is as well. “Sidney, I need…”

With every ounce of strength I pull out and Brooklyn groans, “I know what you need, patience babe.”

I roll her so she is on top and thrust up. Her head rolls back in pleasure and I run my hands down her perfect body, until I get to her hips. There I hold on and once again take control. I thrust up and pull her down feeling every inch of her around me. Again and again I pound home. Finally I can’t resist the temptation and my hand caresses that perfect ass before I land a solid slap. She jerks, “Don’t you dare.”

I slap her ass and am rewarded with a moan, “Paybacks a bitch babe.”

I love playing with her, but I know I’m about to lose it. My hand drifts down to her clit and rubs tight fast circles. Brooklyn’s fingers land on my chest and scratch.

Then she lets go and falls apart in my arms. With her tightening around I finish too with her name on my lips.

She has ended up lying on my torso and I gently detach myself. Her body is languid beside mine and brush a stray hair away, “You okay babe?”

She smiles lazily, “I’ll let you know when I have command of the English language again.”

I chuckle and pull up the blankets around us. Once she is curled into me I kiss her on the forehead, “Thank you for everything tonight. You didn’t have to stay.”

“I wanted to be there for you.”

“Just one of the reasons why I love you.”

“So, you’re coming to Cannes with me?”

“If that’s alright?”

She places a kiss on my chest and my heart beats fast, “Of course. It really is just one big party. Lots of free stuff too.” Her mouth moves lower. “Not to mention the beaches and the pool.”

I can’t listen to the rest of her description of Cannes and I don’t think she wants to continue. With a growl I toss the covers over us and show her again and again just how much I love her.

Notes

I posted another one just a few hours ago so make sure you read that one first! Lots of stuff in this chapter. Hope y'all enjoyed it!