Counting Stars

I wake up snuggled against Sidney and I sigh before brushing some hair away from his face. It broke my heart to see him upset last night. And I can’t imagine what he’s going through. The team has been working for an entire year for this and now it’s all lost. Sidney stirs and cracks open an eye, “Morning beautiful.”

“Morning, stud.” His arms tighten around me and I relax. “We have a plane to catch today.”

“Damn, I need to pack.” Sidney groans. “And talk to my parents.”

“You know we have time to have lunch with them. They did fly all the way out here.”

“It’s going to be awkward, my dad can be stubborn.”

“And you aren’t?” I chuckle and shake Sidney’s shoulders. “They love you and you love them. Y’all are a family we should have lunch with them. Come on it won’t be that bad.”

“I’m going to remind you that you said that.”

For the next hour Sidney and I pack and get dressed in a whirlwind. I also let my people know that Sidney will be coming with us to France. Luckily, I hadn’t cashed in my plus-one yet so it won’t be a problem adding Sid to the guest list. We pull up to the restaurant with the intention of heading straight to the airport after brunch and after Sidney clears out his stuff from the locker room.

Sitting in a booth is the Crosby clan. Taylor is on her phone while Trina and Troy area having an intense discussion. Sidney’s hand on my waist clenches and I send him a reassuring smile, “Play nice, babe.”

We sit and a waiter brings us water. Sidney and Troy avoid eye contact so I focus on starting the conversation, “The weather is really nice this morning.”

Trina smiles tightly, “Yes, it is.”

More silence ensues and I start fidgeting. The poor waiter returns to take our order. My eyes slide to Taylor in the hope that she has something to add to the conversation. “So, uh Brooklyn, you are going to France for the film festival?”

“Yep, and actually Sidney is coming with me.” I ignore Troy’s mumbling and continue. “We are leaving tonight actually.”

“Oh that will be lovely.”

“It would be better if we had another playoff game to prepare for,” Troy mumbles and I know that Sidney is about to break.

Trina does first though, “Really, Troy? Can we just all relax? I think we should focus on having one meal together in which we don’t discuss hockey. The season is going to be dissected by everyone else, as a family we should focus on each other.”

We are all silent for a moment and then Troy coughs, “You’re right Trina. I’m sorry I shouldn’t worry about the game so much. We aren’t together a lot and I was ruining it, my apologies.”

“Thanks Dad. And uh I’ll be home for a few weeks this summer like always, plenty of time to hit the rink.”

The rest of brunch passes by quickly and easily. Everyone is much happier not discussing hockey. Finally Sidney checks his watch, “We have to get going, if we are going to make it to Consol and our flight.”

Our party stands and we exchange hugs. “I can’t wait to see what you wear all week.” Her voice lowers. “Getting out in the world and having fun will be good for him, thank you.”

“Thanks, Trina.”

I even get a hug from Troy, “Have a safe flight.” Well, that’s better than nothing I suppose.

Back in the car Sidney glances at me, “You can say it.”

“Say what?” I cock my head and open my eyes wide.

“I told you so.”

“Oh, I mean I wasn’t going to, but if you insist. I told you the brunch was going to be fun. Besides your mother would have killed you if you left the country without saying goodbye first.”

“Good point.” We pull into Consol and fans are lined up by the gates. “Ugh, I hate doing this.”

“Cleaning out your stuff?”

“Well that and having to explain everything or attempt to. I don’t think anyone can reason why a team loses, but people don’t like that answer.”

I grasp his hand, “You’ve given this season your all and left it all out there. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone.”

“I still don’t want to go.”

I open the door of the car, “Come on babe, the sooner you get in there the sooner it’s over.”

The two of us walk hand in hand from the parking garage to the arena. The fans are yelling for Sidney, but all he does is gives a simple wave. Once inside a security guard ushers me to an empty office to wait until Sidney is done. Really I shouldn’t be here at all, but being the captain has its perks.

*****


When I walk into the locker room the atmosphere is very similar to last night. The guys look tired and a little dejected, but overall are in slightly better spirits. The initial shock and disappointment has worn off for most. I catch Coach’s eye and give him a slight nod. Unlike the rest of us his future is uncertain. Already the fans were calling for blood.

Ironically, I don’t have much to clean out. Today is really more symbolic than anything else. I take a breath than give our PR girl the high sign and she lets the press know that I’m ready when they are. Almost instantly I’m surrounded. I give a nod and the questions begin. Each answer that I give is boring and offers very little insight. Even when they ask about coaching I claim that it’s the players’ responsibility at the end of the day.

“Are you changing any part of your summer routine?”

I nod, “Not a lot is set in stone yet. I’m sure that I’ll be in Cole Harbor for a while of course and L.A. training.”

“And just to be clear, you and Brooklyn aren’t expecting a child?”

“Just some rumors.” I find Rob in the crowd of reporters. “Thanks for the heart attack man.”

Another reporter speaks up, “Any vacation plans?”

“I’ll actually be heading to France for a little bit,” I usually don’t share my personal plans, but I can’t resist and I know there’s a smile on my face.

“Will you be attending Claude Giroux’s wedding this summer?”

I scratch my forehead for a second, “Well, as of now I haven’t been uninvited. I’m really just the maid-of-honor’s plus one.” I pause and add an impish smile. “It will definitely be interesting.”

The reporters all give a little laugh and thank me for my time before they head out. Flower comes over and we hug. “So you’re going to France?”

“Brooklyn has that film festival, I figured it would be a nice way to start the summer and decompress.”

Flower doesn’t look too convinced, “How do your parents feel about it?”

“Kind of sore subject at first, but they came around.”

“Well that's good." Flower fidgets then looks around. "Uh, can I talk to you for a second privately?”

I nod and follow my goalie to a back room, “What’s up?”

“Well, there is a lot of talk of a major shakeup happening this season and well I know that I’m probably going to be in the discussion.”

“You just got a new contract extension last year,” I interrupt my worried teammate. “Come on you aren’t going anywhere.”

“Not even you can guarantee that” He takes a deep breath. “I just, if this is the last time we are here as teammates I wanted to thank you for an incredible time. You are one of my best friends and it wouldn’t have been the same without you. I couldn’t have asked for a better captain or friend.”

I’m shocked, and his words hit me in the gut, “I should be thanking you. Fuck man, I can’t imagine this team without you. God only knows how I would be here if you hadn’t been around.”

“Well, when you get back from partying in France Vero and I are going to have a cookout. You better bring Brooklyn.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

We hug and I know that I’m about to get even more emotional so I take a step back. Fleury pats me on the back, “Also, Vero and I were talking.”

The two of us are walking back to the locker room, “Yeah?”

“And we decided that you should propose.”

I stop, “What?”

He smiles, “Just think about it.”

“Think about what?” Nealer pops up out of nowhere.

I shove him slightly, “Nothing, relax man.” I grab my bag. “Alright, guys I’m headed out. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Great season, guys. I’m uh, I’m sorry it didn’t turn out the way we wanted.”

I leave and I feel the weight descend on my shoulders once again. Any semblance of a good mood has left me. Seeing those guys in the locker room kills me. I sigh and lift my bag a little higher determined to find Brooklyn and get the hell out of this place. A voice stops me when I get to the office level, turning I see Mario. “Sidney, I’m glad I caught you.”

WE shake hands, “Did you need something? I’m in a little bit of a rush, Brooklyn is waiting for me.”

A smile ghosts his face, “I know, I own the building remember? But this won’t take long. Come to my office for a second.” Seated in his office Mario takes a deep breath before speaking. “I want you to know that we’ve decided to relieve General Manager Shero from his post.”

I see that Flower wasn’t being paranoid when he talked about a shakeup, “Wow, that’s good to know. When is this going public?”

“Tomorrow. We didn’t want you to be blindsided. Look a lot of shit is going to happen this summer. I just want to assure you that our ultimate goal is to outfit a team that will enable you to bring back another Stanley Cup.”

“I’m flattered. I have faith in you guys and whoever you hire.” I pause. “Can I make a request though?”

“Depends, what did you have in mind?”

“Flower, we need him. If you could keep him that would be ideal. I mean we won with him once and he has another baby on the way. The city loves him too.”

Mario is silent and I’m afraid that I’ve overstepped my limit, “We’ll keep it in mind. Now I believe you have a plane to catch.”

I leave the office and practically run to find Brooklyn. She is patiently waiting for me again, “Hey, how are the guys?”

Before I can answer Flower’s words drift through my mind. A proposal? And I realize it makes a damn lot of sense. Waking up to her every morning for the rest of my life? I could think of a lot worse things. “As well as to be expected.”

She nods, “Are you ready to go?”

“Can’t wait.”

We leave the arena and I know that I need to say hi to few of the fans that are gathered. I open the door for Brooklyn and lean in, “This will just take a second.”

“Take your time babe.”

******


I watch as Sidney walks over to the group of fans. I can’t help but admire his physique as he walks away. That man does have a great butt. Frowning I notice a particularly grabby fan latch onto his arm. It takes every ounce of self-control to not get out of the car and rescue my boyfriend. Instead I pull at my phone to call Janet, “Brooklyn dear, I was wondering when you would call.”

“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know Sid and I should be at the airport in twenty minutes or so. Is everything ready for us?”

“Of course. You have nothing to worry about. There will be a car waiting for you in Cannes to take you two to the hotel. Reporters are crawling waiting for you to arrive. I’ll be waiting for you to go over your schedule for the week. It’s packed, but I tried to work in some free time for you and Sidney.”

“Who are you talking to babe?” Sidney is back in the car now.

I hold my hand over the receiver, “Janet, plans for the week.”

Sidney nods and I focus back on Janet, “Your dresses came in this morning. Hair and makeup should land in about an hour. We are just waiting for you.”

“Okay, sounds great. We will see you later.” I hang up and look at Sidney. “Everything is ready for us.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Oh, the fans say hi by the way.”

I snort, “I’m sure they do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I saw that one who was all over you.”

Sidney smirks, “Is someone jealous?”

“Of some random girl? Give me a break.”

“You know you can be jealous. I’m kind of a catch. Athlete, wealthy, not so bad looking.”

I stick my tongue out, “And so humble.”

“Confident, heart of gold, great in bed.”

“Alright, superstar.” I slap his shoulder. “Focus on the road.”

I direct Sidney to the private air entrance and we pull up to the plane on the tarmac. An attendant helps us with our bags while we get on the plane. Inside I immediately slip off my shoes and plop myself in a seat. Sidney follows suit. “Do you always travel like this?”

“Sometimes. For special things definitely, but it’s a little impractical.” Our attendant brings us some champagne. “Thank you. Should we toast?”

Sidney nods, “Uh, to you, the most beautiful and amazing woman in the world. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

I lean in for a kiss, “That’s sweet. You know as happy as I am that you could come with me, I really wish that you guys would have won yesterday.”

“Me too, but maybe this is more important. I mean when was the last time we’ve spent more than four consecutive days together?”

“Never,” I pause letting that sink in. “I’m probably going to get on your nerves you know.”

“I highly doubt that.”

The plane takes off and I grab Sidney’s hand, “You know, there’s a pretty big bed in the back.”

His eyebrows shoot up, “Really?”

“And it’s kind of a long flight.” My fingers are slowly moving up his thigh.

“But the crew.”

I shrug and continue to move higher, “Perks of a private plane.”

Sidney groans and stops my hand, “You are perfect.”

“I know,” I stand and saunter to the bedroom in the back of the plane. Once through the door Sidney practically tackles me onto the bed.

I wake up entangled with Sidney. After a quick round both of us fell asleep exhausted. For a moment I have to remind myself that this is all real. Sidney and I are together on a plane bound for France. We are going to have a week of virtual vacation. Grabbing a blanket I cover my naked body and then move gingerly out of the cabin. In the main cabin I find my phone and hear a gentle cough. I look up and notice our attendant who gives a shy smile, “Miss Donahue, we already landed to refuel and are officially in France. We should be landing in about an hour. It will be around 8am local time when we land. Your clothes are pressed and in the closet. Also, your toiletries are on the chair.”

“Oh, good. Thank you and uh,” I gesture to my lack of suitable clothing. “Sorry about all this.”

She laughs, “No problem at all.” And then she winks. “Will you and Mr. Crosby be in need of anything else? Perhaps a cold shower?”

“I doubt that would help,” Sidney’s deep, rough voice makes me turn around. He has his jeans on from earlier and only those. He looks particularly sexy with his unkempt hair and satisfied smile.

Our older attendant clearly appreciates the view as well, “How about some food then? I will get some fruit.”

I feel Sidney’s arm wrap around me, “Sounds good. We will go get dressed.” We disappear back into the cabin and I blush when I notice the unmade bed. And it only increases when Sidney’s lips attack my neck. For a moment I lose myself in his roaming hands. “We can’t. Both of us have to get ready.”

His hands don’t stop, “Don’t you have to get undressed, to get dressed?”

I laugh and struggle free, “Alright Casanova, we seriously don’t have time. Tonight, though I’m all yours.”

He huffs and collapses on the bed, “I’m going to hold you to that.” I drop the blanket. “Now you’re just mean.”

I locate some undergarments, “You know you love it.” I turn to the small closet and slide on the yellow knee length skirt. I smooth it so around my hips and waist before tightening the belt. Then I grab the silk floral top and tuck it in gently. When I emerge from the closet Sidney is dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a white dress shirt. He sees me and smiles, “You’re shirt is missing the back.”

‘’Ha, ha you’re funny.” We walk back to the main cabin. “Oh I’m starved.”

We sit and eat some fruit as the plane makes it final descent. As we are taxing our attendant comes out one more time, “I have a message from Janet for you Miss Donahue. She will be meeting you at the airport now. A few bellmen from the hotel will also be helping with your bags. Thank you so much for flying with us, it was a pleasure to serve you.”

I smile, “No, thank you.”

We land and I slide on my high white heels. The cabin door opens and Janet walks in moments later with two men behind her. “Welcome to France darling!” We hug and even Sidney gets a kiss on the cheek. “We are happy to have you as well Sidney.” She claps her hands and the bellmen have Sidney and I’s bags. Janet hands me a sleek black pocket book and a pair of oversized sunglasses. “You look great. I’ll go first then you and then Sidney. Your new security team is waiting on the tarmac, ready?”

I nod and follow her out the door. Outside in the bright sun I can hear some people yelling. Just a few reporters are milling about and I assume it’s only a select few that Janet chose to have an inside scoop. Rumors are still swirling on whether or not I’m pregnant not to mention that no one knew I was bringing Sidney to Cannes with me. Now I know why Janet was so excited about him coming along, it will only add fuel the fire. Once I successfully traverse the stairs I feel Sidney’s hand slide around my waist. I can hear the distinct click of the cameras and I give a wave. As we follow Janet into the terminal the crowd grows. Other passengers, smart phone in hand, start to swarm us. I hold on to Sidney’s hand hard and I feel him lean close, “I got you, don’t worry.”

The crowd continues to press closer and get larger as we make our way to the exit. Someone bumps into us and I stumble. Sidney swears and slides closer. “This is insane.” We have come to a virtual standstill and people are shoving pens and photos, and cameras in my face. I take a deep breath and focus on Janet in front of me. Finally, we get to the town car. The guards shield me as Sidney practically shoves me into the car.

“Are you okay?” Sidney is staring at me intently and is clearly worried.

“This is nothing. Europe has always loved Brooklyn and she hasn’t been here since October. The week is only going to get crazier, she can handle it,” Janet dismisses Sidney’s concern while scrolling through her phone. “You’re already trending nationally.”

I ignore Janet and try to smile at Sidney, “I’m fine, thanks. You should probably tell your parents that we made it.”

*******


Walking into the hotel was even worse for us. The fans are getting so close to Brooklyn and I’m just nervous. Unfortunately, it seems that I’m the only one concerned. I’ve been relegated to the couches in the foyer. Unsurprisingly the hotel suite is amazing and even I haven’t stayed in a place this nice. I hear yelling from the bedroom and then someone calling my name. In the room dozens of outfits are spread out on every blank surface. Brooklyn and her PR guy, David are staring at each other in anger. “Everything okay?”

David rolls his eyes, “Your girlfriend is being stubborn.”

That does sound like her. “About what?”

“We are choosing the last gown for this week,” David flips through some gowns. “I think she should wear this gown by Versace.” He holds up what I think is a dress. It looks like it has some crystals or metallic. The only thing I definitely know is that it’s blue.

“While I think, that I should wear this gown by Zac Posen,” Brooklyn holds of a dark purple dress. It’s huge and kind of reminds me of a princess.

“So where do I come in?”

Brooklyn smiles, “We figured you could be the tie breaker.”

Well shit, I have absolutely no idea what to do. I look at both dresses again and try to imagine Brooklyn in each. The problem is I’m sure she will look great in both. And then I remember that this is an easy decision, choose the dress my girlfriend picked out I get rewarded, if I don’t well that wouldn’t be fun. I cough, “Let’s go with the uhm Podzen one.”

David sighs, “It’s Posen. I should have known you wouldn’t pick mine. You have no fashion sense.”

Brooklyn laughs, “I think he always looks great.” She kisses me quickly. “Good choice babe.”

“You knew I would pick yours didn’t you?”

“Athletic and smart. How did I get so lucky?” She hangs up the dress in the closet. “Ready to have dinner? I figured we could just eat in and watch a movie tonight. Since the next few days are going to be crazy.”

“Sounds good to me.”

David rejoins the conversation, “Speaking of your lack of fashion sense. I was going through your suitcase.” I raise an eyebrow and David looks sufficiently apologetic. “And noticed that you need some different clothes for the carpet. You need to look suave and polished.”

“I hate shopping.”

“I’m going to go for you. I just need your measurements.” David walks toward me with a measuring tape.

I back away, “I actually have them on my phone. It comes in handy,” I give David the measurements. “Man, just um keep it classic not too many bright colors. No patterns. Really just stick to neutrals.”

Brooklyn is laughing behind me, “Get the basics and then some extra stuff if Sidney doesn’t like it we can just return it.” I glare at her and she shrugs. “Come on we are on vacation, take a chance!”

“Fine.”

The next morning I wake up early so I can go down to the gym and get a quick workout in. I feel a little out of place in my shorts walking through the luxurious hallways but I just focus on getting back to my comfort zone. I can find my way around the gym, it’s like a second home. I’m finishing a long jog on the treadmill. I turn and I’m shocked to see that Robert De Niro is standing behind me. He smiles, “Hey man, I heard you came with Brooklyn. Nice to see you.” He shakes my hand, “Huge fan.”

I can’t believe that he is standing in front of me and that Robert De Niro is a fan of mine. I mentally shake myself and return the gesture. “No, um I’m a huge fan of your work. I love all of your movies, seriously. You’re a complete badass.”

He laughs and I can’t believe that I made Robert freaking De Niro laugh. “It’s always nice to meet a fan. I’ll admit though my intentions in introducing aren’t entirely pure. I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Sure, anything.”

“Well, my production company reached out to your lovely girlfriend to film a new movie and I was wondering if you could put in a good word for me.”

“Brooklyn might film a movie with you?” He nods. “Of course I’ll put a good word in for you!”

He laughs, “Thanks kid. I’ll see you around.”

I walk out of the gym in a haze. I can’t believe that I just met Robert De Niro. Jesus, I’m going to have to start going to more events with Brooklyn. I’m walking through the lobby on the way to our hotel suite and I hear my name. I turn and see a few people rushing towards me with cameras. French-accented voices scream, “Are you the father or Brooklyn’s child?” and “Are you getting married here in Cannes?” I’m freaked. Usually when people with cameras ask me questions in a controlled environment with clearly defined boundaries. In this situation I don’t think these guys are going to stop if I refuse to answer their questions. Keeping that in mind I hold a hand over my eyes and walk quickly to the elevator. Once the doors are closed I relax and let out a breath.

Back in our suite a small army of people are running around. I stop a frazzled looking young woman, “Have you seen Brooklyn?”

She stutters for a second, “In the bedroom, enter at your own risk.”

I say thanks and make my way there. She wasn’t kidding. Our bedroom now looks like a dressing room. Brooklyn, in a sheer robe is sitting on the bed in the middle of a tornado of activity. Instructions and orders are being yelled. I wince and try to capture Brooklyn’s attention. She sees me and smiles, “There you are! David, I told you that Sidney just went to the gym.”

“Oh, good. You need to get dressed.” I jump at David’s voice behind me.

“But I thought the premiere wasn’t until 2?”

“Correct, but traffic is going to be insane and the red carpet which is its own beast. Really, we are already behind.”

“He’s exaggerating Sidney.” Brooklyn waves off some people around her and walks toward me. “If you’re hungry there are some eggs in the kitchen. I hope you had a good work out. And since I know you are pretty low maintenance you have plenty of time to get dressed.”

I nod, “And what am I wearing?”

“I’m glad you asked,” David is speaking again. “We have you set up in the extra bedroom. I have a few options that I bought last night. All of them should look great, if you follow me? Brooklyn needs to look perfect.”

I must look overwhelmed because Brooklyn pulls me toward the kitchen, “Everything okay?”

She hands me some eggs in a dish, “I’ve had an interesting morning. I was stalked by paparazzi and I met Robert De Niro.”

“Oh, that’s no fun. I’m glad you met Robert though, he’s a nice guy isn’t he?”

I nod and take a big bite of eggs, “Well, he wants you to be in his next movie.”

“He asked you about that? Unbelievable. We already told him, I’m not interested in the role.” She pours me some orange juice. “Other than that are you feeling okay?”

“I’m definitely not thinking about hockey. This is like a whole other world.”

“But it’s my world,” My girlfriend looks sad for a moment. “It’s not too crazy for you is it?”

“Even if it was, you’re worth every second.” We kiss and I’m tempted to move her robe up just a few more inches to expose more beautiful skin.

We turn when we hear sniffling and clapping, “Well that’s beautiful, but we have things to do. Come on lovebirds.”

Brooklyn is dragged out of the kitchen while I get escorted to the other bedroom. I might have been transported to my personal hell. All that I see are jackets and pants and shirts and ties. “This is all for me?”

David nods enthusiastically, “Yes sir. You are going to need more than that simple tux you wore to the Oscars. We are in the fashion capital of the world.”

“I know, I know,” I look around the room and then think of the beautiful woman getting ready across the hall and decide that this torture is worth it. “Let’s get this over with.”

Two hours later I’m sitting on an overstuffed couch again fidgeting. The suit that we decided on looks great, but isn’t quite what I’m used to. It’s a compromise though, the suit David wanted me to wear involved paisley and periwinkle whatever that means. I’ve been waiting for Brooklyn to emerge and I finally hear the door. I turn and see about ten people exit first and then finally Brooklyn walks into the room. Her hair is pulled back but a few wisps still frame her face. I notice the rows and rows of pearls around her neck and then focus on the dress. It’s huge and a very light blue. Along the edges is a thick pattern that kind of reminds me of a china pattern. She smiles, “So what do you think?”

I swallow, “You look amazing. Can you breathe?”

“Barely.” She laughs and I can’t help but notice her impressive cleavage. My girlfriend doesn’t miss my wondering eyes. “Corset bodice. Nice isn’t it?”

“No complaints here.”

The main door opens and Janet walks in, “I’m glad we went with the vintage Dior, fitting for France I think. Sidney, wow you look like an actor. Well done.”

“Thank you.”

David interrupts, “I believe she was complimenting my work.”

I roll my eyes, “Fine.”

Brooklyn speaks up, “Play nice boys. Are we ready to go?”

During the limo ride I’m nervous. It seems like the entire town is celebrating this. People are everywhere and I feel self-conscious. What if I say the wrong thing? Brooklyn and I are actually going to pose for pictures, what if we don’t look right together. God, this is more nerve-wracking than the Stanley Cup finals.

Turns out there isn’t anything to be nervous about. The carpet passes by in a blur. Brooklyn fields the questions perfectly and most of the time I just look at her. She looks like a movie star, like something that should be on a mantle not in my arms. Every time she turns to me and smiles it feels like just scored the game-winning goal. I’ve never felt so lucky. We are in the limo again back to the hotel, “The film was amazing babe.”

She smiles and leans into me, “Ah thanks. Can you believe that we met when I was filming that? It seems like ages ago right?”

“It does. I remember that night when you came to the game.”

“Really?” Brooklyn now has her head in my lap

I nod and my arm finds a comfortable place around her waist, “Nealer spotted you first. And pointed it out to us. I promised myself that I wasn’t going to look, you know focus on the game, but you were so close. I looked at you and I was a lost cause from that moment. Any hope of me not liking you was gone when you came down to the locker room after. I even thought about getting a twitter once you tweeted at the other guys.”

“Oh my god, I was so nervous! I thought you were so hot.”

“Well, you seemed perfectly at ease in your skinny jeans and that loose top. And those shoes you were wearing. I couldn’t get you out of my head.”

“You remember what I was wearing?” She sounds surprised.

“Of course. And you wanted a picture for your dad.”

She laughs, “Okay, confession time. My dad is a huge Bluejacket’s fan not Pittsburgh. I just wanted a picture.”
“Wait, really?”

“I needed an excuse.”

I laugh, “Damn, you’re so adorable.”

*****


Sidney is doing really well, a lot better than I expected if I’m being honest. He has handled the press well and more importantly he is being a good sport about all the outfit changes. It’s the third day of the festival and we have been going nonstop. Currently, he is napping while I’m looking over the schedule tomorrow with Janet. “So, how did today go?”

“Wonderful. The judges really liked the film, again. Your outfit was also well-received. Vogue wants to do an entire spotlight article. Everyone is talking about you and Sidney. Already people are calling you two the couple of Cannes. Also, pregnancy rumors have been officially put to bed.”

“Good, good. And tonight?”

“Leonardo Dicaprio invited the two of you to his party. He is planning to start directing his first film later this year and word on the street is he wants you. This is the perfect way to prove that you’re interested. You are interested correct?”

I nod, “Of course.” Then I look over the dress that I’m wearing tonight. “And people like Sidney?”

“Like? More like love. His Canadian charm is winning everyone over. You never told me he spoke French so well. I mean they have photos of him helping a woman carry groceries. The man is a God. Dating him, might be the best thing you’ve ever done.”

I look over to the closed door, “You’re probably right.” I sigh. “I should wake him up. We need to leave in about an hour right?”

“Yes, I’ll send up the beauty team.”

Sidney is sprawled out on the bed still in his tux pants from this morning. I chuckle then lightly shake his shoulder, “Come on, wake up.”

“What now?”

“Party tonight, no red carpet just copious amounts of alcohol.”

He stretches and pulls me down to the bed, “I was wondering when this was going to get fun.”

“Last night wasn’t fun?” I straddle Sidney. “Early this morning wasn’t fun?”

My boyfriend’s eyes get darker and I can’t help but smile, “Completely different kind of fun babe.” We kiss and I lose myself in it for a moment. “But, let’s not start something we can’t finish.”

“Fine, later though.”

I hop off the bed and find the outfit for tonight. I’m wearing navy high-waisted shorts with a white lace halter top. Per Sidney’s suggestion I also throw on a light pink blazer. In my sky-high platforms I’m almost as tall as Sidney. “Damn, your legs look great.”

“It’s the shorts and the waistline, and the heels.”

Sidney pulls me into him, “No, you just have amazing legs.” He lowers his voice and whispers in my ear. “I like especially when they end up on my shoulders.”

His words send shivers down my spine, “What happened to not starting something we can’t finish?”

He pushes me against the elevator door, “How long of a car ride is it?”

“Not long enough,” I disentangle myself and walk in the elevator. “Come on, babe. It will be fun promise.”

Sidney and I are having a blast. Leo loves his privacy so there are absolutely no paparazzi around even though every big name of the festival is at this party. We find a table with Liam and Jennifer and start to talking and drinking. Finally, Jennifer drags Liam to the dance floor and we are left alone. “Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, do you want to go to dance?”

I’m taken aback, Sidney never wants to dance, but I can’t take him up on his offer because Leo is headed our way, “Maybe later.”

Our host reaches our table, “Lovely to see you two. Everyone is talking about you guys. Should I be honored that you chose my humble party to attend?”

I laugh and make room for him, “Naturally. But no thank you for the invite, it’s nice to finally be able to have some fun and not be working.”

“Don’t pretend you don’t love it Brooklyn,” Leo looks at Sidney. “Don’t let her fool you man, she lives for this stuff hell we all live for this shit. The cameras the clothes, all wonderful perks.”

Sidney to his credit smiles, “Well, she is good at all of this.”

“The best and that’s why when this is all over we need to discuss a few things.”

So Janet was right, he does want to work with me. “Sounds good to me, you have my number.”

“That I do,” Leo kisses my cheek and shakes Sid’s hand. “I have to go mingle though. Great seeing you two again and enjoy the party!”

Once he leaves Sidney and I finally make it to the dance floor. We mingle and dance for a few songs before I need to cool down. Sidney heads back to the bar to get us drinks while I go out to the terrace for some fresh air. Luckily it’s empty and quiet. I sigh and lean over the railing to watch the water. It’s one of those moments when I have to pinch myself. Footsteps behind me make me turn around, “Sidney, perfect timin-“ I stop and I can’t believe who I see.

*******


I finally get two drinks from the bar and I’m headed out to the terrace when I’m intercepted by Leo again. Now he wants a picture for some of his buddies. I happily oblige and then walk out to the terrace. As I’m approaching I can vaguely hear voices, one that I distinctly know is Brooklyn and the other sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it. “He should have told me you were here.”

The man speaks next, “But then you wouldn’t have come. I needed to see you, to talk to you.” It’s quiet and there is some rustling. “We ended on bad terms.”

Brooklyn scoffs, “That’s one way to put it.”

“Please just talk to me,”

More scuffling and then I hear Brooklyn say, “I said don’t touch me.”

I see red and I drop our drinks and fully walk onto the terrace. No one touches my girlfriend. When I see who it is I immediately pull my arm back to punch him. I don’t even register Brooklyn telling me to stop until my fist connects with his face.

Notes