Battle Royale in Cannes!--- Well, the annual and prestigious Cannes Film Festival is known for its international fashion, talent and now fighting? That seemed to be the case last night at the ultra-exclusive and private party hosted by Hollywood A-lister, Leonardo Dicaprio. The party, which was held at a luxurious chateau, boasted a guest list that included Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Jennifer Laurence, and Meryl Streep just to name a few. Unsurprisingly the party was an absolute success at first. About half way through the night three of Dicaprio’s most high-profile guests were caught in a tussle. Brooklyn Donahue, who looked sexy in ready to wear couture attended the party with her boyfriend and hockey superstar Sidney Crosby. The two of them have become the darlings of the Film Festival. Brooklyn tweeted a picture of the two of them enjoying some sand and sun just two days ago.

@BrooklynRae: Another perfect day in Cannes #sunandsand #myman

All week the two lovebirds have been inseparable and all around too adorable for words. At Dicaprio’s party though, things took a turn for the worse.
Sources confirm that Crosby punched fellow guest and former lover of Donahue, Zac Efron on the terrace. The videos surfacing show that Efron and Donahue were having a conversation before the hockey Captain stepped onto the terrace and quickly punched the actor, who fell to the terrace floor. No words were exchanged before the violence. Sources do report that they noticed the young starlet repeatedly try to move away from her ex-boyfriend before Sidney interceded. The drama didn’t stop there though, Efron, who returned from rehab earlier this year turned on the his ex’s former lover and gave him a quick punch as well. Then the two began arguing with Crosby yelling for Zac to ‘Stay the F**k away from her!’ To which the former Disney channel star replied, ‘She was mine first’ and ‘F**k off you don’t belong here!’ At this point the blonde bombshell inserted herself between the two men before being assisted by security. All three were escorted out of the party with no more incidents.

No official word or release has been given by any party involved. As of right now no formal charges are being pressed and no further investigations.

“Well, isn’t that a lovely little article,” Janet throws her iPad on the floor and I wince. “Really, today is your last day here and you couldn’t control yourself? We planned a perfect trip and you mucked it all up!”

Brooklyn and I are seated on the couch the morning after the incident at the party while Janet berates us. “Stop it Janet, seriously. Sidney didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Really? He assaulted someone, that’s illegal regardless of what country we are in!”

Finally I stand, “He kept touching my girlfriend after she repeatedly told him to stop. Of course I was going to stop him! What else was I going to do?”

“Be a refined and evolved human being. This isn’t the goddamn ice court.”

“Ice rink.” I correct her but she merely waves her hand.

“Sidney, why don’t you go back in the bedroom, don’t you need to talk to Pat? I’ll be with you in a minute. I need to talk to Janet.”

I give Brooklyn a quick kiss on the top of her head and then disappear into the bedroom. I have the overwhelming urge to throw something, but I refrain myself. Instead I find my phone which is still receiving congratulatory messages from my friends and family. It seems that I’m being portrayed as a hero over there, take that Janet. Brooklyn is right though, I need to call Pat. “Good, you called.”

“Yeah, I just wanted to check in. How deep of shit am I in?”

I hear Pat sigh, “Kid, it’s not that bad. I’ll release a statement saying that you don’t believe violence is the answer but you were caught up in an emotional moment. And I’ll mention that you thought Brooklyn was in danger. Sound good with you?”

“As long as you don’t say that I’m sorry it’s perfect.”

My agent laughs, “Really, this is going pretty well over here. You’re the knight in shining armor that saved the Princess. It helps that your record is cleaner than a brand-new car too.”

“I knew being boring would come in handy one day,” I chuckle and relax on the bed.

“We all want to know though, what changed? You never do something idiotic like this in public. It could be seriously damaging. And it’s just been a week since the lost; usually you’re just emerging from your cave of self-loathing. Why the change?”

“It’s her. And it’s a good thing. I feel like I’m breathing fresh air when I’m around her. You know, it’s like a whole new world now that she’s in it.” I pause trying to find the words. “Remember when you first asked me if she was worth it?”

“Yeah.”

“She is and she proves it every day. Brooklyn stayed after the playoff loss you know?

“Really?” I give an affirmative nod. “I’m happy for you, just promise me that you’re going to stay out of trouble.”

“I’ll try.” I hang up and think about our conversation and how I feel about Brooklyn. Punching Zac was instinct. He hurt Brooklyn before and for all I knew he was about to again. I wouldn’t let that happen because I love her and because if anything happened to her I don’t know what I would do.

My reverie is interrupted when the girl in question walks in, “Hey, how was Pat?”

I motion to a spot on the bed and she climbs in, “Apparently, I’m a hero. I saved the damsel in distress and all. Public thinks I’m amazing, well besides the Flyers fans at least.”

“They’re a little late getting the memo,” We are silent enjoying each other’s company for a moment. “Janet is going to apologize by the way. I didn’t like her talking to you like that, especially when you were protecting me.”

I shrug trying not to show my internal victory parade. “I can see her point I suppose.”

“Have I said thank-you yet?”

“Only about a million times.”

“Well, thank you for the million and first time.”

I laugh and pull Brooklyn closer, “I just, I knew you didn’t want him there and he wasn’t listening. And then I thought about all that shit he put you through. I really hate that guy.”

Brooklyn rearranges herself so she can look me in the eye, “I uh never really told you about what happened with Zac and I.”

Come to think of it she hadn’t. I knew the bare details but not much more than that. “Well no, but you don’t have too. I don’t want to beat a dead horse.” She pauses and I know that she wants to say something more. “Babe?”

“I want to tell you, just so it’s all out there and then we don’t have to ever discuss it again.”

I swallow and then focus, “I’m listening.”

“Just, Zac was the first man I ever fell in love with. I’ve never felt more helpless or out of control when we were seeing each other. My world revolved around him
and the drugs; I wasn’t me. I was simply Zac Efron’s girlfriend. And I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

She sighs and I can see the tears in her eyes, “That I’m weak. They always say your first love has a power over you. He offered me cocaine last night, I said no of course, but what if one day i say yes again? In California that stuff is everywhere and everyone is willing to get it for you no questions asked. You’ll leave me again, and I can’t bear that.”

If I was angry before I’m furious now. How dare he offer her that shit again? I sit up and bring Brooklyn onto my lap. Gently I hold her face in my hands. “You are the strongest person I know Brooklyn and that is one of the many reasons I love you. And I love you for you. You made a mistake, it happens. You were in an unfamiliar place and exploited, I get that. And those few months aren’t going to define you for the rest of your life. Do you understand?”

She nods so I continue, “If, heaven forbid you relapse one day, I will be right by your side. Do you hear me? I’m never going to leave you again regardless of what you do because I love you. We love each other unselfishly and fully, something you didn’t have with Zac, I’m sure of it.”

“That sounds really nice Sidney.”

“Stop that,” I force Brooklyn to look at me. “These aren’t just words and empty promises. Do you understand that? I love you Brooklyn, forever and nothing will change that.”

Brooklyn is full on crying now, “I love you so much.”

“Good, because you’re stuck with me.” I wipe some tears away. “Please stop crying. You should be happy.”

“But I am happy, just really happy.”

A few minutes later Brooklyn is calm again and I’m stroking her hair lazily, “I was thinking, what if we extended this a few more days. But do a bunch of touristy things maybe we can go to Austria? I remember saying you loved it there.”

She smiles, “I wish we could, but I have to finish planning Brianna’s bachelorette party and I know you need to start training.”

“I’m supposed to be the practical one you know that right?”

She laughs and it’s a beautiful sound, but interrupted by a knock at the door, “Last event starts in two hours. We need to get you two ready!”

We are back in Pittsburgh just for a few days before we split up again. Brooklyn is headed to Vegas tomorrow for the bachelorette party while I’m going to Nova Scotia to start training for the summer. “Shouldn’t I be more excited for my sister’s bachelorette party?”

I’m watching T.V. in our bedroom while Brooklyn is packing a rather larger suitcase for a week’s trip. “Considering you’re the one who planned it, probably.”

“It’s just the other girls are so standoffish, you know?”

Honestly, I have no idea what she means. I’m more focused on the T.V. but I give a little non-committal grunt.

I feel a pillow hit my head, “You’re not even listening are you?” I grunt again. “Unbelievable.”

“I’m sorry babe, really.” I stand and wrap Brooklyn in my arms even though she pulls away at first. “You know I suck at this chick stuff.”

“Trust me, I know.” She sighs and then throws a few more things in the suitcase. “I think that’s as good as it’s going to get.”

“That’s an awful big suitcase for such a short trip.”

“I forgot to tell you. I have a meeting or two in L.A. about some potential roles.”

I’m intrigued. I know that she hasn’t been filming in a while and this was inevitable, but I don’t want her to go somewhere far to film. “Anything particularly interesting?”

“Well, there is a new movie about Marie Antoinette in the works.”

“Would that involve filming in France?”

She bites her lip, “Yeah it would unfortunately.”

“I don’t want to be selfish here, but I would rather you stay in the U.S., then we could see each other more. Isnt there anything else in Pittsburgh?” I sound needy, but can anyone blame me? I want my girlfriend here with me, not halfway around the world.

“It’s kind of a dream role if I get it Sidney. I could win another Oscar.”

“Well, when would they start filming?”

“Mid-July.”

At first I don’t think I heard her right, but her face says it all. If they start filming in Mid-July there goes our entire summer together. “You’re kidding right? I thought we were going to spend the summer together?”

“I can’t just put my career on hold Sidney.”

“These are kind of extenuating circumstances don’t you think?”

She scoffs, “So I’m never allowed to film a movie in the summer, even if it is the role of a lifetime?”

“Don’t twist my words.”

“That’s exactly what you meant. I’m all about compromise Sidney, but this doesn’t feel like one. For Christ’s sake I haven’t filmed a movie since November and I’m an actress. That isn’t right.”

“You don’t have to work anymore. I can provide for both of us and you can stay here in Pittsburgh.”

As soon as the words are out I know that they were the wrong thing to say. “Are you fucking kidding me? Is this what’s its going to be like? I quit my career so you can feel supported. What makes yours more important than mine?”

“Brooklyn, come on.”

“No, explain it to me. You figured as we continued to get more serious I would just stop acting. Right?”

Her cheeks are flushing and I know that I’m entering dangerous territory. “Well, you do have the more flexible career.”

“Unbelievable! I thought you would understand this. Both of us are blessed to be in the professions we are passionate about, and you want me to give that up?”

When she says it like that I know that I’ve made a royal mess of things. I would be lying though if I didn’t want our life to be like the Dupuis. Five years down the road hell three years down the road I want to come home every night and Brooklyn be there. I guess that won’t happen though. “What happens when we get married, have kids?”

“I’m sorry did I miss your proposal?”

“Well, we clearly need to discuss our future. Because I don’t think either of us have seriously considered it.”

She sighs and sits on the bed, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to pick a fight, but I love acting and I don’t think I can give it up.”

I gently rub her back, “I was wrong to suggest anything like it. You go have fun this week and good luck with the auditions. When we are back in Pittsburgh we can discuss everything, okay?”

She smiles and I can’t help but smile too, “That sounds good. I want to make this work Sidney, I really do.”

“Me too.”

******


I land in Vegas for my sister’s bachelorette extravaganza a little off. Sidney’s and I’s argument is still at the forefront of my brain. Right now it seems that the two of us are pretty far apart on the spectrum and I don’t know if either of us are going to budge enough. I sigh though and try to focus on being happy for my sister. When I get to the front desk of Caesar’s Palace I’m told that I’m the last of the party to arrive. The desk clerk quickly calls over the manager who bends over backwards in welcoming me. Clearly they know that I’m the one footing the bill for this extravagant weekend. “Ms. Donahue welcome to our resort we are so happy to have you here. The other ladies are already in the Chairman suite awaiting your arrival. I will personally escort you there.”

As we walk through the casino a few people come up to me for photos or autographs and I happily oblige until finally the casino’s security escorts us to the elevator. The ride to the penthouse Is a quick one thankfully. “If you need anything at all please do not hesitate to ask. Your bags are already in the suite, have a wonderful stay.”

With that he leaves and I slowly enter the suite. It’s grand even by my standards. “Hello?”

My greeting is met with screaming and the pounding of feet. Suddenly I’m no longer alone in the foyer. In front of me is my sister, of course with a veil, my cousin, a childhood friend of my sister’s Beth and then two Flyer WAGs. Brianna immediately wraps me in a hug, “Oh finally you’re here! Now the party can begin!”

Turns out that I’m already a drink or four behind so the girls ply me with beverages. After my pseudo argument with Sidney I don’t turn down the alcoholic concoctions. Out on our private terrace my cousin comes up to me, “Thank god you are here. These girls are killing me.”

“Oh no, why?”

She shrugs, “I don’t know. They are just so damn loud.”

I laugh and nod my head in agreement, “Well, we will stick together this week then.” I take another large sip of my fruity drink. “Do I even want to know what’s in this?”

“No.” We are quiet for a little while longer, “What does she want to do tonight?”

“Just dinner I’m pretty sure. Tomorrow we start the real festivities. My sister wanted the stereotypical bachelorette party and she’s going to get one don’t worry.”

The next night we are all assembled in the foyer of our insane suite ready for an evening of debauchery. We are going to start with what else, a stripper. Unbeknownst to my sister when we sit down for dinner tonight a few strippers will join us. Dana is the only other one aware of my plan. I clap my hands and motion to everyone’s champagne glasses, “Tonight marks the beginning for the end for my sister’s single life. We are all so happy to be able to share it with you.
This first toast is to you and all of your amazingness!” All of us down the drinks then I speak up one last time. “What would a party be without your tiara and sash though?” I produce the aforementioned items and place them on my sister who laughs.

Down in the restaurant we are enjoying some wine and our dinners when there is a knock on our private door. Dana and I exchange a glance as scantily clad men enter. My sister gasps, “You didn’t!” I only nod and am rewarded by a huge smile. “You are the best.”

I hand her a stack of bills and point the men over to my sister. After a few dances and more drinks Brianna speaks up, “Guys, you can’t forget about my maid-of-honor. She is a great tipper!”

“Oh, no no no. This was a gift to you girls,” the guys get closer and one pushes me into a chair before starting his gyrations. “Really, I don’t need to..” And then he takes off his shirt. I can’t lie, he’s good-looking. I mean he is a stripper after all. After a few more protests I finally give in and stick a fifty in his g-string. Eventually I lose myself in the fun as well. All of us are smiling and laughing at the end of their performance.

I stand to settle the bills with the guys when my dancer stops me, “Thanks for the awesome party. We rarely get girls that are that hot. It makes it easier.”

“Well, you don’t need me to tell you y’all did a good job. I’m pretty sure my wallet is stashed somewhere in your undergarments.”

He laughs, “I’m Matt, it’s nice to meet you.” We shake hands and he continues. “The guys would kill me if I didn’t do this; we are all going to be at the Venetian later tonight. It would be awesome if we ran into your group again. My man, James really likes that one girl.” He motions to my cousin.

“Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind. Have a nice night.” He leans in for a kiss on the cheek.

When I get back to the girls they all want to know what the exotic dancer and I discussed. “We apparently made an impression; they want to hang out later tonight.” All of the girls giggle and I can’t help laughing too.

My sister stands though, “As exciting as that is, what’s our next location?”

She always did like to be in charge, “VIP room at the club in Bellagio.”

Brianna seems happy about that and we take our limo to the club. Before we get out I take a quick picture of Brianna and I for twitter and then we exit. The entrance to the club is mobbed by people and paparazzi alike. Luckily, we are expected and security escorts us in with little incident.

The next morning I wake up with a pounding headache. The first thing I notice is that I am in fact back in the suite. And the second thing I notice is that someone is in the bed next to me. Fuck.

*****


Ringing wakes me up from my slumber. I shuffle around for my phone in the dark. “Hello?”

“Sidneeeeyyyyyyyyy!”

My brain doesn’t register the high-pitched sound on the other end, “Sorry, who’s this?”

“Come on, you knowwwwww or you better knowwww. It’s Brooklyn, your girlfriend, duh.”

I’m fully awake now realizing that I have a very drunk girlfriend on the phone. I check my clock and realize that it’s about 2 am in Las Vegas, well at least they’re having fun. “I know who you are babe. What’s going on over there?”

There is a crash on the other end and I can hear thumping bass, “A LOT of fun. We had dinner and then we went to a club and now we are back at our suite. I might be a little drunk.”

“Maybe more than a little,” I add dryly.

She gasps, “Oh no, you were sleeping weren’t you?”

“I was, but this is much more interesting,” I hear some yelling. “Was there a reason you called?”

“Oh right. We had strippers earlier,” I go to interrupt. “You can yell at me later. There’s more important things now. Okayyyy?”

I refrain from laughing, “Okay.”

“This one was totally all over me ALL night, but I said no. And I sent him home. You know why?”

“Because he was a stripper?”

“No!” She laughs loudly. “Well yeah, but no. I sent him home because I love you silly.”

“You love me huh?”

“Yepppp,” She pops the ‘p’ and I can’t help but smile. “You know how much I love you?”

“How much?”

“I decided not to take that part you know. The one about the French lady who loses her head.”

“Marie Antoinette?” I volunteer suddenly concerned where this conversation is going.

“Uh huh.”

Oh shit, I thought we were discussing this. She said it was the role of a lifetime and she gave it up for me. I feel horrible and selfish and like a prick. “Babe, you didn’t officially turn it down did you?”

“Nah, I’ll call them in the morning. I’m kind of a big deal you know, they are going to be so upset.”

“Aren’t you going to be upset?”

“Of course, Sidney. This role only comes once in a career, but you and we are mush mo important. I mean how are we ever going to get married if I can’t give up this one little thing.”

Married? She still wants to get married. I focus on the first part though and realize it’s not just a little thing. This is huge for her. Her words are starting to slur quite horribly and I know this conversation won’t last much longer. “Babe, you need to go to sleep. And promise me that you will call me tomorrow first thing.” There isn’t any confirmation. “Brooklyn, did you hear me?”

“Yes, sir!” She giggles and I can even admit that it sounds so damn cute. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“I love you,” I only hear the dial tone. I sit back in my bed and think about what she said. When I try to get back to sleep I realize I can’t. Guilt is thick in my stomach; I can’t let her give up that part. I would be a horrible boyfriend. Thirty minutes later sleep still won’t come to me so I start going over my plan for while Brooklyn is away. On my iPad I confirm reservations and flights, but eventually I find myself searching engagement rings. Before I know it I’m asleep visions of princess cut versus cushion daunting my dreams.

My flight has just landed in Montreal the next afternoon; I’m on the way home for a few days to finalize training plans. I spy a tabloid on the newsstand. Brooklyn and I are on the cover and it all seems surreal. Very rarely am I ever the subject of these things. It promises to share inside scoop of Brooklyn’s time in Vegas too so I buy it.

Las Vegas—It seems that our favorite actress is really racking up the frequent flyer miles. Brooklyn Donahue has now been spotted tearing up the scene in Las Vegas. Just a few days ago Donahue and alpha-male boyfriend, Sidney Crosby were enchanting us in Cannes and now back state side the couple has been split by conflicting plans. Sources assure that the two are stronger than ever. The blonde beauty is in Vegas celebrating her sister’s bachelorette party which is a strictly girls-only event.
Her first day there Brooklyn once again impressed us with her impressive beach body poolside. We included some pictures of the starlet in her barely there bikini. Things really got interesting last night though according to multiple reports the party enjoyed the company of some male exotic dancers and things got very interesting. The group partied well into the…

When my phone starts to ring, I throw the magazine in the nearest trashcan, mostly bullshit anyways. Checking the caller ID I smile, this is going to be good, “How are you feeling babe?”

She groans, “Oh my God, I just want to be horizontal.” I laugh and it must be loud because I hear Brooklyn wince. “Please don’t do that. I have questions for you though.”

“I’m sure you do.” I’m walking to my next gate and notice someone pull out a camera. I shift my bag higher on my shoulder and pull down my ball cap.

“Why did you text me last night demanding that I call you first thing and why don’t I remember our ten minute phone conversation last night?”

Wow, she really doesn’t remember anything. This makes it a bit trickier. “Well, you called me apparently blackout and you said some stuff.”

She groans again, “Oh no, what stuff?” I’m silent. “Shit, I told you about the strippers, didn’t i?”

“You did, and you were very proud that you kicked one of them out.”

“Oh yeah, go me! Anything else I might have said. I woke up next to my cousin, Dana, this morning and neither of us could put the pieces together.”

The question is, do I tell her or should I let this go. “You talked about the movie.”

“What movie?”

“The one about Marie Antoinette. You uhm said you were going to turn down the part.” I pause and close my eyes. “For us.”

I hear only silence on the phone before I finally speak up, “And I wanted you to call me first thing so I could tell you to not turn it down. I want you to take the part.”

“Sidney…”

“No, I want you to. It would make you happy right? I know it would and I love it when you’re happy. If you’re not happy I’m not.”

“You are amazing you know that right?”

“I know.” Suddenly the PA system announces that my flight is boarding in just a few minutes. “Look, I have to go, my flight is about to board. Have fun, stay safe. And don’t think I’m going to let you off the hook for this stripper thing.”

Her laughter is one of the last things I hear, “I love you Crosby.”

Finally, I’m at home. My second house on the lake is stale so I open some windows. Looking out on the water I instantly know that I want Brooklyn and I to spend some time here this summer before she has to go shoot her movie. This place is as big of a part of me as Pittsburgh is, maybe even more. I sigh when I hear the doorbell ring; obviously my parents were tracking my flight. They come in and we hug. My mother looks at me straight in the eyes, “I told you, no fighting on the rink or otherwise.”

“Mom, he had his hands on her.”

Before she can react my father pats me on the back, “That’s my boy. I taught you defend your woman.”

I roll my eyes as my parents explore my house and presumably start making dinner. Taylor comes up to me, “So now he supports Brooklyn and I?”

Taylor shrugs, “Mom made him see that he was being an ass. It helped that you finally stood up to him. And you are so damn happy Dad couldn’t be pissed for long.”

“I guess miracles do happen.”

“I suppose.” My sister seemed distracted. “Hey, do you mind if I borrow your iPad for a second?”

“No problem. I’m going to find mom and dad.”

They are outside. My dad is grilling while my mother sweeps the deck, “Mom, please don’t do that. You know I hate when we visit and you clean.”

“Please let me do this little thing for my baby boy,” She pats my cheek. “Where is the lovely Brooklyn?”

“Bachelorette party for her sister. I was thinking that we would spend some time here in Cole Harbor this summer.”

My mother cheers, “Oh my, yes! You two must. Really, Diane down at the hair salon has been gossiping so much about the two of you. It would do some good if she spent some time in the community.”

Even my dad sounds enthused. “That would be really great son.”

Suddenly we hear my sister scream from inside than the sound of her running footsteps. She appears on the deck out of breath and holding my iPad. “Why are you looking at custom engagement rings?”

******


I hang up on the phone with Sidney and walk to the kitchenette of our suite. “Finally decided to join the land of the living sis?” Brianna is sitting with her head on the granite countertop and barely acknowledges my statement.

My cousin on the other hand does, “How was Sidney?”

“He’s good. Apparently we had a nice long talk last night.”

“Oh no.”

I sit down on a stool, “Oh yes. I told him I was going to give up a dream role for him and I vaguely remember the word marriage being thrown about.”

Dana whistles, “Damn, now it’s a really good thing you didn’t do anything with that gorgeous stripper.”

I scoff, “Please, nothing was ever going to happen with that sleezeball.” My phone rings again and I excuse myself. “Hello?”

“Hi dear, it’s Janet. I was just making sure we were still on for this weekend.”

I nod, “Yes, I’m all ready to audition and then be wined and dined.”

“Well, it might be a bit more than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I scheduled a few photo shoots and interviews that’s all. Nothing major I promise. Besides you know that you already have the part in the film so that will be quick. It should only be an extra two days in L.A.”

I try not to groan remembering that this has to happen for me to be successful. “Fine.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and think about Sidney. “Janet we need to discuss the shooting schedule for the Marie Antoinette film. I want to do some tweaking.”

Notes

Sooo there it is, the penultimate chapter! Thank you all for reading and commenting, I truly appreciate it! The next chapter will be the last one, sooo get ready! ;)