Counting Stars

I don’t hear from Sidney again until Saturday, when I am getting ready for the London premiere of Glimpses of Paradise. This is our last premiere, we have already done LA and Vienna and the crowds have been pretty consistent. People definitely come to the premiere to see the stars and we have a lot of them in our movie including the amazingly talented Brad Pitt. My agent tells me the reviews have been good so far and there is already talk about Oscar nominations. I force this all out of mind though as I stare at my phone in my towel. Honestly, I’ve missed hanging out with Sidney and even though we didn’t have anything serious I thought it at least would have warranted a response to my text last Saturday. Regardless I have to open this message, I saw pictures from the premiere on Thursday. You looked absolutely beautiful, not that I was surprised.

I smile, but decide that I’m going to let him stew for a little bit. He has a game today anyways so I’m sure he has bigger things to worry about. My makeup team enters the room along with Emma and they are shocked to see that I am so far behind, I smile sheepishly and we all start to rush to get me ready in time.

Tonight, we picked out a forest green jumpsuit with a strapless sweetheart bodice. It was simple so we added tons of gold bangles and jewelry along with a gorgeous pair of gold metallic heels. We kept my hair straight and simple. Finally, they handed me a colorful embroidered oversized envelope clutch. All together my ensemble looked chic, perfect for London. My publicist, who would be running my red carpet tour, gave us the okay and we are ready to go. Emma came to stand next to me and handed my phone, wallet and a little mini bottle of champagne, “I know you get nervous.”

We both laugh and I stick the bottle in my purse for the limo ride and instead look at my phone and see that I have a text message from Sidney, When you get back I think we should catch a movie at my place. Have fun tonight and let me know.

I noticed Emma reading the message over my shoulder, “Beau says that he has mentioned you once or twice.”

“I don’t know why I’m thinking about this, of course I’m going to go over there when we get back.” We are in the limo and I type out a quick response, Thanks that sweet of you to say. That sounds perfect, I’ll text you when I’m back in town. Good luck tonight :)

“Smiley faced emoticon? Slut,” Emma was apparently reading over my shoulder. She just smiles though and I laugh with her.

“Shut up,” she just laughs harder and I pull out my mini bottle of champagne to calm my nerves before we get out of the limo.

Once we arrive, I take a deep breath and slide out of the car. London by far has turned out the most fans. The carpet is crowded with British actors and stars from all media forms and the fans line the streets and barricades. I take a deep breath and put on my smile, before waving to the fans and flashing cameras.

Our private plane touches down in Pittsburgh late in the afternoon. The walk to my car is cold, the November chill has definitely started to sink in. Emma and I hug quickly in the parking lot, “You have to be on set at 7:00 am tomorrow. Coffee date before or I will bring it to your trailer?”

“Just bring it to my trailer. I know you and Beau will be having a long night,” I wink.

“Shu
t up. Don’t pretend that you aren’t about to go meet up with Sidney.”
I just laugh and slide into my car. Honestly, I haven’t worked up the courage to text Sidney again. Oh, what the hell. I’m stopped at a red light so I pull out my phone, Back in the Burgh, hope you’re having a good Sunday!

As soon as I send it I instantly regret it. Really, I used the word burgh? I might actually be an idiot. It’s about five minutes and my phone beeps, Glad you made it back safely. I have some of the guys over right now for the football game. You’re more than welcome.

I contemplate, if he is having a bros night I really don’t want to interrupt that. My musings are interrupted though by anther beep, Emma is on her way and a few of the guys brought their girls too.

That sounds perfect, I just need to drop off my stuff at the hotel. Do I need to bring anything?

His response is almost immediate, No, we have beer we’re good. See you in a few. And the next message is what I’m assuming is his address. I zone out for the rest of the ride back to the hotel and park my car somewhere close. The bellboys help me take my bags up to my room. I glance in the mirror and realize that I need to do some primping before I head over to Sidney’s place. Quickly, I decide to throw on a fresh pair of leggings and an oversized loose sweater. I grab a pair of brown leather boots and my black tote and I am back out the door.

With the help of the GPS in my car I can find my way to Sidney’s house easily. At each stoplight I take a moment to touch up my makeup and my hair hoping that I don’t look like I’m trying too hard. His neighborhood is about twenty minutes away and my jaw actually drops when I start to see the homes. They are all huge with large perfect lawns and matching mailboxes. In short it looks like those neighborhoods that someone has to invite you to become a part of. According to the GPS I arrive at a massive brick house with many windows. The sun is setting so lights illuminate the differentiating planes of the home. It’s absolutely beautiful, I pull through the open gate and park in the huge driveway along with some Mercedes and one Ferrari. I take one last glance in the mirror and then take a deep breath.

********

“Who are you texting man?” Paulie asked me. We were sitting at the island in my kitchen waiting for the guys to get here. This weekend was great, two straight wins and no games until Wednesday. Everyone wanted to relax and a Steelers Sunday night game was the perfect way to do that. As soon as he asked I heard Flower and Vero walk in the door their accents ringing clearly throughout the hallway.

“Brooklyn actually, she just got back from her premiere,” I tried to keep the smile off of my face as I mentioned her.

“Oh, Sidney is smiling? So I guess we are talking about Brooklyn then,” Flower arrived in the kitchen his wife not far behind him.

Vero came over and kissed me on the cheek, “So, it is true then, no? You are dating Brooklyn Donahue.”

“It’s nothing official,” I shrug. It’s the truth, technically we aren’t together. I would be lying if I said that I hadn’t thought about it and I have been thinking about her too much the last week. My phone beeps and I see that’s she’s agreed to come over. “She is actually going to come over and watch the game.”

“Who is coming over to watch the game?” Pascal walked into the kitchen along with his wife Carole-Lynn, Geno and James followed them in as well. Carole-Lynn instantly goes over and gives Vero a hug while I grab beers for everyone. I answer Duper’s question and Carole-Lynn actually squeals.

“Wait, really? I’m not dressed to meet an actress. She is probably going to look absolutely beautiful, she always does. Did you see that dress she wore this week Vero? What I would do to have her body, or at least her boobs.”

Everyone in the kitchen just looks at Carole-Lynn, she is never like this. Pascal just takes a gulp of his beer and shakes his head. Vero speaks up, “Let’s go sit on the couch.”

Once they’re gone Pascal continues the conversation, “Well, I don’t know if I’m as excited as my wife is, but looking forward to meeting her and not just ogling her pictures.”

I chuckle, “Excited for you guys to meet her too, but the game is about to start let’s head over to the couches. We all walk into the living room where it’s clear that the ladies are still talking about Brooklyn. Both Pascal and Flower sit down next their wives and try to distract them. The game is still doing pregame interviews and I try to relax. My heart leaps out of my throat as the door opens again and then I hear, “The party has arrived!” It’s obviously Beau and Burtuzzo and I’m assuming Emma as well. We call over for them to join us and they turn the corner a few seconds later.

Beau sets the extra beer and pizza down and then clears his throat, “I would like to introduce you all to my girlfriend Emma Sanders. Emma you’ve already met James and Geno of course, but that’s Paul and then Flower and his wife Vero and then Duper and his wife Carole-Lynn.” Everyone gives a little wave and the girls instantly wave Emma over to start the bonding ritual. Whenever a new girl is introduced the current WAGs feel the need to interrogate her. Emma takes it all in stride though. The only one left is Brooklyn now. I try to focus on the TV and Geno talking next to me, but it’s no use. My brain is focusing on hearing the door. And then I hear the doorbell, everyone instantly looks at me. We all know who it is; she is the only one who would actually ring the doorbell. I walk to the door and look out the peephole seeing that it is in fact Brooklyn at the door. With one last look towards the heavens I open the door.

“Hey, Sidney. Thanks for having me over,” Brooklyn is standing there looking perfect and casual.

I smile, “Come on in,” She does and I take her coat from her and hang it on the banister. She is wearing a baggy sweater and leggings and she looks too good for my health. I pull her towards me and give her a quick peck on the lips before we hug; she feels amazing in my arms. Inhaling, I smell her now familiar and comforting scent and feel genuinely happy.

“Your home looks incredible Sidney,” she comments as we break our hug.

I rub the back of my neck, “Thanks, I built it about a year ago. I mean uh I didn’t build it, but uh you know what I mean.”

She laughs and then places her hand on my arm, “Yeah I think I do.”

“Well come on in everyone is here and the game is about to start,” I lead her to the TV room where everyone has situated around the TV. Geno and Nealer pulled some chairs over while the girls are all on the couch together effectively pushing Duper, Flower and Beau to the small loveseat. Once we walk in everyone turns to look at us. Carole-Lynn and Vero have the worst poker faces ever while Paul and Burtozzo and all the guys really shamelessly check Brooklyn out.

“Everyone, this is Brooklyn. And uh Brooklyn this is well Everyone,” Well that was an atrocious introduction Sidney. But regardless Brooklyn smiled and waved. I looked at her, “Do you want a beer?”

“That would be great, thanks,” We lock eyes for a second and then she shyly looks down.

I turn to go to the kitchen and I hear Carol-Lynne interject, “Come sit with the ladies hun!”

When I get back to the room Brooklyn is completely immersed in a conversation with Carol-Lynne, Vero and Emma. They are all laughing and I stop for a second and am amazed by how naturally beautiful she is and how perfect she looks sitting on my couch. Geno coughs and I start walking again. I hand her the beer and she whispers thanks. I walk over to my arm chair and sit down next to Duper. The kickoff is just about to start and I know that Nealer is about to tell the girls to be quiet, but someone speaks up first.

“Sorry, Vero, but this is Steelers and the Browns. I need to pay attention.”

“You like the Steelers?” Rob questions.

She shakes her head, “Are you kidding me? I’m from Ohio, Browns all the way.”

The room explodes with good natured ribbing, “How can you do that to yourself? I mean they are atrocious!” Rob continued.

“Talk shit all you want, but you know what they say about sports teams from Pittsburgh?” we are all quiet as she takes a sip of her beer. “They are all a bunch of cheats.” A chorus of ‘oh’s fill the room and she speaks up once more, “And, and, their captains are especially annoying.” She makes eye contact with me when she says that, and her lips form a slow smile.

I feel the blood rush downwards, “How about we make a wager then?” I know that the guys are shocked by my actions; this is a little out of my character. Flirting in public like this wasn’t my usual style. But maybe it was her or my beer or the way she looked so comfortable surrounded by my team mates, whatever it was it was addicting.

She nodded, “What did you have in mind?” She tips her beer bottle up to her lips and takes a long gulp and I see all the single guys watch every movement.

“Steelers win, you have to wear my jersey to our next home game,” she nods and goes to speak, but I continue, “AND tweet your love for the Steelers and all Pittsburgh teams.”

“I will never say that I love the Steelers, but I’ll at least acknowledge them, fair enough?”

I nod, “Fine. And if by some miracle the Browns win?”

“Hmmmm, when the Browns win you have to wear a Browns jersey during your practice interviews tomorrow.”

“Let’s shake on it,” I hold out my hand and Brooklyn walks over and shakes it. “Deal.” The guys all clap and voice their approval. Beau had slid into Brooklyn’s spot on the couch while she was up so Brooklyn sits down next to me and my arms quickly and comfortably falls around her shoulders.

*********

“Come on, come on!” Brooklyn is yelling at the TV screen as the Browns are running towards the endzone to take the lead. There are only a few seconds left and they are down by three, the whole game is riding on this play. My entire living room is completely absorbed in the game and yelling at the TV, it’s quickly become girls against guys. The lads want me to win the bet, while the girls want Brooklyn to win of course. “TOUCHDOWN!!!! Suck it Crosby!”

It’s not lady like at all, but it’s so hot. I’ve never been with a girl who actually cares about sports before. I glance at the screen and notice that the refs threw a flag, “Hold on one moment babe, the referees are reviewing the play.”

We all quiet down and listen to the TV, sure enough the refs are saying that the Browns player went down before they scored the touchdown and there is no more time on the clock. Therefore the Steelers win, and I win the bet. Everyone comes to the realization slowly and then all us guys erupt in cheers. The girls grown and Brooklyn exclaims, “Utter bullshit, Crosby!”

I shrug, “A bet is a bet.”

“Fine, fine.”

Since the game is over everyone begins to file out and everyone gives Brooklyn a hug until it is just the two of us left. “Here, let me help you clean up a little bit.” The two of us throw away some of the stray beer bottles and the bags of chips. We end up in the kitchen, “Do you want another one?”

She shakes her head, “I have to drive home, so I should stop.”

I just nod and we are silent for a moment, “So are you ready to wear my jersey next week?”

“You don’t have a home game until next week?” She looks surprised, and maybe a little disappointed.

“Yeah we are in New York on Wednesday and St. Louis Saturday, we will be back next Sunday and then we play the flyers that Wednesday.”

She whistles, “Damn, I don’t know how you keep all of that straight. I’m lucky if I know where I’m going to be tomorrow.”

“I’ve been doing it for so long it’s kind of second nature. But really I’m impressed that you are still on your feet right now. You were in a different country this morning.”

She shrugs and her blonde hair falls over one of her shoulders, “I like to travel, it comes with the job, I just wish I had time to actually enjoy the cities you know?”

“What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?”

She answers immediately, “Vienna, it’s like something out of a fairytale. Everything is so colorful and beautiful, a perfect marriage of the new and the old. And what about you?”

I rarely leave North America, but I feel pressured to be exotic and worldly around her. This girl makes me feel like my life is boring and mundane. “Ummm, I had an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival once, that was a fun week. I would love to explore Europe more.”

She nods, “I’ll be at Cannes this summer hopefully.” Her sentence drags off and I know we are both wondering where we will be when that event rolls around.

“Do you want to see the rest of the house?”

She looks at her watch, “Another time? I have an early shoot in the morning.” She hops off of the bar stool and bends over to throw her beer bottle into the trash under the sink. Her movement naturally draws attention to her ass, which I remember felt great in my hands when we were in her apartment. I follow her so I’m behind her and when she straightens I pull her into me. She gasps and turns so she’s facing me, “Did you need something, Captain?”

I look into her beautiful blue eyes, “Yes,” I close the microscopic distance between us and capture her lips in mine. After a few moments her tongue traces my lips and I quickly deepen the kiss. Her hands run through my hair, while I rest my hands on the counter behind her. We pull away and she opens her mouth to say something, but I push Brooklyn against the counter and take her lips again. Her arms wrap around my neck and she pushes against me, I groan and I hear her chuckle. I move my lips to nip her neck and am rewarded with a gasp. My hands are running up those gorgeous curves and move her shirt to the side and run my finger along her soft smooth skin. Brooklyn moves my face away from her neck and kisses me, hard. I squeeze her curves harder and she writhes against me. Her hands run down my chest and shove my sweater up, I happily oblige and throw my sweater across the room. When I focus on Brooklyn again she is looking at my chest, and I flex with male satisfaction. She runs her hands along my stomach and bites her lip before pulling her back to me. I need to see more skin and decide to push my luck I lift he up on the counter and she groans, I continue though and roughly shove her flimsy shirt up. Thank the good lord she obliges and I am rewarded with a most amazing view.

Her chest is rising rapidly and her breasts are threatening to spill out of the pink lace bra she is wearing. We kiss again and her skin against mine feels heavenly. I slide my hand up to remove that pesky article of clothing when a phone goes off. The spell is broken and we both lean away. My hands rest on her hips and hers are still around my neck. I give her a quick kiss on her the forehead and then step away. She hops down, grabs her shirt and then checks her phone. “I don’t think we should be left alone together.”

I’m slipping on my shirt when she says that and I laugh, “But where is the fun in that?” I walk back towards her so we are side by side. “Who interrupted this time?”

“No, one really, they can wait anyways. I do need to go though,” she shoves her phone in her boots and brushes her hair away.

I grab her hand and hug her one last time, “Thank you for coming tonight, I hope you had fun.”

She smiles, “I did, your teammates are sweethearts.” We start walking to the door and I help her put on the jacket.

“I’ll see you when I get back then?” she nods. “Don’t worry I will have James monitoring your twitter for that tweet.”

“Well, just give me something to tweet about,” she winks. “Good luck this week, stay safe.” I don’t respond right away and her eyebrows furrow, “What are you thinking about so hard?”

“Just imagining how good you’re going to look in my jersey is all.”

Notes

Really like this chapter, hope y'all do too!!!!