Counting Stars

My alarm goes off in the morning loud and obtrusive around 9 am. I go to stretch my stiff body out and realize that I can’t. Sidney and I are intertwined from our activities from the night before. His front is flush against back and I take a second to enjoy the intimacy of the moment. Just then the cause of my immobility moves, his arms tightening around me, “You’re not allowed to go.”

I laugh and turn in Sidney’s strong arms, “Trust me I wish I could stay, but I have to work.” I go to get up again and his arms still wrap around me like iron.

His chest rises and falls laughing at my futile struggle, “One kiss, that’s all and then you can go.”

I feel like this is a trap and Sidney’s eyes sparkle with something mischievous. Regardless though I lean over and give Sidney a quick peck on the lips. He immediately takes advantage of our position and deepens the kiss. His hands roam and pull me on top of him. I pull away, “Don’t finish something we can’t finish Sid.”

He releases me with a sigh, “Fair enough.” I roll off and walk towards the bathroom not bothering to cover myself. I hear Sidney whistle and I turn around and stick my tongue out at him. “What do you want for breakfast?”

I smile, Captain Canada would be the guy that stays to make breakfast, “How about eggs?” While he goes to make breakfast I hop in the shower and relive some of the events from last night. I sigh remembering all that hard muscle and Sidney’s rough hands knowing exactly what I needed. Shuddering I force myself to focus on my morning routine and I emerge from the bathroom in about 15 minutes ready for the day. I slip on a pair of leggings and a heather gray turtle neck. When I walk out of the bedroom I smell the most wonderful food coming from my kitchen. And when I look in the kitchen I see the most wonderful man. Unfortunately, Sidney decided to put pants on, but thankfully decided to forgo his shirt. “Smells delicious.”

He puts my omelet on the island and I sit down, “Do you really wake up this early all the time?”

My mouth is full of food so I hold up a finger before responding, “Sidney, it’s 9am,” He just laughs and I continue. “Anything big on the schedule for you today?”

“Off day actually, we have back-to-back games tomorrow and Saturday,” he looks at me and winks. “You should come tomorrow, you’re my lucky charm.”

“I would love to, I really do have a lot of fun. Not to mention watching you play is,” I pause. “invigorating.”

His eyes darken and he walks over to my chair and leans close about to say something when I hear a knock on my door followed by a key. The only person who has a key is Emma, “Bridge my love, last night was absolutely amazing! I have so much to tell you. Beau did this thing with his tongue…” she turns the corner into my kitchen and notices Sidney and I sitting in the kitchen. It doesn’t take her long to deduce what happened last night. “Maybe I should listen to your story first.”

To Sidney’s credit he doesn’t blush, but he does rub the back of his neck sheepishly, “Morning Emma. How are you?”

Emma is shamelessly checking Sidney out but still responds, “Good. I’m here to get this lovely princess to set though. We need to leave in five. Sorry to break up you two lovebirds.” She doesn’t look sorry at all.

I nod and put my plate in the sink. My eyes go to Emma’s hoping to convey that I want a second alone with Sidney and I. She doesn’t move just stays on her phone, “Could you wait for me downstairs? I’ll be down in a second promise.” She leaves reluctantly and I turn back to Sidney. “Sorry about that, but she’s right I do need to get to set.”

“Let me get my stuff and then I will walk down with you.”

While Sidney gathers his things I clean up the dishes and grab my coat and shoes. By the time Sidney returns I’m ready to leave. I lock the door behind me and Sidney and I walk hand in hand to the elevator and down to ground level. We step off the elevator and are immediately stopped by Jacob and Ethan. “Guys didn’t expect to see you here this morning. Is everything okay?”

Jacob looks down at Sidney and I’s hands and scowls. I struggle to not feel guilty or embarrassed, but can’t shake the feeling. “There are about thirty photographers outside, and something tells me that this,” he vaguely gestures to Sidney and I. “isn’t media ready yet.”

I look at Sidney and can tell that he doesn’t quite understand the dynamic between Jacob and myself. “That’s probably best. Any reason why they suddenly decided to camp outside of my hotel?”

“I’m pretty sure it has to do with the events of this weekend,” Jacob looks to me and then Sidney silently questioning if I shared the events with him. I shake my head and Jacob eyes me disapprovingly. “So Emma is already in the car. She is pulling it up as we speak. Ethan and I will escort you out at soon as I see the car. Sidney you stay until the photogs leave and then I’m sure you won’t have a problem.”

As soon as Jacob finishes speaking I see Emma pull up in my car and Ethan nodding to Jacob who slides between Sidney and I. Before he can usher me out though I give Sidney a quick kiss, “Sorry about this. I had a great time last night and this morning. If I don’t see you today I will see you tomorrow and we can have lunch.”

With that Jacob places a hand firmly on my lower back and leads me to Ethan who along with hotel security push open the doors and usher me into the crowd. Even sandwiched between Ethan and Jacob paparazzi push and pull at me. It’s moments like these that I wish I was normal, but I keep my head down and propel myself towards my car.

********
I watch Brooklyn leave in amazement. Yes, I’m used to attention and people taking my photo, but they have always been at a distance. There has never been a reason to hire bodyguards for me or to coordinate exit strategies. Shaking my head I see that the crowd has dispersed and I walk to the valet to grab my keys. On the ride home I yawn and remember the events of last night. Jesus, that was fun and it was easy, natural even. For the rest of the day I relax at home enjoying an off day that we rarely get.

I’m up the next morning for our skate and check my phone realizing that I have a text message from Brooklyn. Good Morning stud. Still on for lunch today? If so you should come to set, and we can raid catering.

I send her a quick text back, I would, but I have some interviews to do before the game today. Hopefully, you can still come to the game though.

I dress for practice while I’m waiting for Brooklyn to respond; yesterday I completely forgot that I had these behind the scenes interviews. By the time I leave for practice she still hasn’t answered and I’m starting to worry that I’ve made her mad. When I walk into Consol my phone beeps, effectively putting my fears to rest. I would be happy to come to the game and we can always grab lunch another time. Good luck tonight :)

My lungs release a breath that I wasn’t aware I was holding. The doors to the locker room are open and when I enter the guys who are assembled cheer and a few pat me on the back. I sit down, “Do I even want to know what’s going on?”

Fleury who is next to me enlightens me, “Beau heard from Emma that she found you over at Brooklyn’s yesterday morning.”

Neal interrupts, “We just wanted to congratulate you is all. And pray for you to give us just the tiniest detail and let us all live vicariously through you.”

I laugh and just shake my head, “Guys, I can’t give you specifics, but if I had to bet the real thing is better than any of your fantasies.” The locker room erupted in hoots and then eventually quieted down. As much as I claimed to hate locker room talk there was always a bit of pride when you learn that your teammates want to have sex with your girlfriend.

Practice is short and light considering we have back to back games. In the locker room the guys have moved on past my girlfriend to more pressing issues like potty training and even video games. My teammates are at a variety of places in their lives and I feel like I’m often the man in the middle. Geno Nealer and I have had this conversation many times before. We are getting to the point where we want to settle down, but at the same time I still can’t imagine myself having kids. I shudder involuntary. Fleury and I walk out together both being exempt from the monotonous post-practice interviews. “So, is Brooklyn coming to the game tonight?”

I nod, “She is, but I was talking to Beau. Apparently Emma is visiting family this weekend, so she won’t be at the game. I don’t want Brooklyn to feel uncomfortable or alone.”

Flower thinks for a second and then speaks up, “Give her tickets to the family box. Vero loved her and has been nagging me about spending more time with her.” He stops and looks me in the eyes, “And if this is going to be something serious you know that she needs to meet the girls; you can’t hid her from us forever.”

“So you’re suggesting that I send her into the lion’s den?” I laugh at his suggestion and try to picture Brooklyn in the family box as the new girl. “Remember, I want to keep this girl around.”

“Mon ami, Vero will take care of her and she did so well when she met Carole-Lynn and Vero at your house. It’s a test, yes, but I know she will pass. Besides this is a part of dating you and she needs to know that. You’re kind of a package deal.” He slaps my shoulder and walks to her car. “Honestly, I feel bad for the poor fille.”

I go to the restaurant to meet for the interviews and then after that I head home for my nap, as well as to pack for the short road trip. Before I lay down though I send a text to Brooklyn telling her that her ticket will be at Will Call.

******
When I leave set I have a text from Sidney informing me that my ticket will be at Will Call like normal. I smile; while I’m disappointed that we couldn’t have lunch at least we will see each other after the game for a little bit. Once I’m on my way home I call Emma, “Hey hun, so for the game tonight I was thinking we could grab drinks first.”

Emma interrupts me, “Bridge, did you check your e-mail? My sister went into labor. I’m in the airport about to board to plane.”

“Oh shit, I forgot to, I was rushed. But wait, that’s so exciting! You’re going to an aunt! Oh my god you have to send me all of the pictures.” She laughs and I start to think. “If you’re not going to the game who am I sitting with?”

I hear shuffling on the other end and the muffled sound of an intercom, “I have to board this plane Bridge. I’m sorry, I’ll talk to you later!”

She hangs up before I can tell her to have a safe flight and the rest of the drive home I ponder what she said. Maybe I’m sitting alone, as depressing as that sounds. I debate texting Sidney but I check the time and realize that he is probably too busy to be bothered by my trivial questions. For the next hour or so I make myself a Lean Cuisine and lounge about my house before deciding I had to get dressed. Considering that I might be sitting alone tonight I decide to dress a little more casual. I grab a pair of black jeans and my gray boots along with a gray waterfall sweater with a peach v-neck underneath. My hair is a lost cause so I pull it up into a messy bun and grab my tan messenger tote on my way out.

Since I’m alone I splurge for parking in the deck close to the arena. When I get to Will Call I see that the same lady is working the booth, she recognizes me and grabs my packet before I even said my name. “Have fun tonight Miss Donahue.”

I smile in thanks and walk towards the entrance, the guards scan my ticket and I walk to my usual section. When I get there the usher checks my ticket, “I’m sorry Miss, but your ticket isn’t for this section.” He waves over a free usher. “Could you take Miss Donahue up to the club level?”

“Club level? Really?” Am I going to be sitting in a box completely by myself for the next two hours? I shake this thought from my head and focus on following this new usher. We use an elevator and go up a floor. She leads me to a door where I see a familiar face, it’s Flower’s wife , Vero. Her petite frame looks perfect in leggings, a wool sweater and brown combat boots. She waves and I wave back. “I got her from here Marjorie, thank you.”

I say my thanks as well, and Vero and I hug, “So I get to sit with you tonight?”

“Well not just me. You’re going to be in the family box, with all the WAGs and families.”

“The WAGs?” I’ve heard this acronym before, but I can’t place it. It sounds intimidating.

She laughs and it sounds like a perfect melody, “Sorry, I forget to explain things to the new girls. It stands for Wives and Girlfriends.” I stare blankly as this sinks in and I realize that I was right, this is intimidating. Vero seems to sense my reservations. “Really, there is nothing to worry about. Most of us are nice and Carol-Lynne and I will be with you the whole time.”

I nod and let Vero lead me into what I have convinced myself will probably be similar to hell. At first glance I’m not wrong; the fairly large suite is loud and filled with people. Children in jerseys are running around while teens are lounging by themselves on their cellphones. I try to locate the aforementioned WAGs though. Sure enough I see two distinct groups of women at the very front of the box nearest to the ice. When the door closes behind us the action of the room falters slightly as if they can tell a newbie has entered their inner circle. Vero waves while I give a shy smile and she leads us over to a group of women on the left. “Ladies, I would like to introduce Brooklyn Donahue. Sidney invited her tonight.”

A look of disbelief crosses each face before a warm smile settles in its place. The women look genuinely friendly and are all dressed casually, but well put together. Vero pulls me through the group and we take a seat in the middle. Carol-Lynne comes to join us immediately and she gives me a side hug, “Oh it’s so good to see you again Brooklyn. When Vero told me you were coming I couldn’t be happier. It’s nice to see Sidney involved with someone good, right?”

Vero nods and we are all quiet for a moment. The children behind us are being rowdy and my eyes drift around the room before making eye contact with the other group of women a few feet away from us, “Who are they?”

Carol-Lynn speaks up, “They’re the younger, newer girlfriends. They mostly stick together while the wives and serious girlfriends tend to bond more.”

I look at the girls across the way and decide that technically I should be over there, “I mean wouldn’t it make sense if I was over there?”

Vero and Carol-Lynne exchange a look and then another woman approaches us. She is the perfect woman, her brown hair is sleek and straight, her pants are perfectly tailored with a form fitting sweater and of course the giant rock on her finger. She holds her hand out, “Hello, I a little birdie told me that we had a new girl tonight. I’m Ann Adams, Craig’s wife and you’re Brooklyn Donahue.” She pauses for a breath of air and then continues, “Well, those girls really aren’t interested in being part of the WAG association.” I panic, it sounds like Ann is about to sell something to me that I have no intention of buying. “And since you are seeing Sidney it is expected that you would be part of the WAGs maybe even the president one day.”

I try to remain calm and not panic, or think about how this is slowly starting to sound like joining a cult, “If I was part of the WAG Association, what would that entail? Completely hypothetical situation of course.”

Ann smiles and then launches into what I’m sure is a rehearsed speech about the actions and responsibilities of being a WAG. From what I’m gathering it’s a lot of lunches and playing with children. Throughout the speech I hope I’m maintaining my smile while I simultaneously plan how to murder Sidney for putting me through this. Thankfully, the lights in Consol dim, “This is a lot to think about, but I would really love to watch the game.”

“Of course, I just wanted to introduce myself quickly and at least introduce you to our organization. Hopefully, we will be seeing you around soon!”

Again I resort to nodding and smiling until my newest acquaintance leaves. As soon as she’s gone Vero and Carol-Lynn burst out laughing, “What is so funny? I think I was just recruited to be a Stepford wife!”

Vero takes a deep breath before she can speak, “Sorry, I forgot to warn you about Ann, she is the president of WAGs and is a little overzealous about it. As horrible as her pitch just sounded, it actually is a lot of fun and it’s a great support group. We understand what one another are going through.” She touches my hand casually. “There really isn’t any pressure to join I promise. We can have fun even if you don’t join can’t we Carol-Lynn?”

She nods, “Of course, in fact Vero and I are going to watch the game tomorrow together. You should definitely come! The boys will be out of town and we all have sitters.” Vero looks at her in surprise and I realize that Carol-Lynne formed this plan about five seconds. To Vero’s credit she covers her shock and nods excitedly.

“Y’all have children?” They nod. “Are they here tonight?” The next two periods are spent gushing about their children and Vero and Carol-Lynn explaining to me the finer points of dating a hockey player.

In the third period the three of us are talking during a commercial break when the arena starts to clap and cheer. I look up and notice that Vero, Carol-Lynn and I are on the big screen. “Do people really know which player you’re married to?”

Vero nods smiling for the camera that is still on us, “The two of us are pretty active in the community and we’ve been around for just about as long as our men. Generally though people leave us alone.”

“And Sidney’s girlfriends? Do the fans leave them alone?” I had to ask, I know it’s pitiful and petty, but everyone wants to know who came before them.

Vero pauses to think, “He hasn’t brought anyone serious to sit with us, but that’s not to say he hasn’t been seeing people. He’s just also careful to hide them.”

“But he’s not hiding me I guess.”

Carol-Lynn grabs my hand and chuckles, “That’s because you’re special darling and he knows that.”

******
When I’m dressing after the win against Nashville I check my phone and see that I have a text from Brooklyn, You are in so much trouble.

I swear underneath my breath and Fleury notices, “What’s wrong man?”

“Brooklyn sent me a text in the middle of the game saying that I was in trouble. No idea what it could be about though.”

“Did you tell her she was sitting with the WAGs?” I just stare at Flower in horror, I realize immediately that I made huge mistake, by not warning her. “Oh mon ami, I would be pissed at you too. From what Vero has told me a new girl should have battle armor before heading up there for the first time.” He whistles and then leaves the locker room.

I finish getting ready and hope that I’m not in as much trouble as Flower makes it sound. When I enter the family suite I immediately locate Brooklyn and I try really hard not to laugh. She is sitting on one of the many couches surrounded by a few WAGs and my teammates. Ann Adams is talking her ear off about God knows what and she is holding Kuni’s toddler a good foot away from her. She makes eye contact with me and scowls and I lose it. My laugh attracts all the attention to me and I shyly wave. Brooklyn takes this opportunity to excuse herself and she eagerly hands the kid back to Chris. She practically runs to me and wipes her hand roughly on her pants leg. I open my arms for a hug and she embraces me and then promptly pinches my arm. “You are so dead.”

I put on a fake smile so my teammates won’t know anything is wrong, “Good to see you too babe. I think I left something in the locker room, come with me?”

She leaves me and quickly hugs Vero and Carol-Lynn along with a few of the guys before following me out of the suite. Once we are alone I quickly apologize, “I’m sorry, I know that I should have warned you about the seats, but I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal.”

Brooklyn is pacing, “That suite is like a freaking shark tank! Everyone is judging you and asking questions and making you hold their kids. I had to pretend for two and half hours that I cared about Little Kunitz’s teething problems!”

She is clearly worked up, “Anything else?”

“Anything else?” her voice increases in pitch. “Did you know there is this club for all those women where they get together and talk and have tea or something and run food drives and clothing drives?”

“You mean the WAG Association?”

She turns to me, “Yes, that! I swear part of it is that you also have to give up having fun, wearing cool clothes and having hot, kinky sex. And apparently since I’m dating you I’m required to be a major part of it. That’s a lot of pressure Sidney, My career makes it a little difficult to be like those women.”

Oh crap, she is actually really upset. I walk to her and grab her arms, she finally stops moving. “Look at me Brooklyn,” I stroke her cheek until she makes eye contact. “I’m sorry you were blindsided by this. It definitely wasn’t my intention; I just thought you liked Vero and Carol-Lynn.”

She nods, “I do, we are watching the game tomorrow.”

“Perfect. Now, I could care less if you wanted to officially join the WAGs. If you don’t want to that’s fine, if you want to be the president even better! But for now, I like that it’s just the two of us. How does that sound?”

She smiles finally, “That sounds so perfect.”

“And when I get back from New Jersey I fully intend on having hot, kinky sex with you.” She laughs. “Alright good. Now, we are taking a bus from here to the airport. So one last goodbye kiss?” I pull her into me and we share a quick kiss. It’s simple, sweet and perfect. Once I see Brooklyn to her car and I let out a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. That definitely could have gone better, but Brooklyn forgave me so it could have gone worse I guess.

Notes

Hope everyone is having a good Thursday, thank you for those who've commented, subscribed, recommended or just read I appreciate it!