We Are Here and Now

"Okay, there's plenty of food stored in the freezer, and I left a list of what all I buy weekly for you," CiCi was going over the notes she made for Sid. She was throwing the last of her belongings in her carry-on as she spoke.

"Babe, I've done this alone for a long time." Sid sighed and sat on the lounge chair in the corner of their bedroom at the lake house.

"I know, but..." She turned to look at him.

"But I'm getting older and I need to be eating better. Yeah I know, you tell me all the time." He was anxious for this new transition and it showed as he rose and began to pace a little.

"I just want you healthy and strong so you don't get hurt," she stopped him as he began to walk past her for the second time.

"I'm in my prime Ci, don't worry. You, however, need to just let Mario and Nathalie take care of you while you get adjusted to the new job." He was relieved that the Lemieux's were local for the summer and so willing to help CiCi settle in the house.

"I will let them feed me. My parents are coming down next week too, so I won't be alone. And you only have a few weeks before you're back home with me."

"Yes, three excruciatingly long weeks ahead. It's going to be weird. I've seen you every single day since the regular season ended. You spoiled me by going to all my playoff games."

"I'll do it every single year you are in the playoffs, Sid. You know it." Sid smiled gratefully and reached out for CiCi. She willingly walked into his embrace and felt him instantly relax against her.

"I know I reacted poorly last week, but I am proud of you. And excited for you," he said with as much sincerity as he could muster. He was happy for her, he just had wished that maybe she could prolong her start date to when they would return to the city together.

"I know, Sid. We have to get moving, my flight leaves in a couple hours," CiCi pulled away slightly to see his face. His eyes were closed and it appeared that he was memorizing the way she smelled. He slowly opened them and smiled shyly at her, like he had been caught doing something wrong. She smiled back and leaned up on her toes to steal a kiss.

"Alright, let's go," Sid said reluctantly. He slung the carry-on bag over his shoulder and pulled CiCi behind him.

The drive to the airport was quiet. Sid held CiCi's hand the entire ride, running his thumb across her palm in a calming pattern. They made it to the airport and instead of just dropping CiCi off, Sid parked the SUV and helped CiCi with her bags. They barely spoke, rather they remained close and moved slowly to the security gate.

"Come here," Sid whispered and spun CiCi around into his arms. "This is crazy, we've been apart before. We can do this."

"I'm going to miss you," CiCi mumbled through some fresh tears stinging her eyes.

"I'll miss you too, and I love you more than you know." He held her tighter than ever, and pressed his lips against her forehead. She lifted her head and kissed him one last time before finally pulling away from his embrace, picking up her carry-on and walking towards security. She waved back at him as she showed her passport and watched as he sadly waved back.

*****
Being back in the city CiCi knew and loved helped ease her lonely heart. She had friends she would catch up with, she had meetings to attend, events to plan for the gallery, and preparations around the house for Sid's return in a few weeks.

Already five days into being the director of the gallery and CiCi was finding a rhythm that was seeing results. She had a meeting scheduled just before lunch to be introduced to a new shareholder meant that the art industry in Pittsburgh was thriving and she was excited to be back.

"So, who is this Baron guy again?" Nick, her former assistant who stepped into her old position when she left, asked.

"His name is Baron Shepherd, and he's recently relocated to the city," she glanced over her desk at Nick. He was sitting in one of the two open chairs and scanning through his newsfeed on his phone.

"Have you googled him? Checked LinkedIn? Twitter?" Nick had his phone up in front of his face as he spoke.

"No." CiCi didn't think she needed to check up on this man. If anything, she needed to make sure the museum would live up to this man's liking.

"Well, I just did and he is GORGEOUS! I mean, drop-dead, blue-eyed rugged chic. And he's young. Mid-thirties. Not married. No children."

"Is he gay?" CiCi was typing on her desktop, completely focused on the scheduling task she was attempting to complete.

"No, I'm not," a voice announced at the entrance. CiCi's startled face looked up at the sound of the voice.

"Oh! Mr. Shepherd, I apologize. I...uh...our meeting isn't for another hour?" CiCi stuttered, her neck feeling warm. She quickly stood and looked down to see her blouse was partially untucked and her skirt had a coffee stain while the man standing in her doorway was finely groomed and tailored in a navy blue suit.

"That's correct, but I hadn't seen the current exhibit and had gotten word that the artist will be collecting her pieces soon," he smiled a pearly white smile and and leaned against the door frame.

"Oh, yeah, about that..." CiCi was officially embarrassed. The exhibit was hers and had moved over from Space about two weeks ago. Almost all the pieces had been purchased and would soon be packaged and shipped off to their new owners.

"I hear the artist is local," he continued.

"Yes, in fact she.." Nick started, wanting to talk CiCi up.

"She is, but almost everything on display has sold and she is a busy person," CiCi interrupted as she walked around her desk and extended her hand, "CiCi Crosby."

"It's a pleasure, Ms. Cosby," he shook her hand and gave a small grin. She was too stunned by his charm to even correct how he pronounced her last name. She finally composed herself and turned to Nick.

"Nick, why don't you show Mr. Shepherd around while I get everything set up in the meeting room," she addressed the other man in the room.

"Sure, I'll give you a little insight into the artist. If you like her work maybe we can get you in contact with her to work up a commission," Nick explained as he brushed past the older man.

CiCi watched as the men walked back into the gallery and frantically gathered her notes for the meeting. She walked across the hall to the meeting room, dropped everything off and hurried to the restroom to clean herself up. She checked her hair and makeup after she secured her blouse in her skirt and determined her stained skirt was a lost cause. It would have to do.

She ran over to her office, grabbed her phone and sent Sid a quick message letting him know that she would call him on her lunch. She had a meeting and wouldn't have her phone with her. She didn't wait for a response, placed her phone in her desk drawer and walked back over to the meeting room just as Nick and Baron came back toward the offices.

"Ci, Mr. Shepherd has placed an offer on the remaining three pieces. The abstracts. He said he can even pick them up when the show is being torn down."

"Oh, okay...that's...fantastic. I will get in contact with the artist to determine the price." Nick looked at her like she was crazy. CiCi ignored the look and tried to focus on Baron.

"No need, I've offered ten thousand for each painting."

"Whoa, what? Really?" CiCi didn't know how to take this man.

"Yes, I know good art when I see it and those pieces will go perfectly in my loft," he said as he brushed past her into the meeting room. He settled in a seat before CiCi turned to follow behind him. Before she did though she looked at Nick in utter disbelief. His look mirrored hers as he shooed her into the meeting before turning toward his own office to finish his work.

"Okay, Mr. Shepherd, let's get started shall we?" CiCi asked as she took a seat diagonal to him at the large meeting room. "This is really my first week here, well back here, so don't mind me if I am a bit off my game. I've been out of practice with the art world for some time."

"Oh? And why is that?" He asked. She didn't know where the specifics of her personal life were relevant, so she played down her life choices.

"I had a few medical issues and then I spent time in Europe pursuing another path in my career."

"I understand, so what brought you back here?"

This is a meeting, right? She thought to herself. She all of a sudden felt as though she was being interviewed. "Well, when the previous director retired suddenly she referred the board to me. I was offered the position no questions asked. I couldn't pass up the opportunity especially since I've set roots in this city."

"You love Pittsburgh then."

"I do. It's a great little city."

"Are you married Ms. Cosby?" He asked suddenly and CiCi looked down at her hands and realized she had forgotten to put her rings back on after she placed them in the jewelry cleaner that morning.

"Why does that matter?"

"I'm just curious, I'm sorry if I am prying into your personal life."

"No, I just feel like you are trying to get to know me and nothing about the gallery."

"Well, I am impressed by the artwork here and would rather like to know the person who will be making the selections for future displays. Please disregard the last question. Tell me about what this gallery is all about."

"Okay, well with the support of the cultural trust we are able to fully function as a gallery open and free to the public. We feature new media artists from around the world, so the paintings you see on display currently are not typical for this gallery. We are above a T-station which makes it convenient access to our patrons. It's a two floor building with exhibition space and performance space with additional office space for emerging arts organizations."

"So if the paintings on display aren't typical of this particular gallery, why are they here?"

"Well, the original location for the display was Space, but its popularity required a larger location. Plus the artist is rather active among the cultural trust."

"A board member? Cesira Barsi."

"Oh, no, not a board member."

"I'd like to meet her. I mean I just bought three of her paintings."

"Well, lucky for you, you are looking at her."

"Really?" He seemed genuinely pleased to learn that CiCi was the artist they were discussing.

"Yes."

"You are very talented."

"Thank you."

"Where did you study?"

"I attended Duquesne and completed a fellowship in France. But I have taken private painting lessons since I was six."

"Duquesne isn't exactly a school known for their art program."

"Maybe not, but I minored in business and it allowed me to be right here in the heart of this city."

"True. So you are married."

"Yes I am," she admitted.

"Damn, then I suppose asking you out to dinner is out of the question."

"Unless it is work related and other people will be present then yes it is. Sorry."

"No, don't apologize. I didn't expect such a beautiful woman when I came here. And to find that you're married just means that he is one lucky bastard."

"I think I'm the lucky one, but thank you."

"Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing you around the various events and maybe you can help me furnish my home with new artwork."

"That would be lovely, and I'm happy that you are pleased with your investments."

"My personal ones and the trust, absolutely."

"I'll show you out, Mr. Shepherd."

As the pair rose from their seats they turned to walk out the office area of the gallery toward the entrance when CiCi stopped dead in her tracks.

"Hey, babe!" Sidney greeted with a huge grin. He was standing at the front desk with Nick and two interns. "Surprise!"

"I can't believe it. What are you...what are you doing here?"

"I came down to celebrate your first week as boss! Plus five days away from you sucked." CiCi was hesitant to show Sid any affection, letting him kiss her cheek before turning back to Baron.

"Mr. Shepherd, this is my husband."

"Sidney Crosby, of course!" Baron exclaimed. "That makes sense now. She was being all coy as to who she was married to, and let me mispronounce her last name for about an hour."

"I didn't think it mattered," CiCi shrugged, embarrassed that she was being called out.

"And you are?" Sid asked as a protective arm wrapped around CiCi's waist.

"I'm Baron Shepherd, new trust board member. I've come to meet the new director and she finally revealed that her own artwork is hanging in the gallery. Very impressive."

"She is very talented. I'm happy to have snagged her."

"Yes, well I must be going. It was lovely meeting with you, Cesira. I'm certain we will be seeing each other again very soon."

"Thank you for stopping by Mr. Shepherd."

They waited until Baron was out of earshot before any of the gathered group spoke. CiCi stepped away from Sid in order to look at him. She couldn't believe he was actually there.

"Well, if that wasn't a pissing contest then I am happy to be gay," Nick claimed.

"It wasn't," Sid said in defense.

"Oh, please! You know damn well as soon as I told you she was in a meeting with a man you were chomping at the bit! It didn't help that that man was completely drooling all over Ci."

"Ugh, he definitely took a vested interest in me personally. But he bought my last three paintings for 30 grand!"

"Alright, fine. I was claiming my territory, but you both just reassured me that I was justified in my actions."

"You were. How long are you here? I have a lot of work to do so I can't skip out early!" CiCi circled her arms around Sid's neck and smiled at him.

"I have to go meet with Gary and Mario at the new complex, but I took a detour to downtown from the airport."

"Okay, but you didn't answer my question."

"Except for my trip to Colorado next week I am back. This week sucked without you around. Mom
helped me pack everything up and all perishable foods were taken to their house. I start training tomorrow with Gary. Andy understood that I'll be splitting my time with him and Gary from now on."

"Babe!" CiCi squealed and pulled him close for an excited embrace. "Dinner later to celebrate?"

"Absolutely. Somewhere close to home or downtown?"

"Close to home. I'm going to want to change. Coffee mishap earlier."

"Alright, I'll see you at home later then."

"Okay," she kissed him briefly, aware of her audience and watched him as he left. She leaned against the desk beside her and heaved a heavy sigh.

"My office, now," Nick declared, wanting to discuss the events of the morning without the interns in the gossip. CiCi followed behind reluctantly, knowing she needed to return phone calls and emails, but also wanting to spill details.

It was strange being in her old office, sitting in the extra chair rather than behind the desk. And it was crazy to think that Nick was the one who now catered to the functions that were booked here instead of greeting customers as they filtered in and out of the building.

"Hubby has it bad," Nick said as he sat down.

"Can you blame him?" CiCi chuckled at her own joke. She didn't want to come across as vain, but she loved that Sid completely rearranged his schedule to be closer to her.

"But I really want to hear about Baron."

"Oh, we're on a first name basis now?" She chided.

"You two apparently are! And your full name."

"I don't know what game he is playing, but I was getting uncomfortable."

"What did he say?"

"He basically weaseled out of me that I am married and then seemed liked he was still going to pursue me. I don't get it."

"Interesting."

"What?"

"You seem to like that he is pursuing you."

"No...no, no, no. Never. No, I love my husband, but it's nice to know I can still turn someone's head."

"Uh. Yeah. That is the most idiotic thing you've ever said."

"What do you mean?"

"Ci! You're 28. You're gorgeous. You could probably turn a gay man straight."

"Not you."

"I'm too gay for you, plus I love my future hubby."

"Anyway, he's very interested in working with me, whatever that means."

"Well, I can tell you he was very interested in getting in contact with the artist in order to get her to do some specific work he's wanting."

"What do you mean?"

"It means he may commission you to do some side jobs while you run the gallery."

"Oh God." She slouched in her chair and tried to hide her face, embarrassed that Nick called her out completely.

*****
Sidney walked through the finished training facility and thought he was at a disadvantage because he would get to step onto the ice there before his teammates. But he had a rough week without CiCi around with his mind wondering about how she was doing and if she missed him the same way.

"Sidney Crosby," Sid heard his name being called. He turned to find Gary Roberts standing near the direction of the weight room.

"Hey, man! Thanks for helping me out these next couple weeks," Sid said as he walked over and shook Gary's hand.

"Not a problem, I'm happy to help out. This place is unbelievable, you know. Some of my other players are jealous of all the ice surfaces."

"Oh yeah? They were here?"

"Came down with a couple of the other trainers last week to check this out."

"Cool. Glad they are jealous." Both men chuckled and proceeded through the tour of the complex. After they walked through, and discussed the training schedule Sidney hopped into his rental car and drove the ten minutes to his house. He had a couple hours before he would see CiCi, and wanted to get some things unpacked. His parents were shipping the rest of the items for him, so he wasn't expecting anything until midweek the following week. But he could unpack his suitcase and get reacquainted with the house.

He was lost in organizing his side of the closet that he hadn't heard the buzzer indicating CiCi's arrival, nor did he notice her standing in the closet entrance.

"I didn't think you had that much to unpack?" She said with her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe.

"Geez! You scared me babe!" Sid exclaimed as he wheeled around to see his wife.

"What are you doing in here?" She asked as she walked into the closet and sat on the cushioned bench nearest him.

"Sorting through my suits and dress shirts. I've got too many."

"You do have an exceptional amount of delicious looking formal wear. Just get rid of the ones that are too big. You had no style before me."

"Gee, thanks."

"What? It's true. Anyway, are you going to be totally sad if I say I would rather stay in?"

"I ran to the grocery store and got some chicken kabobs and corn on the cob for the grill. It's all cleaned and ready to be used too."

"Ugh, you know me so well!" She collapsed against the back of the bench and sighed. Her first week back was physically draining and a night in with her husband was just what she needed. She had her eyes closed, but could feel his presence as he hovered over her. She peeked out and saw him grinning down at her.

"C'mere," he slurred softly as he reached out for her. "Let's go lie down. I'll rub your feet."

"No! No rubbing my feet," protested as she let him lead her back into the bedroom. She collapsed on the bed in dramatic fashion before he spoke again.

"Why?"

"You know why!" And CiCi didn't have a chance to escape Sid's wandering hands. They wrapped around her ankles and he managed to swipe his fingers across the ball of her foot, making her scream out and try to kick him.

"Oh, yeah. You're ticklish. I knew that!" Sid chided as he tickled her foot again before he stopped. He climbed up to lay beside CiCi on the bed and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"I'm glad you're here," she whispered as she nuzzled her face into his neck.

"Me too," he replied, "How was your first week?"

"Overwhelming to say the least," she began. "I mean, I know I can do the job...oh shit!" She sat up quickly in bed.

"What is it?" He asked concern evident in his voice.

"My parents are due in in about a half hour. I completely forgot they were coming down."

"No they aren't. I spoke with your mom earlier in the week and she said that they will just come down next week when I am in Colorado. She said she didn't want to get in our way as we are getting settled back in," Sid explained. CiCi instantly relaxed and fell back against the mattress with a sigh.

"You think of everything."

"One of us has to!" Sid said with a laugh. CiCi chose to ignore Sid's jab with a smile, instead curling closer to him and breathed in his fresh scent. "So, that guy you were meeting with..."

"Ugh, he was overbearing and way too serious. But he bought my last three paintings!"

"You told me, that's amazing babe! Did he know they were yours?"

"Not when he offered to buy them. How crazy is that?"

"That was nice of him. But he still rubbed me the wrong way," Sid admitted.

"You met him for like a minute." CiCi sat up and looked down at Sid. She never pegged him to be vulnerable, but at that moment he appeared to be.

"But still," was all Sid could come up with as a response.

"Oh Sid, stop." She didn't know what to say to make him forget about Baron.

"Fine." Sid threw his hands up in defeat. He wouldn't bring up the strange, good-looking man again to CiCi. He trusted her completely, but for the brief time he met Baron he knew that he couldn't be trusted.

Notes

Ah, I'm so sorry for the delay! I promise when summer break hits I'll have more time to update!

A but but of a slow update again, not entirely happy with it. Again, I am excited for what is happening next! So stay tuned! Comment! Thanks, loves!