We spent New Years Day unpacking from the trip home and getting ready to go back to work. I was putting in my second load of laundry and wondering how I got stuck with the job of washing our clothes when Sidney came up behind me, covering my eyes.
“What are you doing? I can’t see?” I cried, confused.
“You can’t see with my hands over your eyes? No kidding!” He giggled and lead me out of the laundry room, steering me down the hallway.
“Seriously, what are you doing?” I put my hands out in front of me incase his steering was as bad as his sense of direction.
“Just trust me will you,” he replied patiently.
We walked a few more steps into what I sensed was the kitchen and he moved his hands. On the table in front of me were three boxes, each a different size, each with a bow on top.
“I don’t exactly know how to wrap presents, so I figured boxes would work,” he gestured to the brown cardboard.
I turned to look at him, waiting for an explanation.
“Your Christmas gifts,” he stated. Admittedly I’d completely forgotten our agreement to exchange gifts when we got home.
“I have yours hidden,” I smiled, moving to retrieve them.
“Get them after,” he reached for my arm, “open these first.” He smiled excitedly.
Anxiously I picked up the biggest of the boxes and carefully removed the red bow. I could feel his eyes watching me as I opened the flaps of the box and reached inside, pulling out a Penguins jersey.
“Honey, isn’t this a bit narcissistic?” I laughed, holding the oversized Crosby jersey up to my body.
“Probably, but I’m sick of looking at the Giroux and Talbot ones in your closet.” He laughed. “And you look incredibly hot in these colours,” he kissed my forehead and let his hand slide to my bum.
“Thank you,” I folded the jersey and placed it on the table, noticing there was more in the box. Reaching in again I pulled out a pink tissue paper wrapped bundle. Inside, a soft black babydoll nightgown with lace detail.
“So admittedly that box is more for me,” he blushed.
“I love it,” I squeezed his hand affectionately.
“Open the small,” he urged, still grinning.
I pulled off the second bow and opened the folded box tops, almost choking when I saw what was inside. I looked at him, the blood draining from my face.
“I promise it isn’t a ring,” he assured me as I took the signature blue box in my hands. The words TIFFANY & CO were printed on the top and I felt my stomach tingle with excitement. I wasn’t one for jewelry, but like most females I knew, there was a special place in my heart for Tiffany. Inside the signature box was another box, it was long and skinny in the same colour. I watched his face as I opened the hinged lid. He bit his lip nervously, watching my intently. Inside, lay I shining gold necklace, a delicate chain with a gold pendant in the shape of a bumble bee.
“This is beautiful,” I gasped, shocked that I was holding Tiffany jewelry in my hands. My gift for him suddenly felt so silly and inadequate.
“I’m glad you like,” his hand resting on the small of my back. “Open the last one.” Enchanted by the shining gold I’d forgotten there was another box, the middle one.
“This is too much,” I shook my head amazed, placing the necklace and its box on top of the jersey. I could feel the energy radiating off of him, he clasped his hands together in front of him and shifted his weight back and forth between his feet. I held my breath and opened the box to reveal a hundreds of Styrofoam balls. I looked back at Sidney who was grinning from ear to ear and he motioned for me to continue. The staticky balls tickled my arms as I reached into the abyss and pulled out a book. Wrapped in thick protective plastic I held in my trembling hands a first edition of Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Two Bad Mice.” Unable to speak, I stared at him aghast.
“I can’t believe you...” I finally choked out, my eyes damp with tears. “How did you?”
“I noticed it was the only Beatrix Potter book on your shelf so I figured it was your favourite,” he shrugged casually.
“Thank you, I don’t know what to say. This is incredible.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my head in his chest, still misty eyed and trembling.
“I’m really glad you like them,” he squeezed me tighter.
“They’re amazing, you’re amazing.” I looked up at him, taking in his smiling face, the wrinkles around his eyes, the subtle dimples in his cheeks.
“You should try that jersey on,” he winked.
I bit my lip and peeled off my shirt, revealing my black push up bra and replaced it with the over sized jersey. I laughed and posed for him, my hand on my hip and my lips pushed out. His eyes lit up and I walked around him, as if I was on a catwalk.
“Very hot,” he grabbed my hand mid-strut and pulled me into him. He kissed my cheek and down my neck, tickling my sides and leaving me giggling and squirming to get away.
“I’m going to pee myself!” I screeched, trying to fight him off.
“You two are so weird,” we both looked up to find Beau standing in the hallway watching us. It was obvious that he’d just woken up by his bare chest and loose fitting boxers. He shook his head and walked to the refrigerator.
“At least we’re wearing pants,” I tossed a dishtowel at him, remembering the night he caught me in the kitchen.
“Pants and...” he reached for the arm of my jersey to read the number, “Your boyfriend’s jersey. Isn’t that a little narcissistic, Crosby?” a grin sweeping across his face.
“Don’t be jealous,” Sid interjected. “I’m sure the lovely girl in your room would put on your jersey if you asked nicely,” He patted Beau on the back.
“I’d ask her if I could remember her name.”
“Well done,” Sidney put his hand up and the two men celebrated Beau’s promiscuity.
“You two are disgusting,” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “You realize she’s a person, right? Not a conquest.”
“I know she’s a person, Bea. She’s a very very attractive person,” Beau winked at me, purposely trying to infuriate me.
“Would you just be nice please?” I shook my finger at him, resembling my mother far more than I ever wanted to.
“And don’t get anyone pregnant,” Sid added with a goofy grin on his face.
I scowled at him.
“What? I’m on your side!” he called after me as I headed for the stairs.

My Christmas gifts for Sidney were nothing compared to what he’d just given me and I watched nervously as he unwrapped the first of two boxes. We sat on the bed, having left Beau and his houseguest to get better acquainted.
“Don’t look so nervous,” Sid chuckled, pulling back the wrapping slowly. I bit my lip and watched his face intently. With the red wrapping paper at his feet, he sat with the heavy blue box on his lap, looking at me for clues.
“Can you please open it and stop taunting me?” I whined. He was well aware that I was nervous.
A cheeky grin plastered to his face he slowly opened the box, to reveal two brand new black skate boots and eight wheels.
“I’m pretty sure I broke a few rules to get those,” I admitted. “I may have bribed the equipment guy to get your exact feet measurements.”
“These are awesome!” He leaned over and kissed my lips softly. Turning back to the box he took the skates out and immediately tried them on. I breathed a sigh of relief as his foot slid into them perfectly.
“I’ll teach you how to lace them after you’ve skated in them. Trust me when I say it’s nothing like lacing up a hockey skate.”
“I can’t wait,” he lips returned to mine, all the thanks I need.
“Open the other one,” I pushed him gently away, breaking our kiss. It had taken me weeks to decide on the perfect gifts for him. I wanted something person, that he wouldn’t think to buy himself. While he wasn’t much of a shopper, I knew he could afford to buy anything he wanted which made him nearly impossible to shop for.
He opened the second, much larger box and pulled out its contents one by one. Three board games, a bottle of Jack Daniels, and a DVD entitled ‘Pulp Friction XXX.’ He looked at me sideways, waiting for an explanation, his eye brows tight, trying to put the pieces together.
“Do you remember that night a few months ago when we stayed up playing Xbox?” I asked
“Yes, you thought I left you the next morning,” he eyed me suspiciously.
“Well, that night you mentioned that you didn’t have a typical adolescence. That you spent your youth focusing on hockey. And while that has obviously worked out very well for you, I think everyone should get to experience the life of a teenage boy.”
“Okay?” he was starting to understand, but still looked confused.
“Having never been a teenage boy I had to guess, but I figured porn, booze, and boardgames would give us an idea of normal teenage life.” I leaned towards him, trying to gauge a reaction. He continued to look at me puzzled.
“You are something else Beatrice Keller,” he finally said.
I started to worry, trying to remember if I’d kept the receipts.
“And I love it,” he finished. “I never thought I’d say I look forward to being a teenage boy with you.” He laughed and pulled me into his lap, kissing me like he had downstairs.

Finally the day we had both been waiting for arrived, on January 3rd Sidney was cleared to get back on the ice. Neither of us said it but we were both relieved to have space from each other and go back to our regular routine. His goal was to be back in the line up for the January 12th game against Edmonton. It was a realistic goal, but I had a feeling he’d try to make his debut earlier.
He’d been back on the ice for a few days when I caught my first glimpse of a Pens practice. I’d emerged from my office and piles of paperwork to double check something with Dan and was directed to the bench where he stood watching the team go over plays. I stood beside him as the guys practiced against Marc-Andre. I was impressed with how quickly Sidney had gotten his stride back, it was like nothing happened.
“I swear to god I’m going to take this thing off,” Sid said loudly, adjusting his groin. “Can I just take it off and everyone promise not to fire at my schlong?” He had no idea I was watching. “No, I don’t trust you goons. You’re all worried I’ll breed and pass on these magic hands.”
Pascal snickered, having waved at me a few minutes prior. “Who would breed with you?” He egged him on.
“You’re one to talk old man!” Sid bit back, a smile on his face the whole time. “Don’t act like you don’t know I’ve got everyone’s favourite medic girl in my bed every night.” He chortled loudly.
“For someone who is supposed to have an unbeatable view of the ice you sure are oblivious.” Paul Martin spoke up, shaking his head and laughing.
“What?” Sid looked around him, still not seeing me.
“Beatrice has been standing there for half of the practice,” James Neal finally clued him in.
“Oh shit,” he muttered, turning around and tripping over his feet, landing flat on his ass.
“Hi honey,” I said obnoxiously, waving excitedly.
The team erupted in laughter and Sid blushed, skating back to his lineup. He waved at me subtly but refused to make eye contact. I went back to my office, having distracted him enough for one practice. Time passed slowly as I leafed through files of things I’d missed while in Canada. It was important that I be up to date on all of the injuries that plagued the team. I was reading about a torn groin muscle when I heard my name called from the locker room down the hall.
“Can you bring some icepacks and a tensor bandage?” Dan asked, his voice loud of enough for me to hear over the music in the locker room.
I closed the file and left it on top of the others. As one of two medics at the practice I was relieved to have something to do other than read files. Grabbing a first aid kit and some icepacks from the freezer I rushed down the hallway, hoping I wasn’t about to treat a serious injury.
“I think I pulled something in my wrist,” Beau looked up at me from his seat on the bench, pouting.
“Let me see,” I knelt down in front of him and took his wrist in my hands, gently checking for any damage. “Can you tell me if this hurts?” I moved his wrist up and down slowly.
“Yes,” he hissed. “It hurts up my arms.”
“I think you sprained it. It doesn’t seem like anything major but we’ll get Larry to look at it when he comes in. Ice it in ten minute intervals for the next half hour or so and then I’ll wrap it.” I smiled, handing him an icepack and a towel.
“Can you look at shoulder?” Geno asked, wincing as he pulled his jersey off. “Is tight.”
“Go shower first and then meet me in the room and I’ll take a look.” I tried not to breath through my nose as they stripped off their sweaty gear. I turned leave and hopefully find fresh air but collided with Sidney, my face directly in his jersey, he towered over me with his skates on.
“Am I invisible to you today?” I laughed, placing my hand on his chest.
“I must not recognize you with all your clothes on,” he whispered smugly. “Hey, do you have a bandaid?” He asked a little louder.
“You can’t fix your ego with a bandaid, dear.” I teased him
“It’s for my hand,” he laughed taking the bandaid from me. “You can fix my ego tonight.” He was chewing on his mouthguard, still sweating from the practice. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me in, kissing the side of my head. The public display of affection came as a shock, prior to our trip our relationship had been kept a secret and I was going to have to adjust to our new openness with the team.
“I love you, but please stop sweating on me,” I pushed him away. “You smell like a dead gopher.”
“I thought sweat was supposed to be an aphrodisiac,” he wiped his forehead with his bare hand.
“Maybe for wild animals and puck bunnies,” I gagged.
“Well you’re kind of a wild animal,” he whispered, distracting me as his sweat covered hand brushed down my cheek.
“Sidney,” I screamed, pushing him off of me. “You’re going to make me upchuck on my last clean shirt!” Around us, the boys were oblivious to our interaction. “You’re such a jerk,” I smiled and kissed his lips lightly before pushing him towards the showers.

With Sidney back on the ice we both returned to a variation of our usual routine. A weight had been lifted off of us when he was cleared for contact, we were in the clear and he was going to fine. I was relieved to see his attention focus back to his mistress, hockey. It gave me a chance to get a much needed break from the intensity of our relationship.
“You’re going to hurt so bad tomorrow!” Serena called, skating circles around me on the derby track. I cringed, knowing she was right. I hadn’t been to practice in over a month and could feel my body aching after only the warm up.
“Just remind me how worth it this is?” I huffed behind her.
“Of course it’s worth it Bea-tard! This is what you love, remember?” she came to a stop, letting me catch up before skating again.
“Right,” I pushed to keep up with her adjusted speed.
“You forgot what it was like to love something other than him, didn’t you?” she linked her sweaty arm with mine, pulling me forward.
“No!” I cried defensively. The truth in her words stung.
“It’s okay,” she said quietly. “It happens, just don’t forget who you are. We’re always going to be here when you come to your senses.”
I smiled, my mouthguard slipping over my lips, drool dribbling down my chin. “So, how’s your thing going?” I took the mouthguard out and stuck it in the hole in the top of my helmet.
“Thing?” she cocked her head to the side. “You mean my risqué relationship with the Russian? Because it’s not so much a thing as it is a dream.”
“A dream? Are you too discussing the merits of going public?”
“Oh hell no, we’re just sleeping together. I don’t think I have the patience to be serious with one of them. No offense Bea, but they’re a lot to handle sometimes.”
“No kidding,” I sighed. “If I could take the Sidney without the Crosby I think I would” I laughed.
“The man without the legend?” she teased.
“Maybe more like the man without the franchise?” my legs were burning and I tried to push, images of Sidney’s training routine popping into my mind. I’d never be that intense, but if I could just borrow some of his drive I’d be back in no time. I came to a slow stop, bending over to catch my breath.
“Well is it worth it?” Serena was stopped in front of me, balancing on her toe-stops like an over protected ballerina.
“What do you mean?” I took a swig from a random water bottle closest to me.
“Is all the stress and bullshit worth it? Is he worth putting up with it?”
I sat down on the floor, stretching my legs out in front of me. “Of course he’s worth it.”
“Then don’t worry about it. See I already know that being with Geno isn’t worth it. He’s great, but I don’t want to put up with the traveling and the bullshit. I wish I did, but I’m happy with the sex. If you already know that Sid makes up for all of it, don’t worry about it.” She sat in front of me, unlacing her skates.
“So much wisdom Impale’her Moon,” I shook my head and smiled.
“It’s my job, Beatrix Plotter. Someone has to keep you in check.” She pulled off her sweaty helmet. “ Besides, I know you’re happy with him. I saw you,” she winked. “Quite the show.”

I slept at my own place that night. Not because I was questioning my relationship, or because anyone was upset, but because Sidney had imposed a new no-contact rule for game days. He told me we could be together until 11:59pm the day before a game and until the final whistle it was best we stayed away from each other. At first I was shocked and offended, hurt that he considered me a distraction. But using his own twisted logic he explained that he’d already made this rule with his family and we needed to try it. I gave him four games. If after four games he didn’t have record breaking performances he could take his superstition and shove it. I knew he’d eventually see how complicated he was making things, but I was willing to let him learn that for himself.
As I predicted Sid was cleared to play before his deadline. I woke up in my own bed on January 9th, confused by the empty spot beside me, until I remembered our agreement. With only an hour before I was expected at the rink for morning practice I swung my legs out of bed, my muscles pulled and burned reminding me I’d overdone it on the track. While in the shower I noted three developing bruises and a number of tweaked muscles. I popped two ibuprofen with my breakfast and made good time getting ready. My hair dried and falling in waves down my back and my makeup done I wore a pair of tight dark wash jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt. My plan was for him to see me before I put my uniform on for the game. As petty as it was, I wanted him to regret his no-contact rule.
I sauntered into the rink, an extra layer of mascara on my eyelashes and my lips painted red. I knew he was already there and it was just a matter of time before we ran into each other. I dropped my bag in my office and headed to the main exam room. Geno lay on the table with his hands under his head, dressed in his tight Under Armor. One of the trainers stood over him, massaging his calf muscle.
“Hello hot stuff,” Geno grinned at me, winking. “Looks much better than khaki,” he pointed to my jeans.
“Thank you,” I laughed. “Did you hurt yourself?”
“Oh I didn’t hurt me,” he looked at me suggestively. “You ask Serena...”
“No, that’s okay!” I cut him off. “I shouldn’t have asked.”
He roared with laughter. “Where’s Sid?”
“I have no idea,” I shook my head and walked to the sink to fill up my water bottle.
“You live together, yeah?” he sat up, leaning on his elbows.
“Not technically,” I clarified. “I still have my own apartment but we spend time together, yes.”
“But not today?” he looked confused.
“Nope, he has established a no game day contact rule.” I smirked, knowing I shouldn’t bring our personal lives into the rink.
“Weird,” Geno shook his head and scoffed.
“I’m essentially a game day widow,” I laughed and walked back towards the door.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be your game day boyfriend,” he caught my hand as I walked by and smiled.
“Sounds good,” I grinned and went back to my office.
I spent most of the day in my office with the door open and music playing. I was looking at studies done on the impact of water training in the healing process that Larry had left on my desk. With Bach drifting out of the speakers and I tried to focus on the research in front of me. Instead I found myself checking the door every few minutes to see who was walking by, hoping it was Sidney. He knew better. If he purposely mapped the rink so he wouldn’t pass the visiting locker room, surely he had a way to avoid my office. I groaned and closed the door, eliminating the temptation and sitting back down to focus on my task. Chewing on the back of my pen I scanned the documents for key words like benefit or success, I’d found a few leads when my phone vibrated on the desk in front of me. Dropping the pen I reached for it, hoping it was a message from Sidney. Instead it was a number that didn’t have a contact. I unlocked my phone and tried to figure out who would be trying to get ahold of me.

Unknown number:
Trix, I’m in the Burgh for a few days. Really want to see you. Call me when you’re free. XX Mills.

I tossed the phone in the bag at my feet and sighed. Suddenly Sidney’s ridiculous rule was the least of my worries.

Notes

The other day I noticed about 20,000 typos and spelling mistakes when I was reading from the beginning. Please forgive me for those. I promise I am a decently educated and somewhat intelligent person, I'm just oblivious to errors until a great deal of time has passed.
Nevertheless I hope you continue to enjoy this as much as I do!! As per usual I <3 your comments!

xx-T