All The Small Things

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Sidney pulled his Rover into the drive of his home. Sid sighed. He loved his Sewickley home, but it was a lot of house for just him. Everyone asked him why he bought such a large house? He couldn't live in Mario's basement forever. Well, he could have. Mario and Nathalie were like a second set of parents to him, but he needed his own space. Sid had room for his parents, his sister, and whoever else wanted to crash at his place. But, more importantly he had room for a family. Sid wanted to spend his entire career there in Pittsburgh. Sewickley Village was the perfect place to raise a family. Sid ventured into his house.
Sam was exciting wagging her tail. The lab danced around his feet. He patted her on her head. Sam was always excited when Sid came home. He was glad some living thing was excited. Sam wasn't exactly picky about who comes through the door. Sam greeted the neighbor kid who dog sits the same way. Plus, he was pretty sure that Sam would go home with Geno. Sam followed Sid into his kitchen. He grabbed a protein bar and bottle of water. Pulled a treat from the cabinet and slipped it to Sam.


Sidney flipped on the television. Sam having devoured the treat, was now laying on Sid's feet in front of the couch. Sid was rapidly changing channels. He knew it drove his roadie crazy, but Sam didn't seem to mind. He settled on an episode of American Justice. Sid had watched almost every episode, but didn't mind the repeats. He sat watching the Scott Peterson trial unfold. Occasionally, scratching Sam's head since it was currently resting on his knee. Every time the narrator said Laci he was glancing at his phone laying on the couch. He knew he should call or text Laci about Cole. He should check with Mario before he called though. That was a good as excuse as any for chickening out of calling her. As the episode was drawing to a close Sam was prancing near the door.


"Want to go out" called Sid to Sam. She barked and ran rings around him until he fetched her leash. If she needed to go out they might as well walk to Mario's. Sam practically drug Sid out their home. Sam did her thing then started pulling towards Mario's home. Great even his dog knew his habits. It was a running joke about all of his idiosyncrasies. Sure he had a few superstitions. He didn't like his routine disturbed. He might have a few control issues, but it was necessary for him to play his game.


Sid didn't bothering ringing the bell or knocking on the Lemieux's door he just went on in the home. Nathalie told him he was family and family didn't make mom open the door. He called out as he and Sam crossed out of foyer.

"Hey" called Mario "What are you doing Kid?"


"Walking Sam." replied Sid "And I need a favor?"


"I'm not sure I even have as much pull as you, Kid" laughed Mario "What's up?"


"I need an entire box Wednesday against the Flyers. Plus, Pens stuff and food for about 15 kids and guardians. It needs to have a full medical staff, like the foundation's. I know it's short notice, but I don't think Cole has time to waste." rambled Sid.


Mario was staring at Sid. It wasn't like him to ramble. He knew Sid spent a lot of time at UPMC Children's Hospital, but he hadn't realized Sid was attached to one of the kids. Sid didn't really let anything distract him from hockey. Mario realized that Cole must be a special little boy. Mario also realized that this kid was probably going to put a kink in his golden boys oh so well laid out plans. Good, the Kid needed a few kinks.


"You want to tell me what is going on?" asked Mario


"Cole has terminal cancer. He's in another round of chemo. They're hoping to delay it and give him some quality of life. But, he hasn't had too many good days. Laci promised him she would bring him to one of our home games. He is super excited but I am worried he might not be well enough to come if we wait much longer. So, when Laci pulled me in the hall and told me we were good for Cole. I told her that I would get them a box. I didn't tell them when, but if it's a big issue I will move it to another game. I'll pay for the box."


"You are still rambling" said Mario "Who is Laci?"


"Laci is the new hospital social worker. She has taken an interest in Cole." replied Sid "But, the best part is she has no clue who we are. She didn't recognize any of us. Cole started to explain, but she shushed him and tried to throw me out of his room."


"Kid, why didn't you tell her who you were?" asked Mario.


"Because she might be the one person in the entire state that didn't automatically ask me for anything. All she wanted was for me not to bring my germs around Cole. Even more impressive she didn't swoon over Tanger. Even when I told her I would work the box out, she told me I couldn't do it. She doesn't have any idea that we are the hockey team. G, Tanger, Pauly, Flower, and I were all in that room. Laci wasn't playing a game. She watches the games with Cole, but I think that she's buried in paperwork just keeping Cole company."


Mario smiled at Sid. The boy was rarely animated about anything that wasn't hockey related. "You aren't paying for the box. I'll let them know at the arena. Swing by and let them know what food and stuff you want. Then, make sure to let the proshop know what you need. I will call my rep at UPMC and see if they can round up some doc volunteers. No worries, I'll bribe them with future tickets."


"Thanks Mario" he replied "I want it to be special for Cole. The entire team loves the kid, and take turns visiting."


"Just for Cole?" asked Mario giving him a knowing look.


"The kid deserves some good" answered Sidney.


"I know another kid who deserves some good" said Nathalie hugging him "Are you staying for dinner?"


"He has a girl to call Nathalie. Leave the boy alone."


"A girl?" exclaimed Nathalie "What girl? You found a girl!"


"Wow, am I that bad off?" grimaced Sid.


"Oh no, Sweetie!" said Nathalie "You just usually don't notice the girls. So, will you bring her over for dinner. Or maybe to the box? Are you keeping it quiet?"


"It's not like that, she's a social worker at the hospital. She hangs out with Cole on the oncology floor. He's 6 and a foster kid. He has terminal cancer, and has no one." explained Sid "Laci seems to have adopted the little guy. She tried to throw me out of his room. Apparently, I'm germy. She has no clue who I am."


"But, you liked her?" asked Natalie hopefully.


"She is good for Cole" replied Sid "Jared, the nurse, said she would need time to get everything approved. So, I guess I will work with her to make it happen. Mario is letting us have the box. I guess if you wanted to be hostess you could meet Laci."


Mario started laughing. Sid just stared at him and raised an eyebrow. "She's mentally picking out your tux for your wedding, Kid."


"I am not" admonished Nathalie "The boy needs something to hold other than a hockey stick." Mario smirked at Sidney's stricken expression.


"And on that shining note I'm heading home" said Sid.


"Call her sweetie" instructed Natalie "When is the last time you actually remembered a girl you met? Especially one that you boys didn't pick up in a bar."


"WOW!" Sid called over his shoulder "I'm leaving. I'll give her a call. Nathalie please don't read a lot into this. She could be married, or worse a Flyers fan."


"If she were a Flyers fan she would have known who you are Kid." said Mario.


"Maybe" answered Sid as he led Sam out the door. It was a short walk back to his home. Sam had spent the better part of the walk barking at random leaves. She would never be a guard dog, but she kept him company.


Once at home he fed and watered Sam. He then fixed himself dinner and settled in on his couch again. He heard his phone chime. He retrieved it from the kitchen to see who had messaged him.


Flower: Did you call the blonde yet?
Sid: What blonde?
Flower: What blonde? The social worker from the hospital! You liked her. Don't even act like you didn't.
Sid: I like that she's good to Cole.
Flowers: Nothing to do with her being a hot blonde in naughty librarian clothes.
Sid: Why are we friends?
Flower: You love me. Call the girl. I'm giving you 20 minutes to call her before I tell matchmaking Tante's, Vero and Carole-Lyne about her.
Sid: Dirty
Flower: Whatcha gonna do about it, Squid!
Sid: Hate you.
Flower: 19 minutes.


Sid stared at his phone. He could man up and call her or sit and wait for the girls to get involved. Getting the girls involved would be dangerous for all involved. He loved Vero and the girls, but he didn't need them focused on him. As it was they periodically tried to set him up with random appropriate girls. He didn't date but did occasionally need someone to attend events. It would be nice to take someone besides Taylor to events. His little sister was his go to seat filler, but her schedule was getting tighter with her college hockey career. He glanced at the clock. Time was ticking he had about 15 minutes, before the French invaded.


Sidney: Hey this is Sidney Crosby. I'm Cole's friend. I managed to get a box for Wednesday. Can we make it happen? You can call or text.


Sid hit send before he could rethink what he was doing. He then sent Flower a cease and desist message to stop him from telling Vero. Flower sent him a mocking text, but promised not to sound the WAG alarm. Sidney settled in for another episode of American Justice. He kept glancing at his phone. He wasn't used to people not responding to his calls or texts. This is for Cole he kept telling himself. He tried to focus on the episode not on the fact Laci wasn't returning his texts.


Laci was dripping with sweat. Her jujitsu coach was apparently trying to kill them. She made it to the women's changing room at the gym. She grabbed her bag from the locker. All she wanted to do was get home and into her bathtub. Laci had every intention of pulling an Olivia Pope. Popcorn and wine counted as a fruit and veggie right? She drained her water bottle and stuffed it into her locker. She waved at her classmates as she headed out the door. Laci climbed into her Solstice and fired up the engine. She loved the little black convertible. However, she was quickly realizing the time with the top down would be severely limited in Pittsburgh. She already missed Kentucky. Laci had the job of her dreams, the only problems were the terminally ill kids and the fact that it was firmly in yankee territory. Her phone chimed in the cup holder. She ignored the blinking phone, it was probably her mother asking her again when she planned to give her grandbabies. Laci was only 25. Hardly an old maid, but in Kentucky she was practically geriatric. Laci snapped on the radio and paired it with her phone. Uptown Funk rolled out of the speakers. Laci sang and danced along as she drove to her apartment.


Rondo was busy weaving in between her legs. Apparently, he was hungry or lonely. Laci knew it was more than likely the first. She dropped her Coach bag and her gym bag on the appropriate hooks by the door. She scooped up Rondo. With the lights off in the apartment she could only make out his yellow eyes, his obsidian fur blending with the dark. She flipped on the kitchen lights and sat him on the floor next to his fountain. Laci opened a can of food and forked it into his dish. Rondo was trying to devour the food before it was even on the feeding mat. Laci stood and watched him eat until he meowed in discontent that she was still there.


Laci headed to her bathroom and flipped on the faucet in the tub. She retrieved her phone from her purse. Laci was getting ready to put it in the dock when she noticed the message icon. It was a text message not a voicemail. Mom was old school, no texting. Probably Jared. Laci skimmed her thumb over the phone and opened her message. She didn't immediately recognize the number. She read the message then reread it. Laci couldn't believe what she was reading. She saved the number into her phone as Sidney.


Sidney: Hey this is Sidney Crosby. I'm Cole's friend. I managed to get a box for Wednesday. Can we make it happen? You can call or text.


Laci put the stopper in the tub and added some gingerbread scented bath salts. She stripped out of her clothes and climbed in the tub. She sat in the swirling water staring at her phone. How did he get her number? Who the hell was he? And how did he manage to get a box for the day after tomorrow? What the hell was she supposed to say to him? She had to make this happen for Cole's sake. Should she call or text him? Texting was safe, right? But first how did he get her personal number.


Laci: Did you give that guy at the hospital my number?
Jared: Yes, he was working on something for Cole.
Laci: Yeah he got a box at the game for Wednesday. Who has that kind of pull?
Jared: Apparently, Sidney Crosby.
Laci: I have no idea what to say to him.
Jared: I would start with thank you.
Laci: Smartass. Should I text or call him?
Jared: Depends on whether or not you want to hug him again or not?
Laci: I was excited for Cole.
Jared: I'm sure the 5'11 wall of muscle had nothing to do with it.
Laci: Nope.
Jared: So one of the other boys turn your head?
Laci: Absolutely not.
Jared: I thought it was Sid.
Laci: Hate you.
Jared: I'm your only friend besides Cole.
Laci: True but y'all are my best guys
Jared: Yes, but I don't swing your way. Text him.
Laci: You know I will for Cole.
Jared: Whatever
Laci: Nite


Laci sank further into the tub as she turned on the jets. She was still debating calling versus texting. He texted so she should do the same. She grabbed her phone and sent a response before she could think of a reason not to.


Laci: Cole will be so excited. I will need to clear it with administration.


Laci laid the phone on the ledge of the tub. She proceeded to wash and condition her hair. She then used her gingerbread body polish. Laci was shaving her legs when her phone chimed. She debated the merits of grabbing her phone over finishing her shave. Laci knew well enough to know she would inherently miss a spot if she quit shaving. Laci drained the tub and quickly rinsed with the hand shower. She pulled on her wrap and captured her hair in a towel. She sat down on the tub ledge. She moisturized, brushed her hair, and then dress in a UK t-shirt and panties.


Laci flopped down on her couch with her phone. She opened her message.


Sidney: I think he will be excited. I am pretty sure admin is taken care of as well. And even medical staffing.
Laci: Can I call you?
Sidney: Yes


Sidney was staring at his phone. Laci actually asked if she could call him. The more he was learning about her the more he was starting to want learn even more. He couldn't recall the last girl that actually intrigued him. Sid's phone rang, making him jump. He wanted to answer on the first ring, but didn't want to seem desperate. He let it ring a few times.


"Hey Laci" answered Sid


"Hi" she replied timidly "I don't even know where to start?"


"It's not a big deal."


"No, it's a huge deal for Cole. All he talks about is going to a game."


"I'm happy that I can make it happen"


"Mr. Crosby, I don't even know how to say thank you for what you're doing."


"You can start by calling me Sid." he replied "I don't think I am old enough to be Mr. Crosby."


"Alright" responded Laci. Sid could hear the long I sound that he associated with the South. He hadn't really noticed it today.


"You really are Southern, eh?" said Sid


"Yes, sir" she intoned "Sounds like you might not be from around here either."


"I'm Canadian, but I've lived in Pittsburgh for 9 years. What about you?" he asked.


"I'm from Kentucky. I've been in Pittsburgh for about 6 weeks."


"So you know nothing about the 'burgh?" he questioned.


"Nope, i've been spending my free time with Cole. We've been reading the Harry Potter books. "


"We could probably read to him some during our visits."


"That would be great. I want to get through that series, Hunger Games, and the Mortal Instrument books." explained Laci.


"Very ambitious. I hope you and Cole finish. Can you get them to let him come to the game?"


"I think so especially thanks to your kindness." she replied honestly "Sid this might give him more to fight for, and he needs a reason to fight."


"I'll do whatever he needs." said Sid "No child deserves the hand he was dealt, but he endures it with a smile."


"I know he grabbed on to my heart the first night I met him." stated Laci "He is one of a kind."


"I also arranged for the kids to get a shopping spree at the pro shop. Jerseys, toques, scarves, and Iceburgs for every kid."


"Sid you don't have to do all of that."


"Yes, I do. I'll even make sure you have a jersey. I know Jared has one." said Sid "I won't take no for an answer."


"Thank you for making it happen."


"No worries" he replied.


"I don't think saying thank you is enough"


"It's more than enough." answered Sidney "I can't think of anything I need."


"It's not" she laughed "I'm still not sure how you did it."


"I've got friends in low places, or high places depending on perspective." teased Sid.


"Well, thank them for me." she said. Sid heard her yawn. "Excuse me. Long day."


"How about I come by the hospital around 1pm and confirm everything. We can have lunch while we discuss Cole's trip and exactly what is needed."


Laci panicked. She could have sworn he just asked her out. No, he just wanted to take care of Cole.


"You still there?" asked Sidney


"Oh" she stammered "Yes, I was looking at my calendar. Lunch sounds great."


"Are you on the oncology floor?"


"My office is down in the Advocacy Center." yawned Laci "Sorry."


"You're tired i'll let you go. But, I got it elevator 3 to you. I stop in and sign the book for Janice" he replied "See you at one."
"I'll be there." she replied trying to figure out how he knew Janice. Maybe he was a bigwig at the hospital. "Good Night Sidney."


"Nite Laci"


Laci decided to forgo the popcorn and wine and just hit the bed. She found Rondo curled up on the opposite pillow from where she slept. He was a black lump on the bright paisley bedding. Laci climbed in the bed. She laid there thinking about Sid. She had no idea what to think yet. Just as she was about to fall asleep her phone chimed beside her.


Sidney: Looking forward to lunch. You pick the restaurant. I'll pick you up.
Laci: Me too. Italian or Chinese?
Sidney: I am good either way. You pick.
Laci: Italian it is.
Sidney: Whatever you want.
Laci: Never tell random girls that.
Sidney: I trust you.
Laci: Thanks. Good night Sid.
Sidney: Good night.


Laci was smiling as she drifted off to sleep. Her last thought was of the handsome guy with eyes the color of Maker's Mark.

Notes