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Sid and the guy finished up with morning skate. They were all milling around the locker rooms getting ready for the rest of their day. Sid was sitting his locker contemplating telling the guys about the box for tomorrow night. Maybe, he should wait until he was sure that they had the hospitals approval.

"You trying to give Tazer a run for the Captain Serious title?" asked Marc-Andre.

"No" laughed Sid "Just trying to get my thoughts together."

"You planning on world domination or no?" teased Marc-Andre "Or you are trying to figure out what to wear on first date with the blonde."

"It's not a date" said Sid "It's just lunch to discuss Cole."

"It's a date" replied Marc-Andre.

"What's a date?" asked Beau Bennett

"Sid has a lunch date with the social worker from the hospital. But, he says it is not a date?"

"The Kid has a date?" asked Duper coming into the locker room "No wonder you looked like hell at practice."

"I was fine at practice"

"You were distracted" said Duper "I have lots of time to look at you. So, who is this girl?"

"Did you man up and call the blonde?" asked Kris "She's the new social worker for Cole. Laci, oui?"

"You are using Cole to pick up girls?!" exclaimed Brandon

"I am not using Cole" growled Sid "She has no idea who I am or what I do. She tried to throw me out of Cole's room. But, then decided we were good for Cole. He wants to come to a game. The prognosis isn't great. So, I want it to be sooner rather than later. I told her I would get a box for the oncology kids for the Flyers game, they will all be here tomorrow. So, we have the box and I need some of you guys to go up and sign stuff and visit with the kids."

"Is good thing" replied Evgeni "I sign. I visit. I be wingman for you."

"I don't need a wingman" sighed Sidney "I just need you guys to make sure the kids are taken care of."

"Mon ami, I suggest you let our comrade help you or else Vero might want to help." said Marc-Andre "Duper, Carole-Lyn will help right? Kuni's Maureen will help too I'm sure."

"I don't need that kind of help!" exclaimed Sid

"Non, she already hugged him" said Kris "We just need to make sure he is no his usual charming self. Do not scare her away with your hockey juju. See, if you can just be a normal guy not the Prince of Canada."

"I am just a normal guy!" replied Sid exasperated. He started stripping out of his gear. He certainly didn't want to be late to pick up Laci.

"Dude, you have more issues than a subscription to Playboy" laughed Kuni "We put up with it, but most sane women won't."

"Thanks for the pep talk guys" said Sid striding towards the shower.

"Hey Sid" called Kris "What you wearing to t'is lunch meeting?"

"Clothes" called Sid from the shower.

"I'm digging in your clothes" yelled Kris "Maybe, we make you presentable, non?"

Sid didn't bother answering. He decided ignoring them and showering was his best bet. They acted like he was a train wreck. He was just quiet until he got to know people. Plus, he had lots of responsibilities. The eyes of the NHL were always on him. Ok, yeah he had a lot of weird routines. Sid scrubbed the lather from his hair. Sid killed the water and wrapped at towel around his waist. Most of the guys had cleared out except Kris, Marc-Andre, and Evgeni.

"Ok, so we scavenged through the locker room. I came up with a presentable outfit, even for your creature body." said Kris "It doesn't scream hockey player. It's casual enough for a day lunch date."

"I have clothes" He decided to overlook the creature comment it just encouraged them.

"Yes" replied Kris "But, you either come off as an uber Pens fan or confess who you are if you wear your clothes. So, your jeans, a tshirt, and G's button down. You are set."

Sid dressed and listened to Kris fuss about his hair. "Where are your trainers?"

"I didn't wear them. I have my crocs." replied Sid

"You can no' and will no' go on a date wearing brigh' yellow crocs!" growled Kris throwing his hands up in defeat. Kris was muttering in French. Kris stalked out of the locker room and returned a few minutes later with a pair of their game day trainers. He dropped them in front of Sid. "There now you look like a real boy."

"Oui, he will do" replied Marc-Alan.

"Da" nodded Evgeni "Remember, not hockey be just Sid. She might like just Sid."

"Anything else dads?" quizzed Sid grabbing his keys and wallet.

"Where you going for lunch?"asked Marc-Andre

"I don't know. I texted her last night before bed and told her she could pick." answered Sid

"Maybe, he does have a little game. Keeping himself on her mind as he goes to bed" laughed Kris.

Sid shouldered his duffle bag and left the locker room. He wasn't sure letting the guys know what was going on was a great idea. He tossed his bag in the back of the Rover. He made it to the hospital in with about 20 minutes to spare. He didn't want to get Cole's hopes up so he head straight to the Advocacy Center. He hit the buzzer and Janice waved him in.

"Sid" she said standing to hug him "Good to see you. You boys aren't scheduled until next week."

"I'm here to pick up Laci" he said "We are working on getting some of the oncology kids over to a game."

"Ah" replied Janice "She is a sweetie. She could use a friend, Sidney. She is really attached to Cole. I think she spends more time there than in her own office. In fact, she is up there now. She wanted to tell him she was working on getting him to a game soon. She told me about her mysterious benefactor. She neglected to tell me it was you."

"She knows my name Janice" answered Sid "that's it. She doesn't know what I do. Why is her office here?"

"Laci is very smart Sidney. I would tell her before someone lets it slip. She is very big on honesty in her therapy with the kids."

"So, she does the same thing that Ally used to do" asked Sid

"She has more duties than Ally had. But, I hear Ally might be coming back." said Janice smiling.

"If Geno has his way she and Nat will be back here permanently." answered Sid "Nat wants to be here now. But, they have stuff to deal with in Kentucky."

"We'll be glad to have her back" replied Janice.

"Glad to have who back?" asked Laci smiling at her secretary and Sidney.

"Ally one of our former interns will hopefully be back full time with us soon. She is a therapist and forensic interviewer. She's currently working for social services in Kentucky. But, is marrying a boy from Pittsburgh."

"Oh, that would be great to have an in house interviewer."

"She is one of the best" said Sid "You ready for lunch?"

"Let me drop all this paperwork in my office and we can go"

Sidney stayed with Janice while Laci dropped her things in her office. Her blonde hair was in a high ponytail that reminded him of a genie. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a gold shirt. It was an outfit that Sid thought would look great in the WAGs box at the game. What surprised him was the fact that she had on ballet flats instead of sky high heels. Girls he met always seemed to be on 4in heels and dipped in glitter. Laci didn't look like she had make up on but he knew from Taylor getting that look was harder than being obviously made up.

"Sidney" called Janice laughing "Did you hear anything I said?"

"Not one word" he said turning bright red and dropping his head "I am so sorry."

"Don't be it's high time that something gets your attention besides a hockey puck. But, tell her at lunch who you are, don't spring it on her at the game. She might think you were laughing at her behind her back or worse."

"I'm going to give her a jersey for the game tomorrow. So, I figure she will see my name and question it." replied Sid "I don't want to be all hey I am Sidney Crosby with her."

"Just be you." said Janice "We all love you not the Sidney Crosby." Sid flushed again. He nodded at Janice.

"Ready" called Laci "Cole is so excited."

"Whenever you are" he replied. Damn he sounded like a tool. He wanted to be as confident as Kris and funny as Marc, but he never quite made it. Sid hadn't moved and he was kind of staring off. Great even worse now I am staring. "Sorry, I was thinking. I do that a lot, and apparently you cause me to ramble and possibly be dorkier than usual."

Laci started laughing. Sidney was adorable. Even blushing and stammering suited him. She was glad she had chosen a more casual look today. Sidney was dressed in a button down and jeans. Laci wasn't sure where he got jeans to fit his thighs. Okay, now she was staring. "It's okay Sidney. I have those moments." She ran a hand through her ponytail "Janice want to join us?" she asked.

"No dear, you have fun with Sid. Don't work too hard, and Sid dear remember what I told you." answered Janice.

"Yes Ma'am" said Sidney pulling the door open for Laci. He guided Laci into the hall with his hand on the small of her back. She really was tiny. Sid's one hand nearly spanned the width of her body. Laci could feel the heat radiating from Sidney's hand. She shivered. She wasn't sure what it was about him that made her excited and nervous at the same time. "Cold" asked Sidney.

"It's always cold here" covered Laci.

"I'm sure I have a jacket or hoodie in the car. It might ruin the look of your outfit but it would be warm."

"Warm trumps cute" replied Laci. Sid stared at her. "What?"

"You are not like the girls around here." answered Sid

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing" she questioned.

"Definitely good" he stated as he led her into the parking structure. They passed a couple of teenage boys on the way to the car. Sid saw them do a double take and the boys start towards Sid. He ushered Laci to the Rover and opened the door for her. Laci climbed in as the boys approached Sid."I'll get that hoodie out of the trunk." He shut her door before the boys asked for an autograph. He motioned them behind the vehicle. "Listen guys" began Sidney "It's our first kind of date and she has no clue what I do. So, both of you be very chill when I get my jacket for her and I will give you both signed pucks. Deal?"

The boys nodded and stood at the back driver side tire. He pulled a couple of pucks from his bag and signed them quickly. He grabbed his Reebok jacket and shut the hatch. Both boys were thrilled with their pucks. Sid apologized for not taking a picture, but promised that he was around the hospital a lot and he would owe them one. "Good luck with the chick" called one of the boys as they walked away. Sid chuckled and climbed into the driver's seat.

"Here's my jacket. It will swallow you." said Sid "But, it should keep you warm." Laci kicked her shoes off and drew her feet up under her. She then used his jacket as a make shift blanket.

"Thanks Sidney" she replied.

"So where did you want to go?" he asked

"I basically eat in the cafeteria, at the Chinese across the street, the Italian place a block up, or it's Olivia Pope style with popcorn and wine. I'm not much of a cook. I think I could burn water."

Sid laughed. Okay laughed was not quite what she would call it. It was unusual. Laci found it endearing. "I... maybe I can give you a few lessons. I can cook a handful of things. Plus, I can follow directions. So, you aren't a picky eater?"

"Not at all. I like all kinds of foods." she answered "I'm just bad with open flames."

"You can't be that bad."

"I burned toast in a toaster Sidney"

"Okay, you can't be helped" he teased. Laci laughed. She was so normal. He wasn't used to normal. His phone rang into the cars blutooth. He saw that it was Nathalie and hit the accept button.

"Hi Nathalie" he answered.

"Sidney, we have everything squared away for Cole and the other kids. All we need are sizes for jerseys and if the kids have preferences. Also, can you make sure the kids don't have food allergies or dietary restrictions?"

"Yes Ma'am." replied Sid "I will get all that information from Laci. She is here with me and we are headed to lunch."

"Sidney, why don't you bring her here for lunch we can get everything out in the open and get all the information in one sitting rather than relaying it. I'll call and have lunch delivered." said Nathalie "She can tell me all about Cole and the kids."

Sid looked at Laci. He shrugged. Laci nodded that it was fine. So much for a date thought Laci.

"We're coming. But, Nathalie please keep this quiet we don't need everyone up there."

"It's fine dear. Mario and I promise not to embarrass you." replied Nathalie "Can't wait to meet you Laci. Sid take care of her and bring her in the back way so you don't get bombarded."

"See you in 10 minutes." replied Sid disconnecting the call. So much for keeping his identity a secret.

"Nathalie and Mario Lemieux?" asked Laci "You work for them. They donate so much to the hospital. That's how you were able to get the box."

"Kind of" he replied hedging a little as they pulled into the Consol. "I need you to promise me something"

"As long as it doesn't hurt Cole or the kids I will do my best."

"Can you grab that black and gold bag from the back seat?"

Laci grabbed the bag and pulled it into her lap. Sidney pulled into a parking spot in the players lot. He nodded at the bag "Go ahead and open it."

Laci opened the bag and pulled out a hockey jersey. She recognized the logo as the team Cole loved. The Pittsburgh Penguins were all he talked about. Laci ran her hand over the logo and traced the C on the shirt. "Oh this one is just like Cole's jersey. His has a C too."
"Yeah I gave it to him. It's one of my jerseys." said Sidney quietly. "That one is one of mine as well. I told you I would get you one for the game."

"One of yours?" asked Laci. Sid nodded. "You didn't have to give me one of yours I could have just worn black to the game."

"Look at the back of the jersey." instructed Sid. Laci unfolded the jersey and turned it over. Her breath caught when she read the letter stitched across the back. C-R-O-S-B-Y! Her eyes moved between him and the jersey.

"When you said your jersey you realize I assumed you meant you pulled it out of your closet. Not that it was your name stitched across the back."

"Laci, I know I should have told you yesterday. But, you didn't have a clue as to who I was. You weren't afraid to tell me to get out of Cole's room. Cole tried to tell you but you shushed him and went back to telling me I was germy. It's not what I'm used to. Then when you told me Cole wanted to come to a game I knew I could make it happen. You were so excited." he answered "It took me several hours, the threat of teammates wives intervening, and Nathalie's coaxing to get me to text you, and you still didn't know. I think you are the first person in Pittsburgh not to ask me for a damn thing. Laci, you actually told me I couldn't get you tickets to a Pen's game. Then, hugged me when I said I would make it happen. No one but family and a few Pens ever hug me. People either fawn all over me or they act like I'm an asshole. It was so good to just be Sid for a while with you."
Laci was looking at Sid. He wasn't sure what she was thinking. He didn't know if he should keep talking or just shut up and take her back to the hospital.
"Rule number one don't lie to me Sidney. No matter how big or how small." said Laci very seriously "I don't usually forgive people for lying to me."

Sid released a breath that he hadn't even realized he was holding. "If you give me a chance I promise I won't lie to you. Unless it's Christmas or your birthday. Then, it doesn't count according to Nathalie."

"Holiday white lies might be excused." she replied "I think I like Nathalie."

"Nathalie and Mario are like a second set of parents to me. He is a great mentor and Nathalie is always around when I need someone to remind me there is more to the world than hockey. She's a little bit excited about you. I don't usually ask girls out."

"I'm sure they throw themselves at you. Cole talks about you as if you are a cross between Jesus and Batman." said Laci.

"Yeah, I don't mess with those girls either." replied Sid "I play hockey. I go home. I'm really kind of boring. The guys drag me out. I am not a big drinker or partier. I don't want a girl who has been with my linemates and half the NHL visiting teams."

"I couldn't pick an NHL player out of a lineup." she said very seriously "What I know about hockey is what Cole has taught me."

"I might be able to help with that" he answered. Sid's phone rang. He hit the accept button.

"Are you all going to stay in the parking lot?" asked Mario "Because Nathalie is driving me crazy Kid!"

"We're coming Mario." said Sid "On our way. It's lunch. It's not prom. Should I just hide?"

"No way Kid. She will hunt you down. Jen is also milling around." replied Mario.

"I'm coming." he answered looking at Laci. He disconnected the call then motioned for her to stay put. He came around the vehicle and opened the door for Laci. He helped her out of the Rover.

"And people say Yankee boys don't know how to treat girls"

"I'm Canadian we are a very polite people" said Sid. Laci was surprised he hadn't immediately let go of her hand. Instead he had tucked her in close to him and was striding towards a back door at the Consol. She was holding hands with Cole's favorite hockey player. He paused at the door "Last chance to run." he said "If we walk in I can't promise you won't be on social media or actual media. I also can't promise that Jen will be nice until she has a feel for you. I can't promise Nathalie won't publicly humiliate me, and if the boys are around I can't promise they won't try and steal you away or embarrass me to the point you want to leave."

Laci started laughing. "What?" asked Sidney laughter was not what he expected.

"You are abiding by rule one." she stated "Let's go before Nathalie sends a search party." Sid released another breath. He pulled open the door and ushered her inside. Once inside he let go of her hand. He however kept her very close as they walked down a concrete tunnel. He was pointing out different doors as they walked. She stopped and looked at the wall close to the locker room. "That's a big trophy you have there." she said pointing at the picture of him and the Cup "I guess you do play hockey you are all scruffy and missing teeth."

"Not a trophy" he replied "The Stanley Cup. The Cup. It's what we play for. I'm only bearded for the playoffs. I broke my jaw a few seasons back and lost a few teeth."

"The Stanley Cup" she parroted "Got it. Anything else I need to know immediately so I don't embarrass you?"

"Go to dinner with me after the game and I will explain anything and everything" he said looking down at her. Laci smiled up at him.

"Don't you want to find out if we can survive lunch?" asked Laci. He shook his head no. She smiled at him again. Sid had an overwhelming urge to grab her and kiss her. Kris would. But, not Sid. He wished he could be that guy. Laci grabbed his hand "It's a date, Crosby." It was his turn to smile. He ushered her down the corridor. Sid hit the button on the elevator and waited. He looked down at her small hand in his. He could get used to this.

They climbed into the elevator. "Hey hold the elevator." Sid groaned. He let go of her hand and held the door for Max LaPierre.

"Thanks" said Max "Got a meeting and I am late." He then noticed Laci standing off to the side.

"No big deal" said Sid moving close to Laci. "Laci this is my teammate Max LaPierre. Lappy this is Laci."

"She new to the Pens organization?." asked Lappy. The tiny blonde next to Sid was hot. Max was sure Sid was giving her a tour or some other boys scout thing that Mario wanted him to do. Sid glared at Max but didn't answer. "What do you do, Laci?"

"I'm a social worker at UPMC Children's Hospital." she replied "Sid invited me to lunch. We were hammering out the details for him taking me out tomorrow night after the game." Max's eyes got wide. How had Sid convinced this chick to go out with him? And that accent made her even hotter. The elevator doors opened Sid ushered her out of the elevator "It was nice meeting you." she said exiting with Sid.

"Don't encourage him" said Sid.

"No worries Crosby" she said winking at him " I don't date guys who are that slick. Plus, what kind of teammate tries to poach a girl from his buddy?"

"Did she meet Max or Kris?" asked Mario coming into the hall.

"Max" she replied looking at Mario LeMieux.

"Walking hormone in a mans body" said Jen joining Mario. Jen narrowed her eyes at Laci "I'm Jen. I do all the PR for the boys." She turned abruptly and dismissed Laci.

"Jen" called Sid following her.

"He must really like you" said a lady coming to stand next to Laci and Mario. "I'm Nathalie."

"Laci Prewitt" she replied extending a hand. Nathalie grabbed it and pulled her in for hug.

"Nathalie, don't smother the girl."

"I'm not. We're huggers." said Nathalie "Oh, you are beautiful. Where are you from dear?"

"Alabama, Ma'am" answered Laci as she was lead into the conference room.

"Nathalie" said Mario "Don't interrogate the girl. Laci, have a seat. Sid will be back in a few minutes. He and Jen are having a discussion."

"He definitely likes you or he wouldn't go toe to toe with Jen." explained Nathalie "She's protective of the boys. Doesn't believe anyone one in Pittsburgh wouldn't know who Sidney is."

"Well you are looking at her" replied Laci "I've watched a handful of games with Cole. But, I didn't really pay attention. But, I can name the SEC quarterbacks if that helps."

"I have a feeling you'll learn" said Nathalie.

"What is she learning?" asked Sidney returning to the room without Jen.

"Hockey" replied Mario.

"I promised to explain everything after the game." resting his hand on her shoulder "She has the basics I play hockey and we play for???" he asked looking down at her.

"The Cup" she replied laughing at Sidney.

"She's got the important parts" he said smiling at her before sliding into the seat next to her. Nathalie was smiling at both of them. Mario shook his head. Mario didn't know whether to be thrilled or worried that Sid liked this girl.

Notes