All Hands on Deck

The next morning, Sidney left early for practice and Tessa slept in. And that was something she could get used to - no alarms, no early mornings, just glorious sleep in her comfy bed for as long as she could stand it. Nova Blue didn’t mind her unemployment either, taking full advantage of his mother’s attention and turning her extra pillow into his personal bed whenever Sidney wasn’t there to use it.

It was almost noon when Tessa was awake and finally out of bed. She stood in her kitchen making a cup of fruity black tea, extra sugar, when there was a knock on her door. Common enough, except the only people who came to her apartment were Sidney (who never knocked) and delivery men with food or flowers. Almost hesitantly, but more so curious, Tessa undid the deadbolt and opened the door.

She wore a confused smile now. “Hey, Phil.”

Kessel looked mussed and sleepy, but he usually did anyway and it had less to do with the time of day and more to do with just who he was as a person. He also seemed embarrassed, a faint blush painted across his cheekbones. “Hi. I’m, uh, sorry if this is weird. Jack gave me your address.”

It was weird, but Tessa is nothing if not a people person. She smiled sweetly at him. “It’s not weird at all, you’re a friend. Come on in.”

He stepped into her apartment. Not for the first time, Tessa thanked her lucky stars she was an obsessively organized person because no matter who stopped by, she didn’t have to worry about dirty clothes on the floor or other embarrassing messes. In this case, she also didn’t have to worry about Sidney’s stuff being out in the open since she forced her cleanliness on him as well and she knew he kept his duffle bag on the top shelf of her closet, out of sight.

She waved Phil toward the couch and went into her kitchen. “I don’t have coffee, but I can make you some tea?”

“No, no, I’m ok.”

Alone in the kitchen, Tessa texted Sidney that Kessel was in her apartment and please don’t come over and ruin everything. Armed with her own mug, she plopped down on the couch next to Phil and crossed her leggings-clad legs. “What’s going on?”

“I should have called, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, I meant what I said. I’m the one who should be sorry. When Jack came back I just left and I’ve been putting Georgie off every time he tried to plan a night out for us.”

Phil gave her an understanding smile. “It’s all good, we know it was hard on you, especially with how the Royals treated you. Teams grow close real quick, when you have to leave, it hurts.”

“It did, I was sad to go, but I’m doing well, honestly. I’m enjoying some time off, looking for other work and I think I have a lead on something already.”

“Yeah? That’s great. In Pittsburgh?”

“No, Philly, actually. But enough about all that. You doing alright?”

“I’m good, for the most part. I came by because I have an odd request.”

“Shoot.”

“My back, it’s been acting up again. So much so I had to sit out the last couple of games.”

Tessa opened her mouth and her first impulse was to say that Sidney hadn’t told her. She caught herself just in time. “I had no idea.” She indicated the television. “No cable, no Pens games. I’ve been checking the scores, but that’s it.” Really, Sidney kept her well-informed of Pens events (except this one apparently), but that’s beside the point.

Phil answered, “Don’t feel bad for not keep tabs on me, you’re moving on, that’s one reason why I didn’t want to reach out to you.”

“Just because I don’t work for the Pens anymore doesn’t mean I don’t care about you boys. I still talk to a lot of the guys in Reading, too. So, go on, what’d you wanna ask?”

“Well, I was hoping you could maybe see what you can do for my back? You always had the touch for it. Jack’s been trying, but…he’s not you.”

Tessa had never been one to gloat or put on airs, but hearing Kessel say that she was better than Jack, if only at this one thing, that felt pretty damn good. She tried to keep her face neutral, because there was a major hiccup to this idea. “I’d love to, I honestly would, but I don’t own any equipment, no table. I could have you on the floor, but that might make it worse, to be honest. Backs are tricky.”

“I thought all massage therapists had that kind of stuff just laying around.”

Tessa laughed. “Sorry, I’ve always worked for one team or another so I’ve never done freelance stuff, which is probably what you’re thinking of. I could buy one, but since I’m not working, I can’t really splurge on it right now.”

“I could buy it for you, would that be ok?”

“You know I can’t let you do that.”

Phil shook his head. “It could be my payment, for the sessions.”

“I wasn’t going to charge you anyway.”

“Nessie…”

“I know, I’m stubborn.” In spite of her independence, she did want to help him and this might be the only way. “I’ll tell you what, you can buy it, but I’ll pay you back when I’m working again. Cool?”

“If you insist, fine, I’ll let you pay me back. Where do I find one of those things?”

Tessa jumped up and grabbed her laptop, typing in the address for massage supply website she frequented. She picked out a table she knew she would have no trouble repaying Phil for and he paid with his credit card while insisting on next day shipping.

That done, Tessa told him, “I can call you tomorrow when it comes and we can get started right away if you want.”

“Yeah, please, no game tomorrow so whenever you get it, just let me know.”

“I will. Thank you for buying it, I will pay you back.”

“I have no doubt, even though you don’t need to.” He stood now. “Alright, I should get going. Got plans for today?”

They walked towards the door and Tessa responded, “Nothing special. You boys got a game tonight, right?”

“We do, you should come.”

“Eh, I don’t know, I’d feel weird.”

“Fine, be like that. But, we’re having game night tomorrow at Flower’s. I know he’d be happy if you came and the boys all want to see you.”

Now that he mentioned it, Fleury had invited her via text a few days ago; she had told him she would think about. “Yeah, he mention it to me. You sure it won’t be awkward for everyone?”

“No way, the guys’ll flip when they see you. Please?”

“Ok, ok, enough puppy dog eyes. I’ll come, but don’t tell them. Let it be a surprise.”

Phil’s smile was bright. “Good. I’ll see you then. Thanks for agreeing to help me.”

Tessa hugged him tightly. “Hey, no need to thank me. We’ll get you healthy in no time, ok?”

“You’re the best. See ya.”

Tessa finished her tea and jumped in the shower. Soon after she got shampoo worked into her hair, she saw Sidney’s lumbering shadow through the opaque curtain. She shouted over the water pressure, “You could have told me Kessel had to sit out games because of his back.”

The curtain was yanked aside and Sidney stepped in, forcing her further under the water. There were still moments when her mind was inundated with how downright magnificent his body is and this was one of them. Sweaty, wet, messy-haired Sidney was the best Sidney in her book. And he was smiling to top it all off. “I didn’t want you to worry about him, which I knew you would.”

She punched him the chest as he moved closer in the tiny space. “You should have told me.”

Wrapping his arms around her and forcing their bodies together he asked, “What did he want?”

She could hear his tone and Tessa pulled her head back. “Are you jealous of Phil now?”

“No, just wondering what he was doing here. This is our sacred space.”

“Our?”

“Yes, yours and mine. How did he even know where you live?”

“I had to give the Pens my address since they were my employer. Are you seriously riled up about him being here?”

Sidney answered by burying his nose in her neck and scenting her wet hair. She could feel his cock hard against her stomach, his hands cupping her ass. “Yes, I hate the idea of any man coming here, even harmless Kessel.”

Tessa writhed against him like a cat, practically purring. She could pretend to be offended all she wanted, but Sidney playing territorial domination was hot as hell and her body reacted to it. She told him, “Get used to it, I’m going to give him private sessions to try and fix his back.”

A groan echoed between them as he turned them so her back was against the cold tiles. “What about my private sessions?”

“Phil’s won’t interfere, you’re my favorite client afterall. And I promise not to give him a happy ending.” Her hand worked between their bodies until she grasped his cock. She pulled at him a few times until Sidney lifted her leg, draping her knee over his arm. Tessa griped the base of him and shifted her hips until his cock was deep in her warmth.

Their bodies glided together smoothly and Sidney realized for maybe the first time why he enjoyed her company so much, things were just easy with them. Ok, yes, he admitted to himself, their relationship was complicated and confusing, but this, when they were alone and their problems were left at the door, that was easy. The way she understood him, how she could read his mood from a single word or glance, how he seemed to know just want she needed at any given moment, that was easy.

His hips did their work and he kissed her passionately, trying to communicate his gratitude for the fact that no matter what was happening in their world they could always come together like this and it was simple, good, easy. He asked her, “Tess, has it been like this for before? With someone else?”

He didn’t need to clarify, for some reason he knew that she would know just what he was talking about. And she did. She smiled up at him, mouth open and brilliantly red. “No, just you, Sid.”

He answered with a groan, a harder thrust inside her. She responded with a whimpering moan and her nails across his back. They finished together, finally got clean, and, much to Tessa’s delight, got right back into bed.

The next day was also mostly spent in bed until she kicked him out so Kessel could come over for his first session. His back was a mess of knotted tightness and sore muscle. She did the best she could, gave Phil some instructions for things to do at home, and told him to call her tomorrow to let her know how he was feeling.

Soon after he left, it was time for the game night at Flower’s house. Tessa and Sidney drove separately, naturally, and Sidney agreed he would get there first. When Tessa arrived, he acted as surprised as everyone else.

Most of the guys were there and their wives, girlfriends, and children, making for a very full house. There was food and drinks to go around and most people just wandered from one group to the next, talking to whoever they ended up sitting next to. Tessa, though, felt like the homecoming queen, with everyone vying for her attention. It was flattering, but also just really nice to feel like she belonged again.

About an hour after she arrived there were random games being played all throughout the house: pool in the basement and darts nearby, foosball in one of the upstairs bedrooms, poker in the dining room, even lawn croquet for those brave enough to stand to the chilly spring night air.

Sidney did his best to follow Tessa around without seeming like he was following her around. He couldn’t help it, her laugh make his heart soar and he loved to see her surrounded by people who cared about her. It made her positively glow.

Finally, while Tessa, Sidney, Flower, Duper, Kunitz and Kessel were lounging in the living room half paying attention the basketball game on TV, Flower’s wife came into the room and flopped down noisily on the couch next to her husband.

“Aye-aye-aye, what a night.”

Flower rubbed her back and murmured something in French as he kissed her cheek. Tessa offered her a smile and said, “Can I help with anything? You must be exhausted.”

She got a finger wag in return. “No, no, no. I’ve put some of the other girls to work. You must tell me though, how is your job search? Marc told me how terrible your old team treated you.”

“It was…not nice, but I’m over it. I think something’s in the works actually, something promising. We’ll see.”

At that point, Jack entered the room and having overheard added, “Yeah, speaking of, you know Don from the Flyers called me about you today?”

Tessa could feel Sidney’s eyes almost burning into her skin. She had told him she was looking at jobs in Philadelphia, he knew she was raised in there, but the word “Flyers” had never passed between them as if they were both carefully avoiding it. She answered, “Yeah, I spoke with him a few days ago, said he’d be calling you and Kyle with the Readings. You gave him a positive assessment of my skills, I hope?”

Jack tipped his drink at her. “Of course.”

Flower and Kunitz looked equally shocked, with the latter saying, “Oh, come on, you can’t be that desperate.”

Tessa laughed and tried to let them all down gently. “Well, guys, you may not be aware, but I was raised in Philly.” She added for emphasis, “I was a hockey fan, raised in in Philly. What team do you think I rooted for?”

She was met with a chorus of groans that only made her laugh more. Sidney said, “I think we were all hoping you were a Stars fan because of your father.” Of course by we, he really just meant himself.

“They’re my team in the west, true, but I’m a Philly girl, through and through.”

Kunitz couldn’t help himself, he explained, “But you’re so nice. How can you come here and work for the enemy and seem to like it?” He put a hand over his heart. “I just feel so betrayed. Have you been faking it this whole time?”

Sidney added quickly, just for her, “You better not have been faking anything.”

Their eyes met for just a moment before Tessa looked away and answered, “Chris, we’ve spent a lot time together, does it seem as if I dislike anyone? Did I ever strike you as a vindictive, angry Flyers fan who hates anyone with a Penguin on their shirt?”

“Well…no, but that’s my point. You’ve been keeping secrets from us, who know what else you’ve been hiding.”

Letang’s voice carried through the room now. “Secrets will tear a good friendship apart, Nessie.”

For a half second, she could have sworn there was some malice in his voice. When she looked at Sidney, he was staring hard at Letang so she assumed he heard the undertone as well. She tried to lighten the mood. “I didn’t mention it because it hardly matters. I do love the Flyers…and when they play the Penguins I get appropriately fired up. But I’ve never held any ill will towards you boys. I don’t know, maybe I’m just too passive for team feuds, it just doesn’t get me going.” She finished with a shrug and Sidney thought to himself that of course she didn’t get fired up over something like that, he could hardly imagine her angry at all. The one time she had gotten even slightly snippy with him she had apologized for days afterwards. She was too sweet, full of too much joy.

Kessel who was sitting next to her spoke up now, “I believe you, Nessie. And I don’t blame you for not mentioning it, seeing as how everyone reacted as they did.”

“Thank you, Phil. At least someone is on my side.”

Feeling like the third wheel suddenly, Sidney spoke up as well, “I believe you, too. And you’re right, you’re too nice to dislike anyone.”

“Thanks, Cap. Now that that’s settled. Can we play some games, please?”

Flower grabbed a box from alongside the couch. “Pictionary?”

Duper’s eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas. “Yeah, buddy! But Nessie has to be on Sid’s team as punishment.”

Everyone murmured their agreement and Tessa looked at Sidney. “Why is being on your team the punishment?”

“Oh, you know, because I’m terrible at Pictionary.”

Tessa muffled a giggle and Kessel told her, “Seriously, the worst, that is a punishment.”

As everyone shifted around the room, calling for other people and picking partners, she moved over towards her teammate and patted his knee. “Don’t worry, I’m awesome. Together maybe we can at least not finish last.”

He gave her a smile, the one normally reserved for post-coital snuggling. Their eyes stayed locked on each other only for about two seconds longer than was necessary, but even that felt dangerous. When they looked away, Letang was glaring at them both and the pair felt like teenagers who had just been caught by their parents dry humping in the basement.

Tessa looked away from them both and saw Flower’s wife watching her intently. Shit, she thought. But Véronique just smiled gently at her and went about setting up the drawing board.

The game started and as advertised, Sidney was awful, probably the worst drawer in the history of Pictionary. And yet, when he drew some random log shape with a circular blob above it that had a narrow triangle protruding from it Tessa shouted, “Mosquito!”

“Yes! Oh my God, yes!” Sidney was so excited he was almost jumping up and down. “Thank you, maybe it wasn’t me, maybe I just had shitty partners this whole time.”

Flower, as one of his former partners, objected. “Wrong, my friend. What the hell is that and Nessie how the hell did you guess that so fast?”

She pointed at the godawful drawing. “Look, that log looking thing is an arm, the circle is the mosquito, the pointy thing is the stinger. Easy.”

Sidney was still bubbling with joy and held out his arms in victory. “Told you, it wasn’t me, it was you guys.”

Duper rolled his eyes, but by the end of the night decided that Sidney might be onto something, considering that he and Tessa won the whole game.

And Flower was pissed. “That’s fucking bullshit, man. You cheated.”

Sidney was laughing, “How? How did I cheat? You guys forced Nessie to be my partner, that’s on you.”

Duper added, “Had we known she was the fucking Crosby whisperer we would have stuck her with Kessel.”

Poor Phil and Jack had ended up finishing last, but he just shrugged the whole thing off. “You win some you lose some. Next time I get Nessie on my team.”

Sidney didn’t mean to shout as loud as he did when he said, “In your fucking dreams, Kessel.”

Tessa smacked both their backs kindly. “Boys, please.” While it had been fun, it was getting late and she had plans to meet Sidney later that night for a few hours together before they went back on the road. She looked at her watch and said to Flower and his wife. “I should get going.”

Flower frowned and his wife tisked. “So soon?”

“Yes, this was so much fun though. Thank you for inviting me.” They exchanged hugs and then Tessa made the rounds of the house, hugging all the boys and promising they would do it again soon.

Véronique walked her to the door and then, surprisingly, out to her car. When Tessa turned to hug her goodbye, the tiny woman stopped her for a moment. “Nessie, I have to ask, do you like Sidney?”

Damn, and here Tessa was hoping she had misinterpreted her look earlier. She told her as convincingly as possible, “I like him as a friend, that’s all.”

“Well, he doesn’t look at you like a friend, and you should be careful around him. Crosby always gets what he wants, regardless of the consequences.”

“Can I ask why you say that?”

Véronique gave her sad smile. “Because that’s his way. Once he has a goal in mind, nothing can stop him.”

“That’s a good thing, though.”

“For you, mon ami, no.”

Tessa shook her head. “Please don’t worry. There is no me and Crosby, I promise you that.”

“Good, good, you should keep it that way.”

“I will.” Tessa pulled her in for a hug now. “Thank you again.”

“Of course, call me, we’ll have coffee, yeah?”

“I’d like that yeah.”

Tessa fell asleep soon after she got home, but woke up when Sidney crawled into bed with her. Not sure if she was awake, he kissed her neck gently and when she made a small sound of delight and turned in his arms, he smiled.

“You really gonna go work for the Flyers?”

“You really gonna tell me that’s a problem between us?”

Sidney laughed a little. No way he was going to act like a child if his girl could be so cool about it. “No, no problem. Just as long as you tell me you've never thought about Giroux.”

“Well, he is the Captain, he’s crossed my mind once or twice while I was watching a game.”

“Stop fooling around, you know what I mean.”

Tessa pushed back on his shoulders, rolling him onto his back. As she threw her leg over his big body, she peeled off her t-shirt. Sidney’s hands immediately came to her bare thighs and Tessa started to grind her hips slowly against him. “You mean have I ever thought about doing this to that ginger?”

“Yeah.”

She leaned down to kiss him, shoving her fingers through his thick hair as she did so. Sidney’s cock was already rising, pressing against her. Tessa told him honestly, “No, never, not even once.” With a teasing smile she added, “Now, Michael Raffl on the other hand…”

Sidney had them flipped in a heartbeat and Tessa found herself being held down by his long fingers wrapped around her wrists and his body atop of hers. He was fully hard and practically throbbing between her thighs. He told her seriously, firmly, “I swear to fucking God, if he touches you, I’m gonna kill him.”

Tessa saw the look in his eye and she realized the real problem was that she was going to be in a situation he couldn’t control. With Beau’s crush, Sidney had been around to keep an eye on things, make sure he stayed in line. When she was in Philly, he would be clueless as to what was happening, helpless, and those were two things that Sidney Crosby was not used to feeling.

She told him, “Sid, you don’t have to worry about those boys, because I’m only gonna be thinking about you. And besides, they haven’t offered me a job.”

“Yet, not yet, but they probably will. No one calls your references unless they’re going to hire you.”

“I know and I know how you feel about the guys in orange jerseys, but -”

“This is a good opportunity, probably the best you’ll have. You’ll get to go home and work for your favorite team. It’s all good, this is good.”

“You mean that?”

“Yeah, Tess, I do. Now tell me you were joking about Raffl or the next time we play them I’m taking his fucking head off.”

She grinned and wiggled underneath his grasp. “One hundred percent joking, I just like it when you get all fired up. But unless you plan on fucking the sass out of my mouth, get off me so I can go to sleep.”

When he smiled, Tessa thought that no man should be allowed to look so sweet, yet that sexy at the same damn time. “Roll over and bite down on something, because I’m not gonna be gentle.”

And he wasn’t, couldn’t have been if he tried. He fucked her hard enough to leave bruises, hard enough to have her literally walking off balance the next day, hard enough to make it clear that there was only one man who could make her feel that way. Tessa got the message, and loved every second of it.

Notes