The Roommate

Bri looked in the mirror while she put on her lip gloss for her date. She was so surprised by who asked her out. She hasn’t really been out to see the city for her own pleasure so she was looking forward to hanging out with someone new and getting out for once. She wasn’t sure where she was going so she stuck with a semi casual outfit.

When she walked downstairs Sidney could hear she was in heels, so he walked out from his office where he was signing pictures for charity. “And where are you going missy?”

“I got asked to go out for a bite to eat so I’m gonna try it out. What’s the harm in that?” she tried playing it off as if she really didn’t want to go. She didn’t want to make him jealous or hurt him in any way. Jealous was all everything Sidney became when she said it.

“Who are you going with?”

“I’m not going to tell you yet, it’s nothing serious. I’m just going to see a bit of the town and meet someone new. I only know you, your teammates and whoever they brought and a coworker from work.”

“Why won’t you tell me?”

“Are you mad at me?” she asked.

He wanted to tell her the truth but he knew he couldn’t because of his situation, so he told her a lie. “No. I just want to make sure you're safe.”

“I can promise you I will be in contact if anything happens. Will you be home when I get back?”

“Depends on where you're going or if you’re coming back,” he replied with his arms crossed across his chest. “But I have a game at 7, so I’ll be gone by 4.”

“I’m sure I’ll be back by then, it’s a lunch date for a reason,” she paused, sensing his body language, “Are you sure you’re okay with me going?”

“Yeah, I’m just worried and in a mood. Enjoy your date but don’t bring him back here, gotta be safe you know?”

“Don’t worry. If I don’t see you before good luck at your game! Wish me luck,” she smiled, turning to walk out the door. The second it closed the two of their hearts felt a sharp pain of hurt. She didn’t want to hurt him like that, she wasn’t even sure she had the same feelings as he did. The main reason she was doing this was for her article, she couldn’t tell him that.

He didn’t want to hold her back but he didn’t want to let her go. He was very confused why she would go out with some other guy and not him. He wasn’t cocky because he was Sidney Crosby, but he was shocked she would resist Sidney Crosby. But she doesn’t see him as Sidney Crosby and they both knew that, and he appreciated that trait about her.

While Bri was on her date Sidney was a nervous basketcase while preparing for his game. He walked around the house trying to keep his mind off of the thought some other guy was taking her out, touching her, possibly kissing her, and doing what he wanted so badly to do. He could already tell tonight’s game was going to be a gongshow.

Then the thought occurred to him: “What if it’s one of his teammates and that’s why she’ll be back before his game?”

Bri on the other hand was miserable on this date, to be honest it was a waste of her time even going. He was boring, had a mono tone voice who only spoke about himself and he was so consumed with the fact she knew Sid. She knew it would happen but this was too much. On the bright side, it was a free meal and she got plenty of material to write about for her articles. She came home way earlier than suspected but not early enough to catch Sid so she decided to get some editing done and prepare to watch the game.

The second Sidney walked into the dressingroom the whole team could tell he was tense about something. Mentally he was doing a headcount to see who was there and everyone appeared to be which was a good sign. Clearly she was already home, no need to text her and ask how it was to see, it would only anger him more.

“You good man?” Flower asked from his stall quietly.

“Yeah, just a bad day.”

“Hopefully you can take out some of your aggression out during the game.”

And boy did Sid do that. The Pens lost, but Sid played one of his most rough games of his career. The colour commentators were shocked by his aggressive playing style and lack of discipline. Bri could tell he was mad, and probably at her, so clearly she needs to talk to him when he get’s home, this isn’t right. She needs to come clean.

After the game had ended and Sidney got home, Bri was waiting anxiously by the front door as if she did something to greatly upset her parents. When he came through the side door she went to say something but he just brushed her aside and went straight up to his room. Guess it better wait until the morning.

**The Next Morning**
Neither of them got much sleep that night, both tossing and turning, nerves throughout their bodies. Sidney was disappointed in himself for the game he played and couldn’t get over how out of hand his emotions got, he’s never been that bad. Bri felt guilty and responsible for upsetting him that badly and knew she needed to make it right once again between the two.

The crossed paths in the laundry room where she was taking down her hanging bra’s. Now she doesn’t feel as awkward having him see them, but she sure as hell felt awkward by his presence. Now’s her time to speak.

“Can we please talk about something?”

“Sure.”

She lead him into his fancy living room, a place they never really sat before. “I need to apologize for clearly upsetting you. I didn’t mean to trigger something in you by going out on that date I-”

“Who did you go out with?” he asked.

“One of the organizers from the humane society.”

“Thank god,” he sighed, slouching into the couch. His entire body relaxed instantly at her words and he was no longer clenched and tight.

“Is that what you were so worried about?”

“A little bit, but continue,” he said.

“Remember when I was talking to you about my job slightly changing? I now have to talk about love and relationships and I haven’t really been able to do any of that so I had to go on a date to get some… experience. I only went with him to write an article, not for what I told you I was. And I feel really bad because I knew you were pissed with me about it.”

He took a second to process it. “I was mainly pissed off because I thought by you not telling me that you were going with a teammate, and the time matched up. I got so protective because I know how some of those guys are and I don’t want you to get hurt or mixed in with that life. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did but I was so scared it was one of those asshole’s.”

“Sidney, I would never do that to you. I could never live with you and date a teammate. I love them to bits but they’re just friends, nothing more.”

“Can I ask you something?” he asked. He was semi lying to her and not telling her that he had feelings for her.

“Yes?”

“Don’t sound so worried. Do you find yourself kind of lonely in the city and bored?”

“To be honest yes. This job isn’t what I thought it was going to be, I’m struggling with work, and I’m kind of upset with myself for accepting this position when everything I was promised changed.”

“Well I can assure you that it’ll get better. Do you want to get out and see the city more and possibly grow your own social media stuff for your blog or?”

“I would love to meet new people or gain experiences of any kind.”

“Then come with me to a charity dinner tonight.”

“Wait, what?”

“I have a plus one to the event, and I would like it if you came as my date.”

“Is this your way of asking me on a date?” she winked, hoping deep down it was a yes.

“Sure?” he chuckled.

“What do I have to wear?”

“Something nice, it’s for the animal calendar, so you’ll get to see your work.”

Her hands covered her face with slight embarrassment, “Oh no!”

“I’m sure they turned out good. Now start getting ready to leave cuz we have to be gone by 3, it’s a bit of a drive, and you take a long time getting ready.”

She just shot him a look, denying his statement. “I’ll start now just incase.”

They both felt better about resolving their argument without even saying sorry but still being able to communicate properly. It was refreshing to them both to be honest, and they loved how easy it was once they were both willing to talk. Now it’s time to tackle the first “date”, if it really is a date or not.

Notes

Outfit of the chapter: http://www.polyvore.com/plaid_poncho/set?id=213360895

This is a big PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT but.... I FINALLY SAW PITTSBURGH PLAY LAST NIGHT AND IT WAS MAGICAL! And, Sidney Crosby himself tapped on the glass I was sitting in front of when he saw I was wearing a Penguins jersey (they were the away team). So I saw my top two fave teams play, and it made my life complete! I've never seen them play and didn't think I would anytime soon and it happened. So there's that.

And it also inspired me to write some chapters so here's an update!

Please keep the feedback coming and thanks for letting me know what you all think! <3