The Coworker

Every year Mario throws a big welcome back BBQ to kick off the new season starting and the progress of training camp. It’s a chance for everyone to meet under casual circumstances and have a relaxed team bonding experience. They can bring their families and it’s a good way to be introduced into the crazy family.

Sidney was hosting this year because Mario’s home was getting renovated, and he had volunteered as captain to host. Mario still paid for everything and even offered to work the grill for everyone. So the two of them were busy setting everything up and getting the place kid friendly.

They had rented a jumping castle thing for the backyard for the kids incase they didn’t want to swim, but that’s more than likely where everyone is going to hang out at, and they also had little lawn games to keep everyone entertained as well. Sidney was aware they would be filming some of today’s events but not putting it on TV for long so he was okay with it being filmed.

“You do know Bri is coming to do the Snapchat for today right?” Mario asked as he was getting all the buns out of his shopping bags.

“Yeah, I’m aware,” Sid replied.

“Did something go on between you two? You seem sorta hostile towards her.”

“No,” he answered, keeping his eyes away from Mario. “It’s just been a while, that’s all.”

“Oh, I see.” The awkward silence was killing Mario because he knew Sid better than this so he was going to keep trying. “Are you sure it’s just been a while?”

“Yeah. There were just some things left unsaid last year, that’s all.”

“Well are you going to talk to her about it?”

“Eventually, when the time is right I guess.”

“Well don’t hold off for too long because you know it’s only going to get more awkward and I don’t need that shit in my dressing room. Don’t tell your coach I said it was mind.”

Sidney couldn’t help but chuckle. He was so territorial of this team and it was priceless to watch. He made slip up’s like these behind closed doors all the time, yet kept his composure in front of regular people and the media.

Bri was extremely nervous about going back to her old house she shared with Sidney for a number of reasons, mainly because it was so early on in her job here, and partially because she was being forced to go. But she just needs to hold her head high and display her confidence to show she’s not upset about it. Who would ever be upset about going to Sidney Crosby’s house for a BBQ? His ex… Roommate, fling, whatever you wanna call her.

Thankfully when she pulled up a lot of people were already there so she started making her rounds. An odd wave of nostalgia waved over her body as she walked in the front door, half expecting her dog Marty to run and greet her. The house stayed exactly the same as it was when she was living there and she couldn’t have been more excited about it. Her touches to the place obviously left an impression, and that made her giddy.

As she walked through to the kitchen where some people were she said her hello’s. Thankfully her saving grace Vero was outside with the girls so she excused herself from the painful small talk to go say hi. It was a long awaited reunion.

“There she is!” she squealed throwing her hands up in the air as Bri went running over to Vero who just finished lathering the girls in sunscreen. “I have missed you so much!”

“I’ve missed you too V, how’ve you been!?”

“We have an outing as a family on a sunny day, so you tell me. I’m stressed. How’ve you been?” she asked before whispering, “do you feel uncomfortable yet?”

“Oh very,” Bri matched her tone. “But I’m really good.”

“When Marc said you got the job I almost threw Scarlett in the air I was so thrilled.”

“Where are the girls?”

“Over on the jumpy thing with their father. He was the first one on it,” she laughed.

“Oh I could imagine.”

“So how does Sid feel about this whole thing?”

“Uhm, I’m not sure. We haven’t spoken a word to each other,” she replied, watching Sidney work the patio, saying hello to every person there.

These were the events she wished they had gotten to do as a couple. Seeing him interact with the kids, whether it be chasing them around the yard or throwing them into the pool made her wish deep down they had gotten to do those fun things together. Scarlett even came running too close to the pool and he caught her and brought the crying toddler to her mom.

That was the closest they had been all day. Otherwise they only interacted when she had to take his picture or follow him around. Was it weird following him professionally through his home, absolutely. But what could you do? It’s work.

At one point something spilled in the kitchen and there was no paper towel to clean up so she went to where the extra rolls are kept and realized she shouldn’t have done that. Otherwise that was the only awkward moment she really had.

Sidney on the other hand was having a great time regardless if she was there or not. It was uncomfortable for him at first but once he was done being filmed and could relax he did. It’s been awhile since he enjoyed himself in this large of a crowd.

After the food was eaten and the sun was starting to set and Sidney prepared for a fire in his fire pit with his friends Bri knew it was time for her to leave. She had no purpose to stay any later and decided to give them their privacy.

“Well guys, I’m off. Thank you for having me, and I’ll see you at practice,” she said to Mario and Sidney before she left. Everyone else got a hug but those two, and she thinks they noticed.

“Anytime, thanks for taking time out of your personal time to come to a work function,” Mario responded.

“Oh please, I have nothing else to do in this town since these people are the only one’s I know. It was my pleasure,” she laughed uncomfortably. She could sense Sid was not having it.

“Well thanks for coming,” Sid said in a semi blow offish tone.

“See you guys in a few,” she waved, letting herself out through the back fence door.

That has got to be one of the most uncomfortable work situations she’s ever gone through.

Notes

Outfit of the chapter: https://www.polyvore.com/bbq_ready/set?id=228483264

Woo chapter 3 already! Where has the time gone? And it's a long one for ya. How do you think it's going so far? Do you like it? Hate it? Your feedback drives the story so don't be afraid to let me know! Plus it encourages me to post more lol

Thanks for reading!