Chapter 33

I couldn't help the annoyed look on my face as I let him in and he plopped himself down on the couch.
"You sure don't listen very well! I know you're used to getting everything you want, but I think it's time we discuss boundaries," I said with a touch of anger in my voice.
"I'm sorry Beks. I just had a really shitty day and needed to see your smiling face. So do you think you could, oh I don't know...smile?"
"Sidney being cute is not going to get you out of this."
"You must be mad, you called me Sidney."
"That is your name isn't it?"
"Sarcasm, that's a good sign. Look, we had to talk about tomorrow anyways, what's the big deal if it's over the phone or in person?"
"The point is that I said no and you completely disrespected my wishes. It's just like when I was married and I am not going to go down that road again!" I said with tears forming in my eyes. Where did that come from?
"That is not fair! I am NOTHING like him and I would NEVER treat you the same way!"
I regretted saying it as soon as the words left my mouth, and even more when I saw the hurt in his eyes.
"You're right," I said softly. "That wasn't fair. On your worst day you could never be anything like him. I'm so sorry."
I couldn't control the tears running down my cheeks now. "It's just he never took anything I said seriously. Even when I said no to something, no matter what it was, he did it anyway. So I'm very touchy when it comes to this."
"I'm sorry," he said gently wiping the tears from my cheeks. "I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you. And I certainly don't want to ever disrespect you."
"I know," I said reaching for his hand and giving it a squeeze. "I'm just so emotional lately and I'm not sure why."
LIAR! I know exactly why!
"The holidays are just a tough time for me. I miss gram and David the most at Christmas time."
"That's understandable."
Good cover!
"We'll have to work on making more happy memories then won't we? Starting with the skating party tomorrow. It's starts at 3:00, but I thought maybe you and the boys would want to grab some lunch first, so how about I pick you up at 1:00?"
"That's really sweet, but totally not necessary. We can have lunch here and just meet you at the arena. I don't think we should go together, it might give people the wrong impression."
"What impression would that be?" he asked faking innocence.
"The impression that we're you know... together."
"Ohhhhhhh. Like two people going to the same place at the same time would be?"
"You know what I mean smart ass! How are you going to explain us to the rest of the team anyways?"
"I was planning on telling them the truth."
"And that would be....?"
"That I met this great nurse at the hospital while Mario was there and you really helped us get through. We became friends and as a thank you, Mario invited you and your family to the skate."
"Exactly what version of the truth does that resemble?"
"My personal edited down version! They don't need to know the whole ugly truth about how we really met. And my version does contain elements of the truth."
"Do you really think that they'll buy it?"
"Of course! Mario will back me up."
"Whatever you say Crosby!"
"Good. Then I'm picking you up at 1:00 for lunch. No arguments!"
"Fine."
"Now go to bed! I want a well rested and worthy opponent tomorrow!"
"I don't need to rest to whip your ass Crosby!"
"Is that a threat?"
"Nope, it's a promise!"
"I guess we'll see tomorrow."
He got up to leave and I walked him to the door. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and said "I'll see you at 1:00. Sweet dreams Beks."