Chapter 84

"Of course it's me! What's wrong with your phone? I've been trying to call you for two days!"
I took my cell out of my pocket only to find that it was dead. I guess after getting pissed off about not being able to reach him, I didn't give my phone a second thought. I'm sure the fact that I was relaxed and having a wonderful time enjoying my company the past two days didn't have anything to do with it.
"It's dead," I said coolly. "Didn't your mom give you my message about trying to call the hotel?"
"Yeah, but only this afternoon when I called her and when I tried the hotel, you had already checked out."
"What do you mean when you called her? I thought you were supposed to be there already?"
"I was but..." he let out a deep sigh. "You have no idea what I've been through the last few days."
"Enlighten me."
"It was great when I got here. Everyone was already here and we jumped right back into our ongoing game of pond hockey."
"Cause none of you get enough hockey?"
"Seriously, the game has been going on since we were all here playing junior. It never stops or starts over, we just keep score from the last time we played."
"And you were just soooo busy with the never ending game of pond hockey that you couldn't pick up the phone?"
"By the time I thought about it it was too late and by the time I got up the next morning you were already at work and then it hit."
"It hit? What hit?"
"The biggest freakin' snow storm ever in the history of Rimouski! The whole town was buried, hell half the province is buried! The snow is over most of the roofs. No one could leave their houses, there's been no electricity, no heat, no phone service, it's been a mess. They even had to call in the army reserves to dig everyone out!"
"Seriously? Are you guys okay?"
"Yeah we're all fine. Thank god for wood burning stoves! Tim's place has one in the living room, so we've all been camping out on the floor wearing every piece of clothing we own!"
I was beginning to soften my stance on the no phone call thing.
"Ahhh, you boys had a big ol' jammie party, how sweet!" I chuckled picturing 8 burly hockey boys camped out on the floor.
"Nice," Sid said. "I'm telling you about my trauma and you're making jokes.
"Oh I'm sorry was I supposed to be..."
My thought was cut short by someone in the background.
"Siddy, we have to get going soon if we're going to make it to the airport in time for our flight...oops sorry love," the voice giggled. "I didn't know you were on the phone. Kayla and I will wait in the car."
LOVE? OUR FLIGHT? KAYLA AND I? WHAT THE FUCK?
"Who was that and why did she call you love?" I snapped. "And why are you and her and some other girl going to the airport together?" I added without giving him a chance to answer the first two questions.
"Babe, relax..."
"Don't you call me babe!"
"Bekah, relax. Kayla and Shawna are friends. Actually, Kayla is Jonesy's girlfriend. They're from back home too. We were all stuck here. Jonesy had to go back to his team, and since we've been stuck here so long, the three of us are going back home together, that's all."
"That's all? Why didn't you tell be there were going to be girls on your boys bonding trip?"
"I didn't know. There had been talk that some of the guys were going to bring their girlfriends, but nobody ever confirmed. The guys couldn't get away without them. I guess their girlfriend's aren't as wonderful and understanding as mine is."
"Don't even try sucking up cause this wonderful girlfriend isn't as understanding as you think. How many girlfriends were there?"
"I don't know, five or so."
"And who's girlfriend is Shawna?"
"No one's," Sid answered cautiously. "She came with Kayla."
"And she's the one who called you love?"
"She's always done that. She calls everyone that. There is nothing to get upset about, it's just been all us friends hanging out again, catching up on what's new."
"So, did you tell all these old friends about your wonderful girlfriend?"
"No, not exactly. Sure these guys are some of my oldest friends, but some of the people I don't know all that well. I'm certainly not going to divulge personal information about me to them. Besides, we agreed not to tell anyone right?"
"Yep, sure did. Good thing too huh? I'm sure some of those girls were happy to know there was no girlfriend in the picture."
"It wasn't like that at all Bekah. I love you and you know it. That's all that matters."
"Not always," I mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"You're not really pissed off about this are you?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"How many of the little snow bunnies did you have to keep warm?"
"None individually. At night we spent most of the time all huddle together. Nothing happened."
"Nothing?"
He was quiet for a minute and that pretty much told me everything I needed to know.
"Sidney Patrick Crosby, I asked you a question!" I yelled.
"Since I am being completely honest with you...Shawna kissed me, but it only happened once and after I told her I wasn't interested that was it."
BITCH! And now you are about to fly home with her? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
"And she just accepted that you weren't interested and that was that?"
"Well no, but I pushed her away when she tried to kiss me again and she got the hint."
I pondered this information for a minute.
"Where did she kiss you?"
"What? Uh... in the kitchen."
"Not where in the house, where on your body," I said through pursed lips.
"On the lips," he said quietly.
Why was I doing this to myself? Because I needed to know, that's why.
"Did you kiss her back?"
"I... What kind of question is that?"
"A very important one. Did you kiss her back?"
"I...don't...think...so, I don't really know."
"How do you not know? Her lips were on yours kissing you. Did you return the gesture?"
"I don't know," he started to yell back at me. "I guess at first until I clued in and then I stopped her. I didn't want to kiss her and I didn't want her to kiss me. I don't know what else you want me to say."
"I just want you to say whatever the truth is. We need to always be honest no matter what the consequences might be."
"That is the truth. Bekah, I don't want to to be kissing anyone but you. You believe me don't you?"
"How long has she had a thing for you?"
"Why are you asking all these questions?"
"Because I'm trying to understand what happened so I can make an informed decision. Why are you always answering my questions with a question? Just answer me."
"I don't know. I didn't even know she did. I've known her for like six years and she's never shown interest in me before. Not that I know of anyway."
"But now that you're the face of the NHL..." I trailed off. "What's that tell you?"
"I know what people are like Beks, that's why I'm careful. I would never have a casual thing like that to begin with. But I certainly wouldn't do it now with the most beautiful, amazing girlfriend waiting for me at home. You do believe that right?"
I was quiet before I answered.
"Yes, I do."
I could hear the sigh of relief come from the other end of the phone.
"But that doesn't mean I'm impressed that you didn't tell me what was going on."
"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't think it was that big of deal."
"Normally it wouldn't be except when some skanky bitch is trying to grope my boyfriend."
"Ahhh honey, are you finally showing signs of jealousy?"
"I'm not jealous. She would have to have something that I want in order for me to be jealous of her. I think it's the other way around don't you? Although it does burn my ass a little that she doesn't know I've got something she wants."
"Ah, it's so sweet how you refer to me like a piece of meat. I think I have a little tear."
"Shut up, you should be used to it by now. I just have one more request before this is over."
"Name it."
"She's either flying back to Nova Scotia by herself or you are telling her all about me on the flight home."
"If I can get another flight, I will, but if I can't, I will make sure nothing comes out of my mouth except wonderful things about you, I promise."
"Thank you."
"So you actually broke down and called my mom?"
"I was worried when I couldn't get in touch with you. I really wanted to talk to you before we left for Harrisburg."
"I am such an ass! How'd the munchkin do?"
"Tournament champions and he got MVP; 15 goals and 8 assists in 10 games. But don't tell him I told you, he's really excited about telling you himself."
"That is awesome! He's got to be ecstatic. Is he there?"
"He's having a bath."
"I'll make sure I'll call him when I get home."
"Yeah, I've heard that one before."
"That was totally uncalled for," he said pretending to be hurt. "So why did you want to talk to me before you left?"
UUUGGGHHHH!
"Well, in the spirit of honesty, I wanted to tell you that I asked Max to go with us...and he did."
The silence was deafening.
"Why?"
"Why did he go?"
"Why did you ask him?"
"Well, because I was mad and hurt that you made plans without telling me and I really wanted someone to go with me. I ran into Max and invited him over for dinner. Alex asked him to help him out with some pointers to improve his shot, since you weren't around and I just figured it would be good for Alex to have him there, and good for me too."
He took a deep breath before asking, "anything happen that I should know about?"
"No. The only thing that happened was there wasn't enough rooms, so we all stayed in the same room. Max and Jake slept in one bed, and Alex and I slept in the other one. Nothing happened. Max didn't even attempt anything inappropriate."
"I see," was his only response.
"I needed someone there with me Sid. I wanted it to be you but..."
"I wasn't around."
"Look, I get that you are not always going to be able to be here, but you have to understand that Max and I are becoming very close friends and it's nice to have someone that can be there when you can't. It doesn't mean he's replacing you in any way because no one will ever be able to do that, but I like having Max in my life and I really need you to be okay with it. And for the record, we talked about him trying to sleep with me to piss you off and I assure you, it's not an issue."
"I trust you Bekah," he practically whispered. "And if you want to be friends with Max, I'm okay with it; I don't understand it, but I'm okay with it. And thank you for wanting to tell me before it actually happened."
"I love you Sidney Crosby."
"I love you too Bekah, probably more than you will ever know."

Chapter 83

I was doing everything I could think of to take my mind of the fact that I still had not heard from Sidney. I had so many mixed feelings, I didn't really know what I was feeling anymore. Angry, sad, bitter, frustrated, worried, scared, you name it, I was feeling it.


On Friday morning I decided to call Sidney one last time before leaving for Harrisburg. "We're sorry, the customer you are trying to reach is not available." This broad was really starting to get on my nerves. I was so pissed off at him; it was not like him to completely drop off the face of the earth, but I still had a conscience. I didn't want to leave without him knowing where we would be and how he could get a hold of me. I did the only other thing I could think of to do.
"Hello?"
"Hi Trina, this is Bekah."
"Hello dear, how are you?"
"I'm okay - no actually that's not true, I'm a little worried about Sid."
"Why did something happen?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't been able to get in contact with him since he left and he hasn't called either. It's not like him not to be in contact with me. Have you heard from him?"
"No, not since he got to Rimouski. He called to let us know he got there okay and that he'd be here Sunday. You know how boys are Bekah, he's probably got into hanging out with his friends and hasn't thought to pick up the phone. I wouldn't worry, I'm sure he's fine," Trina said trying to sound convincing. She knew better than anyone that Sid was not the type of guy not to call, at least to check in. She knew how much her son was in love with Bekah, and the fact that he hadn't called her since he left concerned her. She tried to sound positive through the rest of the conversation.
"You really think so?"
"I know so."
"Thanks Trina, that makes me feel a little better. Can you give Sid a message when he gets there?"
"Sure."
"Tell him that the boys and I are staying at the Marriott downtown in Harrisburg this weekend, so if he can't get me on my cell, he can try there."
"Of course dear. Have fun and don't worry about Sid, he's fine."
"Thanks Trina. Bye."


As Trina hung up the phone, she began to feel a twinge of guilt and fear. Guilt because she had lied to Bekah, but what was she supposed to say? She had no explanation. That's where the fear came from. Did something happen to keep him from calling; or is he doing something he's going to regret?



As soon as Alex saw his best friend Tyler in the lobby of the hotel, all signs of my quiet, subdued child were gone. They were like cages animals being released into the wild for the first time; running around trying to explore everything. Tyler's parents Pete and Sarah and I just shook our heads. As I was about to tell them I still needed to check in, Max appeared from his trip to the men's room with Jake. (I swear there is not a public bathroom that this kid hasn't been in...twice!)
"Hey bijou, have you checked in yet?"
"No, not yet."
I noticed Pete and Sarah give each other that 'who the hell is that?' look and felt obligated to make introductions.
"Sarah, Pete, this is my friend Max. Max, this is Sarah and Pete Thompson, Tyler's parents."
"It's great to meet you Mr. Talbot," Pete said as he shook hands vigorously with Max. "You're a hell of a hockey player!"
Damn, so much for being low key!
"Thank you," Max said politely, "but I'm looking forward to the stellar performances we're going to see this weekend."
"I need to go check in so..."
"I'll come with you!" Sarah said eagerly as she linked her arm with mine and we headed for the front desk.
When we were out of earshot I got "Oh my god Bekah, Max Talbot? You really jump in with both feet don't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You go from practically being a nun to dating Max Talbot?"
"Dating!" I practically choked. "We're not dating. We're friends, that's all."
"Friends? From what I hear, Max doesn't have female friends unless they come with benefits."
"Sarah!"
"What? Are going to tell me that it's not true?"
"It's not in my case. Max and I have a mutual friend. They were supposed to come with me, but when plans changed at the last minute, Max offered to come along instead. End of story."
Sarah studied my face for any sign that I might be holding out on her, but when my facial expression didn't change, she conceded.
"Alright missy, I'll take your word for it...for now. So I guess the next logical question would be what mutual friend could you have with one of the Penguins?"
"May I help you down here Mame?"
Whew, saved!
"Yes, I'd like to check in please. The last name is Jones. I have two rooms reserved for the weekend."
"Of course Ms. Jones. I just need some id and a credit card."
I gave him the documentation he requested and then waited...and waited...and waited. When he finally came back, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"I'm sorry Ms. Jones but there was a problem with your reservation."
"What kind of problem?"
"It seems the request for the second room was made well after the initial reservation, and with the hockey tournament in town, we just don't have a room available."
"You're kidding me right? My son is in that hockey tournament. We need a room!" I said much louder than I intended.
"Oh, you have a room - one room; not two."
A million things went through my mind at that moment. How was I supposed to share a room with Max? What would the boys think? What would everyone else think? What would Sid think?
"One room? I guess there are worse things. Please tell me there are two beds at least?"
"Yes Mame. Two queens and if you need it, we can try and round up a cot."
"That won't be necessary, the room will be fine."
"Looks like there may be more to tell by the end of the weekend after all," Sarah laughed.
I completed the check in process and Sarah and I headed back to where we had left the men. There was now a crowd gathered around. As we approached, I was amazed by what I saw. Every person that had congregated around Max was mesmerized by him. Talking about hockey of course, men hung on his every word and the women gazed admiringly at his eyes and other exquisite assets. I smiled to myself and thought 'Sid was right. He can charm the pants of of anything - man, woman or animal.'
"He really is something isn't he," Sarah said.
"You have no idea," I said. "No idea."
I held my arm up and waved the room key through the air. Max smiled and nodded his understanding. He graciously excused himself and headed over.
"We should get together for dinner once we all get settled," Sarah suggested. "Pete and Max seem to have hit it off and I'm sure the boys wouldn't object."
"Sounds good to me, and I'm sure Mr. Social won't have a problem with it. We'll meet you down here at six?"
"What's happening at six?" Max asked sliding his arm around my shoulders.
"We're going to meet Pete and Sarah for dinner. Is that okay with you?"
"Absolutely."

When we were in the elevator I told Max about the revised sleeping arrangements.
"I'll sleep with both boys and you can have the other bed," I offered.
"Three of you in one bed? That's crazy. The boys can share and we can share," Max whispered with that cheeky little grin on his face.
"Not a chance superstar!"
"Superstar? Oooh, I like it! Okay, how 'bout I take one and you take one?" he proposed.
"Max, you don't have to, I can manage with the both of them."
"No way. I'll sleep with Alex, you take Jake."
"I wouldn't do that to you, Alex is very restless. You take Jake, I'll take Alex."
"Deal."

Dinner was...well, it was...comfortable. The conversation never hit a lull, even though Sarah and I spent most of the night listening to the guys talk hockey. We did manage to get some girl talk in there too. My recent memory could not provoke any thoughts of a time I felt more comfortable or had so much fun. It was nice to be out in public without worrying about who was going to see us or what was going to be said. Our hysterical laughter often elicited stares from other patrons of the restaurant, but none of us cared. A few people wandered over to our table and asked Max for autographs and he handled it with ease, apologizing to us for the inconvenience after the signature seekers had left. At nine o'clock we decided to call it a night since the boy's first game was at seven the next morning.

When we were back in the room, it took the boys all of five minutes to fall asleep, leaving Max and I to our own devices. He found a movie on TV and we settled in for the night. Me in my bed, and he in his, the boys between us.
Half way through the movie (which was so horrible I can't even remember the name) I looked over at Max and found him laying on his side, peering over Jake's sleeping form, staring at me. I rolled up onto my side, and looking over Alex's sleeping body, returned Max's glare. We didn't speak; just drank in what our eyes were seeing, occasionally exchanging smiles and winks. I don't know when, but at some point we both fell asleep and were awakened by the screeching of the alarm clock.

The tournament was long and physically draining for the boys, but in the end, the Midget Penguins (Alex's team by pure coincidence) were champions of western Pennsylvania and Alex was the tournament MVP, leading all players with 15 goals and 8assists in 10 games, credited all to Max for helping him with his shot of course! It was a long four hour drive home and I don't know who was more hyper, Alex or Max!

We rolled in the front door at 8pm and was immediately greeted by the phone ringing. I didn't rush to get to it, opting to make sure the boys got in the bath right away. Max finished carrying the bags and hockey equipment in and we both flopped on the couch and burst out laughing at the same time. No reason why; it's just something we found happening alot. We'd look at each other and just laugh. When all was calm again, Max's face got serious.
"Why are you looking at me that way?" I asked.
"I don't know, because I can't stop thinking about how much fun this weekend was. Spending that time with you and the boys was amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of it Bekah."
"Thank you for coming with me. I couldn't even imagine how I would have coped without you there."
For the first time, there was a bit of awkwardness between us, like neither of us knew what to do next. Max was leaning towards me, just about to say something when the phone rang again.
Saved by the bell!
"Hello?"
"Beks, thank god! What the hell's going on with your phone, I've been trying to call you for two days?"
"Sidney?"

Chapter 82

"You're right on time," I said letting Max come through the door and taking his coat.
"You know me, I hate to be late. It smells fantastic in here," he said following me into the kitchen.
"Thanks. Boys, get washed up for dinner please," I shouted only to hear a chorus of groans in return.


Dinner was far from uneventful. Max was telling the boys stories about growing up with two older brothers and the trouble they used to get into.
"I remember when I was 8, my brother Will caught his girlfriend giving me a kiss and he was sooooo mad. The next day my picture and my underwear was posted on the bulletin board in the cafeteria at school. People made fun of me for weeks!"
"No way!" Alex cried. "That would be so embarrassing!"
"It was, but I got the girl so it all worked out."
"Oh, so you've been a ladies man your whole life then?" I joked.
"Ouch, that stings!" he laughed.
"Okay boys, you have half and hour to watch tv before your baths."
"Max, can I ask you something?" Alex asked timidly.
"Anything bud."
"I have this big hockey tournament this weekend, and I need some serious help with my shot. I'd ask Sid but he's not around so...would you maybe show me a few things?"
"Well, my shot is nowhere near as good as Sid's but I'd be happy to help you out."
'So he not only abandoned me, but my kid too. '
"Why don't you guys go down to the basement and I'll do the dishes," I said getting up from the table.
"I can help you before we go down."
"It's okay, I'll be fine. Go."



A few minutes later I heard the familiar sound of pucks being shot and hitting everything but the net I suspected. I wondered if that was the same sound Sid's grandmother heard coming from her basement when he was little. 'Sid, where the hell are you? Why haven't you called?' I thought as I began to clear the dishes from the table.



When it was all said and done, Alex was ecstatic with the help Max had given him and was confident he was going to be the tournament's highest scorer. Once the boys were in bed, I joined Max in the living room where he had been investigating the bookcase that was dedicated to David.

"Wow, your brother was something else non?" he asked as I flopped down on the couch.
"He was amazing. The perfect blend of intensity and humour. I guess he would be a cross between you and Sidney."
"Can't go wrong there right?" he inquired sitting on the couch beside me. "Tell me about him, about your life growing up with him."
"We've already been through all that."
"No, tell me the little personal stories, like the one with the underwear I told you guys. That's how you really get to know someone. I want to know you Bekah. I want to know what makes you tick."

Before I knew it, it was after midnight and we had been talking non stop; exchanging stories of our childhood. It was the first time I could remember talking about David and being happy. It felt so good to tell someone about him; the real him, not just the hockey player.
"Thank you Max."
"For what?"
"For letting me talk about David. I haven't thought about our happy memories in I don't know how long."
"It really was my pleasure. Like I said, it's those stories that really let you get to know someone, and I want to know you Bekah."
Our faces were no more than three inches apart. His ice blue eyes bore a hole deep into my soul. I was able to open my whole life up to him, but why? What was this intense connection I shared with him? And was it real or my imagination? Sidney's words ran through my mind as I stared into those beautiful blue ponds.
"Can I ask you something Max?" I said barely above a whisper.
"Anything bijou," he replied placing his hand over mine.
"Why are you so interested in me? Is it just to get under Sid's skin?"
"No, that's just an added bonus!"
I pulled my hand out from under his and smacked his arm.
"Are you interested because you want to be my friend, or because you see me as another conquest you're trying to get into bed?"
"I can't believe you'd even ask me that," he said slightly offended.
"Really?" I was surprised. "I know all about you and your women Max, and your dislike for Sid is no secret. Wouldn't that just be the ultimate conquest to sleep with Sid's girlfriend?"
"You are an amazingly sexy woman Bekah, and sleeping with you would certainly be a 'conquest' as you call it, but not because you're Sid's girlfriend; because you are beautiful, smart, funny, caring person who puts everyone else's needs before her own."
His hand now gently caressed my cheek and the look in his eyes sent shivers through my body.
"Golden boy doesn't deserve you. He left you Bekah. He could be here with you right now, but he left you here alone. I'd never do that to you," he whispered while slowly his lips moved towards mine.
"Don't do that Max," I said slightly pulling away. "I can't be your friend if you are going to constantly bad mouth Sid. And I certainly can't be your friend if you're trying to get me into bed."
"That's not what I'm trying to do. I care about you Bekah and I want you to be happy. I don't think that Sid is the one who can make that happen."
"But you are?"
"I didn't say that. I just want you to keep your options open; don't get caught up in the 'idea' of Sidney Crosby, be fully aware of what he is and what a life with him would mean. And I want you to know that I will be here for you, no matter what you need. Promise me if you want or need anything you'll just ask?"
I pondered his statements for a moment as I evaluated his body language and facial expressions. Was he sincere? Something in my gut told me he was. I guess there's only one way to find out.
"I would like one thing Max."
"And that is?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'd like some company in Harrisburg this weekend."

Chapter 81

***I guess I should learn never to promise something if I can't come through. Sorry everyone. Here's the next chapter, hope you think it was worth the wait! ***


Day after day went by and for the first time that I could remember, I was happy. Not just happy - blissfully happy!
Sid and I had been getting along with not so much as an argument between us. He spent his free evenings (which were few) with the boys and I. It was like we had fallen into this sort of stepford-like family routine when he was home. He would pick the boys up from school and do their homework with them while I made dinner. Alex and Jake would have their baths and t.v. time while Sidney and I did the dishes. Sidney would hang out with Alex in his room, either reading or just having 'guy time' for fifteen minutes while I was tucking Jake in, then we'd switch. Once the boys were in bed, it was our time. This usually consisted of watching a hockey game or some other sports related show while he stretched his ever-growing, mammoth legs out and I laid with my head in his lap. Our fingers would intertwine and he'd playfully stroke my hair, which more often than not would make me fall asleep. When whatever he was watching was over, he'd wake me up or carry me to bed, tuck me in and kiss me ever so sweetly before wishing me sweet dreams and going home to the Lemieux's. The only time this would change was if I was working a rare afternoon or night shift. Even then, the only difference was I was not there. Sid did the whole 'parental' thing and would stay at the house until I got home.
Yes, we had very quickly fallen into this natural, comfortable sort of life, but I honestly thought it was just because it was that whole fate thing that brought Sid and I together and it was just 'right'.

The Olympic break was coming up and I was looking forward to having Sid all to myself - no interviews, no commercials, no meetings, and more importantly, no games! We were cuddled up on the couch one night when I thought I'd tell him some of my plans for us.
"So I was thinking...", I started playfully tracing my fingers up and down his arm.
"Uh oh! That can't be a good thing," he replied.
"That's not funny!"
"I'm sorry sweetheart, what were you going to say?"
"Never mind, I don't want to tell you now," I retorted, trying to act all huffy.
"You know you want to," Sid whispered huskily into my neck while nibbling on my ear."
"Oh that's so not fair," I moaned. "You play dirty Crosby."
"Only to get what I want, so spill it or I'll be forced to bring out the big guns!" he said continuing his assault from my ear down my neck.
"Okay, okay, okay, you win!"
"That's what I like to hear! So you've been thinking..."
"I was thinking about some things we could do while you're on the Olympic break. I could take a day or two off so we could spend some quality time together, and Alex has a hockey tournament in Harrisburg next weekend, he'd be thrilled if we could all go together."
His silence and the look on his face said it all.
"I'm sorry," I began. "Too much?"
"No, no it's not that. I'd love to go to the tournament with you guys, it's just... I can't. I already made plans to go visit some of the guys in Rimouski and then go home. I had no idea you were planning anything."
"Oh," was the only word I could manage to squeak out. I tried to mask the disappointment in my voice. "I didn't think...you didn't tell me..." I said as I sat up and tucked my knees up under my chin.
Sidney placed his hand on my back and began drawing in a circular motion and rested his head on my shoulder.
"Why don't you come up to Nova Scotia after Alex's tournament? I can show you where I'm from and we can have our quality time up there."
"Where? At your parent's house?" I snapped. "I can't just take off for a week Sid, the kids have school."
"Can't they stay at the Parker's for a few days?"
"I can't just dump my kids off whenever I feel like it."
"That's not what I meant."
"I know. Look, I'm tired. I think you should get going."
"It's only 9:30. I'm not going to leave in the middle of a fight; especially when we leave for a road trip tomorrow."
"We're not fighting. It's fine. You have the right to make plans for your time off. We can talk about it when you get back from the road trip."
"I'm not coming back before the break. I'm going home right from New York."
"So this is our last night together?"
"I guess it is."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and he returned the gesture. When we began to pull away, Sidney gently brushed his lips against mine before enveloping my mouth with his. I tried to hold back my tears as so many thoughts were battling in my head.
"You'd better go," I whispered resting my forehead against his. "I'm sure you have lots of packing to do."
"I still have lots of time for that. I want to be with you for a bit longer."
"I need to get up early and you have lots to do. Why don't you call me at work before you leave tomorrow?"
"Are you sure you're okay with all this."
"Of course I'm sure," I said plastering a fake smile on my face.





It was three days into the break and I was doing the best I could to not let Sid see, or rather hear how upset I actually was. It was easier when he was on the road trip because they lost all but one of their games and Sid was moody so our conversations were short. I hadn't talked to Sid since he got to Rimouski despite his promise to call me every day and I was starting to get angry..and worried.

I walked into Dylan's room with his afternoon meds and was surprised by what I saw. Dylan was sitting up in his crib giggling at the stuffed penguin that was dancing it's way along the bed rail. Upon closer inspection of the dancing penguin, I could see it was wearing a tiny jersey with the number 25 on it and it was the big penguin that wore the same number who was making him dance.
"Allo mon petite bijou! Comment ça va?"
"Uh bien merci Max. What are you doing here?"
"I was here visiting a friend and thought I'd drop by to see my little buddy here," he replied as he tickled Dylan's nose with the penguin.
I injected Dylan's meds into his IV bag and looked at Max with a raised eyebrow.
"A friend huh?" I questioned.
Max looked at me with those big blue eyes ('were his eyes always that blue?') and I warned him to choose his words carefully because I'd know if he was lying.
"Okaaaay...so there is no friend; but I did come here for a good reason!"
"And what would that be?"
"I came to ask you if I could take you to dinner tonight."
"I don't think that would be a very good idea Max," I said as I moved to the other side of the crib to check Dylan's wires.
"Why? We haven't hung out for a while."
"And you know why that is don't you Max?"
"Right, so we don't piss golden boy off. Well the way I see it, he abandoned you for two weeks and you have to eat right?"
"Max, stop it. You're inner bitterness is starting to come out and for the record, Sid did not abandon me. He went home on his vacation. ('You're damn right he abandoned me!) Why didn't you go home?"
"I am, just not till closer to the end of next week. I'd go crazy if I were there for the whole 2 weeks."
"I thought you were close with your family?"
"I am but neither of my brothers are going to be there until next week, so I'll go then. Now how about that dinner?"
"You are very persistent Mr. Talbot, but sadly I have the boys home tonight so going out for dinner is not in the cards."
"I see," he said in a deflated voice.
I watched as he went over to Dylan and made sure he had his new friend and kissed him on the top of his bald head.
"I should be going. I'll see you around Bekah. Be good little guy," Max called as he reached for the door handle.
"Max!" I called after him.
"Oui?"
"I can't go out, but... why don't you come to the house and have dinner with me and the boys?"