I have just survived the most horrific, demeaning staff appreciation week that was ever thought of! (I'll spare you the details!) Humiliation is not exactly my idea of showing your staff that you appreciate them but hey; that's just me! It did get me to thinking about how I would like to be shown that I'm appreciated and I came to the conclusion that even a simple 'thank you' goes a long way. So that's what I decided to do for everyone in my life, including you - my wonderful, undertanding and faithful readers! So let me just say THANK YOU! You have all been amazingly patient waiting for updates, supportive of this little story I started a year ago just for kicks and giggles, and wonderfully forthcoming with your comments. I find myself hopelessly addicted to reading your comments and all of your stories as well. It's kind of bizare really, but even though I have never met or even talked to any of you personally, it kinda feels like were are a close knit 'family' connected by our love of the fan fics. So 'family', I say thank you to you. Thank you for reading my story; thank you for leaving your comments and thank you for entertaining me with the blood, sweat and tears that I'm sure you put in to writing your stories. You are appreciated!
~B~
PS... It is a personal goal to reach at least 50 followers of my story and thanks to you all, I'm just about there! So if you like my story, pass it on to all you friends that you think would enjoy it as well and tell them to follow it too! (The more the merrier - maybe I'll make 100!) Cheers eh!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Chapter 87
"Hey bijou, do you wanna grab some lunch today?"
"Today isn't great for me Max, I have alot to do."
"Can you squeeze me in? I need to talk to you about something."
"That can't be good. What's up?"
"I'd rather tell you in person."
"Okay, now you're really scaring me."
"It's not bad, I promise."
"Fine, but I can't be long."
"I'll pick you up in twenty!"
"See you then."
My mind was racing as I flew around the house trying to get ready. That was one thing about Max; he was very unpredictable and spontaneous. If he got an idea in his head it was now or never. I couldn't imagine what he needed to tell me. I knew he had lunch with Marc and Sid the other day, which really surprised me, but I had been so busy with work and the boys hockey I hadn't had a chance to talk to Sid. Right on cue, the doorbell rang.
"Belle! Vous êtes absolument magnifique bijou," he said kiss both my cheeks.
"And you're up to something," I replied closing and locking my front door.
"It would just kill you to accept a compliment graciously wouldn't it?"
"You're right; I apologize. Merci Max. You are looking quite handsome yourself."
"Thank you. See, it's not that hard."
"Okay, I get it! You know I'm not good with compliments so why are you always giving me such a hard time about it. Better yet, just stop giving them; problem solved!"
"Never! I figure the same is true about good things as it is with bad things. If you hear them enough you'll start to believe them."
I smiled warmly at this amazing man who had quickly become one of my best friends.
"It's easier to believe the bad stuff," I said quietly. "Where are we going anyways?"
"Our place."
Not long after we arrived at 'our place' and were greeted by Mrs. P in the same cheek pinching manner that took place the first time Max brought me here and every time since.
"Maxime, you not come for long time."
"Sorry Mrs. P. I've been really busy."
"Busy. Pssh. Not to busy to eat. Everyone have to eat. Look at you; so skinny. Need to eat more if you going to be tough guy."
I laughed and the old woman's comments.
"She's right Max, you are a little scrawny."
"This good girl Maxime. Smart girl. I like, I like very much. You good for him dear," she said patting my cheek. "You be fool if this one gets away boy."
Mrs. P shook her head all the way back to our table mumbling in Italian. I kind of chuckled at the old woman's comments.
"She still doesn't get that we're not together does she?" I asked.
"She's stubborn. Only believes what she wants to believe."
"You never told her otherwise did you?"
"Of course I did! The first time we were here. You were right there don't you remember?"
"You're right; I do remember. Maybe it's because I'm the only girl you've ever brought here more than once."
"Harsh!"
"True!"
"You're right. But you have to admit; this is a great set up I have going here to impress the ladies."
"You are horrible Maxime!"
"Uh oh; my whole name. Now I'm in trouble!"
"Ya know, sometimes with the way you talk and think about women, I can't even believe we're friends. It's disgusting the way you use them."
"Lighten up bijou. I'm having fun, no harm in that."
"I am not going to have this conversation with you...again! Can we please talk about something...anything else?"
Mrs. P returned with our lunch, which we never even ordered by the way, and a bottle of wine. She said something in Italian to Max and disappeared again.
"We didn't order yet. What if I didn't want...chicken parmesan? And what did she say to you?"
"She said all good girls; the marrying, kind eat chicken parmesan."
"Excuse me?"
"And that you needed to put some meat on your bones if you're going to have babies," he said trying not to break out into hysterics.
"Great! Not only does she have us married off, but now I'm having babies too? How many four?"
"Eight actually," Max laughed not being able to conceal it any longer.
"I'm glad you think this is so funny. When are you going to set the poor woman straight?"
"Ah come on Beks, it's harmless. Besides, it makes her happy to think I found someone to take care of me."
"Then she doesn't know you very well at all," I said taking a bite of my chicken. "Oh my god, this is amazing!" I closed my eyes so I could savour every bit of this piece of heaven.
"Good non? Mr. P once told me that she made this for him on their first date, and after eating it, he knew he was going to marry her."
"Oh please! That kind of thing doesn't happen in real life."
"You are very cynical Ms. Jones. And it's true. They were married only six weeks later. That was almost forty years ago."
"Seriously?"
"I can not lie."
"That is so sweet. And they're still in love after all these years," I said looking towards the old couple behind the bar.
"See, I knew you had some romantic in you. Speaking of which, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Romance?" I asked very confused.
"Sort of. Have you talked to Sid since we had lunch the other day?"
"No."
"Good, so I'll be the first to tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"Me and golden boy are cool. We talked everything out. I told him what was pissing me off about him and we talked through it. We can now officially coexist in your life with no bloodshed. Are you proud?"
"Is this for real?"
"Totally."
"No more 'golden boy' snotty comments from you and no more rolling eyes when I say I'm going out with you from him?"
"Nope, none of that. We are officially friends again. I still don't think he's good enough for you but..."
"Max!"
"I'm just kidding. But I did tell him one very serious thing."
"What's that?"
"That you are very important to me, and if he hurts you or disrespects you in any way, or breaks your heart, I will kill him."
"Max, you did not threaten him?"
"Yes I did and I meant every word."
"Well, I think that was a tad harsh, but thank you for trying to protect me."
"I would do anything for you bijou. I love you."
"I love you too Maxie."
"And there's more."
"I don't know if I can handle any more good news."
"I hope it's good news." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I met someone."
"Who?" I asked finishing off my chicken.
"Her name is Brittney and Beks, she's amazing!"
'Her? He met a her?' A knot began to form in the pit of my stomach. I had no words, and when I didn't respond, Max kept talking.
"She's beautiful and smart and funny and sweet and she had no idea who I was. She has no clue about hockey or the Pens or any of that stuff."
'Great! I hate her already!' I thought.
"Wow! Umm... wow! That's alot of information to take in."
"I know! I'm just so excited about her Beks, I couldn't wait to tell you any longer."
"Any longer? How long have you known her?" I asked as that knot began to get bigger and my heart sank a little lower.
"About a month. We've been out like six times now."
"Six? As in out out? Not you've slept with her six times?"
"That's the craziest part! I haven't slept with her yet!"
'OH-MY-GOD! Is he serious? What the hell!'
"There's something different about Britt. When I met her, I didn't think 'wow, I want to fuck her' it was like 'wow, she's beautiful. I wonder what she'd like to do on a date?'"
"Wow, that was a little graphic, but thanks."
"My point is, sleeping with her was not the first thing I thought about when I met her and I'm really freaked out about that."
"Wow."
"Do you think you could maybe say something else here Beks, something a little more helpful?"
'Like what? What the hell are you thinking? You don't date girls, you sleep with them and throw them away. No, I want you for myself. Wait...what?'
"Where did you meet her?"
"At a restaurant downtown where she works."
"She works in a restaurant?"
"Yeah, she's a waitress."
"Does she do anything else like go to school?"
"Not right now. She wants to go to Pitt but she's working for tuition right now."
"And she had no idea that you played for the Pens?"
"Nope, none. Says she not much of a sports fan."
'Like I fucking believe that one!'
"Beks, she's great. I think you'll really like her."
'Hmm, doubt it!'
"Yeah Max. I'm sure if you like her I will too."
'That the politically correct friend like thing to say right?'
"Beks, I really like this girl, but you are one of my best friends and your opinion is really important to me. That's why I want you to meet her...like tomorrow."
"Today isn't great for me Max, I have alot to do."
"Can you squeeze me in? I need to talk to you about something."
"That can't be good. What's up?"
"I'd rather tell you in person."
"Okay, now you're really scaring me."
"It's not bad, I promise."
"Fine, but I can't be long."
"I'll pick you up in twenty!"
"See you then."
My mind was racing as I flew around the house trying to get ready. That was one thing about Max; he was very unpredictable and spontaneous. If he got an idea in his head it was now or never. I couldn't imagine what he needed to tell me. I knew he had lunch with Marc and Sid the other day, which really surprised me, but I had been so busy with work and the boys hockey I hadn't had a chance to talk to Sid. Right on cue, the doorbell rang.
"Belle! Vous êtes absolument magnifique bijou," he said kiss both my cheeks.
"And you're up to something," I replied closing and locking my front door.
"It would just kill you to accept a compliment graciously wouldn't it?"
"You're right; I apologize. Merci Max. You are looking quite handsome yourself."
"Thank you. See, it's not that hard."
"Okay, I get it! You know I'm not good with compliments so why are you always giving me such a hard time about it. Better yet, just stop giving them; problem solved!"
"Never! I figure the same is true about good things as it is with bad things. If you hear them enough you'll start to believe them."
I smiled warmly at this amazing man who had quickly become one of my best friends.
"It's easier to believe the bad stuff," I said quietly. "Where are we going anyways?"
"Our place."
Not long after we arrived at 'our place' and were greeted by Mrs. P in the same cheek pinching manner that took place the first time Max brought me here and every time since.
"Maxime, you not come for long time."
"Sorry Mrs. P. I've been really busy."
"Busy. Pssh. Not to busy to eat. Everyone have to eat. Look at you; so skinny. Need to eat more if you going to be tough guy."
I laughed and the old woman's comments.
"She's right Max, you are a little scrawny."
"This good girl Maxime. Smart girl. I like, I like very much. You good for him dear," she said patting my cheek. "You be fool if this one gets away boy."
Mrs. P shook her head all the way back to our table mumbling in Italian. I kind of chuckled at the old woman's comments.
"She still doesn't get that we're not together does she?" I asked.
"She's stubborn. Only believes what she wants to believe."
"You never told her otherwise did you?"
"Of course I did! The first time we were here. You were right there don't you remember?"
"You're right; I do remember. Maybe it's because I'm the only girl you've ever brought here more than once."
"Harsh!"
"True!"
"You're right. But you have to admit; this is a great set up I have going here to impress the ladies."
"You are horrible Maxime!"
"Uh oh; my whole name. Now I'm in trouble!"
"Ya know, sometimes with the way you talk and think about women, I can't even believe we're friends. It's disgusting the way you use them."
"Lighten up bijou. I'm having fun, no harm in that."
"I am not going to have this conversation with you...again! Can we please talk about something...anything else?"
Mrs. P returned with our lunch, which we never even ordered by the way, and a bottle of wine. She said something in Italian to Max and disappeared again.
"We didn't order yet. What if I didn't want...chicken parmesan? And what did she say to you?"
"She said all good girls; the marrying, kind eat chicken parmesan."
"Excuse me?"
"And that you needed to put some meat on your bones if you're going to have babies," he said trying not to break out into hysterics.
"Great! Not only does she have us married off, but now I'm having babies too? How many four?"
"Eight actually," Max laughed not being able to conceal it any longer.
"I'm glad you think this is so funny. When are you going to set the poor woman straight?"
"Ah come on Beks, it's harmless. Besides, it makes her happy to think I found someone to take care of me."
"Then she doesn't know you very well at all," I said taking a bite of my chicken. "Oh my god, this is amazing!" I closed my eyes so I could savour every bit of this piece of heaven.
"Good non? Mr. P once told me that she made this for him on their first date, and after eating it, he knew he was going to marry her."
"Oh please! That kind of thing doesn't happen in real life."
"You are very cynical Ms. Jones. And it's true. They were married only six weeks later. That was almost forty years ago."
"Seriously?"
"I can not lie."
"That is so sweet. And they're still in love after all these years," I said looking towards the old couple behind the bar.
"See, I knew you had some romantic in you. Speaking of which, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Romance?" I asked very confused.
"Sort of. Have you talked to Sid since we had lunch the other day?"
"No."
"Good, so I'll be the first to tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"Me and golden boy are cool. We talked everything out. I told him what was pissing me off about him and we talked through it. We can now officially coexist in your life with no bloodshed. Are you proud?"
"Is this for real?"
"Totally."
"No more 'golden boy' snotty comments from you and no more rolling eyes when I say I'm going out with you from him?"
"Nope, none of that. We are officially friends again. I still don't think he's good enough for you but..."
"Max!"
"I'm just kidding. But I did tell him one very serious thing."
"What's that?"
"That you are very important to me, and if he hurts you or disrespects you in any way, or breaks your heart, I will kill him."
"Max, you did not threaten him?"
"Yes I did and I meant every word."
"Well, I think that was a tad harsh, but thank you for trying to protect me."
"I would do anything for you bijou. I love you."
"I love you too Maxie."
"And there's more."
"I don't know if I can handle any more good news."
"I hope it's good news." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I met someone."
"Who?" I asked finishing off my chicken.
"Her name is Brittney and Beks, she's amazing!"
'Her? He met a her?' A knot began to form in the pit of my stomach. I had no words, and when I didn't respond, Max kept talking.
"She's beautiful and smart and funny and sweet and she had no idea who I was. She has no clue about hockey or the Pens or any of that stuff."
'Great! I hate her already!' I thought.
"Wow! Umm... wow! That's alot of information to take in."
"I know! I'm just so excited about her Beks, I couldn't wait to tell you any longer."
"Any longer? How long have you known her?" I asked as that knot began to get bigger and my heart sank a little lower.
"About a month. We've been out like six times now."
"Six? As in out out? Not you've slept with her six times?"
"That's the craziest part! I haven't slept with her yet!"
'OH-MY-GOD! Is he serious? What the hell!'
"There's something different about Britt. When I met her, I didn't think 'wow, I want to fuck her' it was like 'wow, she's beautiful. I wonder what she'd like to do on a date?'"
"Wow, that was a little graphic, but thanks."
"My point is, sleeping with her was not the first thing I thought about when I met her and I'm really freaked out about that."
"Wow."
"Do you think you could maybe say something else here Beks, something a little more helpful?"
'Like what? What the hell are you thinking? You don't date girls, you sleep with them and throw them away. No, I want you for myself. Wait...what?'
"Where did you meet her?"
"At a restaurant downtown where she works."
"She works in a restaurant?"
"Yeah, she's a waitress."
"Does she do anything else like go to school?"
"Not right now. She wants to go to Pitt but she's working for tuition right now."
"And she had no idea that you played for the Pens?"
"Nope, none. Says she not much of a sports fan."
'Like I fucking believe that one!'
"Beks, she's great. I think you'll really like her."
'Hmm, doubt it!'
"Yeah Max. I'm sure if you like her I will too."
'That the politically correct friend like thing to say right?'
"Beks, I really like this girl, but you are one of my best friends and your opinion is really important to me. That's why I want you to meet her...like tomorrow."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I am in mourning...
To my faithful readers:
Thank you for indulging me in my thoughts and sometimes rants that have nothing to do with my story.
I am having a hard time finding any joy today. We finally laid Michael Jackson to rest today. Say what you want about him; think about all the crazy things that may or may not have been true about him; but one thing remains certain. The man was a legend and an amazing human being who loved people more than he loved himself. He gave so much to the world and it was and will be a better place for him having lived. Rest in peace MJ.
And equally devastating to me today; MY Joe, Burnaby Joe, Super Joe, otherwise known as Joe Sakic, has decided to break my heart and hang up his skates. Joe was, no rephrase that, IS an amazing hockey player and an even more amazing human being. I have been priveledged enough to get to know Joe some over the years and can be confident in saying he is one of the finest human beings ever to be put on this planet. He is a quiet, confident and strong leader who lead by example. He was strong in work ethic and personal values and expected nothing less from the people around him. He didn't just expect it; he demanded it in the gentle, quiet Joe way that he had. Joe is the definition of class. He gives tirelessly and unselfishly to countless charities to better the city that he called home. While this is not a true death, to me, it is the death of hockey in the great city of Denver. I had hoped this would not have happened for another year, but with all the recent happenings in the franchise, I knew this day would be coming and I don't think any true fan could blame you Joe. I wouldn't want my good name attatched to a franchise that in a few short years has gone frome greatness to dispair. So with a sad, broken and heavy heart, I say farewell Super Joe! Thank you for everything you brought to this game I love so much. The vision of you skating flawlessly and effortlessly will be engraved in my memory forever. The sight of you lifting Lord Stanley's cup will always be one of my happiest memories. You are loved and you will be greatly missed. Happy birthday my friend!
~B~
Thank you for indulging me in my thoughts and sometimes rants that have nothing to do with my story.
I am having a hard time finding any joy today. We finally laid Michael Jackson to rest today. Say what you want about him; think about all the crazy things that may or may not have been true about him; but one thing remains certain. The man was a legend and an amazing human being who loved people more than he loved himself. He gave so much to the world and it was and will be a better place for him having lived. Rest in peace MJ.
And equally devastating to me today; MY Joe, Burnaby Joe, Super Joe, otherwise known as Joe Sakic, has decided to break my heart and hang up his skates. Joe was, no rephrase that, IS an amazing hockey player and an even more amazing human being. I have been priveledged enough to get to know Joe some over the years and can be confident in saying he is one of the finest human beings ever to be put on this planet. He is a quiet, confident and strong leader who lead by example. He was strong in work ethic and personal values and expected nothing less from the people around him. He didn't just expect it; he demanded it in the gentle, quiet Joe way that he had. Joe is the definition of class. He gives tirelessly and unselfishly to countless charities to better the city that he called home. While this is not a true death, to me, it is the death of hockey in the great city of Denver. I had hoped this would not have happened for another year, but with all the recent happenings in the franchise, I knew this day would be coming and I don't think any true fan could blame you Joe. I wouldn't want my good name attatched to a franchise that in a few short years has gone frome greatness to dispair. So with a sad, broken and heavy heart, I say farewell Super Joe! Thank you for everything you brought to this game I love so much. The vision of you skating flawlessly and effortlessly will be engraved in my memory forever. The sight of you lifting Lord Stanley's cup will always be one of my happiest memories. You are loved and you will be greatly missed. Happy birthday my friend!
~B~
Sidney's POV
"Earth to Sid...hello?"
No reply.
"Oh my god Sid, there are three girls outside the window and they are totally flashing their tits at us!"
Still nothing.
Max and Flower looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They both knew what needed to be done. At the same time they both raised their arms and punched their friend in the arm at the same time.
"Ouch! What the fuck?"
"It's about time something snapped you out of it! We've been talking to you for the last ten minutes. Where the hell were you just now?"
"I've been sitting here assholes," I said still rubbing my tender arms.
"You may be sitting here physically, but your mind is on another planet mon ami."
"I don't think we need to guess what or rather who you were thinking about," Max added.
I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "I can't help it you guys, Bekah is...she's just so...(deep sigh) amazing! I am so in love with her; I can't even describe it."
"Then don't!" Max said. "Please spare us the disgusting mushy love stuff. Grow some balls man, you sound like a fucking girl!"
"Shut the fuck up Talbot!"
"Boys, boys come on now," Flower interrupted. "I thought we were past all this crap. Can't you get along long enough for us to have a nice, peaceful lunch?"
"Sorry Flower," I muttered looking down at my water glass.
"Yeah me to. Sorry man."
"You guys are worse than a couple of kids. Do you think you can get along long enough for me to go to the bathroom and call Vero, or do I have to take one of you with me?"
"Eeww gross, dude! We're not girls, we do NOT go to the bathroom together!"
"We'll be fine Flower," I added.
Max and I sat in awkward silence for a few minutes before I decided that enough was enough. This thing between me and Max had to stop.
"What's your problem with me Talbot?"
He just laughed.
"I'm serious. We were great friends not that long ago playing at the juniors; what the hell happened? What did I do to piss you off so much?"
"You really don't get it do you?"
"Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn't be asking."
"I'm sorry if this hurts your feelings Sid, but I can't say it any other way. I am so sick and fucking tired of all the hype around you. I'm sick of hearing you're the next 'great one'; I'm sick of hearing that you're the face of the NHL; I'm sick of hearing your going to be the one who saves this league; I'm sick of the fact that we constantly have to rearrange our plan because we get delayed with the three ring circus that follows you around all the time, sometimes I just want to get on the fucking bus and go, but oh no, we have to wait for golden boy to quit signing autographs, or we have to go around the block and pick you up because you couldn't get out the door like a normal person; I'm sick of seeing your ugly mug in every newspaper, magazine, sports show, web site and billboard, you name it there's your face! I'm sick of this goody two shoes act you put on for everyone; I'm sick of you thinking you're entitled to everything in the world and I'm sure as shit sick of you getting anything and everything you want and that includes Bekah. You don't deserve her. You're not good enough for her."
I sat there not really knowing what to say. I mean, I knew Max had a problem with me, but I thought it was because I was with Bekah and he wasn't. I had no idea he had so much pent up anger towards me.
"I know," I said barely above a whisper.
"Excuse me?" Max said questioningly.
I looked him in the eye as I said "You're right. I know I don't deserve her. She is too good for a guy like me. I have no idea what she sees in me, but I thank God everyday that she loves me. She makes me better Max, not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I want to be better so I won't let her down; so I can be someone worthy of her love. As for the rest of the stuff, I don't lie and I don't intend to start now, so you can believe when I say I'm sick of me too. I would give anything to be like the rest of you. If I could make the circus leave town I would do it in a heartbeat, but I can't. For whatever reason I was chosen to carry this burden and I'm not going to apologize for it. I honestly don't think that I'm entitled to anything I don't work my ass off for. You know as well as I do that we have to have almost another personality when were dealing with the media, you don't let them see everything in your personal life or even what your entire personality is, and I'm no different. Does it suck? Hell yeah! I have an amazing girlfriend that I can't even tell anyone about just so the press and the fans don't rip her entire life apart. I don't know what else I can say to you to make things okay with us except that I am the same guy you've been playing against for the last three years and I'm the same guy that followed those girls around the city for two hours when we were at juniors. I haven't changed. I love my family and my friends and my girlfriend and I do anything for any one of them and that's the truth. Bekah said we need to find a way to co-exist in her life and I really hope we can do that, not only for her but for us as well."
Max was smirking when he said "I forgot about those girls! They led us on quite a wild goose chase!"
"Yeah, we almost got suspended for breaking curfew."
"That was awesome!"
"I'll never forget it. Not because of the girls or anything like that, but because that was something I did that made me feel like a normal kid and I got to do it with one of my best friends. I'm sorry you feel the way you do about me Max; if I could change it, I would."
He was quiet for a minute. "You just did."
"O kaaaaay," I said skeptically.
"This shit is behind us now, for Bekah and for us, but you need to know one thing."
"What's that?" I asked.
"If you do anything to hurt her; if you disrespect her in anyway; if you break her heart, I will kill you myself. Got it?"
"Loud and clear."
No reply.
"Oh my god Sid, there are three girls outside the window and they are totally flashing their tits at us!"
Still nothing.
Max and Flower looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They both knew what needed to be done. At the same time they both raised their arms and punched their friend in the arm at the same time.
"Ouch! What the fuck?"
"It's about time something snapped you out of it! We've been talking to you for the last ten minutes. Where the hell were you just now?"
"I've been sitting here assholes," I said still rubbing my tender arms.
"You may be sitting here physically, but your mind is on another planet mon ami."
"I don't think we need to guess what or rather who you were thinking about," Max added.
I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "I can't help it you guys, Bekah is...she's just so...(deep sigh) amazing! I am so in love with her; I can't even describe it."
"Then don't!" Max said. "Please spare us the disgusting mushy love stuff. Grow some balls man, you sound like a fucking girl!"
"Shut the fuck up Talbot!"
"Boys, boys come on now," Flower interrupted. "I thought we were past all this crap. Can't you get along long enough for us to have a nice, peaceful lunch?"
"Sorry Flower," I muttered looking down at my water glass.
"Yeah me to. Sorry man."
"You guys are worse than a couple of kids. Do you think you can get along long enough for me to go to the bathroom and call Vero, or do I have to take one of you with me?"
"Eeww gross, dude! We're not girls, we do NOT go to the bathroom together!"
"We'll be fine Flower," I added.
Max and I sat in awkward silence for a few minutes before I decided that enough was enough. This thing between me and Max had to stop.
"What's your problem with me Talbot?"
He just laughed.
"I'm serious. We were great friends not that long ago playing at the juniors; what the hell happened? What did I do to piss you off so much?"
"You really don't get it do you?"
"Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn't be asking."
"I'm sorry if this hurts your feelings Sid, but I can't say it any other way. I am so sick and fucking tired of all the hype around you. I'm sick of hearing you're the next 'great one'; I'm sick of hearing that you're the face of the NHL; I'm sick of hearing your going to be the one who saves this league; I'm sick of the fact that we constantly have to rearrange our plan because we get delayed with the three ring circus that follows you around all the time, sometimes I just want to get on the fucking bus and go, but oh no, we have to wait for golden boy to quit signing autographs, or we have to go around the block and pick you up because you couldn't get out the door like a normal person; I'm sick of seeing your ugly mug in every newspaper, magazine, sports show, web site and billboard, you name it there's your face! I'm sick of this goody two shoes act you put on for everyone; I'm sick of you thinking you're entitled to everything in the world and I'm sure as shit sick of you getting anything and everything you want and that includes Bekah. You don't deserve her. You're not good enough for her."
I sat there not really knowing what to say. I mean, I knew Max had a problem with me, but I thought it was because I was with Bekah and he wasn't. I had no idea he had so much pent up anger towards me.
"I know," I said barely above a whisper.
"Excuse me?" Max said questioningly.
I looked him in the eye as I said "You're right. I know I don't deserve her. She is too good for a guy like me. I have no idea what she sees in me, but I thank God everyday that she loves me. She makes me better Max, not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I want to be better so I won't let her down; so I can be someone worthy of her love. As for the rest of the stuff, I don't lie and I don't intend to start now, so you can believe when I say I'm sick of me too. I would give anything to be like the rest of you. If I could make the circus leave town I would do it in a heartbeat, but I can't. For whatever reason I was chosen to carry this burden and I'm not going to apologize for it. I honestly don't think that I'm entitled to anything I don't work my ass off for. You know as well as I do that we have to have almost another personality when were dealing with the media, you don't let them see everything in your personal life or even what your entire personality is, and I'm no different. Does it suck? Hell yeah! I have an amazing girlfriend that I can't even tell anyone about just so the press and the fans don't rip her entire life apart. I don't know what else I can say to you to make things okay with us except that I am the same guy you've been playing against for the last three years and I'm the same guy that followed those girls around the city for two hours when we were at juniors. I haven't changed. I love my family and my friends and my girlfriend and I do anything for any one of them and that's the truth. Bekah said we need to find a way to co-exist in her life and I really hope we can do that, not only for her but for us as well."
Max was smirking when he said "I forgot about those girls! They led us on quite a wild goose chase!"
"Yeah, we almost got suspended for breaking curfew."
"That was awesome!"
"I'll never forget it. Not because of the girls or anything like that, but because that was something I did that made me feel like a normal kid and I got to do it with one of my best friends. I'm sorry you feel the way you do about me Max; if I could change it, I would."
He was quiet for a minute. "You just did."
"O kaaaaay," I said skeptically.
"This shit is behind us now, for Bekah and for us, but you need to know one thing."
"What's that?" I asked.
"If you do anything to hurt her; if you disrespect her in anyway; if you break her heart, I will kill you myself. Got it?"
"Loud and clear."
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