Sidney's POV

When I saw how black Max's eye was, I felt horrible. I couldn't believe I let my anger boil over to the point where I would actually physically hurt one of my own teammates. It didn't matter how out of line Max was, I should have been the bigger person. I needed to apologize.

I waited for Max to come in to the locker room after talking to the press. I finished up before everyone else today and was just finishing getting dressed when Max came in. Before I had a chance to begin my apology, his words stabbed me in the heart like a knife.

"Hey golden boy, I didn't know your girlfriend was such a fan of Italian food. She's a pretty remarkable woman; you might want to try and hold onto her."

He had the smuggest look on his face as he brushed by me and headed for the showers. It took a minute for my brain to to register what he had just said to me.

'How does he know she likes Italian food? Does she even like Italian food? How the fuck does he know how remarkable she is? What the hell is going on?' I wasn't sure, but I intended to find out. I threw on my crocs and headed for the shower room.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean Talbot?" I yelled.
Max didn't seem surprised that I was there demanding answers. The smug look on his face was really starting to irritate me.
"It means exactly what it sounds like. She's amazing. Maybe you should pull your head out of your ass and see what you have right in front of you."
"How do you know what I have?"
"I took her to lunch yesterday; actually it was more a morning after thing. Poor girl had one nasty hangover, so of course I helped her out with my morning after remedy. Anyways, we had a nice, long chat over some pasta. She's had quite a life, very tragic. Her poor brother...I couldn't imagine having to go through that with my brother."
I could feel my blood starting to boil in my veins. "She told you about David?" I asked trying to conceal my surprise.
"About David, her parents, her ex husband, everything. We got to know each other very well, but I suppose you would when you talk non stop for four hours."
I couldn't take any more. "I'm warning you Talbot; stay away from my girlfriend!"
"Or what? I'm pretty confident I can say Bekah and I are friends. We can hang out or do anything else we want together for that matter and you can't do anything about it. Hell, you don't even know of she's still your girlfriend am I right?" he snickered as he walked back out towards the stalls to get dressed.
"Fuck you Max," I yelled, following behind him. "I mean it. Stay away from her!"
I could feel all eyes on me as I stormed out of the locker room.

I sat in my car and stared out the window not knowing what to do next. I was furious at Max for trying to take advantage of Bekah when she was vulnerable, but not nearly as much as I was mad at myself for putting us in this situation to begin with. My anger was quickly equalled by hurt. Why would she tell Max all those personal things about her? Things it took forever for me to get out of her.
I sat for almost half an hour trying to figure out what I was going to do. I know what I wanted to do, but would that just make things worse? Fuck it! I picked up my phone and dialed Bekah's number. Voicemail again. This time I left a message.
'Beks, it's me. I know you said you needed time and I'm trying to respect that, but we really need to talk. I need to see you. Please Beks. We can get through this, just call me. I love you.'

Chapter 75

When I heard the knock on my door the next morning, I seriously thought about not answering it. 'So help me god, if it's you Sidney,' I thought as I opened the door. Greeting me on the other side was an amazing smile; one I hadn't seen in a while.
"Lily, why are you knocking on my door?"
"Because it was locked and I don't exactly have my key on me," she said winking and pushing her way by me. "Please tell me you have coffee."
One look at her and I knew she hadn't got much sleep. She was wearing the same clothes from last night and she had that 'I just got laid' look in her eye.
"Lily, I could wring your neck for deserting me last night. I had to find out from Colby that you took off with some guy."
"Mmmm, Briiiiiian," she cooed missing the hint of anger in my voice.
"I thought that you were going to try and hook up with Max?"
"I was, but it was pretty clear that his interests lied elsewhere. Besides, I figured I left you in pretty good hands."
"That's besides the point Lily," I said sitting down at the counter beside her. "So who is this Brian guy?"
"Brian is the guy I was completely head over heels for all through college. We were in alot of pre med classes together. I don't know how I passed any of those classes because I was always focused on him. We did lab together all the time and I was pretty sure he thought I was nothing but a babbling idiot. I could barely string a coherent sentence together whenever I was around him. Anyways, I ran into him last night and we got talking and it turns out he had a little crush on me back then too. One thing led to another and..."
"And you slept with him."
"Technically there was no sleeping involved," she smiled slyly.
"How can you take sex so lightly Lily? Sex should be something you share with someone you're in a committed relationship with; someone you're in love with."
"Ahhh, that's an awfully sweet and very naive sentiment there Beks, but lets face it; you don't find good guys everyday and if I waited until I was in a relationship, I'd NEVER have sex!"
"Well going home and having sex with a guy in less than an hour is not the way to build a quality relationship."
"Maybe, but the sex sure was amazing!"
"Ugh, spare me the details."
"Okay, so tell me about your night. You and Max seemed to be in deep conversation the last time I checked."
"The only conversation Max and I had was him bashing Sid. He didn't stick around long after that."
"Max bashed Sid? But they're teammates. Don't they have some kind of code or something?"
"I don't know. All I know is that Max does not like Sid much and I get the feeling that Sid feels the same way."
"It wouldn't be because Max has a thing for Sid's girlfriend would it?"
"I don't think that...hey? That's me."
"Exactly! It was sooooooo obvious Beks! You can't tell me that you had no idea?"
"I seriously don't have a clue what you're talking about."
"We'll see. So what happened the rest of the night?"
"Not much. Colby stayed and hung out with some other guys from the team and Marc brought me home."
"Have you talked to Sid yet?"
"He was here when I got home."
"And?"
"And I gave him five minutes to say what he had to say and then I made him leave."
"You're killing me here Bek. What did he have to say?"
"Basically that he was under a whole lot of pressure and he hates loosing and he's feels like he's letting everyone, including me down and he hasn't figured out how to deal with all these feelings. Blah, blah,blah."
"And you don't believe him."
"No, I do believe him actually. I couldn't imagine having the kind of pressure he has on him at such a young age. It's alot to ask from an eighteen year old. But it also shows the lack of maturity I was afraid of."
"So what did you tell him?"
"That I needed time to process everything. Think about things when I wasn't so pissed off and when I was ready to talk to him, I'd call him."
"Good plan! So how long are you going to punish him for?"
"I'm not trying to punish him at all. If this is the way he handles things when they're tough, I don't know that I can be around that. You just can't treat the people that care about you that way."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Honestly? I have no idea. Maybe I should have listened to my gut and his dad and not gotten involved. Maybe he can't handle a relationship right now. I don't know. All I know is that I love him and he loves me, but love isn't always enough to hold two people together."




"You look like shit mon ami. How did it go last night?"
"Not as well as I hoped. I apologized. I tried to explain the way I was feeling, but I don't think it did any good."
"What did she say?"
"Nothing, just that she needed time to think about things and when she was ready to talk, she'd let me know."
"So what you do now?"
"Wait. What else can I do? She said she needed time."
"Hmmm, I think someone else told you that too?"
"I know Flower, I should have listened to you, but I couldn't leave things the way they were without at least apologizing."
"Women are complicated. Just give her the space that she needs. I'm sure once she cools down, you guys will work everything out."
"I hope you're right Flower. I can't loose her."
"Loose who?" Max asked as he walked into the locker room. "Your girl? Doesn't look good there pal. Keep being an asshole and she'll definitely bolt. And guess who'll be there to pick up the pieces?"
"What the fuck do you know Max? You know nothing about her."
"I know how pissed she is and she ain't buying any of that 'I'm under so much pressure because I'm a superstar' bullshit either. So keep it up golden boy. Keep treating her like shit and I'll be there to comfort her."
"That's it," Sid shouted while running towards Max. He gabbed him by the shirt and slammed him against the wall hard.
"Stay the fuck away from MY girlfriend!" Sid yelled as Flower and rushed over to break them apart.
"Chill out you guys. Don't do anything stupid." Flower said squeezing his body between the two angry men.
"Or what?" Max chided. "You afraid of a little competition superstar?"
"Competition? Please! Bekah has way too much class for a scum bag like you. You're not even good enough to breathe the same air she does!"
"That's not what she said last night," Max threw in as he began to walk away.
Sid started to go after him again and luckily Colby was there to help Marc restrain him.
"Max, why you have to say things like that?" Marc asked. "You know nothing happened last night."
Max just smiled and went to his stall.
"I'd keep your head up in practise if I were you Max," Sid yelled after him.
"Bring it in Crosby! Bring it on!"

Chapter 74

"Marc....what did you do?" I asked through clenched teeth when I saw the Range Rover in my driveway.
"Nothing, I swear! I didn't know he was going to be here."
"You really expect me to believe that you insisted on driving me home and you had no idea he was waiting for me?"
"Bekah, I swear. When I talked to him, I told him you were really angry and he needed to give you time before trying to talk to you."
"So he doesn't listen to you either?"
"He's Sid. He listen to no one."
I sat looking out the window at Sidney sitting on my front porch. Normally seeing him waiting for me to come home would thrill me, but tonight, all I wanted to do was take a hot bath and go to bed...ALONE! I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
"Do you want me to walk you to the door, you know...for backup?" Marc asked.
I exhaled slowly and said, "I appreciate the offer but I think you've been put in the middle enough tonight don't you? I can handle this on my own."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Thank you for listening to my bullshit tonight, and Sid's for that matter. I know we put you in a difficult position and I'm sorry. Sid is lucky to have you for a friend. So am I for that matter."
He held my hand thoughtfully and said, "Anytime. If you need anything, don't be afraid to call me okay?"
I thanked him and he kissed me on both cheeks, the same way Max had, and then I got out of the car. I walked slowly towards the front porch trying to think of what I was going to say to Sid. As I approached the steps, he came towards me. I stopped him before he could say anything. I unlocked the door and motioned for him to go inside. I closed the door behind us.
"You have five minutes starting now," I said flopping down on the couch.
"Beks, I was a complete jackass tonight and I know that. I know saying I'm sorry does not make the way I behaved okay, but I am so, so, so, so sorry. I wish I could rewind tonight so it never happened but I can't. All I can do is try to explain and beg for your forgiveness."
He looked at me like he was waiting for some sort of approval.
"You have three minutes left."
"I don't know what came over me tonight. I was frustrated and angry and disappointed and...I don't even know what else. I am so sick of loosing and no matter what I do, we just can't win. I feel like I'm letting everyone down. The team, the fans, my family, Mario, everyone. They all expect so much from me and I am turning out to be a huge disappointment. I'm not used to being a failure. All my life, I've won, and I am just having a hard time dealing with it. I don't know how to deal with it. And I don't know how to deal with all the things I'm feeling for you. Bekah, I love you and it's the most amazing feeling, but now on top of everything else, I feel like I'm letting you down too and that's the last thing I want to do. I just can't do anything right."
He hung his head for a minute before speaking again.
"Do you know what I was looking most forward to tonight?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"Walking out of the arena with my girlfriend and taking her home like the rest of the guys do. Just being normal, like everyone else for once. When I had to watch you leave without me, it broke my heart Beks."
I could have sworn I saw tears rolling down his face but I wasn't about to feel sorry for him.
"Is that it?" I asked.
"Uh, I guess the only other thing I have to say is I'm sorry and I love you. I hope you find a way to forgive me."
I looked at Sidney for a long while without saying anything. He was not the strong, confident man I fell in love with. What sat before me now was a shell of that man. There was no sparkle in his eyes, only sadness. I had to dig deep to find the inner strength not to just take him in my arms and tell him everything would be okay. No, the way he treated me tonight was not okay and I had to stand my ground; no matter what his excuse was.
I stood up before speaking for the first time.
"You've had your five minutes and I need to go to bed, so I would appreciate it if you'd leave now."
"Excuse me?" he questioned. "That's it? You don't have anything else to say?"
"What do you expect me to say? Oh, poor Sidney. He's having a tough time right now, so I'll just forget the fact that he treated me like shit and all is forgiven? Sorry, but I don't work that way. I need time to process everything that happened tonight. Time to figure out where we go from here."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I need time. That means no phone calls, no coming over, no surprise visits at work, nothing. Let me figure this out in my own time, in my own way. When I'm ready to talk, I'll call you."
"Are you breaking up with me?" he asked with quivering voice.
"That's not what I said. Just give me some time to get over my anger so I can think things through with a clear head; I don't think that's too much to ask for. Now please, I really need for you to leave."
He got up and started towards the door and I followed behind him. He turned towards me and stopped, wrapping me in a warm, tight hug. I inhaled his luscious scent and tried to stop my knees from going weak. As we pulled apart his lips brushed mine. He sensed my moment of weakness and continued with a deep, passionate kiss that almost made me forget how angry I was with him. We broke apart once more.
"Just know you mean the world to me Beks. I love you," he whispered in my ear before walking out into the bitter night air.

Siddney's POV

'Damn it Bekah, why won't you answer your phone?' I thought as I listened to her voicemail pick up for the twentieth time. I knew the answer to my own question. She was punishing me for being such an asshole and could I really blame her?
What the hell was wrong with me? My heart had sank when I watched her leave the arena without me. It was the first game she had come to since we were officially together and I was looking forward to going home with her like the rest of the guys do with their girlfriends; being normal like everyone else, but I can't even do that right. First we can't win, then I can't even manage to treat my girlfriend respectfully. My mom would kill me if she saw the way I behaved tonight. I can't even begin to think how I will ever be able to make it up to her, and fuck! Voicemail again. I just need to talk to her, apologize, beg for forgiveness, whatever it takes to fix this. I guess if there was anything I could take comfort in, it was the fact that she was with Marc and Colby. They'll watch out for her, and hopefully keep her away from Max. The last thing I needed was for Max to swoop in and turn on the charm when Bekah's mad at me. God knows he wouldn't defend me in any way. He's probably telling her that I'm an asshole that doesn't deserve her. If that prick even tries to lay a hand on her... One more time. I'll try one more time before I... FUCK! Time for a new approach.

"Allo mon ami."
"Flower, is she still with you?"
"Relax Sid. Yes, she's still here."
"Is Max with you?"
"He was, but he left."
"Already? That was quick."
"No. By himself. He was with Bekah while Army and I were getting drinks and when we came back, he was gone."
"But she didn't go with him right?"
"No, Army's with her now."
"She won't answer her phone, I've been calling her every five minutes."
"Dude, she is really pissed and frankly, I don't blame her. You were harsh."
"I know, that's why I have to talk to her. I have to apologize."
"Uhh, you need to do way more than apologize, besides, I don't think that's a good idea right now. Give her some time to cool off. Maybe she'll be ready to talk tomorrow."
" Flower, what aren't you telling me?"
"Nothing, just give her some time. She's had a few drinks and anger and alcohol don't mix. Wait until tomorrow. I think she's getting ready to leave anyways."
"You've got to make sure she gets home. She'll probably fight you, but make sure it's you that takes her home."
"Why?"
"Dude, I'm in love with her. You're one of my best friends and the only one I happen to trust to get her home safely. Can you do that for me?"
"I'll try."
"Try hard, and don't take no for an answer."
"What are you going to do?"
"Don't worry about me, I know what I have to do."

Chapter 73

I was alone; or at least as alone as you could be in a bar full of people. It's a week night for crying out loud! I know I'm pretty out of the 'night life', but seriously? Don't these people have to go to work tomorrow?
I was about to get up and go find Lily when Marc and Colby came back.
"Where's Max?" Colby asked.
"He left."
"That has to be a record! He found someone already?"
"I don't think so. I'm pretty sure he left by himself," I replied.
"That's impossible, Max does not leave by himself."
"Well he did tonight."
Colby pondered his next statement for a minute.
"Impressive," he finally said with a raised eyebrow.
Before I got a chance to ask what that meant, Marc's phone vibrated. He looked at the caller id, then at Colby.
"Sorry, I have to take this," he said excusing himself.
"Colby, what did you mean by 'impressive'?"
"What? Oh...I...umm... I have to pee. Be right back!"

A few minutes later Marc returned and asked where Colby was.
"Apparently I have a knack for making men leave. I asked him a question and he bolted."
"Was it a serious question?"
"I don't think so, I just asked him what he meant by a comment he said earlier."
"That will do it. One thing you should know about Army is he speaks without thinking most of the time. Nothing he say ever makes sense and he doesn't like to explain himself so he'll avoid answering at all costs."
"Got it. No serious or personal conversations with Colby."

I was starting to get tired, (or the alcohol was getting to me, one or the other) so I decided I was going to go home. I just wanted to put this very strange night behind me. I was still mad at Sid and fueling that anger with more alcohol was not in anyone's best interest.
"Thanks for keeping me company tonight Marc, but I'm going to find Lily and head home."
"Uh, I don't mind taking you home."
"Thanks Marc, but I'm okay to go home with Lily."
Just then Colby appeared with a few other guys from the team.
"Hey Bek, your friend just left with some guy. They were pretty hot and heavy, I'll be surprised if they even make it out of the parking lot!"
Great! Note to self: KILL LILY!
"I guess you're stuck with me now," Marc said standing up.
"You should stay with the rest of the guys, I can take a cab."
"Oh no you can't! Sid would kill me if he found out I didn't make sure you got home safe."
"How does Sid know I'm here?"
"Uh, I...I didn't say that he did. You ready?"
Why does everybody keep changing the subject?
"Yes, I'm ready."
I said goodbye to everyone and they all looked at me in that pitiful 'I feel sorry for you' look. I'm sure word had already spread about what happened with Sid. I just wanted to get the hell out of here and go home.


The ride home stared out quietly. Marc turned the radio down so it was barely audible and he didn't make an effort to make small talk and I was relieved. I looked toward him gratefully and he must have caught me out of the corner of his eye because he smiled that great big smile at me and my heart nearly melted. He quickly looked away, almost like he was embarrassed, which I thought was endearing. I thought I'd take this opportunity to break the silence.
"Marc, if I ask you a question will you answer it honestly?"
"I'll try."
"Is this what I should expect after every loss?"
He took a deep breath and looked at me thoughtfully before he answered.
"Sid can be very complicated sometimes. He's under alot of pressure to live up to all the hype about him, to save this team, to save the whole league for that matter. He takes his responsibilities seriously and when we lose, he takes it personally. He feels like he's failed; like he has let everyone down. He hasn't really figured out how to deal with losing yet, it's not something he's ever been used to."
"That was a fantastic speech Marc, but that didn't even come close to answering my question. I completely understand the position he's in and the responsibility he carries on his shoulders, but it is no excuse for the lack of basic human decency. He was rude and down right nasty, and that was to me, someone he supposedly cares about! There is just no excuse for the way he treated me tonight, and if that is what I can expect after a loss...let's just say I will not put myself in that position again."
"He does care about you Bekah. He loves you."
"You do not treat people you love that way, under any circumstance."
"I agree, and I'm not making excuses for him, but believe me when I tell you he does love you, don't ever doubt that. Besides hockey, you are all the kid talks about. It's sickening really. He'd probably kill me if he knew I was telling you this but, Sid has never had a serious girlfriend before. I think he's having a tough time trying to deal with feelings he's never had and all the pressure he's under. I know he feels terrible about what happened tonight, so if you can, try to cut him a little slack. Talk to him, let him apologize, heck, make him beg for forgiveness, just don't make any hasty decisions until you hear what he has to say."
I looked at him thoughtfully and said, "Sid's lucky he has you as a friend ya know."
"I am your friend as well, I hope you know that. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Even if you just need to talk."
"Thank you Marc. And thank you for being so honest with me, you've given me alot to think about. I'm just glad I don't have to face Sid tonight. I'm still angry and I think I just need some time to process everything before I even think about seeing him."
"Oh," was the only thing he said and he suddenly started to fidget uncomfortably as he turned on to my street.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Uh, wrong? No, why you say that?"
As he pulled into my driveway it became very clear why he was suddenly so uncomfortable.

Chapter 72

"Will you please slow down," I called practically running to catch up to him.
He was silent. He slowed his pace slightly but not nearly enough for me to walk comfortably beside him.
"Sid, what's wrong?" I asked innocently.
He whipped his head around and glared at me. He was still silent.
"Sidney are you going to speak?"
"Nope."
We came to the end of the concrete hallway and Sid took a left turn. I was a little confused. I was sure we had to go right to get to the player's parking lot.
"I thought the player's parking lot was the other way," I said following him anyways.
"It is."
"Then why are we going this way?"
He sighed like he was really annoyed with my questions.
" I had my truck moved inside."
"Why?"
"What's with the fucking third degree Bekah?" he snapped in a tone I did not care for.
"I'm just asking," I snapped back.
"Well I can't very well go out into a parking lot full of fans with you with me now can I?" he sneered.
I stopped dead in my tracks and watched him continue down the hall wondering how long it would take for him to notice I was no longer behind him. He got a good fifty feet before he stopped and turned around. I was still standing in the same spot with my arms folded across my chest. He didn't move at first, but when he realized I wasn't going to budge he dropped his shoulders and started back towards me.
"What's the problem?" he snipped as he approached me.
"You're the problem."
"What the fuck did I do?"
"How about your snotty tone for starters. Then we can throw in your attitude for the main course, and we can top it off with that really shitty comment for dessert."
"What are you talking about?"
"I didn't realize I was going to be such an inconvenience that you'd have to switch parking places, but did you really have to say it like that?"
"I just meant that we couldn't go out that way if we're going to keep our relationship secret."
"I know what you meant. It's not what you said, it's the way you said it."
"Jesus Christ Bekah, I don't have time for this bullshit. Don't you think you're over reacting just a bit?"
"Fuck you Crosby!" I spat as I turned on my heels and began to walk away.
"Where do you think you're going?"
I turned back around a walked towards him like I was on a mission. I stopped just in front of him and jabbed my finger into his chest.
"I am not going to be your punching bag because you're in a bad mood. You lost. Big fucking deal! You should be used to it by now! Stop being an immature asshole and taking it out on everyone around you!"
I started to walk away hoping that Lily had not left yet.
"Where the fuck are you going?" he yelled after me.
"Home!" I replied not looking back.
As I got to the fork in the hallway, I was relieved to see her still with Max, Flower and now Colby.
"Hey are you guys still going out for drinks?" I asked.
"Ummm yeah," Flower replied cautiously.
"Mind if I tag along?"
"But you don't drink," Lily said with the most confused look on her face.
"I do tonight."
"Well alright!" Colby hollered as he put his arm around me. "Let's get the hell outta here!"
Marc, Colby and I started off down the hall with Lily and Max trailing behind us.
"I don't know what's gotten into her," I heard Lily say.
"Golden boy. He's an ass after a loss. I told her he wouldn't be very good company tonight."






The ride to the club seemed to take forever. Max had gone with Lily and I sat in the back of Marc's truck by myself starring out the window into the darkness. Every few minutes I'd see Marc look at me in the rear view mirror then look at Colby and exchange knowing glances. Then Colby would peek over his shoulder and look at Flower.
"I can see you both looking at me you know," I finally said.
"Sorry," Marc said.
"Yeah, sorry," Colby echoed.
The rest of the trip was silent except Colby attempting to sing along to some of the songs on the radio. He must of heard me laugh because he turned around and said "What's so funny chuckles?"
"Nothing; nothing at all," I replied with a smirk on my face.
"Yeah, that's what I thought!" he said turning to face forward again.
"It's a good thing you're good at hockey," I said shaking my head.
"Are you implying that I cannot sing?" Colby asked pretending to act wounded.
"I'm not implying it at all. I'm coming right out and saying it!"
"Ouch, that hurts my heart."
"I'm very sorry, but your singing hurts my ears," I laughed.
Up until now, Flower had remained silent. Silent and neutral. But he couldn't hold back his laughter anymore.
"Thanks alot Flower! I thought us guys were supposed to stick together, have each other's backs."
"Sorry dude, but she's right! Is painful what you are doing."
"Well, I see I have met my nemesis! You Miss Jones are to me what kryptonite is to Superman. What the Joker is to Batman."
"No, I'm pretty sure you'd be the joker Colby!"
"Ooh another good one Bekah," Marc laughed as he pulled into the parking lot of the club.
"So you're a feisty one huh?" Colby said. "Let's see how feisty you get with a few drinks in ya!"



After a few too many vodka and cranberry's I was feeling pretty good. Lily was at the bar talking to some people she went to college with, (much to Max's dismay) and that left me at the table by myself with three fine looking young men. Sid had been calling my cell every ten minutes and I hadn't bothered to answer any of the calls. He had already ruined part of my night, I was not about to let him ruin the rest. I was surprised that I was actually having a good time with the guys. They were all so young, I didn't see how I'd have anything in common with them, but it didn't really seem to matter that I was in a totally different place in my life, we were enjoying each other's company.
Marc and Colby went to the bar to get another round of drinks and I was left alone with Max. I didn't really know him; just what Sid had told me and that wasn't really flattering. At least not the personal life anyways.
"I probably shouldn't say this," Max started, "but we all overheard you and golden boy at the arena tonight."
"That doesn't really surprise me, we weren't exactly quiet. How much did you hear?"
"Pretty much everything. Can I just say, good for you. Don't take his bullshit. He had no right to talk to you that way. Boy has no respect. You don't treat women that way."
"And you know how to treat women don't you Max? I've heard stories about you and all your women. Do you think that's any better than the way Sid treated me."
"You can't even compare. Golden boy supposedly loves you and he talks to you like you're nothing? Every girl I've ever been with knows exactly what I'm about and where she stands. When I'm with them, I treat them like they are queens."
"You just don't want to see them again after you sleep with them."
"They know that up front and they're all okay with it. They use me to say they've slept with a pro hockey player just as much as I'm using them for sex."
"And you don't care?"
"Nope!"
"And you've never met anyone that you want to spend more than one night with?"
"Sure I have, I just haven't met anyone that makes me want to stop sleeping with anyone else."
"So no one you could see yourself in a relationship with?"
"Uugh," Max shuttered. "Don't say the 'r' word."
"So what are your intentions with my friend Lily? You just want to fuck her and chuck her?"
Max looked a little surprised those words had just come out of my mouth.
"That's a good one, mind if Iuse it?"
"Be my guest. So...?"
Max looked at me with a look in his eye that I had never really seen before. A devious little grin appeared across his lips.
"Ya know, I wasn't too sure about you at first," he started. "I mean anyone who chose to date golden boy, I had to question their character. But you, mon petit bijou, are special. I can see that from the way you stood up for yourself. You are different than other girls. I still think that you have poor taste, but I'll overlook it."
"Max, you've made it quite clear that you don't really like Sid. My question is why?"
"Je ne sais pas. Maybe it because he's arrogant. Maybe it because he thinks he's entitled. Maybe it because he thinks he's special."
"But he kinda is isn't he?"
"Some say so. Not me. What I know is you are much too good for him. He does not deserve you."
I was beginning to feel slightly awkward so I changed the subject back to Lily.
"You've done very well avoiding my question about your intentions with my friend."
"Ah oui, Lily. Maybe my intentions were not the purest, but not anymore. She is your friend, and any friend of yours is off limits. I will set my sights on someone else," he said with that grin on his face and look in his eye again.
He took my hand and kissed the back of it before getting up and kissing each of my cheeks French style.
"Bon soir mon petit bijou." And then he was gone.

Chapter 71

Lily and I took our seats and waited for the guys to come out for warm ups.

"I'm really glad you could come with me tonight Lil. It seems like forever since we were able to spend any time together," I told my best friend.

"I know. Working opposite shifts has really put a damper on our social time, but at least it works for me staying with the boys while you're working. I love those kids ya know."

"Believe me, they love you too and so do I. I can't thank you enough for helping me out with the boys and everything else this last little while. I appreciate it."

The Pens came flying out of the runway and onto the ice. God I loved watching them just skating around their end before they started taking shots, it had to be my favourite thing about coming to the games. Just then, Sid skated by and gave me a little wink. I smiled in acknowledgement.

"If you really wanted to thank me, you could get me one of those! Damn he's gorgeous!"

"Hey, watch it! That's my boyfriend you're drooling over. Besides, they broke the mould when they made him."

"Your what?"

"Boyfriend."

"Since when?" Lily's high pitched scream rang out bringing the attention of about 50 people sitting around us with it.

"Will you keep your voice down, everyone's looking at us."

"I'm sorry, but you just blurt out that the best player in the NHL, not to mention one of the hottest is now your boyfriend and you want me to be quiet!"

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm asking."

"When did this happen?" Lily asked hungry for details.

"New Year's. He found out about his dad; everything he did to keep us apart and we talked through it. I was still determined to stay away from him until he told me he was in love with me and forced me to admit that I was in love with him and that was it. We just kinda happened. We both agreed that we were not going to tell anyone except for you, his family, Mario and Marc and Colby. I don't want the boys to know yet. They think were just friends anyways, so it works. Anyways, he left for the road trip the next day and just got home yesterday and here we are."

"How did he find out?"

"Gloria told him. Don't ask how because it's a long story."

"So, you've been holding out on me since New Years? And you call yourself my best friend!"

"I am your best friend Lil, it just kinda happened so fast, then he was gone and you and I have both been so busy, but I'm telling you now and that's what matters. Forgive me?"

Lily thought about it for a minute. "Forgiveness will require gifts," she smirked and I knew she wasn't really mad at me.

"Hmm, What kind of gift?"

Just then a loud bang startled the both of us. We looked up to see Max Talbot smirking after shooting a puck at the glass right in front of us.

"Oh-my-God! Can I have one of those?" Lily said without taking her eyes off Max.

"Oh Lily, that is one road you do NOT want to travel! I hear he's quite a womanizer."

"Then the ride might be fun!" was Lily's only reply.




Lily and I watched with disappointment as the Pens lost to the Thrashers 4-3. The physicality continued over from the previous game. Sid was hooked and high-sticked yet he was the one that got penalized for unsportsmanlike when he pointed out the infractions to the refs. I'm sure there were more than a few colourful words spewing from his lips, but nevertheless, it was bullshit.

Sid was outraged. I knew he was irritated with himself for letting Kovalchuk get under his skin again. Even Don Cherry stuck up for Sid after the missed calls. I knew it was not going to be pleasant after the game and momentarily debated leaving without seeing Sid but opted not to make the situation worse.

Lily and I waited in the family lounge after the game. Players were coming out a few at a time and I exchanged pleasantries with them. Most of them remembered me from the family skate before Christmas. A few minutes later Marc emerged from the locker room with Max. They made their way over to us and Lily grasped my arm.

"Hey Bekah, how are you?"

"I'm good Marc, how about yourself?"

"Oh, can't complain," he said giving me that trademark grin.

'Really, after a loss he's really this chipper?' I thought.

Max gave him a little nudge in the ribs.

"So, I don't think I've met your friend," Marc quickly said.

"I'm sorry, this is my friend Lily. Lily this is Marc and..."

"Uh Max," Max said extending his arm and shaking my hand. He and Lily locked eyes and shook hands a little too long without breaking their gaze. I looked at Marc and he looked at me and just shook his head. He coughed and cleared his throat to get Max's attention and Max quickly dropped Lily's hand.

"So Bekah, you're a friend of Sid's?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It's a bad night to be waiting for him, he's pissed! I don't think he's going to be very good company tonight."

"Don't worry about her, she can handle Sid. She's put him in his place more than once," Marc laughed.

"Really? I'm fascinated! Someone actually stood up to golden boy?"

"You wouldn't?"

"Stand up to Sid? Not a chance! I'd like to keep my job. Pissing off super star is not the way to do that!"

"That's a little harsh Max," Marc said. "Leave the guy alone. If you put up with even half the shit he has to, you'd be a little crusty too."

"Whatever Flower," Max said rolling his eyes. "We're going to go grab a drink at Diesel, do you ladies care to join us?" Max asked.

I looked at Lily and her eyes were pleading with me to say yes, but before I got a chance to answer, Sid came out of the locker room like a freight train. Without slowing down or making eye contact with anyone he said, "Let's go," and kept walking.

I looked at Marc, who mouthed the words 'I'm sorry', then to Max who said, "You'd better run, golden boy beckons."

"Lily?" I asked questioningly.

"Go, I'll be fine. I drove remember?"

"Thanks Lil, you're the best! I'll call you later."

I turned and ran to catch up to Sid, but not before I heard Marc say, "I sure wouldn't want to be her tonight!"

Sidney's POV

I thought about yesterday as I drove to the rink. Holding her in my arms and waking up next to her was the most peaceful I've felt in a long time. Lying there beside her, watching her sleep, made it seem like there was nothing else going on in the outside world. I was completely at home with her. She was one person I felt that I could totally be myself around and not worry about what she'd think. I felt completely safe when I was with her. There was only one problem. Bekah drove me absolutely wild! Those eyes, those lips, that body! How was I going to be able to keep finding excuses not to be with her without her getting suspicious? How was I going to be able to resist her period?! Feeling her hands all over my body almost drove me to the brink. I wanted her so bad. I wanted so badly to hold her and kiss her and make love to her. But the very thought scared me to death! I have never been with anyone before. What if I was horrible? Would she know how inexperienced I was? Of course she'd know! Talk about pressure! No, this definitely couldn't happen, not right now. Not anytime soon!






"What's up with you today Sid?" Flower asked as we finished up practice.
"Nothing, why?"
"You were, how you say...an animal. So much energy."
"I'm just feeling good. Nothing unusual. Do you want to stay and take some shots, I'm not ready to go quite yet?"
"More shots? From you? Can't you just use the empty net? I don't know if I can handle any more one on one's from you with the way you've been shooting today."
"C'mon Flower, I need the challenge. Not that shooting against you is a real challenge..."
"That was low even for you Sid," Marc said as he lowered his mask and skated back towards the net.
I took a few shots on him and then skated around in circles. This was actually my favourite time. Staying after practice, skating by myself, shooting on the empty net, practising picking up the pucks as they bounce off the boards. It's where I came to do most of my thinking.
"Hey, I thought we were going to grab some lunch?" Army's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah, I just wanted some more time on the ice."
"Uh oh. More time on the ice means that something is bothering you and you've recruited Flower to be your tutor shooter. Oh man this can't be good."
Colby skated over to the net and stood beside Flower and they both looked at me with anticipation. I skated around in a few more circles before picking up a puck and stick handling it for a bit.
"You two couldn't be more wrong," I said bouncing the puck on the end of my stick before hitting it baseball style and sending it whizzing right by Flower's head.
"Hey watch it! I didn't even have my mask down!"
"So if you're not pissed about something, what's up?" Army said skating towards me and passing me the puck I'd just shot at Flower's head.
"Nothing. I couldn't be happier really. Well, I would be happier if we were winning, but other than that, I can't complain."
Army had a puzzled look on his face. Finally he had it! "Did you get laid last night or something?" he asked.
"Jesus Christ Army, could you be any more crude?"
"Actually yeah. So did you?"
Army's question had gotten Flower's attention and he now skated towards us at centre ice.
"No. Not that I would tell you if I did, but that's not why I'm happy."
"Does this have something to do with Bekah?" Marc asked.
"Wait, who's Bekah?" was Army's question.
"Bekah is a girl that Sid liked but his dad didn't. He even threatened her to stay away from him."
"Whoa. He didn't threaten her, he just strongly suggested," I found myself trying to defend my dad.
"Yeah, strongly suggested that if she didn't stay away from you it would ruin your career and your reputation."
"What's wrong with this girl?" Colby asked.
"Absolutely nothing. She's beautiful and amazing and smart and beautiful and..."
"And she's a mother!" Flower interrupted.
"Holy fuck! You like a girl with a kid? What the hell's wrong with you Sid?"
"Nothing is wrong with me."
"And it's not just one kid, it's two. And she's been divorced, and her son is the same age as Sid's sister, and she's what? Ten years older than you?"
"Well, I don't know Flower, this seems to be your story. And it's twelve years actually."
"Ten, twelve, who gives a shit! Sid, buddy, listen to me. Old, divorced, mother? What the hell are you thinking? You need to get as far away from this girl as you can. Sorry pal, I'm with your dad on this one! Besides, you're young, and not really my type, but some people think you're hot and you play in the NHL for crying out loud! You can have any girl you want and then some. Explore your options my friend. Get to know a few puck sluts, have some fun!"
"I don't want any of that bullshit. I'm not going to go screw any girl with a heartbeat just because I can. I want to be with someone I'm in love with. I want to be with Bekah."
"Yeah well fat chance of that happening when daddy don't approve."
"Actually, she and my dad worked everything out. He adores her now and I have his support to be with her."
"Has he lost his mind?"
"Wait, did you say LOVE?" Flower asked.
"Yes. I love her. I'm in love with her and she's in love with me too. We are together but we're keeping it very quiet for now. Bekah doesn't want the boys to know yet, so she's only telling Lily and the old couple next door and I'm only telling my family, Mario and you two, so as my best friends, I expect you to keep your mouths shut."
"We can't even tell anyone else on the team?" Colby asked. "We need to recruit some help if we're going to make fun of you for dating an old chick."
"You're not funny Army. And no. No one else knows. Not yet. Everybody already knows were friends anyways, so it won't be hard to explain why we're hanging out."
"Are you sure about this mon ami?"
"Yes Flower, I'm sure. What's with the doubt? I thought you liked Bekah?"
"I do. I adore her actually, and her kids. I just want to make sure you're sure."
"I am. I haven't been this sure about anything except playing hockey."
"Then I'm happy for you."
"Merci Marc. It means alot. Army? What about you?"
He was silent for a moment. "You know I'll support whatever you want buddy, but can I ask you one thing?"
"What?"
"Do you order off the kid's menu when you two go to dinner?"