Friday, October 31, 2008
Not an update...yet!
I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate you loyal readers out there and the wonderful comments you've been leaving. I regret that my updates have been few and far between lately but ever since the new school year started, I've been swamped with extra work. I have some extremely, shall we say... challenging children this year and have been spending most of my spare time trying to come up with activities, lesson plans and strategies to cope with them! Please don't give up on me, if you like this story. More is coming...I promise! I hope to update this weekend. Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween! ~ B
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sid's POV - Sidney vs. Troy
My phone rang again as I was pulling away from Bekah's. 'It's now or never,' I thought to myself before flipping open the phone.
"Hi Dad."
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"There's really no need to curse at me dad."
"I've been trying to get in touch with you since last night. Where do you get off hanging up on me? I am your father and that was completely disrespectful. I will not tolerate disrespect Sidney."
"I am aware of your expectations dad. You were being unreasonable," I said in the calmest voice I could manage. "I'm on my way home. We'll talk when I get there."
I hung up the phone and tried to push the thought of the conversation I was going to have with my dad out of my mind. All I really wanted to think about was Bekah and how everything was going to be now that our feelings were out in the open. I had imagined what it would be like to hear those three words come out of her mouth a thousand times, but nothing compared to the reality. I could have never imagined how I would feel when she said I love you. It felt like fireworks were going off inside me, I was completely exhilarated! She has been fighting it for so long; I'm pretty sure she was as surprised as I was when she said it.
I drove back to Mario's lost in my own euphoria. I honestly don't know how I made it back, I remember nothing about the short trip.
My euphoria was certainly plunged into darkness when I pulled in the driveway at home. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to collect my thoughts before going inside. Taylor was the first one to greet me when I entered the house.
"Sidneeeeeeeeeeey!" she squealed running towards me full tilt. I scooped her up in a bear hug and swung her around in a circle.
"Where did you go last night? You promised to be my date for the party. I was supposed to get the first kiss at midnight. Mom and dad let me stay up and everything," she said with the disappointment evident in her voice.
"Sorry Tay," I said giving her a big squeeze. "I wasn't in the mood for a party last night last night. I would have been horrible company. I needed to be by myself for a while."
"Girl problems huh?"
"Why would you say that?"
"Cause there are only two things that ever make you sad. You had a good game yesterday, so it has to be a girl."
"You're pretty smart, you know that?"
"I know. So who is it? Is it Alex's mom?"
"Why would you...
"Hello? Smart remember. I know that you like her."
"Yes I do."
"Does she like you back?"
"I'm not sure."
"I think she does."
"Oh really, and why would you think that?"
"Alex told me."
"He did did he? When did that happen?"
"After Christmas when I told him we were coming to Pittsburgh to visit you."
"How did you talk to him?"
"Duh! On MSN! I talk to him like all the time. So why were you sad, did you have a fight?"
"I think this conversation is over! I'm not going to talk about this with my little sister."
"Hey! I'm not a baby ya know!"
"Oh I'm aware of that! I have to pack for the road trip. I'll see you before I leave."
"Fine," she said stomping out of the room.
********************************
I was just about done packing when there was a knock at my door.
"Come in," I hollered.
"I'm here. Let's talk," he said very matter of factly sitting in a chair across from me.
"Okay," I replied while trying to compose myself. "Dad; I can't even tell you how furious I am at you right now."
"Furious? For what? Trying to find out where you took off to in the middle of a party? Sue me, I'm your father!"
"Please don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about."
"Well Sidney, I'm afraid I don't."
"I know what you did Dad. You can't deny it."
"Deny what? I don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about."
"How could you do it Dad?"
"Oh for Christ sake Sidney..."
"Did you really think you could intimidate her into staying away from me?"
All the colour drained from his face.
"I don't know what she told you, but girls like that are trouble Sidney. They'll say anything to get what they want."
"STOP IT!" I shouted unable to contain my anger anymore.
"You don't even know her! If you did, you sure wouldn't be saying such ugly things about her."
"I know girls like her. Troubled pasts, living in anything but ideal circumstances, and along you come and bingo! That's her ticket! She latches on to you and rides the wave, getting herself famous along the way no doubt, all the while reaping the benefits of your money. And she's probably worse than most girls, with two kids to support."
"WOW!" I said shaking my head in disbelief. "When did you become so...so jaded towards people?"
"It's not jaded, it's reality. You are so naive when it comes to real life matters Sidney. You only want to see the good in people and in this business, that can be suicide. I'm your father and it's my job to protect you."
"I've been away from home since I was 15. Yes, I have had the last three years mapped out for me and have had great people around to 'protect' me, but I am not as naive as you think I am. One of the first things you taught me is to be a good judge of character because that was the only way I'd know if I was surrounding myself with good people. It's a skill I pride myself on. Bekah is nothing like the image you have of her. Far from it actually. She the type of girl I need to be with; beautiful, humble, generous, loyal, gracious, successful in her career, independent to a fault, committed to helping other people, and deeply committed to her family. But because of you, I will not have that opportunity."
"Sidney, she may be all those things, but if she were truly a quality girl, she wouldn't have been so easily swayed by me."
"You threatened her! You scared her half to death, telling her my career would tank if I was with her! She put me before herself! She gave up a chance at being happy for me, so nothing would happen to me or my precious career!" I yelled. "God, you are fucking unbelievable! You couldn't control me so you went after her! I don't know what's more despicable; using such harsh and ugly words to intimidate an innocent girl or the fact that you would think it was okay to do it at all!"
"Sidney I will not tolerate this kind of disrespect from my own son!" he said raising his voice to me for the first time in a long time.
"What about the disrespect you showed Bekah?" I yelled back. "You have to give respect to get it! You are my father and I love you, but I lost all respect that I had for you. I cannot forgive what you did Dad; not only to Bekah, but to me too. You had no right to interfere in our lives the way you did. Whether you like it or not, I am an adult and am capable of making my own decisions without your input and that includes who I date. If you can't respect my personal life, then you will have no place in it. We'll maintain a business relationship and that's it."
"That's absurd! You're overreacting because you're still angry. Give it a few days. Once we spend this time together on the road trip, it'll all be forgotten."
"The girl I love is no longer part of my life because of you; it will not be forgotten in a few days. I don't want you on this road trip with me. I don't want to look at you or even talk to you right now. This road trip will give me time to hopefully cool down some; then maybe I'll at least be able to tolerate being in the same room with you."
Just then there was a knock at the door and my mom peeked her head in.
"There's my two boys. Are you both ready to go to the airport?"
I gave her a hug and kiss and told her I loved her. I picked up my bag and said, "Dad's not coming with me on the trip."
"Not going? Why?"
"I'll let him explain it to you. I call you when we get to Toronto."
"Hi Dad."
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"There's really no need to curse at me dad."
"I've been trying to get in touch with you since last night. Where do you get off hanging up on me? I am your father and that was completely disrespectful. I will not tolerate disrespect Sidney."
"I am aware of your expectations dad. You were being unreasonable," I said in the calmest voice I could manage. "I'm on my way home. We'll talk when I get there."
I hung up the phone and tried to push the thought of the conversation I was going to have with my dad out of my mind. All I really wanted to think about was Bekah and how everything was going to be now that our feelings were out in the open. I had imagined what it would be like to hear those three words come out of her mouth a thousand times, but nothing compared to the reality. I could have never imagined how I would feel when she said I love you. It felt like fireworks were going off inside me, I was completely exhilarated! She has been fighting it for so long; I'm pretty sure she was as surprised as I was when she said it.
I drove back to Mario's lost in my own euphoria. I honestly don't know how I made it back, I remember nothing about the short trip.
My euphoria was certainly plunged into darkness when I pulled in the driveway at home. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to collect my thoughts before going inside. Taylor was the first one to greet me when I entered the house.
"Sidneeeeeeeeeeey!" she squealed running towards me full tilt. I scooped her up in a bear hug and swung her around in a circle.
"Where did you go last night? You promised to be my date for the party. I was supposed to get the first kiss at midnight. Mom and dad let me stay up and everything," she said with the disappointment evident in her voice.
"Sorry Tay," I said giving her a big squeeze. "I wasn't in the mood for a party last night last night. I would have been horrible company. I needed to be by myself for a while."
"Girl problems huh?"
"Why would you say that?"
"Cause there are only two things that ever make you sad. You had a good game yesterday, so it has to be a girl."
"You're pretty smart, you know that?"
"I know. So who is it? Is it Alex's mom?"
"Why would you...
"Hello? Smart remember. I know that you like her."
"Yes I do."
"Does she like you back?"
"I'm not sure."
"I think she does."
"Oh really, and why would you think that?"
"Alex told me."
"He did did he? When did that happen?"
"After Christmas when I told him we were coming to Pittsburgh to visit you."
"How did you talk to him?"
"Duh! On MSN! I talk to him like all the time. So why were you sad, did you have a fight?"
"I think this conversation is over! I'm not going to talk about this with my little sister."
"Hey! I'm not a baby ya know!"
"Oh I'm aware of that! I have to pack for the road trip. I'll see you before I leave."
"Fine," she said stomping out of the room.
********************************
I was just about done packing when there was a knock at my door.
"Come in," I hollered.
"I'm here. Let's talk," he said very matter of factly sitting in a chair across from me.
"Okay," I replied while trying to compose myself. "Dad; I can't even tell you how furious I am at you right now."
"Furious? For what? Trying to find out where you took off to in the middle of a party? Sue me, I'm your father!"
"Please don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about."
"Well Sidney, I'm afraid I don't."
"I know what you did Dad. You can't deny it."
"Deny what? I don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about."
"How could you do it Dad?"
"Oh for Christ sake Sidney..."
"Did you really think you could intimidate her into staying away from me?"
All the colour drained from his face.
"I don't know what she told you, but girls like that are trouble Sidney. They'll say anything to get what they want."
"STOP IT!" I shouted unable to contain my anger anymore.
"You don't even know her! If you did, you sure wouldn't be saying such ugly things about her."
"I know girls like her. Troubled pasts, living in anything but ideal circumstances, and along you come and bingo! That's her ticket! She latches on to you and rides the wave, getting herself famous along the way no doubt, all the while reaping the benefits of your money. And she's probably worse than most girls, with two kids to support."
"WOW!" I said shaking my head in disbelief. "When did you become so...so jaded towards people?"
"It's not jaded, it's reality. You are so naive when it comes to real life matters Sidney. You only want to see the good in people and in this business, that can be suicide. I'm your father and it's my job to protect you."
"I've been away from home since I was 15. Yes, I have had the last three years mapped out for me and have had great people around to 'protect' me, but I am not as naive as you think I am. One of the first things you taught me is to be a good judge of character because that was the only way I'd know if I was surrounding myself with good people. It's a skill I pride myself on. Bekah is nothing like the image you have of her. Far from it actually. She the type of girl I need to be with; beautiful, humble, generous, loyal, gracious, successful in her career, independent to a fault, committed to helping other people, and deeply committed to her family. But because of you, I will not have that opportunity."
"Sidney, she may be all those things, but if she were truly a quality girl, she wouldn't have been so easily swayed by me."
"You threatened her! You scared her half to death, telling her my career would tank if I was with her! She put me before herself! She gave up a chance at being happy for me, so nothing would happen to me or my precious career!" I yelled. "God, you are fucking unbelievable! You couldn't control me so you went after her! I don't know what's more despicable; using such harsh and ugly words to intimidate an innocent girl or the fact that you would think it was okay to do it at all!"
"Sidney I will not tolerate this kind of disrespect from my own son!" he said raising his voice to me for the first time in a long time.
"What about the disrespect you showed Bekah?" I yelled back. "You have to give respect to get it! You are my father and I love you, but I lost all respect that I had for you. I cannot forgive what you did Dad; not only to Bekah, but to me too. You had no right to interfere in our lives the way you did. Whether you like it or not, I am an adult and am capable of making my own decisions without your input and that includes who I date. If you can't respect my personal life, then you will have no place in it. We'll maintain a business relationship and that's it."
"That's absurd! You're overreacting because you're still angry. Give it a few days. Once we spend this time together on the road trip, it'll all be forgotten."
"The girl I love is no longer part of my life because of you; it will not be forgotten in a few days. I don't want you on this road trip with me. I don't want to look at you or even talk to you right now. This road trip will give me time to hopefully cool down some; then maybe I'll at least be able to tolerate being in the same room with you."
Just then there was a knock at the door and my mom peeked her head in.
"There's my two boys. Are you both ready to go to the airport?"
I gave her a hug and kiss and told her I loved her. I picked up my bag and said, "Dad's not coming with me on the trip."
"Not going? Why?"
"I'll let him explain it to you. I call you when we get to Toronto."
Monday, October 13, 2008
Chapter 62
I woke up feeling a little groggy the next morning and looked at the clock on my nightstand. 8:30. I haven't slept until 8:30 in I don't know how long! I felt the warmth of breath on my neck and his arm draped gently over my waist. I closed my eyes and smiled as the memories from the night before danced in my mind. Had it really happened? Did Sidney Crosby really tell me he loved me? Even more shocking, did I really finally tell him that I loved him too? The kiss on my neck and the tight squeeze that followed was my answer.
"Good morning beautiful," he whispered in my ear before rolling over on to his back and stretching his arms above his head. I took this as an invitation.
"Morning," I replied rolling over and settling into his chest so his arm would naturally fall around my shoulder.
"You're sneaky Jones," he said planting a kiss on my forehead.
"That's what you like about me," I said playfully.
"No, that's one of the things I love about you!"
"Love? Who said anything about love?" I asked trying to antagonize him.
"I did. And as I recall...you did."
"Hmmm? I don't have that recollection!"
"Oh no you don't!," he said pulling me close against him. He lifted my chin so I was looking in his eyes. "You said it! It's out there and you can't take it back!"
"Objection! Here say. Do you have proof of this alleged conversation Mr. Crosby?"
"All the proof I need is right here," he said before planting a passionate kiss on my lips.
We both giggled and settled back into position.
"I could stay like this all day," he crooned running his fingers through my hair.
"Then why don't we? We can watch movies and just stay in bed all day!"
"As tempting as it sounds, I can't. We leave for Toronto this afternoon."
"Back to the business of being Sidney Crosby right?" I said trying to hide my disappointment.
"It's not so bad, I'll be back in a week."
"A WEEK! Boy, this gives new meaning to the phrase 'love em and leave em. Should I take offence that I tell you I love you then you skip town for a week?"
"Ah, there's the sarcasm I've missed so much! Believe me, I would like nothing more than to stay here with you, this is a terrible time for a road trip. The most amazing girl told me she loved me and now I have to leave, but to use my own cliche phrase: absence makes the heart grow fonder right?"
"Good one!" I said sitting up and crossing my legs. "I don't know?...it did only take me seven years to fall in love again...now that I have it perfected, who knows what I'll be capable of in seven days! I could easily fall in love a couple more times!"
"OH, I don't think so," he said wrapping me in a bear hug from behind, flipping me over onto my back, straddling me and pinning me down so I couldn't move and tickling me until I couldn't breathe.
"Okay, okay, okay," I said gasping for air. "I give up!"
"Ah submission, my favourite quality in a woman!"
"Sick!" I said shaking my head, "just sick! I'm going to make breakfast, are you hungry?" I asked finally climbing off my bed.
He just looked at me like I had three heads. "That's a ridiculous question! Whatcha making?"
"I'm not sure, but my guess is it's not just going to be a bowl of cereal and some toast!"
He grinned at me as he began putting on the clothes I had striped off of him the night before.
******************************************
When we were finished eating, we sat at the counter sipping our coffee.
"I can't believe you can eat like that and look as good as you do," I said in disbelief.
"It takes alot of calories to keep us hockey players going, and I am a growing boy!"
"Well I hope you plan on continuing to eat at the Lemieux's because I can't afford how much my grocery bill would grow if I had to feed you! I'd have to work double shifts every day!"
"We definitely don't want that," he said winking at me.
We were silent for what seemed like forever.
"Can we be serious for a minute Beks?"
"I don't know if I like the sound of that," I replied starting to feel nervous.
"It's not bad, I just think that we need to talk about what happened last night."
I inhaled deeply before telling him I agreed.
"Everything changed for us last night when we admitted our feelings for each other. I wish we could shout it from the roof tops, but we need to face reality."
"Reality being your father."
"He's only part of it. We have a big hurdle to jump with him and it's going to take time. I'm sure once he sees that you make me happy and you're not going anywhere, he'll come around."
"You are much more optimistic than I am Sid. You didn't hear the desperation in his voice or see the I almost hate to say it, but evil look in his eyes that night. He is hell bent on keeping me away from you."
"You let me worry about my dad. I'm not sure how yet, but I will handle him. I'm more worried about you."
"Me? Why?"
"Part of being with me is dealing with the constant circus that follows me around. It's not pleasant and I hate it sometimes but it's part of my job. I knew what I was in for when I signed up for this life. But it's not something that you asked for, and it's definitely not something that I want the boys to have to deal with right away."
I smiled thoughtfully at him. I loved the fact that he always took the boys into consideration.
"I think we might be on the same page here," I said.
"Really?" he asked surprised.
"I think we should keep our relationship quiet for now, from everybody, including the boys. We need time to figure things out for ourselves because let's face it, this is not going to be a 'normal' relationship. I think we should go slow and build on the foundation we already have before making any big announcements or going public. It's going to take time for me to get used to the fact that I have to share you with the world, I'm definitely not ready to be the most hated person in the world for taking Sidney Crosby off the market!"
"Oh come on, not the world! Maybe just the most hated in Pittsburgh!"
"Not funny," I said trying to contain a smile. "Seriously though. It's been a long, bumpy road for me to get to the point I'm even ready to try a relationship, I am not ready for the 'Sidney circus' yet. I hope you understand why I need to take this slow and keep it secret for now, maybe for a while."
Sidney took my hand in his and gave it a kiss. "Of course I understand. I know how much you've struggled with the whole thought of us. I know you're a private person and that you don't want to be thrust into the spotlight. I have waited so long for this Bekah, I am not going to do anything to screw it up. It's all up to you, your time line. Whatever you're ready for, whenever you're ready for it. Besides, it'll be kinda hot having a 'secret' girlfriend," he said with a devilish grin.
"You had to ruin the moment didn't you?"
"I wouldn't be me if I didn't! I just have one question."
"What's that?"
"What are we going to tell the boys? It's not like they're not going to see me around alot."
"It doesn't have to be any different than it was. We were friends before, they were used to you hanging around, so nothing will change. Since we're going to take things slow, this shouldn't be a factor, but I want to be clear up front. I have one rule that is absolutely unbreakable."
"What's that?"
"No spending the night when they're here. That point is not negotiable."
'That's a relief,' he thought to himself.
"No problem. Now I just have one rule for you."
"I'm intrigued."
"You have to promise not to get mad when I tell interviewers I don't have a girlfriend or when there's stories about random girls I may be dating because it's bound to happen."
"Well it's a good thing that I'll know the truth then isn't it?" I said walking over to the stool he was sitting on and wrapping my arms around his neck.
"That's just another one of the things I love about you," he said wrapping his arms around my waist, "you're so calm and confident. Not a jealous bone in that amazing body of yours!"
"Don't give me too much credit yet, I haven't been tested. I'm sure if any of those, what do you call them...puck bunnies got too close, I'd get a little feisty!"
"Oooh, I like it when you get feisty," he snickered pulling me down to kiss his lips.
His phone rang and he looked at the display before returning it to his pocket.
"I have to go," he sighed. "I have to pack and get to the airport."
"Have a safe trip," I said walking him to the door.
"I will. I'll call you tonight when I get to Toronto okay?"
"Okay. Behave yourself and play hard."
"Always. I love you," he whispered wrapping me tightly in his arms and giving me one last kiss.
"I love you the most," I replied as he headed for his car.
He turned around and smiled at me. "You'll have to explain that one to me someday," he said before getting in the Range Rover and driving away.
"Good morning beautiful," he whispered in my ear before rolling over on to his back and stretching his arms above his head. I took this as an invitation.
"Morning," I replied rolling over and settling into his chest so his arm would naturally fall around my shoulder.
"You're sneaky Jones," he said planting a kiss on my forehead.
"That's what you like about me," I said playfully.
"No, that's one of the things I love about you!"
"Love? Who said anything about love?" I asked trying to antagonize him.
"I did. And as I recall...you did."
"Hmmm? I don't have that recollection!"
"Oh no you don't!," he said pulling me close against him. He lifted my chin so I was looking in his eyes. "You said it! It's out there and you can't take it back!"
"Objection! Here say. Do you have proof of this alleged conversation Mr. Crosby?"
"All the proof I need is right here," he said before planting a passionate kiss on my lips.
We both giggled and settled back into position.
"I could stay like this all day," he crooned running his fingers through my hair.
"Then why don't we? We can watch movies and just stay in bed all day!"
"As tempting as it sounds, I can't. We leave for Toronto this afternoon."
"Back to the business of being Sidney Crosby right?" I said trying to hide my disappointment.
"It's not so bad, I'll be back in a week."
"A WEEK! Boy, this gives new meaning to the phrase 'love em and leave em. Should I take offence that I tell you I love you then you skip town for a week?"
"Ah, there's the sarcasm I've missed so much! Believe me, I would like nothing more than to stay here with you, this is a terrible time for a road trip. The most amazing girl told me she loved me and now I have to leave, but to use my own cliche phrase: absence makes the heart grow fonder right?"
"Good one!" I said sitting up and crossing my legs. "I don't know?...it did only take me seven years to fall in love again...now that I have it perfected, who knows what I'll be capable of in seven days! I could easily fall in love a couple more times!"
"OH, I don't think so," he said wrapping me in a bear hug from behind, flipping me over onto my back, straddling me and pinning me down so I couldn't move and tickling me until I couldn't breathe.
"Okay, okay, okay," I said gasping for air. "I give up!"
"Ah submission, my favourite quality in a woman!"
"Sick!" I said shaking my head, "just sick! I'm going to make breakfast, are you hungry?" I asked finally climbing off my bed.
He just looked at me like I had three heads. "That's a ridiculous question! Whatcha making?"
"I'm not sure, but my guess is it's not just going to be a bowl of cereal and some toast!"
He grinned at me as he began putting on the clothes I had striped off of him the night before.
******************************************
When we were finished eating, we sat at the counter sipping our coffee.
"I can't believe you can eat like that and look as good as you do," I said in disbelief.
"It takes alot of calories to keep us hockey players going, and I am a growing boy!"
"Well I hope you plan on continuing to eat at the Lemieux's because I can't afford how much my grocery bill would grow if I had to feed you! I'd have to work double shifts every day!"
"We definitely don't want that," he said winking at me.
We were silent for what seemed like forever.
"Can we be serious for a minute Beks?"
"I don't know if I like the sound of that," I replied starting to feel nervous.
"It's not bad, I just think that we need to talk about what happened last night."
I inhaled deeply before telling him I agreed.
"Everything changed for us last night when we admitted our feelings for each other. I wish we could shout it from the roof tops, but we need to face reality."
"Reality being your father."
"He's only part of it. We have a big hurdle to jump with him and it's going to take time. I'm sure once he sees that you make me happy and you're not going anywhere, he'll come around."
"You are much more optimistic than I am Sid. You didn't hear the desperation in his voice or see the I almost hate to say it, but evil look in his eyes that night. He is hell bent on keeping me away from you."
"You let me worry about my dad. I'm not sure how yet, but I will handle him. I'm more worried about you."
"Me? Why?"
"Part of being with me is dealing with the constant circus that follows me around. It's not pleasant and I hate it sometimes but it's part of my job. I knew what I was in for when I signed up for this life. But it's not something that you asked for, and it's definitely not something that I want the boys to have to deal with right away."
I smiled thoughtfully at him. I loved the fact that he always took the boys into consideration.
"I think we might be on the same page here," I said.
"Really?" he asked surprised.
"I think we should keep our relationship quiet for now, from everybody, including the boys. We need time to figure things out for ourselves because let's face it, this is not going to be a 'normal' relationship. I think we should go slow and build on the foundation we already have before making any big announcements or going public. It's going to take time for me to get used to the fact that I have to share you with the world, I'm definitely not ready to be the most hated person in the world for taking Sidney Crosby off the market!"
"Oh come on, not the world! Maybe just the most hated in Pittsburgh!"
"Not funny," I said trying to contain a smile. "Seriously though. It's been a long, bumpy road for me to get to the point I'm even ready to try a relationship, I am not ready for the 'Sidney circus' yet. I hope you understand why I need to take this slow and keep it secret for now, maybe for a while."
Sidney took my hand in his and gave it a kiss. "Of course I understand. I know how much you've struggled with the whole thought of us. I know you're a private person and that you don't want to be thrust into the spotlight. I have waited so long for this Bekah, I am not going to do anything to screw it up. It's all up to you, your time line. Whatever you're ready for, whenever you're ready for it. Besides, it'll be kinda hot having a 'secret' girlfriend," he said with a devilish grin.
"You had to ruin the moment didn't you?"
"I wouldn't be me if I didn't! I just have one question."
"What's that?"
"What are we going to tell the boys? It's not like they're not going to see me around alot."
"It doesn't have to be any different than it was. We were friends before, they were used to you hanging around, so nothing will change. Since we're going to take things slow, this shouldn't be a factor, but I want to be clear up front. I have one rule that is absolutely unbreakable."
"What's that?"
"No spending the night when they're here. That point is not negotiable."
'That's a relief,' he thought to himself.
"No problem. Now I just have one rule for you."
"I'm intrigued."
"You have to promise not to get mad when I tell interviewers I don't have a girlfriend or when there's stories about random girls I may be dating because it's bound to happen."
"Well it's a good thing that I'll know the truth then isn't it?" I said walking over to the stool he was sitting on and wrapping my arms around his neck.
"That's just another one of the things I love about you," he said wrapping his arms around my waist, "you're so calm and confident. Not a jealous bone in that amazing body of yours!"
"Don't give me too much credit yet, I haven't been tested. I'm sure if any of those, what do you call them...puck bunnies got too close, I'd get a little feisty!"
"Oooh, I like it when you get feisty," he snickered pulling me down to kiss his lips.
His phone rang and he looked at the display before returning it to his pocket.
"I have to go," he sighed. "I have to pack and get to the airport."
"Have a safe trip," I said walking him to the door.
"I will. I'll call you tonight when I get to Toronto okay?"
"Okay. Behave yourself and play hard."
"Always. I love you," he whispered wrapping me tightly in his arms and giving me one last kiss.
"I love you the most," I replied as he headed for his car.
He turned around and smiled at me. "You'll have to explain that one to me someday," he said before getting in the Range Rover and driving away.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sid's POV
It took no time at all before she was asleep in my arms. My only thought was 'I am the luckiest guy in the world right now.' After months of turmoil and one hell of a roller coaster ride, we ended up exactly where I knew we were meant to be. She loves me, and I love her and we were both finally able to admit it, no thanks to my father. I still wasn't sure how I was going to handle him, but right now I wanted to banish all unpleasant thoughts from my mind. I didn't want anything to spoil this perfect night.
As if on cue, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I carefully slid my arm out from underneath my sleeping beauty, praying I wouldn't wake her.
I opened my phone to see I had missed several messages from a variety of people all wondering where I was. The latest one was from my dad.
'Where the hell are you? What's going on?'
'I needed to be by myself. I'm fine. Don't worry.' I replied hoping that would pacify him for the night. I should have known better.
'Get home NOW.'
I could almost hear the anger behind his message.
'I'm fine. Be home in the morning,' I text before turning my phone off. He nearly ruined Bekah and I, I certainly wasn't going to let him ruin tonight.
I sat in the large arm chair by the window. I guess in our haste to get to bed, neither of us closed the blind and the moon was casting a soft glow that gently illuminated the room. I watched her sleep. The slight smile on her face made her delicate features finally look peaceful. What did I ever do to deserve this beautiful creature?
I thought back to the events that led us to this moment. By heart started beating faster and faster at the mere thought of her soft hands caressing my body, followed by those luscious lips. She had unleashed a fire in me I have never felt before. I had been completely freaked out at the prospect of where we were headed, and I sure didn't handle it well. God, I wanted her! But I couldn't. How was I supposed to tell her? I shuddered at the thought of what her reaction would be. She finally overcame her fear about my age, revealing that I've never been with anyone before would definitely renew her concerns. What the hell do I do? I can't put it off forever, she'll think something's wrong. Truth is after tonight's performance, I don't know how long I'll be able to hold out. Damn she turned me on, and that was one thing I couldn't hide!
She began to get restless and sleepily called out my name.
"Sidney?"
I slid in behind her, and held her close to me. "I'm right here baby."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm perfect. Everything's fine. Go back to sleep."
"Mmmm, okay," she said snuggling herself tightly against my body, causing my pulse to quicken once again. God, she smelled amazing!
I kissed her shoulder, then her neck and she let out the faintest moan. I tightened my grip around her waist and settled in for a long night.
"I love you," I whispered, not expecting any response.
"Love you the most," she said gently squeezing my hand before sleep overcame both our bodies.
As if on cue, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I carefully slid my arm out from underneath my sleeping beauty, praying I wouldn't wake her.
I opened my phone to see I had missed several messages from a variety of people all wondering where I was. The latest one was from my dad.
'Where the hell are you? What's going on?'
'I needed to be by myself. I'm fine. Don't worry.' I replied hoping that would pacify him for the night. I should have known better.
'Get home NOW.'
I could almost hear the anger behind his message.
'I'm fine. Be home in the morning,' I text before turning my phone off. He nearly ruined Bekah and I, I certainly wasn't going to let him ruin tonight.
I sat in the large arm chair by the window. I guess in our haste to get to bed, neither of us closed the blind and the moon was casting a soft glow that gently illuminated the room. I watched her sleep. The slight smile on her face made her delicate features finally look peaceful. What did I ever do to deserve this beautiful creature?
I thought back to the events that led us to this moment. By heart started beating faster and faster at the mere thought of her soft hands caressing my body, followed by those luscious lips. She had unleashed a fire in me I have never felt before. I had been completely freaked out at the prospect of where we were headed, and I sure didn't handle it well. God, I wanted her! But I couldn't. How was I supposed to tell her? I shuddered at the thought of what her reaction would be. She finally overcame her fear about my age, revealing that I've never been with anyone before would definitely renew her concerns. What the hell do I do? I can't put it off forever, she'll think something's wrong. Truth is after tonight's performance, I don't know how long I'll be able to hold out. Damn she turned me on, and that was one thing I couldn't hide!
She began to get restless and sleepily called out my name.
"Sidney?"
I slid in behind her, and held her close to me. "I'm right here baby."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm perfect. Everything's fine. Go back to sleep."
"Mmmm, okay," she said snuggling herself tightly against my body, causing my pulse to quicken once again. God, she smelled amazing!
I kissed her shoulder, then her neck and she let out the faintest moan. I tightened my grip around her waist and settled in for a long night.
"I love you," I whispered, not expecting any response.
"Love you the most," she said gently squeezing my hand before sleep overcame both our bodies.
Chapter 61
I turned the movie off in time to watch the ball drop with Dick Clark. Sid was nestled in the corner of the couch and I was snuggled in next to him, head on his chest and his strong, comforting arm around my shoulders caressing my upper arm ever so gently.
"5-4-3-2-1...Happy New Year!!" came bellowing out of the tv.
Sidney lifted my chin and looked into my eyes.
"Happy New Year Beks," he whispered kissing the tip of my nose.
"Happy New Year to you too Crosby," I said in return this time taking the initiative.
I sat up to face him, running both hands into the back of his hair, gripping those curls firmly and pulling him in towards my anxious lips. Slowly, softly, I kissed him. Upper lip, then the lower, letting my tongue tease each one playfully. Deep, raspy groans were escaping him as I moved slowly over to his jaw, to his ear, and down his neck settling in the sensitive area where his neck met his shoulder. A soft kiss and a flick of the tongue sent him over the edge. In one foul swoop he pulled me up on top of him, straddling his mammoth legs. Curious hands explored my body, first down my arms and back up, over my shoulders and slowly down my back. Up, down, in every direction, finally resting at my hips. Sid continued his exploration down my legs, over every inch he could possibly reach, but never, not once, crossing the line. Every movement sent electric currents through my body and I could feel his growing excitement beneath me. Moans of pleasure now escaped my lips as he became the aggressor, returning the soft kisses I had just bestowed upon him. I was screaming inside to have his lips on mine once again, and as if reading my mind, those bee-stung lips were in front of me, welcoming mine back.
Who knows how long this would have gone on for, if one of us didn't stop it.
"Sidney," I breathed heavily, pulling back and resting my forehead against his. "We should..."
"I know," he interrupted. "Stop, before it gets too out of hand."
HELLO!!! Not exactly where I was going with that thought, but okay.
"What now?" he asked
'Oh I don't know, you tell me Einstein!' was the first thought that came to mind.
"I'm not really sure. These last few days have been so mentally exhausting for me, I just want to head for bed."
'Really? That's what I come up with?'
"This night has been so perfect...I don't want it to end. I'm afraid if I leave, I'm going to wake up and this will all have been just a dream," he said gently stroking his thumb along my cheek.
"Then don't," I said taking his hand in mine.
"Don't? Don't what?"
"Don't go," I whispered in his ear before giving him another kiss. "Stay with me tonight."
The look of surprise and confusion on his handsome face was priceless!
"But...oh...but I...are you sure about this?" he asked nervously.
"Shhh," I breathed gently placing a single finger over his mouth. I took him by the hand and silently led him down the hall to my bedroom.
Once there, standing at the edge of my bed, the fear in his eyes and look of sheer terror on his face amused me. Gone was the strong, confident young man that had been so sure of himself. In his place, stood a terrified little boy afraid of getting caught taking a bite of the forbidden fruit.
I stood in front of him and started to unbutton my pyjama shirt. He fidgeted uncomfortably, but he dared not move. I let the shirt slide down my arms and fall to the floor, revealing the tank top I always wore underneath. The look of relief on his face almost made me giggle out loud.
I took a step towards him, looked into his eyes and began unbuttoning his shirt, slowly, working my way down one button at a time, never breaking our gaze. He swallowed hard when I reached the bottom and forcefully untucked the shirt tales from his perfectly fitted jeans. I slid my hands up his well toned abdomen and chest, leaving a trail of kisses along the way, across his broad shoulders, running my fingers under the material and sliding it down his arms, letting it join mine on the floor. Without my eyes leaving his, I reached for his belt buckle and undid it. Button... then zipper... then my cold hands guiding his pants down those legs as he gasped, until they too were on the floor. I took a step back to fully absorb the breathtaking sight that lay before me. What stood before me was the most perfect male specimen ever to grace a pair of black boxer briefs. Every line, every muscle perfectly defined, almost as if he had been chiseled out of stone, by an expert craftsman.
I pulled back the comforter and motioned for him to get in before moving around to my side of the bed. I climbed in beside him and before lying down, engaged him in one more passionate kiss.
He squirmed a little awkwardly before protesting once more.
"Beks, we have to..."
I gently pushed him down on his back and snuggled next to him in his arms. My head in that perfect spot right by his shoulder, taking in that amazing, masculine scent he released into the air, and my hand on his chest. I could hear and feel his heart beating a million miles a minute.
"Sleep," I smiled to myself.
"Huh?"
"Sleep. We have to sleep."
"5-4-3-2-1...Happy New Year!!" came bellowing out of the tv.
Sidney lifted my chin and looked into my eyes.
"Happy New Year Beks," he whispered kissing the tip of my nose.
"Happy New Year to you too Crosby," I said in return this time taking the initiative.
I sat up to face him, running both hands into the back of his hair, gripping those curls firmly and pulling him in towards my anxious lips. Slowly, softly, I kissed him. Upper lip, then the lower, letting my tongue tease each one playfully. Deep, raspy groans were escaping him as I moved slowly over to his jaw, to his ear, and down his neck settling in the sensitive area where his neck met his shoulder. A soft kiss and a flick of the tongue sent him over the edge. In one foul swoop he pulled me up on top of him, straddling his mammoth legs. Curious hands explored my body, first down my arms and back up, over my shoulders and slowly down my back. Up, down, in every direction, finally resting at my hips. Sid continued his exploration down my legs, over every inch he could possibly reach, but never, not once, crossing the line. Every movement sent electric currents through my body and I could feel his growing excitement beneath me. Moans of pleasure now escaped my lips as he became the aggressor, returning the soft kisses I had just bestowed upon him. I was screaming inside to have his lips on mine once again, and as if reading my mind, those bee-stung lips were in front of me, welcoming mine back.
Who knows how long this would have gone on for, if one of us didn't stop it.
"Sidney," I breathed heavily, pulling back and resting my forehead against his. "We should..."
"I know," he interrupted. "Stop, before it gets too out of hand."
HELLO!!! Not exactly where I was going with that thought, but okay.
"What now?" he asked
'Oh I don't know, you tell me Einstein!' was the first thought that came to mind.
"I'm not really sure. These last few days have been so mentally exhausting for me, I just want to head for bed."
'Really? That's what I come up with?'
"This night has been so perfect...I don't want it to end. I'm afraid if I leave, I'm going to wake up and this will all have been just a dream," he said gently stroking his thumb along my cheek.
"Then don't," I said taking his hand in mine.
"Don't? Don't what?"
"Don't go," I whispered in his ear before giving him another kiss. "Stay with me tonight."
The look of surprise and confusion on his handsome face was priceless!
"But...oh...but I...are you sure about this?" he asked nervously.
"Shhh," I breathed gently placing a single finger over his mouth. I took him by the hand and silently led him down the hall to my bedroom.
Once there, standing at the edge of my bed, the fear in his eyes and look of sheer terror on his face amused me. Gone was the strong, confident young man that had been so sure of himself. In his place, stood a terrified little boy afraid of getting caught taking a bite of the forbidden fruit.
I stood in front of him and started to unbutton my pyjama shirt. He fidgeted uncomfortably, but he dared not move. I let the shirt slide down my arms and fall to the floor, revealing the tank top I always wore underneath. The look of relief on his face almost made me giggle out loud.
I took a step towards him, looked into his eyes and began unbuttoning his shirt, slowly, working my way down one button at a time, never breaking our gaze. He swallowed hard when I reached the bottom and forcefully untucked the shirt tales from his perfectly fitted jeans. I slid my hands up his well toned abdomen and chest, leaving a trail of kisses along the way, across his broad shoulders, running my fingers under the material and sliding it down his arms, letting it join mine on the floor. Without my eyes leaving his, I reached for his belt buckle and undid it. Button... then zipper... then my cold hands guiding his pants down those legs as he gasped, until they too were on the floor. I took a step back to fully absorb the breathtaking sight that lay before me. What stood before me was the most perfect male specimen ever to grace a pair of black boxer briefs. Every line, every muscle perfectly defined, almost as if he had been chiseled out of stone, by an expert craftsman.
I pulled back the comforter and motioned for him to get in before moving around to my side of the bed. I climbed in beside him and before lying down, engaged him in one more passionate kiss.
He squirmed a little awkwardly before protesting once more.
"Beks, we have to..."
I gently pushed him down on his back and snuggled next to him in his arms. My head in that perfect spot right by his shoulder, taking in that amazing, masculine scent he released into the air, and my hand on his chest. I could hear and feel his heart beating a million miles a minute.
"Sleep," I smiled to myself.
"Huh?"
"Sleep. We have to sleep."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Chapter 60
I was used to spending holidays by myself, but it sure didn't make it any easier. To make it worse, the boys chose to sleep over at their friend's house and celebrate with them and Lily was working.
It was about 8:00 when my phone alerted me to a new text message. I was almost afraid to look. The last message I had received was from Sidney and that didn't go so well. I'm sure he was still furious with me. I didn't know what else to do but let him believe Scott and I were together. He was right, it was cruel, but maybe it would make it easier for him.
"Having a wonderful time. Game was good (for a hockey game) Your boy was on fire! Dinner is fab. Can't wait to tell you everything. Have a happy new year. Glo."
I closed my phone. I was happy that I was able to do something for Scott and Gloria. Their whole lives had been inside the four walls of the hospital and they needed to get out and spend time together. And Sid was on fire? Maybe he was being fueled by his anger towards me. As much as it killed me inside to think of him hurting because of me, it was better me than his father.
I settled in for a long night of solitude. I got in my favourite flannel pj's, popped some popcorn, got my favourite blanket and put in my favourite movie of all time, Pure Country. God I loved George Strait! He wasn't the best actor but I loved the whole premise of the story: scorned woman falls in love with handsome stranger that turns out to be one of the most famous country singers in the world and she has no idea who he is! Gets me every time!
It was just about at the best part of the movie, when she finds out who he really is, and I was poised with my box of Kleenex, ready for one of the most beautiful love songs ever (I always said it would be my wedding song) when a knock at my door startled me. I stopped the DVD, angry that I was interrupted. It was probably Mr. Parker with a last ditch effort to get me to celebrate the New Year with them. "No one should be alone tonight," they had told me earlier when I declined their invitation.
I wrapped the blanket around me and opened the door. I was not expecting what was waiting for me on the other side.
"Wh...wh...what...are you doing here?" I asked totally stunned.
"We need to talk."
"I've said everything I need to say, you should go," I say trying to shut the door.
"Maybe you have, but I haven't." He muscled his way through the door like I was a feather leaning against it. "Now you're going to listen!"
"Sidney, there really is nothing left to say," I said softly. "It's over, why can't you just accept it and leave me alone?"
"Because I know."
"Know what?"
"I know."
"I'm so not in the mood for this right now Sid. You should go," I said grabbing his arm and trying to guide him back to the door.
"NO!" he raised his voice to me and it took me off guard. Stopped me dead in my tracks actually. He turned around to face me, held both my arms and looked deep into my eyes.
"You can stop the charade now Beks," he said taking a softer tone once again. He rested his forehead against mine. "It's over... I know."
"For Christ sakes," I said pulling back from him. "You know what?"
He tightened the grip he had on my arms and said, "the truth. I know the truth. About my father, everything."
I felt my legs give out underneath me and he acted instinctively to catch me before I fell. He guided me over to the couch, and there we sat. Silent. I was trying to fathom the words he just said to me but I couldn't.
After a long reflection I asked, "How? Who?" I was pretty sure I knew the answer to both my questions.
"Before I tell you, you have to promise me you won't be angry with her."
"Lily! I knew it! How could she?" Too late, I was mad!
"It wasn't Lily."
Now I was confused. "Well then who?"
"Promise you won't be angry."
"I can't make that promise."
"Promise?"
"Fine. Now who?"
He hesitated before speaking. "I met your friends Scott and Gloria this afternoon," he began.
"I can't believe her! How could she..."
"Ah ah ah. You promised."
My anger was starting to be taken over by fear.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
"Everything. The whole story. What my dad said to you at the game...everything. Beks, I'm soooooooooooooo sorry. He had no right to say those things to you. It was wrong," Sidney said thoughtfully as he reached for my hand.
"You...you believe her?" I asked doubtfully.
"Yes," he replied softly. "But Bekah, it was lies, all lies. He was just angry with me because he asked me to stop spending time with you and I refused. He figured if he couldn't control me, he'd try and get to you... and it worked. He made up that bullshit story about hurting my career and sponsorships because he knew it would take something drastic to tear us apart. But it's over now. The truth is out and we are free to be together."
Sidney leaned in to kiss me but I backed away. I was having a hard time digesting this information he was sharing with me.
"Wait a second! Just like that? You think you can just swoop in here and tell me you know the truth and poof! Now we can be together? I'm sorry pal, but it doesn't work that way! The fact still remains that your father doesn't like me and he doesn't want us to be together. I can't be in a relationship with that kind of added pressure. New relationships are hard enough. This one would be even worse given who you are. I can't handle this right now, probably not ever."
"What are you saying?"
I sighed. "I'm saying, I think maybe your dad was right. Maybe not about what would happen, but about us being together. I just don't think it's a good idea." I could literally feel my heart breaking as I said those words to him yet again.
He sat silently, not even looking at me. He got up off the couch and took a few steps. 'This is it,' I thought. 'He'll be out of your life forever in a few short seconds.' I fought to hold back the tears. Before I knew what was happening he was kneeling on the ground in front of me and held both my hands in his. He was looking at me with those caramel eyes and my heart instantly started to beat faster.
"I didn't want it to be like this, but you haven't left me any choice." His voice was barely above a whisper. He gripped my hands tightly and pulled them towards his chest, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. I could feel his hands trembling.
"Rebekah Jones, I love you," he said kissing both my hands. "I love you and I want to be with you. You and your boys. Nothing or no one is going to change that." He looked up at me only to find the familiar sight of me crying. "Do you love me?"
After a few moments of sobbing I managed to find a bit of a voice.
"I...Sid...oh god...it's...it's so...complicated." I struggled to find the right words.
"It's not complicated. This is probably the least complicated part of our whole relationship. Do you love me, yes or no?"
I dropped my head trying to gather my thoughts. I was so tired of fighting. Tired of struggling, tired of lying. I just wanted to be done with it all. Life is much too short. I took another deep breath before raising my head and looking into those beautiful eyes.
"Yes, I love you."
There. Done.
Judging by the look on his face, you would think that was not the answer he was expecting.
"You...you do?"
"Of course I do. Sidney, how could I not?"
The beautiful bright smile that had been missing from his face appeared once again before he jumped up, scooped me up in a bear hug and twirled me around in one fluid motion. He put me back on the ground and wrapped his arms around my waist. He leaned his forehead against mine once again. Through that smile of his he managed to say, "You love me."
"And you love me," I retorted. "Now what?"
He smiled that oh so devilish smile while pulling back from me just enough to cup my face in his masculine hands.
"Now this," he said leaning in still smiling.
His luscious lips grazed mine ever so gently and my knees went weak at the moment of impact. He teased my lips with his until neither of us could stand it anymore. His mouth enveloped mine and with one smooth motion, parted my lips with his powerful tongue. It was warm and wet and moved expertly around mine until we found a perfect rhythm. His hands moved around from my face where one found it's place on the back of my head running it's fingers through my hair, while the other one made it's final destination the small of my back. Gently caressing and pulling me closer, tightly against his well toned body. I reached up to run my fingers through the deep brown curls that were starting to form at the nape of his neck, then slowly moved down to trace the outline of every muscle in his back, each one quivering as I caressed it. He picked me up and carried me to the couch laying me down gently never removing his lips from mine. We were both lost in the moment when a strange yet familiar voice startled me and I started to giggle. It was George, or rather his character 'Dusty' getting ready to sing the song he wrote for the woman he was in love with. Sid must of have put me down on top of the remote.
I gasped. "You have to hear this," I said excitedly. "This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It's so raw and pure. I used to dream that it would be my wedding song, preferably when I married him."
"Competition huh? I'll have to do something about that," Sid chuckled.
"Yeah, cause George Strait is going to come in here and sweep me off my feet!"
"I think I'll be the only one doing the sweeping around here," he said in a husky voice that I had never heard before. As the music began, he pulled me up into his arms.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Dancing with the most beautiful girl in the world on New Year's Eve," he replied tenderly.
I couldn't do anything but melt into his arms. This was by far the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for me. We began swaying in time to the music. As the words began, Sidney was looking deep into my eyes.
Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I see it in your eyes
You can feel it from my heart
From here on after
Let's stay the way we are right now
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow
I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
You will always be the miracle
That makes my life complete
And as long as there's a breath in me
I'll make yours just as sweet
As we look into the future
It's as far as we can see
So let's make each tomorrow
Be the best
That it can be.
I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
And if along the way
We find a day
It starts to storm
You've got the promise of my love
To keep you warm.
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
A love as true as mine.
We continued our dance long after the song had ended. A tear rolled down his cheek as he lifted my chin towards his face. He kissed me gently on the lips and whispered, "That was perfect."
He wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his chest. We fit perfectly together. He was big enough that I was completely enveloped by his embrace and his chin could rest on the top of my head.
"I love you Beks," he whispered in my ear.
"I love you too Sidney," I said tightening my grasp around his waist.
"Happy New Year Sidney," I said quietly.
"It certainly is," he replied before leaning down to kiss me once again.
It was about 8:00 when my phone alerted me to a new text message. I was almost afraid to look. The last message I had received was from Sidney and that didn't go so well. I'm sure he was still furious with me. I didn't know what else to do but let him believe Scott and I were together. He was right, it was cruel, but maybe it would make it easier for him.
"Having a wonderful time. Game was good (for a hockey game) Your boy was on fire! Dinner is fab. Can't wait to tell you everything. Have a happy new year. Glo."
I closed my phone. I was happy that I was able to do something for Scott and Gloria. Their whole lives had been inside the four walls of the hospital and they needed to get out and spend time together. And Sid was on fire? Maybe he was being fueled by his anger towards me. As much as it killed me inside to think of him hurting because of me, it was better me than his father.
I settled in for a long night of solitude. I got in my favourite flannel pj's, popped some popcorn, got my favourite blanket and put in my favourite movie of all time, Pure Country. God I loved George Strait! He wasn't the best actor but I loved the whole premise of the story: scorned woman falls in love with handsome stranger that turns out to be one of the most famous country singers in the world and she has no idea who he is! Gets me every time!
It was just about at the best part of the movie, when she finds out who he really is, and I was poised with my box of Kleenex, ready for one of the most beautiful love songs ever (I always said it would be my wedding song) when a knock at my door startled me. I stopped the DVD, angry that I was interrupted. It was probably Mr. Parker with a last ditch effort to get me to celebrate the New Year with them. "No one should be alone tonight," they had told me earlier when I declined their invitation.
I wrapped the blanket around me and opened the door. I was not expecting what was waiting for me on the other side.
"Wh...wh...what...are you doing here?" I asked totally stunned.
"We need to talk."
"I've said everything I need to say, you should go," I say trying to shut the door.
"Maybe you have, but I haven't." He muscled his way through the door like I was a feather leaning against it. "Now you're going to listen!"
"Sidney, there really is nothing left to say," I said softly. "It's over, why can't you just accept it and leave me alone?"
"Because I know."
"Know what?"
"I know."
"I'm so not in the mood for this right now Sid. You should go," I said grabbing his arm and trying to guide him back to the door.
"NO!" he raised his voice to me and it took me off guard. Stopped me dead in my tracks actually. He turned around to face me, held both my arms and looked deep into my eyes.
"You can stop the charade now Beks," he said taking a softer tone once again. He rested his forehead against mine. "It's over... I know."
"For Christ sakes," I said pulling back from him. "You know what?"
He tightened the grip he had on my arms and said, "the truth. I know the truth. About my father, everything."
I felt my legs give out underneath me and he acted instinctively to catch me before I fell. He guided me over to the couch, and there we sat. Silent. I was trying to fathom the words he just said to me but I couldn't.
After a long reflection I asked, "How? Who?" I was pretty sure I knew the answer to both my questions.
"Before I tell you, you have to promise me you won't be angry with her."
"Lily! I knew it! How could she?" Too late, I was mad!
"It wasn't Lily."
Now I was confused. "Well then who?"
"Promise you won't be angry."
"I can't make that promise."
"Promise?"
"Fine. Now who?"
He hesitated before speaking. "I met your friends Scott and Gloria this afternoon," he began.
"I can't believe her! How could she..."
"Ah ah ah. You promised."
My anger was starting to be taken over by fear.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
"Everything. The whole story. What my dad said to you at the game...everything. Beks, I'm soooooooooooooo sorry. He had no right to say those things to you. It was wrong," Sidney said thoughtfully as he reached for my hand.
"You...you believe her?" I asked doubtfully.
"Yes," he replied softly. "But Bekah, it was lies, all lies. He was just angry with me because he asked me to stop spending time with you and I refused. He figured if he couldn't control me, he'd try and get to you... and it worked. He made up that bullshit story about hurting my career and sponsorships because he knew it would take something drastic to tear us apart. But it's over now. The truth is out and we are free to be together."
Sidney leaned in to kiss me but I backed away. I was having a hard time digesting this information he was sharing with me.
"Wait a second! Just like that? You think you can just swoop in here and tell me you know the truth and poof! Now we can be together? I'm sorry pal, but it doesn't work that way! The fact still remains that your father doesn't like me and he doesn't want us to be together. I can't be in a relationship with that kind of added pressure. New relationships are hard enough. This one would be even worse given who you are. I can't handle this right now, probably not ever."
"What are you saying?"
I sighed. "I'm saying, I think maybe your dad was right. Maybe not about what would happen, but about us being together. I just don't think it's a good idea." I could literally feel my heart breaking as I said those words to him yet again.
He sat silently, not even looking at me. He got up off the couch and took a few steps. 'This is it,' I thought. 'He'll be out of your life forever in a few short seconds.' I fought to hold back the tears. Before I knew what was happening he was kneeling on the ground in front of me and held both my hands in his. He was looking at me with those caramel eyes and my heart instantly started to beat faster.
"I didn't want it to be like this, but you haven't left me any choice." His voice was barely above a whisper. He gripped my hands tightly and pulled them towards his chest, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. I could feel his hands trembling.
"Rebekah Jones, I love you," he said kissing both my hands. "I love you and I want to be with you. You and your boys. Nothing or no one is going to change that." He looked up at me only to find the familiar sight of me crying. "Do you love me?"
After a few moments of sobbing I managed to find a bit of a voice.
"I...Sid...oh god...it's...it's so...complicated." I struggled to find the right words.
"It's not complicated. This is probably the least complicated part of our whole relationship. Do you love me, yes or no?"
I dropped my head trying to gather my thoughts. I was so tired of fighting. Tired of struggling, tired of lying. I just wanted to be done with it all. Life is much too short. I took another deep breath before raising my head and looking into those beautiful eyes.
"Yes, I love you."
There. Done.
Judging by the look on his face, you would think that was not the answer he was expecting.
"You...you do?"
"Of course I do. Sidney, how could I not?"
The beautiful bright smile that had been missing from his face appeared once again before he jumped up, scooped me up in a bear hug and twirled me around in one fluid motion. He put me back on the ground and wrapped his arms around my waist. He leaned his forehead against mine once again. Through that smile of his he managed to say, "You love me."
"And you love me," I retorted. "Now what?"
He smiled that oh so devilish smile while pulling back from me just enough to cup my face in his masculine hands.
"Now this," he said leaning in still smiling.
His luscious lips grazed mine ever so gently and my knees went weak at the moment of impact. He teased my lips with his until neither of us could stand it anymore. His mouth enveloped mine and with one smooth motion, parted my lips with his powerful tongue. It was warm and wet and moved expertly around mine until we found a perfect rhythm. His hands moved around from my face where one found it's place on the back of my head running it's fingers through my hair, while the other one made it's final destination the small of my back. Gently caressing and pulling me closer, tightly against his well toned body. I reached up to run my fingers through the deep brown curls that were starting to form at the nape of his neck, then slowly moved down to trace the outline of every muscle in his back, each one quivering as I caressed it. He picked me up and carried me to the couch laying me down gently never removing his lips from mine. We were both lost in the moment when a strange yet familiar voice startled me and I started to giggle. It was George, or rather his character 'Dusty' getting ready to sing the song he wrote for the woman he was in love with. Sid must of have put me down on top of the remote.
I gasped. "You have to hear this," I said excitedly. "This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It's so raw and pure. I used to dream that it would be my wedding song, preferably when I married him."
"Competition huh? I'll have to do something about that," Sid chuckled.
"Yeah, cause George Strait is going to come in here and sweep me off my feet!"
"I think I'll be the only one doing the sweeping around here," he said in a husky voice that I had never heard before. As the music began, he pulled me up into his arms.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Dancing with the most beautiful girl in the world on New Year's Eve," he replied tenderly.
I couldn't do anything but melt into his arms. This was by far the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for me. We began swaying in time to the music. As the words began, Sidney was looking deep into my eyes.
Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I see it in your eyes
You can feel it from my heart
From here on after
Let's stay the way we are right now
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow
I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
You will always be the miracle
That makes my life complete
And as long as there's a breath in me
I'll make yours just as sweet
As we look into the future
It's as far as we can see
So let's make each tomorrow
Be the best
That it can be.
I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
And if along the way
We find a day
It starts to storm
You've got the promise of my love
To keep you warm.
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine.
A love as true as mine.
We continued our dance long after the song had ended. A tear rolled down his cheek as he lifted my chin towards his face. He kissed me gently on the lips and whispered, "That was perfect."
He wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his chest. We fit perfectly together. He was big enough that I was completely enveloped by his embrace and his chin could rest on the top of my head.
"I love you Beks," he whispered in my ear.
"I love you too Sidney," I said tightening my grasp around his waist.
"Happy New Year Sidney," I said quietly.
"It certainly is," he replied before leaning down to kiss me once again.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Chapter 59
Gloria held Scott's hand as Nate led them down to the locker room. Scott was still unable to speak a coherent sentence and Gloria's nerves were starting to take over. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that she was faced with the prospect of breaching Bekah's trust and destroying the image and respect the world's best hockey player had of his father, she wasn't so sure.
They arrived at the door of the locker room and the couple both took long deep breaths as they listened to Nate's instructions. Gloria knew that once she walked through that door there was no going back. She prayed she was doing the right thing.
Nate led them to a small room off of the locker room where there were easily another 75 people anxiously waiting.
"The players are just finishing up with the media and then they'll be out to meet and greet. Wait here and I'll be back with Mr. Crosby."
Gloria's voice was shaky as she thanked Nate and watched him walk away.
"Are you okay honey?" she asked Scott as she gently caressed his back.
"I...I'm just in shock still. I can't believe she did all this for us. How are we ever going to be able to thank her, or repay her? She is truly an incredible person."
"Yes she is, and don't worry, we'll think of something to do to thank her."
Sidney appeared at the doorway with a small entourage in front of him and Marc-Andre by his side. He surveyed the room until his eyes fell upon the face of the man that was forever engraved in his brain and the lovely woman he was with.
"That's them over there," Sid said to Marc motioning his head towards the couple.
"And that's his wife with him?"
"That's what I've been told."
"And she supposedly knows the truth about what's going on with Bekah?"
"That's what her letter said."
"Do you believe her?"
"What choice do I have? I can't get answers from anywhere else, so I'm at least going to listen to what she has to say and go from there. That's where you come in."
"What do you want me to do?" Marc asked rather surprised.
"Can you take her husband around to meet the rest of the guys? Keep him busy so I can talk to this Gloria."
"Sure, I guess. I'll do just about anything if it means we'll get the old Sid back instead of this miserable, depressing one."
"Gee thanks alot Flower!"
Nate led Sid and Marc over to where Scott and Gloria were patiently (or not so patiently in Gloria's case) waiting.
"Scott and Gloria McDonald, this is Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury," Nate said before slipping into the background.
"It is so nice to meet both of you," Scott said nervously shaking both men's hands.
"It's nice to meet both of you as well," Sidney replied. "I understand you're friends of Bekah's. How do you know her?"
"Our son is a patient of hers at the Children's hospital," Gloria answered.
"The McDonalds?" Sidney thought out loud. "Is your son...is his name Dylan?"
"Yes it is!" Scott replied in complete surprise. "How did you know that?"
"I remember Bekah telling me about your family when you first arrived. She was really torn up when she first met you. I'm sorry for everything you and your son are going through," Sidney said thoughtfully.
"Thank you," Gloria replied. "Bekah has been a rock for us the past while. She's amazing."
"I couldn't agree more," Sidney smiled. "Scott, Marc is going to take you around and introduce you to the rest of the team if that's alright with you?"
"It's more than alright," Scott squealed. "Are you coming Gloria?"
"You go ahead and have fun. I'm just going to hang back here out of the way."
"If you say so," he said giving her a peck on the cheek before disappearing into the crowd of people with Marc.
"Shall we go somewhere a little more quiet?" Sidney asked.
"Sure," was all Gloria could manage to say.
As she followed Sidney down a short hallway into another small room, her heart started racing and the doubts she had about what she was about to do flooded her mind.
Those doubts disappeared when she sat across the table from Sidney and saw the pain and hope in his eyes. She took a deep breath and began the sad tale of which he was a main character.
"Let me just start by saying you are not going to be happy with what I am about to tell you. You will most definitely not want to believe what I have to say, but I assure you, every word is the truth. I am probably overstepping my bounds here, but I can't sit by and watch two people who so clearly belong together, be kept apart by something so stupid." Gloria took another deep breath. "Are you ready?" she asked him.
"You have my attention," Sidney replied solemnly.
Gloria slowly began telling him about the fateful night at the game. She watched his face carefully trying to read what he might be thinking, looking for clues that it was okay to continue.
When she mentioned his father's name he perked up briefly before his forehead wrinkled, his perfectly shaped eyebrows raised and his ears started to turn a light shade of pink.
"Shall I continue?" she asked cautiously.
Sidney nodded in silence. He listened in disbelief as Gloria continued with the ugly details of harsh words he couldn't believe would have come out of his father's mouth. When she was finished, he bowed his head and they sat in silence for what seemed like and eternity. She felt so bad for him. Gloria reached across the table and put her hand on top of his.
"I think it's important for you to know that she only agreed to do this because of how much she cares about you. She honestly believes what your dad has told her and that this really is the best thing for you. She would never dream of doing anything to hurt you or your career."
When Sidney finally raised his head, she was shocked to see the tears that were slowly rolling down his cheeks.
"But she has. If what you say is true, then why couldn't she tell me the truth?" he asked quietly.
"I begged her to, but she said you were so close to your father and she would not be responsible for damaging your relationship in any way. It was better for you to be mad at her, it would help you get over her faster and then you could move on."
"Move on? Did she really think I would just be able to forget about her and move on? And my father? I can't believe he would do something so deceitful and hurtful."
"The thing is, they both love you and believe they are doing what's best for you. How would Bekah know the difference? She took what your dad told her as the truth. He's just a father protecting his son and that's something she totally gets right?"
For a brief moment she saw a light in his eyes.
"She...loves me?"
UH OH!
"She's never actually said those words," Gloria said trying to cover her tracks, "but that's what I believe."
"I see," he said rather calmly. "Thank you for telling me the truth. I appreciate it. Bekah is lucky to have a friend like you."
"Are you okay?" she asked knowing it was a stupid question the minute the words left her mouth.
"Not really. I just found out that my father has filled the woman I love's head full of complete bullshit! Bullshit, that knowing her the way I do, I will never be able to convince her is bullshit!" A light bulb went off in Sidney's head at that moment.
"It all makes sense now! Why she left the game early that night, the phone calls she wouldn't answer...everything. It's all my father's doing."
Gloria had never seen a face that particular shade of red before. She started to wonder what she had done.
"So you believe me?" she asked in disbelief.
"Well, I wouldn't have before now, but yes. Earlier that day he had asked me to stop seeing her and I refused. I guess he figured if he couldn't get me to cooperate, he'd have better luck with her. Un-fucking-believable!"
"What are you going to do?" she asked hesitantly.
It was like the question was a needle that she had just popped his balloon with.
"Do?" his shoulders dropped. "I have no idea. I am so furious right now, I want to go confront my dad...ahh shit!"
"What?"
"It's New Year's Eve."
"Yeah so?" Gloria was confused by the sudden change of subject.
"I'm supposed to be at a party at Mario's...with my parents. Not exactly the proper venue for the kind of confrontation we're going to have. I don't even know if I can be in the same room with him and be civil I'm so pissed off."
"Well, ya know...nah never mind," Gloria said rather slyly.
"Ohhhhhh no, you can't do that! Finish what you were going to say."
She smiled a sneaky little smile before saying, "I was always taught that you should bring in the new year with the one you love!"
They arrived at the door of the locker room and the couple both took long deep breaths as they listened to Nate's instructions. Gloria knew that once she walked through that door there was no going back. She prayed she was doing the right thing.
Nate led them to a small room off of the locker room where there were easily another 75 people anxiously waiting.
"The players are just finishing up with the media and then they'll be out to meet and greet. Wait here and I'll be back with Mr. Crosby."
Gloria's voice was shaky as she thanked Nate and watched him walk away.
"Are you okay honey?" she asked Scott as she gently caressed his back.
"I...I'm just in shock still. I can't believe she did all this for us. How are we ever going to be able to thank her, or repay her? She is truly an incredible person."
"Yes she is, and don't worry, we'll think of something to do to thank her."
Sidney appeared at the doorway with a small entourage in front of him and Marc-Andre by his side. He surveyed the room until his eyes fell upon the face of the man that was forever engraved in his brain and the lovely woman he was with.
"That's them over there," Sid said to Marc motioning his head towards the couple.
"And that's his wife with him?"
"That's what I've been told."
"And she supposedly knows the truth about what's going on with Bekah?"
"That's what her letter said."
"Do you believe her?"
"What choice do I have? I can't get answers from anywhere else, so I'm at least going to listen to what she has to say and go from there. That's where you come in."
"What do you want me to do?" Marc asked rather surprised.
"Can you take her husband around to meet the rest of the guys? Keep him busy so I can talk to this Gloria."
"Sure, I guess. I'll do just about anything if it means we'll get the old Sid back instead of this miserable, depressing one."
"Gee thanks alot Flower!"
Nate led Sid and Marc over to where Scott and Gloria were patiently (or not so patiently in Gloria's case) waiting.
"Scott and Gloria McDonald, this is Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury," Nate said before slipping into the background.
"It is so nice to meet both of you," Scott said nervously shaking both men's hands.
"It's nice to meet both of you as well," Sidney replied. "I understand you're friends of Bekah's. How do you know her?"
"Our son is a patient of hers at the Children's hospital," Gloria answered.
"The McDonalds?" Sidney thought out loud. "Is your son...is his name Dylan?"
"Yes it is!" Scott replied in complete surprise. "How did you know that?"
"I remember Bekah telling me about your family when you first arrived. She was really torn up when she first met you. I'm sorry for everything you and your son are going through," Sidney said thoughtfully.
"Thank you," Gloria replied. "Bekah has been a rock for us the past while. She's amazing."
"I couldn't agree more," Sidney smiled. "Scott, Marc is going to take you around and introduce you to the rest of the team if that's alright with you?"
"It's more than alright," Scott squealed. "Are you coming Gloria?"
"You go ahead and have fun. I'm just going to hang back here out of the way."
"If you say so," he said giving her a peck on the cheek before disappearing into the crowd of people with Marc.
"Shall we go somewhere a little more quiet?" Sidney asked.
"Sure," was all Gloria could manage to say.
As she followed Sidney down a short hallway into another small room, her heart started racing and the doubts she had about what she was about to do flooded her mind.
Those doubts disappeared when she sat across the table from Sidney and saw the pain and hope in his eyes. She took a deep breath and began the sad tale of which he was a main character.
"Let me just start by saying you are not going to be happy with what I am about to tell you. You will most definitely not want to believe what I have to say, but I assure you, every word is the truth. I am probably overstepping my bounds here, but I can't sit by and watch two people who so clearly belong together, be kept apart by something so stupid." Gloria took another deep breath. "Are you ready?" she asked him.
"You have my attention," Sidney replied solemnly.
Gloria slowly began telling him about the fateful night at the game. She watched his face carefully trying to read what he might be thinking, looking for clues that it was okay to continue.
When she mentioned his father's name he perked up briefly before his forehead wrinkled, his perfectly shaped eyebrows raised and his ears started to turn a light shade of pink.
"Shall I continue?" she asked cautiously.
Sidney nodded in silence. He listened in disbelief as Gloria continued with the ugly details of harsh words he couldn't believe would have come out of his father's mouth. When she was finished, he bowed his head and they sat in silence for what seemed like and eternity. She felt so bad for him. Gloria reached across the table and put her hand on top of his.
"I think it's important for you to know that she only agreed to do this because of how much she cares about you. She honestly believes what your dad has told her and that this really is the best thing for you. She would never dream of doing anything to hurt you or your career."
When Sidney finally raised his head, she was shocked to see the tears that were slowly rolling down his cheeks.
"But she has. If what you say is true, then why couldn't she tell me the truth?" he asked quietly.
"I begged her to, but she said you were so close to your father and she would not be responsible for damaging your relationship in any way. It was better for you to be mad at her, it would help you get over her faster and then you could move on."
"Move on? Did she really think I would just be able to forget about her and move on? And my father? I can't believe he would do something so deceitful and hurtful."
"The thing is, they both love you and believe they are doing what's best for you. How would Bekah know the difference? She took what your dad told her as the truth. He's just a father protecting his son and that's something she totally gets right?"
For a brief moment she saw a light in his eyes.
"She...loves me?"
UH OH!
"She's never actually said those words," Gloria said trying to cover her tracks, "but that's what I believe."
"I see," he said rather calmly. "Thank you for telling me the truth. I appreciate it. Bekah is lucky to have a friend like you."
"Are you okay?" she asked knowing it was a stupid question the minute the words left her mouth.
"Not really. I just found out that my father has filled the woman I love's head full of complete bullshit! Bullshit, that knowing her the way I do, I will never be able to convince her is bullshit!" A light bulb went off in Sidney's head at that moment.
"It all makes sense now! Why she left the game early that night, the phone calls she wouldn't answer...everything. It's all my father's doing."
Gloria had never seen a face that particular shade of red before. She started to wonder what she had done.
"So you believe me?" she asked in disbelief.
"Well, I wouldn't have before now, but yes. Earlier that day he had asked me to stop seeing her and I refused. I guess he figured if he couldn't get me to cooperate, he'd have better luck with her. Un-fucking-believable!"
"What are you going to do?" she asked hesitantly.
It was like the question was a needle that she had just popped his balloon with.
"Do?" his shoulders dropped. "I have no idea. I am so furious right now, I want to go confront my dad...ahh shit!"
"What?"
"It's New Year's Eve."
"Yeah so?" Gloria was confused by the sudden change of subject.
"I'm supposed to be at a party at Mario's...with my parents. Not exactly the proper venue for the kind of confrontation we're going to have. I don't even know if I can be in the same room with him and be civil I'm so pissed off."
"Well, ya know...nah never mind," Gloria said rather slyly.
"Ohhhhhh no, you can't do that! Finish what you were going to say."
She smiled a sneaky little smile before saying, "I was always taught that you should bring in the new year with the one you love!"
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Chapter 58
Nate looked questioningly at the couple who had presented their tickets to him. He thought the man looked familiar but he wasn't sure from where. When he looked at the seats on the tickets he was caught off guard. Off course! It was the guy who was with Bekah at the last game.
"Umm, these are Bekah's tickets," Nate said to them.
"Yep, she gave them to us as a gift," Scott replied.
"You're the one that was with her the other night right? It's...Scott isn't it?"
"Pretty good memory you have man. Oh, this is my wife Gloria. Gloria this is...sorry, I'm not so good with names."
'Wife! Thank god,' Nate thought to himself. Sidney had given him the third degree after the last game, dying for any bit of information Nate might have gotten or observed. The only thing he was able to tell him was that they appeared to be very friendly and she had introduced him as a very good friend. Sidney was not at all satisfied with the news Nate was able to report on, and he felt awful that he couldn't give Sidney the answers he was craving.
"Oh, Nate. My name is Nate."
"Thee Nate?" Gloria questioned.
"I...guess so," Nate replied hesitantly.
"Bekah has told me about you. Cute story about that first meeting," she said giving him a wink like the both belonged to some secret club.
"How do you know Bekah?" Nate asked leading them down towards their seats.
"Our son Dylan is one of her patients. She has been a godsend to us over the past month. She gave us these tickets so we'd actually leave the hospital. I personally don't care much for hockey, but my husband is a HUGE fan so Bekah brought him the other night. She's working this afternoon, so I get to come."
"Sounds like something wonderful that Bekah would do," Nate said feeling a huge sense of relief. "Well here you are. I hope you enjoy the game."
"Thank you. Hey Nate, are you in this area for the whole game?" Gloria asked.
"Yes, this is my section."
"Good to know," Gloria replied wryly.
"So which one is this Sidney guy?" Gloria asked her husband.
"Oh Glo! Are you even serious?"
"Of course I'm serious. How the hell would I know who he is?"
"He's right over there, just past the net. Number 87," Scott informed her shaking his head all the while.
She was finally able to pick him out and kept her eyes on him right up until he skated right past the glass where they were sitting.
"WOW!" She exclaimed. "Shit, did I say that out loud?"
"Yeah? Wow what?" Scott asked her.
"Nothing. I just can't believe how big some of these guys are."
'Good cover,' she told herself. 'This guy is smokin' hot! Bekah you have outdone yourself with this one', she thought to herself. 'Now I'm definitely making it my mission to get you two together.'
The game was good, and the Pens were actually leading, but Gloria could really care less. It was way too fast paced for her to follow, and why did they blow the whistle so much? She didn't get it.
Midway through the second period she excused herself to go to the ladies room. Scott barely acknowledged she spoke. When she reached the top of the stairs, she found Nate standing dutifully at his post.
"Hi!" she said positioning herself right in front of him.
"Uh...hi."
"Okay, I know this is a bit off the wall, but I really need your help," she started.
"Well, that is my job," he replied.
"Oh honey, I don't think this is in your job description!"
Gloria pulled the envelope out of her pocket and handed it to him.
"I need you to give this to Sidney on his next break," she said.
"I can't just barge in the locker room to give him a letter," Nate stated.
"Look you were part of getting the two of them together, now you need to be part of getting them back together. They are having some serious issues and she is too stubborn to fix it herself, so I need to help. He needs to read this before the end of the game. I hope he'll be willing to hear me out after he reads this note. He really needs to know what's going on, and I'm the only one that can tell him. Please Nate, this is sooooooooooo important," she pleaded.
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm not making any promises."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Gloria exclaimed practically jumping up and down. "You won't regret it!"
"We'll see about that," Nate replied.
Nate made his way down to the locker room for the end of the second period. He had a bad feeling about this and was just hoping this little stunt wouldn't cost him his job.
When the boys came off the ice Nate stopped Sidney.
"Uh, Mr. Crosby? I was asked to give you this and told you need to read is as soon as possible," Nate said trying to hand Sid the envelope.
"You know better than this Nate, NOT during a game," Sidney snapped and started to head for the locker room door.
"But Mr. Crosby, it's important...it's about Miss Jones!"
Sid stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around and ripped the envelope out of Nate's hands and disappeared into the locker room.
Sid tore open the envelope even before changing out of his sweaty gear. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and focused on the letter. It read:
Dear Mr. Crosby,
My name is Gloria McDonald and Bekah Jones is a very good friend of mine. I know this is somewhat peculiar and perhaps even inappropriate, but Bekah has been a tremendous help to me and my family and I am just trying to return the favour.
I am aware that Bekah recently ended your relationship abruptly without giving you much of a reason. That's where I come in. I know the real reason, but I also know that out of respect and loyalty to you and your family, she will never tell you. I believe you need to know what has really transpired over the past few days and would really appreciate a chance to tell you.
My husband and I are both here today, using Bekah's tickets. If you can spare some time to listen to my story after the game, I promise you you will not regret it. My husband has no idea what is going on and I figured we could tell him Bekah arranged for us to meet the team after the game. I hope you will find it in your heart to hear what I have to say.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you (hopefully!)
Sincerely,
Gloria McDonald
Sid read the letter several more times but was still unsure whether or not to believe it. Could a complete stranger really hold the key to the answers he was so desperately searching for? What choice did he have? He was getting nowhere on his own.
Nate was waiting for him when he left the locker room.
"Is this lady for real Nate?"
"It appears so. She seems to know an awful lot about what's been going on lately, and her husband is the man Bekah brought to the game the other night."
"That guy is this Gloria's husband?"
"That's right. Huge fan of yours too!"
"Well, don't I feel like a total ass!" Sid said shaking his head in disbelief. "Okay, go back to them and tell them that Bekah has arranged for them to come back and meet the team after the game. Bring them down to the locker room after the media scrum and I'll take it from there."
"You got it sir!" Nate said trying to hide his excitement.
"And Nate? Thank you. I owe you...again!"
"My pleasure Mr. Crosby."
"Please call me Sid. I think we're beyond formalities."
Sid and the rest of the team took the ice after the intermission and he skated by Bekah's seats. Sure enough, there was the same guy he had seen with Bekah only two days before and a woman he assumed was this Gloria, sitting beside him. Sid looked at her and she smiled at him. He nodded in return. God, now all he wanted was for this damn game to be over so he could hear what she had to say. He couldn't believe his fate lied in the hands of a stranger. He could barely keep from jumping out of his skin.
Nate appeared at the McDonald's side just before the puck dropped for the third period.
"Excuse me Scott and Gloria? Mr. Crosby wanted me to inform you that as a special surprise, Bekah has arranged for you to meet the team after the game. I will be back to take you down to the locker room when the game is over."
Scott's jaw dropped to the ground and he was unable to speak.
"Thank you very much Nate," Gloria said giving him a wink.
"It's my pleasure," he replied returning the knowing gesture.
"Umm, these are Bekah's tickets," Nate said to them.
"Yep, she gave them to us as a gift," Scott replied.
"You're the one that was with her the other night right? It's...Scott isn't it?"
"Pretty good memory you have man. Oh, this is my wife Gloria. Gloria this is...sorry, I'm not so good with names."
'Wife! Thank god,' Nate thought to himself. Sidney had given him the third degree after the last game, dying for any bit of information Nate might have gotten or observed. The only thing he was able to tell him was that they appeared to be very friendly and she had introduced him as a very good friend. Sidney was not at all satisfied with the news Nate was able to report on, and he felt awful that he couldn't give Sidney the answers he was craving.
"Oh, Nate. My name is Nate."
"Thee Nate?" Gloria questioned.
"I...guess so," Nate replied hesitantly.
"Bekah has told me about you. Cute story about that first meeting," she said giving him a wink like the both belonged to some secret club.
"How do you know Bekah?" Nate asked leading them down towards their seats.
"Our son Dylan is one of her patients. She has been a godsend to us over the past month. She gave us these tickets so we'd actually leave the hospital. I personally don't care much for hockey, but my husband is a HUGE fan so Bekah brought him the other night. She's working this afternoon, so I get to come."
"Sounds like something wonderful that Bekah would do," Nate said feeling a huge sense of relief. "Well here you are. I hope you enjoy the game."
"Thank you. Hey Nate, are you in this area for the whole game?" Gloria asked.
"Yes, this is my section."
"Good to know," Gloria replied wryly.
"So which one is this Sidney guy?" Gloria asked her husband.
"Oh Glo! Are you even serious?"
"Of course I'm serious. How the hell would I know who he is?"
"He's right over there, just past the net. Number 87," Scott informed her shaking his head all the while.
She was finally able to pick him out and kept her eyes on him right up until he skated right past the glass where they were sitting.
"WOW!" She exclaimed. "Shit, did I say that out loud?"
"Yeah? Wow what?" Scott asked her.
"Nothing. I just can't believe how big some of these guys are."
'Good cover,' she told herself. 'This guy is smokin' hot! Bekah you have outdone yourself with this one', she thought to herself. 'Now I'm definitely making it my mission to get you two together.'
The game was good, and the Pens were actually leading, but Gloria could really care less. It was way too fast paced for her to follow, and why did they blow the whistle so much? She didn't get it.
Midway through the second period she excused herself to go to the ladies room. Scott barely acknowledged she spoke. When she reached the top of the stairs, she found Nate standing dutifully at his post.
"Hi!" she said positioning herself right in front of him.
"Uh...hi."
"Okay, I know this is a bit off the wall, but I really need your help," she started.
"Well, that is my job," he replied.
"Oh honey, I don't think this is in your job description!"
Gloria pulled the envelope out of her pocket and handed it to him.
"I need you to give this to Sidney on his next break," she said.
"I can't just barge in the locker room to give him a letter," Nate stated.
"Look you were part of getting the two of them together, now you need to be part of getting them back together. They are having some serious issues and she is too stubborn to fix it herself, so I need to help. He needs to read this before the end of the game. I hope he'll be willing to hear me out after he reads this note. He really needs to know what's going on, and I'm the only one that can tell him. Please Nate, this is sooooooooooo important," she pleaded.
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm not making any promises."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Gloria exclaimed practically jumping up and down. "You won't regret it!"
"We'll see about that," Nate replied.
Nate made his way down to the locker room for the end of the second period. He had a bad feeling about this and was just hoping this little stunt wouldn't cost him his job.
When the boys came off the ice Nate stopped Sidney.
"Uh, Mr. Crosby? I was asked to give you this and told you need to read is as soon as possible," Nate said trying to hand Sid the envelope.
"You know better than this Nate, NOT during a game," Sidney snapped and started to head for the locker room door.
"But Mr. Crosby, it's important...it's about Miss Jones!"
Sid stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around and ripped the envelope out of Nate's hands and disappeared into the locker room.
Sid tore open the envelope even before changing out of his sweaty gear. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and focused on the letter. It read:
Dear Mr. Crosby,
My name is Gloria McDonald and Bekah Jones is a very good friend of mine. I know this is somewhat peculiar and perhaps even inappropriate, but Bekah has been a tremendous help to me and my family and I am just trying to return the favour.
I am aware that Bekah recently ended your relationship abruptly without giving you much of a reason. That's where I come in. I know the real reason, but I also know that out of respect and loyalty to you and your family, she will never tell you. I believe you need to know what has really transpired over the past few days and would really appreciate a chance to tell you.
My husband and I are both here today, using Bekah's tickets. If you can spare some time to listen to my story after the game, I promise you you will not regret it. My husband has no idea what is going on and I figured we could tell him Bekah arranged for us to meet the team after the game. I hope you will find it in your heart to hear what I have to say.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you (hopefully!)
Sincerely,
Gloria McDonald
Sid read the letter several more times but was still unsure whether or not to believe it. Could a complete stranger really hold the key to the answers he was so desperately searching for? What choice did he have? He was getting nowhere on his own.
Nate was waiting for him when he left the locker room.
"Is this lady for real Nate?"
"It appears so. She seems to know an awful lot about what's been going on lately, and her husband is the man Bekah brought to the game the other night."
"That guy is this Gloria's husband?"
"That's right. Huge fan of yours too!"
"Well, don't I feel like a total ass!" Sid said shaking his head in disbelief. "Okay, go back to them and tell them that Bekah has arranged for them to come back and meet the team after the game. Bring them down to the locker room after the media scrum and I'll take it from there."
"You got it sir!" Nate said trying to hide his excitement.
"And Nate? Thank you. I owe you...again!"
"My pleasure Mr. Crosby."
"Please call me Sid. I think we're beyond formalities."
Sid and the rest of the team took the ice after the intermission and he skated by Bekah's seats. Sure enough, there was the same guy he had seen with Bekah only two days before and a woman he assumed was this Gloria, sitting beside him. Sid looked at her and she smiled at him. He nodded in return. God, now all he wanted was for this damn game to be over so he could hear what she had to say. He couldn't believe his fate lied in the hands of a stranger. He could barely keep from jumping out of his skin.
Nate appeared at the McDonald's side just before the puck dropped for the third period.
"Excuse me Scott and Gloria? Mr. Crosby wanted me to inform you that as a special surprise, Bekah has arranged for you to meet the team after the game. I will be back to take you down to the locker room when the game is over."
Scott's jaw dropped to the ground and he was unable to speak.
"Thank you very much Nate," Gloria said giving him a wink.
"It's my pleasure," he replied returning the knowing gesture.
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