Manliness

“You’re out of poptarts,” Peyton called from the kitchen. “Are you listening to me?” she asked coming to sit next to me on the couch.

I turned the volume up. “Yes I am.”

“Oh. Well did you hear me say that you’re out of poptarts?”

I nodded. “Yes I did.”

She looked at me. “Are you going to get more?”

I sighed not taking my eyes away from the television. “Eventually.”

“You should get on that,” she said.

I shook my head. “You know what I don’t understand, how you moved out yet you’re always here and stealing my food. Especially my poptarts,” I mumbled.

She shrugged. “I just feel lonely there. It’s too big. Plus I get bored,” she said.

I nodded keeping my eyes on the television. They were talking about Sidney and how the
Penguins season was going so far. “Oh, well then I guess it’s alright,” I smiled.

“Is everything fine between you guys now? I saw him go to the bathroom yesterday and I’m assuming he went to talk to you,” she told me.

I glanced at her and back to the screen. I winced my eyes shut at the question flashbacks of yesterday replaying in my head. I forced my eyes open and looked at Peyton. I forced a small smile on my face. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Don’t worry.”

She eyed me carefully. “If you say so.” She checked her watch. “The game’s about to start soon. Wanna watch it together?”

“Why so early?”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure. They don’t usually play Saturday games so early.

“Sure we can watch it together,” I said. I flipped the channel to the pregame show and leaned my head back on the couch. I took in a deep breath and replayed yesterday. He had taken me home and I couldn’t forget the adorable smile he had when he told me goodbye. He didn’t do anything, but he was incredibly sweet and hugged me. I remember I couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot. I couldn’t sleep with the amount of butterflies in my stomach. My eyes slowly began to close, as I grew calmer.

“Oh my God look Brooke!” Peyton screamed slapping my arm hard.

I went to the side rubbing my arm glaring at her. “What?” I hissed.

“They’re interviewing Max,” she screeched turning the volume up.

“Max are you confident going into today’s game against the Lightning?” asked Dan Potash
pointing the mike over to him.

“Yeah, you know I mean as confident as anyone can be. Obviously they’re having a good season so far and their offense has really been picking up and you want to bring you’re A game and be prepared for how they play,” he responded.

“And you’re points have taken a little drop. Do you hope to change that today?”

He laughed. “Yeah you know you always try your hardest and hope to score for your team. So hopefully I can make a couple of goals to help my team out.”

Dan shook his hand. “Thank you Max and good luck today.”

“Thanks,” he smiled walking away.

“Did you see that? He was so professional and humble about his scoring,” she swooned.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes as Dan went on to talk about the Lightning’s defense. I glanced back between the television and Peyton. A small smile came across my face. “You really like him,” I observed.

Peyton glanced over at me and smiled sheepishly. “Yeah.”

“I’ve never seen you like this over anyone,” I pointed out. “You seem happy.”

She nodded. “I am. I know it seems stupid since we just started this and everything but we’ve known each other for a while and he’s really sweet. I know it seems like he’s not the
most smartest or serious guy-”

“No,” I interrupted. “You know that I don’t feel like that. I’m just joking around. He seems like a great guy.”

“He is,” she reassured me. “He’s incredibly nice and makes sure I’m taken care of. He helped me unpack and made sure I had everything I needed. And he even worries about you. not only with this whole Sidney thing but you in general and that you can trust him. He’s the first guy in a really long time that I’ve liked in a while,” she explained.

I placed my hand on her shoulder and smiled. “Good. I’m happy for you. really.”

“I know. Thanks. It means a lot to me.” she smiled thankfully and returned her attention back to the tv.
-------------------------

I bit my lip hoping that they would get a goal here. There were only five minutes left in the third period and they were down by one. Stamkos and St. Louis had both put in one goal in the second period and were coming on strongly offensively. Sidney had scored the only goal the entire game.

“Come on,” Peyton muttered next to me.

I leaned in closer to the television watching the puck intently and not taking my eyes off the Lightning’s defense. They were coming at them strong and managed to block several shots, but the guys never let the puck go back into their zone.

“They’ve got to make these goals in,” she told me.

I nodded, not taking my eyes off the screen. Sidney’s line had just come back on as Geno raced to retrieve the puck and passed it over to Dupuis. He managed to make a few good passes to Sidney but lost it when Ryan Malone poked it away. Kris swiftly skated to the puck and passed it over to Pascal again. He skated down the ice continuously passing it over to Kris. Once he was near the net he passed it down the ice to Sidney who had no one near him. He made his way down the ice as Kris blocked St. Louis and the other guys did their best to block the other players.

“Blocker side Sidney. Come on,” I said sitting up straighter and rubbing my hands together from how nervous I was.

“Please make this in,” Peyton said after me.

As if he somehow heard me telepathically, he skated to the right which caused Rolouson to move to that side leaving empty space. Sidney quickly faked a shot and then whipped the puck blocker side almost missing it and tying the game.

“Yes!” Peyton and I screamed high-fiving each other.

The crowd stood up cheering as Sidney raised his arms in celebration. The guys went over and completely tackled him to the boards celebrating. They were screaming in happiness and were over excited as if this was a playoff game. They were all high-fiving and patting each other on the head.

Dan called out something as the team congratulated him and Max, Jordan, and Tyler came out on the ice. Max leaned down and had a determined look on his face as he was going into the faceoff. The second the puck dropped his stick quickly pushed it over to Tyler Kennedy. He skated down the ice passing it to Jordan. The Lightning somehow couldn’t keep up and were still on the other end of the ice. Jordan spun around and handed the puck over to Max before he was slammed into the boards. Max wasted no time getting near the ice and saw two defensemen coming at him. He quickly went around them and around the net. Rolouson was still looking the other way and couldn’t see where the puck went. Just as Max was around the net he quickly slid the puck in scoring the second point with a shorthanded goal. Again, the siren went off as people rose to their feet roaring in glee. Max celebrated and went over to his teammates.

“Yes,” I cheered clapping my hands together. Peyton and I high-fived again.

“Only a minute left,” Peyton grinned.

I smiled hugely watching the seconds tick away slowly. 50, 49, 48. Sidney’s line was back out on the ice as I clasped my hands together. Geno shoved and after a long while took the puck from St. Louis and skated down the ice. 20, 19, 18, 17. Pascal was passed the puck who was dodging players trying to poke it away. All the meanwhile Kris and Brooks had made their way down the ice to block players. 10, 9, 8. Pascal made one swift turn and shot it over to Sidney. 7, 6, 5. People were already holding onto their caps. Without hesitation, he slapped the puck into the net right in between Rolouson’s legs. 4, 3, 2. For the last time, the siren went off as people went nuts and were cheering and shouting out for the Penguins. Hats went flying onto the ice almost immediately as Sidney pumped his fist in the air. The whole team came off the benches and threw themselves onto him. They were cheering and rolling around thrilled with the win. The final score was 4-2.

Peyton and I jumped up hugging each other and cheering for them as well. We were smiling like idiots staring at the overjoyed people at Consol Energy Center.

Peyton’s phone went off as she pulled her phone out and looked at it. she looked back up at me. “Max wants me to come down there. He said he wants to celebrate with me,” she mumbled smiling.

“That’s nice,” I smiled.

She shrugged. “Yeah, I think I’m going to head down there now.”

I nodded. “Alright. Have fun.”

“Are you going to be alright here? If you want you can come. I’m sure he wont mind. Plus you can say hi to the rest of the guys,” she said.

I shook my head. “I’m fine Peyton. You don’t have to feel bad because you have Max. Seriously,” I told her.

She looked down seeming to debate whether she should go or not before sighing. “Ok, but if you need anything. Call me alright? I’ll come as fast as I can,” she assured.

I laughed. “Peyton go. Have fun. And congratulate Max for me.” she smiled before grabbing her jacket and making her way out the door.

I sighed turning around to look at the empty apartment and placed my hand on my hips. I decided to clean which there really was no point to since it was already as clean as it could be. After trying to change things around in the bathroom I took a shower.

Once I got out it was only 6. I put on some old jeans and an undershirt with a sweater over. I sat down on the couch again and flipped through the channels trying to find something good. I finally settled on a Friends marathon.

About two minutes in, my mind wandered off to what Sidney was doing. It wasn’t until then that I wondered what would happen now. If he was freaked out or would never speak to me again. I wondered if maybe I shouldve gone with Peyton just to see him and make sure he wasn’t uncomfortable and I could make an excuse that I simply came to congratulate the guys.

There was a knock as I looked over at the door debating whether or not I should actually open it. I stared intently at the door, hoping it would open by realized it wasn’t working and only causing me a headache. I sighed and trudged to the door shaking my head of my previous thoughts and how pathetic they were.

I pulled the door open only to see a black shirt. I slowly brought my gaze up to meet Sidney's.

“Hey,” he greeted.

“Hey,” I said slightly surprised. It took a while for me to process him standing in front of me before I got a hold of myself. “Come in,” I motioned with my hand.

“Thanks,” he said stepping in with his hands in his pockets.

I crossed my arms as I did when I got nervous and slowly rocked back and forth. The room suddenly grew very uncomfortable as I took in a breath.

“So how are you?” he asked not looking directly at me.

I nodded. “I’m good. And yourself?”

“Good,” he nodded.

I nodded again looking around for something to do or say. “Do you want something to drink?”

He shrugged. ”That’d be nice.”

“Is tea alright?”

He nodded. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom?”

“No,” I said shaking my head. “It’s right there,” I pointed down past the kitchen.

He walked by me and down kitchen as I poured some water into the kettle and placed it on the stove. I opened the cupboard and took out two mugs and got the tea bags out.

Sidney came back out after a while and walked into the kitchen. “I saw Peyton and Max together,” he told me, the atmosphere already seeming more relaxed.

“Really?”

“Yeah, he was pretty excited after that game and went running to Peyton. They seemed like
two little kids and he couldn’t stop talking about how great he was,” he said with a smile.

I laughed. “I could only imagine how entertaining it must be especially with Peyton’s personality.”

“Yeah, the guys always love watching them. They’re always so energetic,” he said taking a
seat at the table.

I turned around once the water was hot and a whistle came from the kettle. I poured the water into both cups and grabbing them to place them on the table. “You weren’t so bad yourself,” I told him smirking.

A tiny smile grew on his face. “Really?”

I laughed. “Of course. You got a hat trick, again. I’m starting to think you don’t think you’re as good as you actually are you know.”

He let out a small laugh. “Actually I will admit that it did feel pretty good. I didn’t think I was going to score but then I did. It felt amazing,” he admitted.

I smiled at how honest he was being and how his eyes shined when he talked about it. “I’m sure it did. You played a great game,” I told him.

“I’m glad you think so,” he smiled drinking his tea.

“When do you play them again?”

He gulped down his tea looking down at the cup. “Sometime in two weeks,” he said. “In Florida.”

I tilted my head wondering why he wasn’t looking at me, then realizing why he grew so serious. “Sidney,” I said placing my hand on top of his causing him to stiffen up but relaxing
soon after. “It’s ok.”

He looked at me. “I just, I feel like I have to tell you that I’ll be gone and want to make sure you’re aware of that.”

I sighed. “Sidney, I’m aware of how big deal you are. I know that you’ll be on the road a lot or doing commercials, or publicity things that will prevent me from seeing you a whole lot, but I can deal. I mean I wont like it, but I know that it’s your job and I have to accept it don’t worry about me. for once,” I shrugged. “Worry about yourself. Please.”

He gave me a tiny smile looking down at our hands. “Ok,” he said softly.

I glanced down giving his hand a slight squeeze causing him to look up at me. “I’m always going to be here for you. I hope you know by now you can tell me anything. I’ve tried my best to help you and you can always count on me for anything, ok?” I looked him directly in the eye so he’d know I was serious. “I’m not going anywhere,” I told him.

He furrowed his eyebrows at my sternness but smiled and nodded. “Thank you Brooke, for everything. You understand,” he said.

I shrugged picking up the cups to bring them over to the sink. “Well, I am a very understanding person,” I said nonchalantly.

He let out a small laugh. “I’ve always thought so,” he replied. “Kris thought so too you know. He really liked you.”

I felt my eyes widen and my face warm up as I stopped and turned around. “I, uhm, how did you know about that?”

“Well, Max isn’t really the secret type,” he pointed out. “He didn’t mean to let it slip but it just came out. Kris had told him so,” he trailed off.

I ran a hand through my hair. “Yeah, uh, he did.”

“You know I think he still likes you. He was the one who kept saying so many good things about you.”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah, although Geno was definitely more forward with you,” he laughed.

I closed my eyes forcing out an awkward laugh. “I’m guessing Max told you about that as well?”

He laughed. “Yes, but it’s not Max’s fault he cant not talk for a second.”

I laughed. “Guess not. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it.”

“Why didn’t you?” he asked.

“I just didn’t know where we stood. I mean before it would have been awkward and then I wasn’t sure what this was. So it just sort of slipped my mind,” I finished.

“I get it,” he nodded.

I bit my lip before turning to face him. “Can I ask you a question?” he nodded. “What made you change your mind about this whole relationship thing?”

He thought for a moment before answering. “Remember that day you and I were on the ice and I was teaching you to skate?” I nodded. “I remember you trying to skate and trying to push the puck at the same time and you somehow snuck it by me and made it in,” he explained with a soft laugh. “That’s when I knew that you were the one who I wanted to change this whole dating thing for. When I first met you, I knew that I wanted to talk to you and be your friend. Then that day when we were with Craig’s kids, I knew that I wanted you to be more than a friend but that you would never consider it because of my career and how little you would see me. But then I knew, I knew that you were strong and could handle it and that you’d understand,” he told me.

“So you want to have a relationship now?” I asked not taking my eyes off him.

He shrugged. “I guess I’m just tired of being lonely. Every time I see the guys on my team with their wives and children or their girlfriends, I do get kind of jealous. I swore to myself that I’d never ask for anything else if I got to play in the NHL. And then I wont all these amazing things, and the Cup, and have a great team, but I don’t have anyone to share it with. I couldn’t tell anyone what I was feeling or going through. And I felt like I didn’t deserve a relationship with anyone because I was already given so much and my life was fine the way it was. Every time we would do something for the community or for charity, the wives would arrange most of it and we would just show up. They would all talk and all the guys would go on about their wives and children and the things they did. I just stood there nodding my head and listening to all of them. I would go off and do interviews or take pictures because it was better than hearing them talking about their amazing home lives. And I had no one. I didn’t even see my family too often and I was all by myself. I guess I never really thought how bad it would get. I always assumed I’d have the few single guys on the team as friends. But then they got older and some of them married and I was still alone with no one beside me,” he explained.

“So you see now that you cant just be alone for the rest of your life. That you have to talk to someone about everything you go through and that you need to let it out,” I said.

He smiled softly. “I do get it now. I don’t want to be lonely anymore. I’m ready to have someone to share this amazing life with.”

I looked at him intently, listening to every word he was saying. Explaining how alienated he felt surrounded by all the husbands and fathers on the team with their own wives. How he didn’t have anyone to talk to or share his success with. It felt like the other conversations we had and he was saying everything he felt all over again. Only this time, something was different. He was more enlightened and accepting. He accepted the fact that he couldn’t be alone anymore and that he didn’t want to be. I gave him a tiny smile. “I’m glad. Good for you.” I looked down. “Do you mind if I ask you another question?”

“No, go ahead.”

I sighed. “Where do we stand with this? I mean what happens now?”

He sat up straighter and took in a deep breath. “Now? This,” he whispered leaning in. he placed a hand on my face and drew me closer to him. He attached his lips to mine and moved his hand up to my hair. It took me a while to process, but once I had, I placed my hand on his cheek and moved in closer.

After a while he pulled back and smirked. “That’s what happens,” he spoke softly. He glanced down and took my hand caressing it with his finger.

I smiled. “I’m glad you kissed me since you know I did make the first move,” I joked.

He laughed. “Yeah, well I had to regain my manliness somehow.” I laughed along with him. “I sort of told Max,” he mumbled.

“What?”

“He noticed that I was in a different mood and wouldn’t stop asking me what was up and I
wouldn’t tell him. Eventually before the game I was talking to Marc and he asked me if there was something different. So I told him but Max was eavesdropping and heard. He said he wouldn’t tell anyone, but I’m not sure if I believed him,” he said laughing.

“Oh, it’s ok. He had to fid out sometime. Plus, I’m sure he had a hunch of something. Max may not be the quietest or the smartest but he does know some things,” I pointed out.
he nodded smiling, trying to hide his yawn by turning the other way. “I’m tired.”

“Do you want to go home?”

He gave me a sheepish look. “If you don’t mind.”

I shook my head. “Of course not. You played a great game. You should be exhausted. Go home and rest. You deserve it,” I argued.

He slowly got up and stretched his arms up. He walked over by the door and put on his shoes. “We have a private practice tomorrow. Do you want to come? I’m sure Peyton will be there,” he assured.

I shrugged. “Yea, that’d be nice. If I wake up early enough, I’ll go.”

“Ok,” he smiled. I opened the door leaning against it. he turned around adjusting his cap before bending down to place a kiss on my cheek. “Goodbye, Brooke.”

“Bye Sidney,” I smiled slowly closing the door. I felt my cheeks warmer and walked into my room collapsing onto my bed.

I had watched some television before seeing it was about 10. My phone went off as I opened to see it was a message from Max. It said: So he went over after? Awww you guys are all grown up! I’m so proud! Don’t do anything to dirty…

I rolled my eyes closing my phone. I wondered if Peyton was home yet. If Max knew, would she? She would’ve told me something. I knew I had to tell her. I wanted to. She was my best friend. I bit my lip and picked up my phone, dialing her number. I lowered the volume hearing the rings on the other end.

“Hello?”

“Hey,” I said.

“Hey,” she greeted. “What’s up?”

“Nothing. How was dinner with Max?”

“It was good. He was so excited, it was sweet. But he seemed really tired so I sent him home to rest. Did you do anything after I left?”

I took in a deep breath. “Actually, yeah I did. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I sighed and explained everything that happened. My speaking and her overly excited screams drowned out the television in the background. I’m glad I was the one telling her.

Talks and Pie

“So what are you going to do when you get home?” Sidney asked taking a sip of his coffee.

I shrugged. “I’m probably going to move some stuff around.”

Peyton scoffed. “Seriously? I move out and the first thing you do is rearrange furniture? I don’t know if I should be offended or have pity for you.”

I laughed. “Yes I’m moving furniture because now I can actually get the sofa to face the television,” I joked. “Plus it’s still pretty early, so I’ll clean up the mess you left.”

She gasped. “I did not make a mess!”

I nodded. “Ok, then.”

“So, you’re going to get everything set up in your apartment?” Sidney asked across from me.

“Yeah, the furniture might take some time because Peyton decided to pick out the heaviest couch and tables,” I explained. “But other than that I don’t think I’ll do much with the place, besides clean.”

“Ok, I seriously was not that messy to live with. Was I?” she asked worriedly.

I gave her a look. “You constantly left plates of food in your room and crumbs on the floor and in between cushions.”

She frowned. “You’re just a neat freak, it’s not my fault I accidentally dropped a few pieces of food.”

I smirked nodding at her. “Uh huh.”

“Do you need any help moving things around?” asked Sidney checking his phone.

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine really. I wouldn’t want to bother you, you’re too nice to me already.”

“I don’t mind, honestly. I feel a little responsible that Max hasn’t left you alone,” he told me laughing.

I laughed along with him. “Well, in that case,” I said. “Why not? I’d love the help, if you’re sure it’s not a problem.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. I have something I need to take care of but I can be at your place around five. Is that good?”

“That’s perfect. Gives me time to try and clean up all the boxes and bubble wrap left lying around.”

Peyton slammed her hand on the table. “Ok, I refuse to believe I was such a horrible roommate. Did you really not like me?”

I smiled at her. “Of course I did.”

“Hey,” Max interrupted. “I can’t believe anyone hasn’t tried to defend me and said that I have indeed left Brooke alone.”

Everyone looked at him. Marc cleared his throat. “So Brooke,” he began. “Do you think you’ll be lonely living by yourself now?”

I took a drink from my coffee. “I’m sure it’ll take some getting used to but I think I’ll be fine.”

“I would offer my company, but apparently I’m a bother,” Max scoffed.

I shook my head grinning into my coffee.
------------------------------

I wiped the counter one last time before picking up a few pieces of tape and paper and threw them in the trash. I checked the clock on the microwave. It was nearing five. I had just gone into the bathroom to check myself when the door knocked.

I rushed over to the door and opened it. “Hey,” I greeted.

He smiled. “Hey. I bought food,” he said holding up to cups of coffee and a bag with muffins.

“I’m not sure about you, but I figure you can never have too much coffee.”

I laughed letting him in. “No I can definitely never have too much coffee.” I took the things and placed them on the kitchen counter as he took off his shoes by the doorway.

“So, what do you want to move around first?” he asked looking around the living room.

I sighed. “Well I wanted to move the couch more to the wall and have it facing more of the tv. I also wanted to move the table around and change the chair from the window to next to the couch, if it’s not too much,” I told him.

He shook his head. “No don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”

“Thanks, I would have done it myself but I don’t exactly have the body or muscles of a hockey player,” I said beginning to clear the table.

He examined the couch for a second before extending his arms and grabbing the couch, lifting it in the air and moving it almost effortlessly. I watched him and the way it was so easy for him. My eyes slowly landed on his arms and how the shirt became very tight around his muscles and accentuated them even more. I shook my head to continue clearing the table and not focus on him.

“I’m done with the table and chair. Where did you want the table?” he asked.

“I just want it to be the other way around,” I said. He nodded and again picked up the table easily switching it around the living room.

“There,” he said placing the table gently down. “Your apartment furniture is now how you want it.”

I smiled thankfully. “Thank you very much. I owe you, really.”

He smiled. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom?”

I shook my head. “No, go right ahead.” I took out the muffins from the bag and placed the coffee on the table. I grabbed the papers and went to put them in Peyton’s old room. As I placed them on a small dresser she left I couldn’t help but look at the room and how empty it was.

“Are you ok Brooke?” I heard Sidney ask from behind me.

I crossed my arms, feeling the room colder without anything in there. “I guess I knew she left but I never looked at her room. Now that I that have, it all just seems so-”

“Real,” he interrupted.

I nodded. “Yeah, I can’t believe she’s gone. She was my only roommate.”

As the words left my mouth I felt a large hand rest on my shoulder. I looked up to see if it was actually Sidney and it was. He patted my shoulder, trying to comfort me. “It’ll be ok,” he told me.

He looked down at me as well looking at me, not knowing what to say. I opened my mouth before having to clear my throat. “Uh, the coffee’s getting cold,” I pointed out.

He removed his hand from my shoulder, nodding slowly and turned away from me, walking slowly into the living room. He stopped as he glanced at my room tilting his head at something. “Who is that?” he asked pointing to something in my room.

I walked over to see what he was pointing at. I suddenly grew stiff, feeling my stomach turn in knots. “That’s my mother,” I told him.

He nodded. “She’s pretty,” he mumbled.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yeah, she was.” I quickly shook my head and walked to the living as he followed me. I picked up a coffee and sat on the couch putting one leg over the other.

He did the same, only sitting and resting his elbows on his knees, holding his coffee with both hands. “So, do you think you’ll get lonely?”

“I don’t think so. I mean I’ll miss her a lot but I think I’ll be fine,” I said looking down at my hands. “Are you lonely? You know, living the life that you live and going back home alone?”
He stared down at the muffin he had taken out and grew serious. I had immediately regretted asking the question. “You don’t have to answer,” I quickly added. “I was just wondering is all.”

He shook his head. “No, it’s fine. It’s just that no one’s ever asked me that, so I don’t exactly know how to respond.”

I nodded.

He sighed. “I do. I do get lonely. I mean I look at everyone on the team who has their wives and families to go home to. Or when we win a game and they have them there, they go celebrate with them and share the happiness together. They have someone to share their day with and it’s nice. It makes me wish I had that. I know I don’t have any right to want or wish for anything else because of all this that I already have but I kind of do. I do want someone to share my victories with and be able to celebrate with. And I don’t get to see my family as much as I would like to, so that makes it even worse,” he said. “And even if I ever find someone I like, they might not want to deal with the whole hockey thing,” he finished, not looking at me.

I bit my lip listening to him intently. “You’ll find someone,” I decided. “You will. There cant be anyone who wouldn’t be lucky to have you. You’re amazing and incredibly sweet. If they really like you they’ll deal with the hockey thing and your lifestyle. They’ll make the effort. Especially if they care about you,” I said giving him a tiny smile.

He nodded. “That’s why I don’t want to drag anyone into this life,” he explained.

I shook my head staring at him intently. A sudden flow of anger came into me and it kept growing by the second. “Don’t start with this again,” I scoffed.

He looked taken a back by how angry I had gotten. He grew a concerned look on his face, not knowing what to say. “What do you mean?”

“Stop talking this way. Stop being so negative. You have everything going for you. You have this amazing career and life. Yes it’s hard but people worship the ground you walk on. You have great teammates and friends. Some girl would gladly try her hardest to make you happy and work around your bus schedule. You just don’t let yourself be open to dating that you’ll never find her,” I sighed. “For all you know she could be right in front of you,” I mumbled.

He tilted his head looking down at his hands. “Brooke, I’m sorry for complaining to you. It’s not fair,” he said.

“I don’t mind. It’s not the complaining that bothers me. It’s your constant negativity in your personal life,” I told him growing angrier. “How do you expect to find someone if you’re not willing to open up?” I suddenly realized I should have been taking my own advice. I shrugged it off and brought my attention back to him. “And you can’t keep talking to me about your love life.”

He gave me a confused look. “Brooke-”

I shook my head interrupting him. “No. You just cant. You have to know that talking to me about things like these put ideas in my head that maybe I’ll be the one you fall for. And I wont. I know it and you know it. You can’t keep putting these fake stupid ideas in my head, knowing full well that you don’t like me. I’m sorry that you think this is tough, really. But it’s not fair to me, at all to make myself imagine all these wonderful things that could happen when I know full well that they wont,” I pointed out.

“Brooke, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean you make you feel this way,” he apologized.

I shrugged my right shoulder. “It’s ok.”

He stared down the floor growing serious. His eyes grew closer together and he thought. His hands were on his legs shaking up and down. He was unsure of what to say before he cleared his throat. “We’re having a private practice tomorrow, you can come if you want. I’m sure Peyton will be there.”

I huffed at his attempt to forget about everything said but chose to ignore it. “Maybe,” I answered.

He sighed starting to get up. “I should go.” He started walking to the door and putting his shoes on.

I nodded walking to the door. “Thank you for helping me. I appreciate it, really. I owe you.”

“It’s fine really. I don’t mind,” he told me putting his hands in his pockets. “Do you need help cleaning up?”

“No it’s fine I got it,” I said opening the door for him.

He gave me a tiny smile walking out before turning back around. “Brooke?” I raised my eyebrows up at him. “I hope you do come tomorrow.”

“Really?” I asked in slight surprise.

He nodded. “Yeah, maybe we could all go out to get some lunch afterwards.”

I looked down. “We’ll see. Bye Sidney,” I said in a low tone.

“Bye Brooke,” he said walking down the hallway.

I turned back around to look at the coffee and muffins left on the table. I picked up the crumbs and threw them in the bag. I grabbed the two cups of coffee and walked over to the kitchen sink. There were a few knocks on the door. “It’s open,” I called.

“Hey Brooke,” I heard Peyton call.

“Hi Brooke!” Max greeted.

“What’s up?” Peyton asked coming into the kitchen.

“Nothing, really. Just cleaning up. What are you doing here?” I asked.

She hopped onto the counter taking a drink from her water. “I finished unpacking most of my things and Max and I went out for dinner. We thought we’d pay you a visit. I thought Sidney would be here,” she finished.

“You just missed him,” I told her pouring the coffee into the sink.

“That’s a shame, I thought for sure we’d catch you to making out in Peyton’s old room,” Max interrupted.

I furrowed my eyebrows. “Why exactly in Peyton’s room?”

He shrugged. “You’d found a use for it. You’re sex room.”

I shook my head walking into the living room and throwing myself on the couch. I crossed my legs and leaned my head back taking in a long deep breath. “I got mad at him.”

Peyton came in the room and sat on the floor in front of Max and I. “What happened?” Max asked.

I sighed. “He kept talking about how he envied the guys on the team that have families and are happily married and I just snapped at him.”

“How?”

“I told him that he wasn’t going to start complaining again because he has a great life. And he keeps saying he doesn’t want to drag some poor girl into his busy life but I told him he doesn’t open himself up to date so of course he’ll never find a girl,” I paused taking in a breath. “And how the girl could be right in front of him,” I added slowly.

Max and Peyton both had wide eyes surprised by what I had told him. “Is that it?” she asked.

I shook my head. “Then I told him how he could think he could find someone when he doesn’t open up. And that’s when I realized, I should have been taking my own advice,” I mumbled.

They both sat there, unsure of how to react. “What did he say?”

“He said he was sorry,” I told them.

“Wow,” Peyton said. “Finally!” She threw her hands in the air.

I frowned. “What?”

“Finally! You did something. I was wondering how long it would take you.”

I glanced at Max who looked just as confused as I did. “What are you talking about?”

“You! Finally you stopped being so considerate of his feelings and said what you wanted. I have been anticipating this day for so long Brooke!” she got up from the floor and hugged me.

I patted her back unsure of what else to do. “Thanks?”

Max laughed. “Alright, did he say anything else?”

I shook my head. “He just said that there was a practice tomorrow and that I was welcome to come. That he hoped I would come.”

“Are you going to?”

“I’m not sure,” I muttered.

“Brooke! Sidney’s not the best at trying to be subtle. Him inviting you to come tomorrow and
saying he hopes you come is big! You need to do something so he doesn’t feel like he just wasted his time,” he explained.

“I’m not sure if I should do anything. He seemed pretty serious at wanting to forget our conversation,” I pointed out.

“Brooke,” Max began. “You have to do something. He’ll only try for so long. If he doesn’t feel you reciprocating any feelings, he’ll just give up,” Max explained.

I bit my lip for a moment before saying, “He’s just….I don’t know. He seems pretty set in not wanting to see anyone.”

“But he hasn’t,” he told me. “Because he doesn’t know that someone out there can actually deal or want to deal with his whole lifestyle and the baggage it brings. He says he doesn’t date because he doesn’t actually think someone will want to date him just because they want to date him. They want Sidney Crosby and the perks. He hasn’t met someone real who just wants to be his friend. And everyone can tell he’s lonely. Do you think he enjoys waking up early everyday to shoot commercials or do advertising and at the end of the day have no one to complain to?”

I shrugged. “I know he’s lonely. I can see that, but he just needs to open up to someone.”

“And he’s already opened up to you,” he pointed out. “You’ve become a great friend to him in a short amount of time. It’s probably the quickest he’s ever trust anyone. If you want any kind of relationship with Sidney, you need to do something now.”

I sighed. “How did you become such an expert at all this? One minute you couldn’t be more oblivious to relationships and now you’re giving me advice in how to start one,” I said.

He grinned. “I try, I try,” he joked shrugging. “But seriously, think about it. And do something. And whatever you decide to do, you should come to practice or after so we could all lunch or something.”

I let out a small laugh remembering Sidney had said that. “We’ll see.”

Peyton patted my leg. “Don’t worry Brooke, it’ll all be fine. And you never know how things will end up. They could end up to your favor. You just have to try,” she smiled comfortingly.

I smiled. “Thanks guys.”

They both smiled nodding their heads. Peyton got up and adjusted her shirt. “We got some desert from the restaurant and thought we could watch a movie,” she suggested stretching her arms above her head.

“I never say no to a movie and desert,” I said getting up. “What kind of desert?”

“Chocolate pecan pie,” Max answered.

“Great, I’ll go get the plates,” I called from the kitchen.

“I’m going to go to the bathroom,” Peyton announced walking past me.

“I’ll pick out the movie,” Max decided. Peyton walked backwards as we both exchanged looks. “What?”

I cleared my throat. “Nothing.”

“Just,” Peyton sighed. “Nothing French.”

He gasped. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact that the only movie you seem to watch multiple times is the one about Guy Lafleur.

He frowned. “Fine, I’ll pick something else.”

I could only laugh.
---------------------------

I yawned, opening my eyes slowly as the light coming from my window was blinding. I stretched my arms and let my eyes peek to see if it was nice outside. I stared up at the ceiling thinking about everything that had happened. Maybe they had a point. Maybe I did need to do something.

My cell phone suddenly vibrated interrupting my thoughts signaling it was a message. I opened it up to see it was a message from Peyton. It said: Practice ending soon. Bunch of us going out to lunch. Get here fast! Please come.

I sighed debating whether or not I wanted to go before trudging out of bed and into the shower. I quickly got changed and managed to make myself look somewhat presentable. I took another look in the mirror before I grabbed my jacket, phone and keys before locking the door behind me.
------------------
I walked through the back tunnel of the arena as I made my way past the locker room and into the hallway leading up to the ice. I slowly approached the light as I heard loud noises and laughter and chatting coming.

“Brooke! You made it,” Marc shouted skating over to where I was. “Glad you could make it. How are you?” he asked adjusting his mask.

I smiled. “Good thanks.”

“Well I got to get back but are you coming with us to lunch?”

“I don’t know,” I replied.

“You should. It’ll be fun,” he looked over to where someone was calling him. “I got to go we’re doing a shoot out before practice ends but I’ll see you in a bit.” He skated off to where the rest of the team was beginning to line up.

“Hey, you made it,” Peyton greeted.

I nodded. “I did. How long have you been here?”

“Since it started. Max dragged me here because he didn’t want to come alone.”

“Oh.” I let my eyes wander the players as my eyes finally landed on Sidney. He was talking to Kris and Max and playing around with his stick. He laughed at something Kris said and paid attention back to the front of the line. He chewed on his lip as if thinking what he would do when he got up front.

Eventually it was his turn to shoot. He waited for a second before starting to skate down the ice. “Come on, go blocker side,” I mumbled to myself.

As if he somehow heard me telepathically, he skated to the right more making swift movements with the puck. Just as he was approaching the net, he switched from to backhand and shot the puck high blocker side causing Marc to thrust his body to try and catch it but miss it. Everyone clapped and laughed at how exaggerated Marc’s movement was. Sidney skated to high five some of the guys sitting on the bench.

“You’re such an asshole,” Marc laughed.

Soon enough, Peyton and I were outside of the locker room waiting for the guys to come out.

“So you’re coming with us to lunch right?” Peyton asked fiddling around with her phone.

“I guess,” I answered seeing the reporters come out.

“Good,” she smiled.

“Hey, are you guys ready?” Marc asked emerging from the locker room his hair still wet.

We both nodded. “Yeah, let me just head to the bathroom really quick,” Peyton said walking down the hallway.

“So did things go well with Sidney last night?” he asked hopefully.

I shrugged. “They were alright.”

He made a face. “That doesn’t sound convincing.”

“It’s just….complicated is all.”

He nodded. “Well hopefully it wont be soon.”

I gave him a look as he smiled widely at me. I shook my head as max, Kris, and Jordan came out. Behind them all was Sidney. “Hey,” Sidney greeted.

“Hey,” I smiled back.

“Are you coming to lunch with us?”

“Of course she is,” Peyton interrupted putting her arm around my shoulder. “She’s way too considerate to decline to anything. Plus she cant say no to food,” she grinned at me as I narrowed my eyes at her.

He laughed. “Great. Then we should get going,” he said beginning to follow the guys who were already walking towards the parking lot.

After deciding who would go where in the car, we finally arrived at a little café. We were inside and immediately seated since it was nearly empty. Everyone had ordered what they wanted and we were now eating silently since no one had eaten since they got up.

“So Brooke are you missing Peyton yet?” Jordan asked taking a sip of his coffee.

“Yeah,” I replied not looking up from my pasta. “But it is nice to have things the way I want them since she was such a pain about her things,” I joked.

“Glad to know I was such a pain,” she mocked. I smiled at her as she laughed going back to her food.

“Well I don’t know about you guys, but I’m stuffed. And that pie we ordered for the table didn’t help,” Max said aloud.

We all exchanged glances. “What pie?” I asked.

He grinned. “Oh yeah, I ordered it but it never got to you guys. Heh, sorry?”

“You’re a pig,” Peyton muttered. Max simply put his arm around her.

“Well excuse me I’m going to go to the bathroom,” I said pushing my chair back and getting up. I walked to the bathroom and came out within a few minutes. I looked myself over in the mirror before opening the door. “Oh geez,” I breathed jumping back and placing my hand over my chest.

“Sorry,” Sidney mumbled. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I shook my head. “It’s ok. I just didn’t expect it.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I came to talk actually. I just told the guys I needed to use the bathroom.”

I leaned against the wall. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I wanted to make sure you weren’t mad. About yesterday.”

“Why would I be mad?” I asked in disbelief.

“Because you got angry that I kept being so negative and because of-”

I stopped him before he said what I knew he would say. “I’m not mad. Don’t worry. I could never be mad at you,” I said lightly.

“Good. I really do want to apologize though. I don’t mean to unload all of these things to you and be a bother-”

“Sidney, you’re not a bother,” I assured. “You need someone to talk to. And as I’ve said before, I’m here. Always. You can always count on me,” I reassured.

“Thank you Brooke,” he said in a low voice.

I crossed my arms. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

He nodded. “Yeah. We should probably head back to them. I can take you home if you want,” he said looking down at his shoes.

I gave him a tiny smile. “That’d be nice.” I pushed myself off the wall and stood in front of him.

“So we’re good?” he asked smiling hopefully.

I smiled looking up at Sidney and his adorable smile. The hallway was bright because of the light above his head and it was making his eyes look even lighter and sweeter. They weren’t his usual brown, but more hazel and they seemed to glow. Suddenly Max’s voice rung through my head: You have to do something. He’ll only try for so long.

Before I knew it I was taking a few steps forward. I slowly brought my hand up to his shoulder and stood on the tips of my toes and brought my face closer to his. Sidney dropped his head lower and placed his hand on my back. He dipped his head lower so that our lips met. I moved my hand up to the back of his neck and breathed in as I pushed myself closer to him with more force. As he started to move his hand up my back I pulled away before it could last any longer. I let my feet fall flat as I took in a sharp breath pulling away to look up at him.

“We’re good,” I whispered. I brought my hand back down to my side.

Sidney looked at me, the tiniest hint of a smile appearing on his face. He bent down slowly and brushed his lips on my cheek, surprising me. “Come on,” he said softly next to me. He began walking as he turned to glance at me with a small smile.

I followed after him trying to hide my girlish giggles. I walked slowly smiling to myself and replaying what had just happened.