I was just running out of my second wind and exhaustion is weighing on me when he walks in. I notice that he has others with him but not who they are; I only have eyes for Sid. He spots me quickly and treats me to a huge smile.

"Well, guess someone couldn't get enough" I hear Tessa say behind me.

I look back at her and try to give her a scowl but I just can't stop smiling. Tessa swats my shoulder and moves to greet the guys. Usually, people seat themselves. We have one waitress for the counter, or Tessa does if we're not busy, and I cover the tables. Today Tessa must decide that she wants to pay attention to Sid and his friends. I wonder why?

I watch her greet them and show them to an empty area where she can push two tables together. There are eight of them. I wonder why Sid brought so many of his team mates; at least I think they are team mates. Tessa confirms that when she comes back to the counter.

"There's the top two offense and defensive lines for the Pens in my diner. Well almost all of them. Do you think that they would take a picture with the sign? Oh, maybe I can have them sign something." Tessa runs off to the kitchen and leaves me alone to fill up water glasses for the guys.

I make my way over to their table and deliberately don't stand directly beside Sid. Do his team mates know about me? What does it mean if they do? What does it mean if they don't? Shit, I'm losing my mind.

"Hi guys, you liked us so much that you came back and brought friends" I say to the table at large. Two of the guys who were here last time are back; well, three if you count Sid.

I place everyone's water in front of them which means that I have to pass by Sid. As I place his glass down I feel a wandering hand on my thigh briefly.

"We come for you cherie" the man I remember as Marc says.

"That ring on your finger says that you might want to be putting your attention elsewhere ma cherie" I reply.

The guys all laugh, including Sid. I may be reading his expression all wrong but he looks happy that I'm teasing Marc.

"Ok guys, what would you like?"

I take everyone's order and head to the kitchen to place the order. I then grab the drink orders and take them to the table. The guys are taking about something that happened at practice. They all seem to be ganging up on the tallest guy that they call Bortz. As I glance at Sid before leaving the table, he gives me a wink and then turns his attention back to the conversation.

I take care of my other customers and run food. The whole time I'm wondering why Sid hasn't introduced me to his team mates. I mean, he doesn't need to say 'I had sex with her last night, and again this morning' but he could say that I'm a friend. For the first time I wonder if Sid is embarrassed to be dating a waitress. I bet most of his team mates have beautiful girlfriends who have college degrees and don't have to work. I've never thought of that before. I am nowhere near like the girls Sid could get and has probably dated. "Cat, order up" I hear from the kitchen.

The guys' lunch is ready so I bring it out to them. They're still laughing and joking around and a cheer goes up when they see the food.

I check back with them a few times as I serve my other customers too. The food here is all made from scratch; it's not creative but it is homemade comfort food and delicious. They all seem to enjoy the meal and the empty dishes I clear away look licked clean.

When I bring the bill, I set it in the middle of the table since they didn't ask for separate ones. We would do it but I hate to because it's a lot of work. The guys slide it down to the end of the table and Sid.

"You're the one with the huge new contact" one of the guys calls out.

"How long are you guys going to milk that?" Sid asks as he pulls out a credit card.

I leave with it and get our portable card machine. When it's set I hand it to Sid and clear away the remaining dishes. I see that the guys are getting ready to go so I head back. Maybe now that they are ready to leave, Sid will introduce me but I'm disappointed when he doesn't and instead waves goodbye like the rest.

Fuming inside, I take the card machine and pull out our copy. That's when I notice that Sid has given me a 50% tip. What the fuck? He doesn't introduce me to his friends and then tries to buy me off. Seriously, what the fuck?

I can't believe that so many of the guys wanted to come to lunch. Sure I asked Glass and Bortz but when Flower heard where we were going he invited himself and started asking guys until we had eight of us.

I worried all the way there what Cat would think. I definitely don't want her thinking that I was bragging to the guys so they came to check her out. Having sex changes everything especially for someone like Cat with so little experience; although she sure didn't seem inexperienced last night.

I decided to say nothing to the guys about Cat and me. When she left after taking our order, Flower gave me a really weird look. I still don't know what his problem was but he'll tell me if it was important. I definitely don't want the guys ragging on me about Cat. It's just not right to talk about her the way the guys all talk about most girls.

As I now drive back to the diner to pick up Cat, I'm more confused than ever about, well, everything. I want to be selfish about the relationship with Cat, if that's what it is, and put off as long as possible the circus that will ensue when everyone knows that we're together.

I pull into a spot and turn off the car. Just as I get out, Cat comes out the door. I meet her half way across the parking lot and bend down to kiss her. She offers me her cheek which feels very awkward and makes me worried although I can't put my finger on why.

"How was the rest of the afternoon?" I ask Cat once we're in the truck.

"Good, long but good" she replies.

Ok, something is really wrong here. We've been so easy with each other since we first met so this awkwardness is really weird. Is it because we had sex? Has she had the whole day to think and regrets it? It feels like we're strangers right now. What the fuck? Ok, I've had enough of this; we need to figure this out. I turn to Cat the second after I pull the car over.

"What's going on Cat?"

She looks stunned and asks "what do you mean?"

She looks really surprised. It doesn't seem like an act and I've never seen Cat be untruthful.

"Cat, are you upset that I came to the diner this afternoon? Was it that I brought some of the guys with me? I didn't tell them anything, really. Flower knows but I can't ever hide anything from him. I really didn't tell them anything."

"That's the problem Sid! You said nothing. Are you embarrassed of me? Were you just trying to get me into bed? You fucked me and now you're done with me?"

"Holy shit! No Cat, don't think that, ever."

This is why she's been so weird and distant. She thinks I am embarrassed of her; that I only wanted a quick fuck. That thought bothers me more than I can take.

I gently cup Cat's face in my hands and turn it up to my own.

"Cat, I don't know what this is or where it's going but don't you ever, ever think for a moment that I'm embarrassed of you or only want to fuck you! You are very important to me; both you and Lizzy. Ok?"

Her eyes are wet and confused but she nods quietly at me. I offer her a small smile that she returns. Her eyes may be wet still but she looks like my Cat again.

I lean down and take her lips softly with my own. She returns the kiss hesitantly at first but then with more feeling and I feel myself centre again. We each pull back and smile. Cat's smile slowly turns to confusion.

"What is it Cat?" I was her.

She pauses, then asks "why didn't you tell them about me Sid?"

I wipe a tear from her eye and reply "do you know how athletes talk about girls in the locker room."

She looks more confused so I continue. "Let's just say that it's not the way you want them talking about someone you care about. We've only started dating so they wouldn't think it's serious and, I don't know, maybe there wouldn't be anything but I don't want that for you. Also, once it's out there then everything will change and I don't want anything to change right now. I want to spend more time with you and Lizzy. I want us to keep getting to know each other. I won't apologize for also wanting much more of what we did last night."

I pause now. I got carried away there and need to make sure that Cat is ok. Damn, I can't read her eyes right now. Did I go too far?

"Last night, or this morning?" She asks with her lips curving slightly.

"Both" I tell her. She chuckles.

"Ok. I'm sorry if I got a little crazy" Cat says.

"I'm sorry" I reply. "I thought I was doing the right thing."

Cat leans in and kisses me. "You were Sid. We just need to communicate a little better I guess."

Hmm, I guess we just had our first argument. Not pleasant but not a tragedy either.

"What do you say we get you home?"

Cat smiles and replies "good idea."

After a searing kiss, I put the car in gear and pull back into traffic. Once I park in front of Cat's apartment, I pull her to me again until she's on my lap and wrapped around me. He lips dive into mine and we move constantly to get the best angle. The kiss goes deeper and deeper and on and on. Cat shifts so that she's straddling me and begins grinding against me. My dick instinctively twitches at the contact and my hands cup her ass to pull her even closer.

"God, I need to be buried deep inside of you. I need to feel your muscles contract around me and milk me for everything I have." Wow, I've never been this vocal or demanding before. Cat moans from deep inside her and pushes harder against me. I guess she likes it. Oh fuck, we're in my car in front of her apartment building. We really need to stop.

"Cat, wait, we can't do this here."

She pulls back and her eyes are wild but I start seeing recognition come into them. It looks like she forgot where we were too. She pulls away from me and sits on the passenger side again. I try to slow my breathing and convince my dick that it won't explode.

"Ok, wow, ok. We need to stop this and inside. Lizzy will be at the door waiting for me to come home. She's going to be very happy to see you too."

I smile at that because I'm looking forward to seeing Lizzy.

We both get out of the car and walk hand in hand up to the building and then to Cat's apartment. The cold air of winter helps with my 'condition.' Cat now sooner has touched the door to the apartment when it is pulled open.

"Mommy!" Lizzy cries and throws herself at Cat who catches her easily. There are lots of kisses and hugs until Lizzy notices me.

"Sidwee, Sidwee, Sidwee!" Lizzy bounces in Cat's arms and reaches for me. Chuckling, I reach out for her and take her in my arms. As she likes to do, Lizzy grabs each of my cheeks so that she can look directly at me.

"Sidwee!"

"Hi there princess. How are you?"

Instead of answering, Lizzy puckers her lips and waits for a kiss. I'm unsure what to do so I look at Cat and she smiles then nods. I give Lizzy's lips a light kiss and carry her into the apartment.

"Hello there Cat. Sid, nice to see you" Miss Sally says as she's putting her coat on. I know that she often has dinner with the girls so I say "don't run off on my account Miss Sally."

"I can't stay Sid. I have my knitting group tonight." She kisses Lizzy's cheek and then mine before she heads out the door.

As we walk further into the apartment, I ask Cat "does she really have a knitting club?"

"She does although it's not tonight" Cat replies and laughs. I guess if Cat's not upset then I shouldn't be either. Miss Sally wanted to give us some time together.

"How's my princess? Are you feeling better?" I ask Lizzy.

"Pincess Lizzy" she says back to me and then wiggles out of my arms before running off to the bedroom.

I hang up my jacket and take off my shoes then follow Cat into the kitchen.

"Wow, it smells delicious in here" I tell her.

"Thanks, I always have stuff in the freezer for Miss Sally to heat up in case I work late. We're having chili tonight."

"Can I help?" I ask.

"Sidwee, Sidwee! Pincess, pincess!"

I turn back to watch Lizzy run into the room with a crown on her head. I catch her as she runs up.

"Yes, you are such a beautiful princess Lizzy." I nuzzle her neck and she giggles. Of course that makes me laugh too. I nuzzle her neck again and she giggles and wiggles in my arms. Her giggle is infectious and so much fun. When I stop, she lays her head between my neck and shoulder and sighs. It's a very sweet sound.

"If the two of you are done playing, would you like to sit down for dinner?" Cat says.

I notice that the table is set for the three of us with Lizzy's booster seat on one of the chairs. We all have orange juice at our plates. I place Lizzy in her booster but have no idea how to do up the buckles and stuff.

"I can do it Sid" Cat steps in and shows me how. It's actually much easier than I would have thought.

Cat scoops up some chili for each of us and then we dig in.

The dinner is very simple, very delicious and a lot of fun. Lizzy is completely enchanting. She loves Dora the Explorer and tells me all about Dora's latest adventures. I'm glad I spend so much time with Duper's kids so I know who Dora is. After dinner, I insist on cleaning up the kitchen so that Cat can spend some time with her daughter. As I'm finishing, they head to bath time. When I come back into the living room, the Ranger/Philly game is on. I settle into the sofa and get right into the game. Callahan gets plastered into the boards by Hartnall in a dirty play.

"Fuck me" I say. Callahan is still on the ice, rolling around and clutching his knee.

"Bad word Sidwee."

I look over and Lizzy is shaking her finger at me. Double fuck. I forgot there were little ears around.

"You're right Lizzy. I'm sorry. I really shouldn't use bad words."

"Yes, you really shouldn't Sid" Cat says as she comes into the room smiling at me. "Ok Lizzy, say good night to Sidney. It's time for bed."

Lizzy runs up to the sofa and climbs up on my lap. She grabs both of my cheeks and says "tuck me in Sidwee."

She's so adorable. "Ok princess, let's take you to bed."

I stand up with her in my arms and follow Cat into their bedroom. I tuck Lizzy into bed and pull the covers up to her chin.

"Goodnight Lizzy, sweet dreams" I tell her and then kiss her puckered lips.

Cat says goodnight too and we head to the living room. I pull Cat into my arms on the sofa where she lays her head on my shoulder and yawns.

"Do you want me to get going Cat? You must be exhausted."

"No, don't go and yes I am."

I chuckle and hold her closer. We sit together for a while with only the TV providing any sound. It's a wonderful and comforting feeling. It reminds me of when I stayed at the Lemieux's; family dinners, bed times for kids and the adults left to relax when everyone was finally asleep.

"When do you get back" Cat asks sleepily. She knows that I'm leaving tomorrow.

"We leave after practice tomorrow, stay in Philly overnight, play the next day and then fly back after the game."

"Isn't it a really long day if you fly home after the game?"

"Not really. We're usually too keyed up to sleep directly after; looking for food first."

"Miss Sally said that Philly is like an arch enemy of yours and that it's going to be an ugly game."

She's been asking about the Pens. I feel like a kid who finds out that the girl likes him.

"Yeah, it's usually an ugly game. It's very physical and with a lot of history between the clubs. It's always a high charged game. You might not want to let Lizzy watch any on it."

"That bad huh?"

"It's an unfriendly game with lots of fights."

"Do you fight?" She asks me.

"Not a lot, three or four times in my whole career."

"Why did you fight?"

"There were a lot of reasons. Sometimes we fight if another player goes after one of ours. Once I fought to try and spar my team on and add energy to the game. It's usually not my role but I've done it."

"Oh."

There's a lot of meaning in that one word.

"I've been in the league for eight years and I've fought a handful of times. Some guys do it every night. It's not something that I look for Cat, honestly."

She tilts her face up to me. Slowly her frown turns into a small smile. I lean down to take her lips with mine. The kiss is soft and sweet. We sip at each other's slips slowly. Cat turns slightly so that she is facing me more. Her fingers slide up over my cheek and slides into my hair. She softly mews as I slide my tongue over her lips and she gives me entry. We continue to slowly play until Cat yawns. She's clearly exhausted.

"Cat, I'm going to head out. You've had a long day and I still need to pack for tomorrow. Ok?"

She nods, gives me one last kiss and then stands up. I put on my coat and shoes then take Cat in my arms.

"I'll text you. A lot" I tell her.

"Good" she responds.

We share a few more kisses and then I leave. Just as I hear the door clicking behind me, it opens again. I turn around. Cat probably wants a few more kisses and I wouldn't mind either.

"I forgot Sid. You can't buy me; you need to remember that. Keep your fucking tips!"

I'm stunned when the door slams shut. What the hell just happened?