The game against Montreal had to go to overtime but we beat them. I'm still working on getting my timing back. It's coming but not nearly as fast as I'd like. I had two points, not goals but assists, so that was great. Tanger got absolutely decimated with a hit. He may have broken his nose. He came back for OT and got us the winning goal but started having concussion symptoms the next day. He's out for a while now. He has actually gone home, to Montreal, to seek treatment from a doctor there. I feel bad for him and know exactly how he's feeling. At least Pacioretty had the class to apologize to Tanger. It wasn't malicious like the hit from Steckel on me.
We're in New York now and just finishing up practice. The game is tomorrow and we're ready. The Rangers on are on streak and Lundqvist is at the top of his game. We have tonight free and the guys seem to be going their own way which often happens in NYC. Mariah is in town so we're all meting up at a restaurant that also has a great bar for drinks afterward. Flower, TK, Nealer and Geno are joining us. Jordan said that he and his brother Marc will meet us after dinner. Marc is still out with the concussion he sustained form a hit by their brother Eric and Jordan wanted to have dinner with him alone to check in and see how he's doing.
Angelia is absolutely giddy having her sister here. The two of them talked non-stop for the entire walk to the restaurant. The guys and I just shook our heads. Geno just kept staring at Mariah's ass as he walked behind her, G's not known for his subtlety with women, and even I have to admit it's a great ass. Dinner was a lot of fun. Flower was in rare form and kept us laughing throughout the entire meal. Mariah flirted with everyone, me included, as seems to be her nature. And Angelia, what can I say about her, she still simply dazzles me. She's quieter around her sister who tends to dominate the conversation but she doesn't seem to mind. I don't mind that her hand has been on my thigh most of the evening.
When we get to the bar, it is certainly busy and rocking. Marc and Jordan are in a VIP section. As we make our way over, I notice some of Marc's teammates have joined him. I see Boyle, Callahan, Prust and the asshole Avery. As we approach he gives a very obvious once over to both Mariah and Angelia. Asshole. I put my arm around Angelia and give Avery a very clear look to stay the fuck away. There's introductions, backslaps and handshakes all around and we all settle onto the comfy couches. We give our order and I choose water. The wine at dinner was my limit during the season. As expected, Mariah is having a great time flirting and having fun with all of the guys. I marvel at her ability to keep six guys' attention at the same time. I see Marc alone and tell Angelia "I'm going to talk to Marc, see how he's doing with the concussion." She smiles at me and kisses me.
I'm not that close to Marc but have spent time with him over the years since he's Jordan's brother. Sitting next to him, we make the usual small talk. Then I say "I hear you're back on the ice." Marc gives me a grin that I completely understand. "Yeah" he says "you know the drill. I'm skating alone right now with our conditioning coach. We hope to have me back with the team in a week or two. No contact at first, of course, but I can't wait to be on the ice with the guys." We look at each other and a hundred thoughts are passed in one look. I know exactly how he's feeling. We start talking about the winter classic, I've been in two and this is the Rangers first one, and the HBO 24/7 series which I've also experienced. It's then that we hear the shouting.
I turn around see TK nose to nose with Avery. They are shoving and yelling at each other. This isn't like TK and we all know better than to get into anything in public; not with camera phones everywhere. I go over to break it up and that's when I notice Angelia in Mariah's arms and she's crying. I storm over now. "What the fuck is going on?" I demand. Angelia doesn't say anything, she seems to be in shock, but Mariah pipes up. "That asshole wouldn't take no for an answer and was touching Ang." I see red. I turn and charge at Avery. Geno and Jordan, anticipating what I'd do, are already there to hold me back. It takes both of them to keep me from ripping Avery's head off. Callahan, the Rangers captain, grabs Avery and tells him to leave. Avery is still yelling at TK and then starts chirping at me. Callahan grabs him by the shirt collar and tells him clearly to get the fuck out of here while shoving him in the direction of the door. Obviously reluctant, Avery straightens his shirt and stalks away.
When Jordan and G are sure I won't go after him, they let me go. I turn to Angelia and she's wide eyed staring at me. I go over and take her face in my hands. "Are you ok babe?" She scares me a little because she doesn't answer me, she's just staring. "Let me take her to the ladies room. We'll be back in a few minutes." They go off and I turn to TK. "Tell me what happened" I demand. TK steps forward and explains what happened. After I went to talk to Marc, Avery was on Angelia immediately. He sat beside her on the sofa and just talked initially. Then he was leaning into her to talk. She clearly moved away from him. After a few minutes, she tried to get up but he grabbed her arm. TK was making his way over to them when he saw Avery put his hand on her thigh up her skirt. That's when TK grabbed him and pulled him off the couch and the shouting and pushing started. Now I really wish that I had killed the fucker.
I can't believe this happened. We were having such a wonderful time. I love spending time with Sidney's teammates and the Rangers guys were nice too. Until that guy Sean became an asshole. I shouldn't have let myself get so upset, nothing really happened, but when he grabbed me I kind of freaked out. Using a cold cloth, Mariah pats down my face and neck and I can see in the mirror that my colour is returning. "Are you ok now?" Ri asks me. I look at her and say "yeah, I'm better, thanks." She gives me a once over and I guess she likes what she sees. "Ok, let's go back to the boys." I smile at her and am so grateful that she's here. I obviously over reacted and have calmed down considerably now.
When we get back to the group, it's only the Penguins guys left and Marc. "The guys made sure that Avery is gone" Marc tells me "I'm sorry this happened. He's such an asshole." That seems to be the consensus tonight. I know that they don't usually say anything bad to others about their teammates so Avery must have pissed off his own team enough to cause Marc to say this "thanks Marc" and I smile at him We all agree to call it a night. They guys have curfew anyway. When we're outside, Sidney tells the guys "I'm going to make sure the girls get back to the hotel." The guys nod and we all go our separate ways not before I see Mariah slip Geno a business card. I just chuckle. It's so like her to go for the strong, silent type.
In the cab, I realize that Sidney hasn't said anything to me since we left the restaurant. When we get to the hotel, Maria goes to her room and Sidney takes me to mine. I turn on some lights and then turn to him. He gathers me in his arms and I gladly wrap mine around him. "Are you sure you're ok" he asks me. I pull back a little and look him in the eyes. "Sidney, I'm fine. I think it really just shocked me that he would behave that way. I was upset of course, but it was mainly shock." He looks me deep in the eyes and must like what he sees because he nods and gives me a smile. Then he kisses me, one of those slow, thorough kisses that you feel deep inside you; a warmth spreads throughout my entire body. He leans his forehead on mine and sighs. "I wish I could stay with you tonight but I have to get back for curfew." It sounds so odd to hear a fully grown man talk about curfew. "I know it sounds weird" he says reading my thoughts "but it's one of our rules and I need to follow it." He kisses me again, as reluctant to leave as I am to have him go. Finally, we part and he reminds me "your tickets for the game will be at will call." I thank him and walk him to the elevator where we say goodnight again.
I didn't really get a chance a say good night to Mariah so I stop by her room on my way to mine. I knock on the door and hear the TV inside but she doesn't come to the door. "Mariah it's me" I call out to her. After a few minutes, she comes to the door dishevelled and holding her robe closed in front of her. "I thought you'd be with Sid" she tells me and blocks the entrance to her room. Then it dawns on me "who do you have in there?" I ask her. She just smiles and I know it was her hotel and room number written on the card she gave Geno. I laugh and say "I'll see you in the morning." Guess Geno is going to be late for curfew.
The next morning we meet for breakfast, although it's much closer to lunch, and Ri has a huge smile on her face. I guess the Russian met her high standards. She sits down, pours herself a cup of coffee and then drinks it straight down. After pouring another, and taking a more ladylike sip, she looks at me. "How are you this morning? Have you talked to Sid?" I can't help smiling at her. I know she wants to spill about last night but it's more fun if I ask than her telling me. I tease her and make her wait "He sent me a text. Apparently Tyler still wants to rip Avery's head off. Tonight is going to be a very interesting game. Marc said that most of the Rangers hate Avery and don't know why the coach and GM keep him around." Ri smiles, nods and butters a piece of toast she takes off of my plate.
"Ok, Ri, spill it. I know it was Geno in your room last night. I saw you give him your card." She chuckles "can't get anything past the genius, huh? Yes, it was Geno. He has many more talents than what is on the ice you know?" I roll my eyes. "First, I really don't want to know any more than that. This is Sidney's teammate and I don't want those kinds of details in my head. Second, please tell me that it's a one-time thing. It would just be way too awkward otherwise if you break his heart as you tend to do." She orders breakfast from the waiter and turns back to me. "Don't worry your pretty little head, we left it very casual. He just broke up with his girlfriend and doesn't want anything more than a good time right now. It's perfect for me too. Sounds like it is going to be a very interesting game tonight. Geno said that the guys will definitely take out Avery in some way. Sidney won't do anything on the ice because they can't afford for him to get hurt; but, the other guys will do something. The way Geno put it is 'you fuck with one, you get us all.' It was especially cute with his little lisp." Now I'm worrying about tonight. Is there no end to the way I've affected this team? I also wonder if it makes me a bad person to secretly wish someone lays Avery out with a huge hit? Brooks could do it and make it look clean too. Oh God, now I'm thinking like these guys. "What do you want to do this afternoon Ri? Although I'm sure I know without even asking."
I was right about what she wanted to do. We spent the afternoon shopping. I bought a couple things but only because Ri pestered me. I did get a sweater and tie at Gucci for Sidney. They both reminded me of him so much. Mariah tried to get me to buy something flashier for him with more colour or design. As much as I know he'd look good in more colour, it just isn't his style and he definitely wouldn't wear them. He likes black and gray predominantly. He occasionally wears some colour in his dress shirts and ties so I get him a colourful tie to go with the purple dress shirt he loves so much. I saw some dress shirts that were gorgeous but he has to get everything custom made. Between the thick neck, broad shoulders and narrow waist, there is nothing off the rack about him. Not that I'm complaining!
While we're out, we grab a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel. The game is at 7:30pm and we'll get there an hour before to say hi before the game. The guys are heading to Washington tonight and then they travel to play Carolina. I'm going back to Pittsburgh tomorrow when Mariah leaves for Milan. Back at the hotel, I shower and dress for the game. Sidney texts me and says "give them your name at will-call; they'll call an usher to bring you to the locker room." Mariah is going to love seeing all these athletes in partial states of dress. Thinking about Ri, I remember her telling me to wear the new sweater I bought today. I'm a little uneasy about it. It is very low cut and falls past my hips molding to every curve. I decide to just do it. She knows fashion and never steers me wrong. She is the one who talked me into buying the lace bra and panties that Sidney destroyed a few days ago.
When we arrive at Madison Square Gardens, it's as easy as Sidney said it would be. They looked up my name, let us in and asked us to wait for an usher. I'm very glad we had the help because the twists and turns through the building have left me completely turned around. It's like we're in the bowels of the city. All of a sudden we're in a brightly lit hallway and I begin to see the Pens logo everywhere. I guess they bring the Pens signs with them on the road. I see Marc-Andre stretching in the hall. He greets us and points down the hall. We continue around the corner and I see a group of them kicking around a soccer ball. Before I can say anything, Mariah grabs my arm and says "don't you say a word." She is just staring at them and I expect to see a little drool. I look too and notice that they are all in tight shorts or tight warm up pants. The shirts are equally tight. Some are in ball caps. All are gorgeous. I look from one to another until my gaze lands on Sidney. Then I can look nowhere else. I've never seen him in his warm up gear. The pants look painted on and show off his gorgeous ass. He's wearing a warm up jacket that's loose but shows off his wide shoulders. My hands actually itch to touch him.
Like he can actually feel my gaze, he looks over and misses the ball. The guys all rag on him but he just laughs and makes his way over to us. He must see the heat in my eyes from looking at him because when he kisses me he says "stop looking at me like that. I don't have time to do anything about it. By the way, when did you get this sweater and when will you wear it again?" Then he kisses me again, this time thoroughly. When we part, he smiles over at Ri and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "You didn't have any trouble getting in?" Mariah shifts her gaze away from the guys and says "nope. It was easy peasy." He chuckles. Looking up at clock on the wall, Sidney looks at me and says "I need to go get ready for warm ups. I'll see you after the game. When he takes you to your seats, the usher will tell you where to meet him after the game to bring you back down her, ok?" I nod and kiss him whispering "good luck." He looks me in the eye "don't need it, you're here." Then he kisses me again and goes down the hall. I melt and stand there watching him walk down the hall. "That is one fine, fine ass." Ri says to me and we both continue to watch until he goes around a bend and disappears. We look at each other and giggle like school girls.
The game was brutal and we lost by one point. I had two points, both assists, and we had two chances for five on three but didn't capitalize on either. TK took on Avery twice. The first fight, Avery showed what a little bitch he was and kept punching TK while they were down on the ice and the refs were separating them. As soon as they came out of the box, the fight continued and they both got majors for fighting. At least it was even time so we didn't have to go on the PK. Losing, especially after last night, still sucks though. We gave up in the second period and you can't do that with this team. Lundqvist is just too good. You can't come back on him. We all feel a little battered after the game. That's always the way it is when you play the Rangers and especially at MSG. They're a very physical team and so are we. Everyone walks away with a few bruises. After the media scrum, I shower and dress. The way the Gardens is laid out, there isn't room for family to come into the locker room so I know that Angelia and Mariah will be waiting outside. Dressed, I go to find them and Dana, the equipment manager, yells to me "ten minutes Sid." Damn, I wanted to have more time with Angelia before we had to leave.
I see her and Mariah in the hall talking to TK. Angelia pretends to be hitting him hard and then Mariah kisses the bruise forming on his cheek. TK laughs at them both and, seeing me, continues chatting with Mariah to give me a few minutes alone with my girl. Angelia approaches me and says "I'm sorry you lost." I pull her into my arms. "Yeah, Lundqvist is really having a phenomenal year already." Angelia smiles "but you have at least one point in four of the five games you've played. That's incredible." I can't help laughing "how would you know?" Now she pouts "I am learning you know." I can't help but kiss that cute pout. She puts her arms around my neck and kisses me back. I hate to do it, but I pull away from her. One more kiss then "we have to go; onto Washington and then we play Carolina. I'll be home late Saturday night." She sighs "I'll miss you." I kiss her one last time "I'll miss you too." Then I pull away and grab TK so we can make it to the bus on time. As I walk up the ramp, I take a look back at Angelia. It keeps getting harder to leave her even for a few days. Ok, before Christmas I really need to 'put a ring on it' as they say. After the Boston game we have a few days before we play Philly. That's when I'll do it; that's when she'll say yes to becoming my wife.