Anna
When I wake up, Sid is sprawled across the bed lightly snoring. For a moment, I can't remember where I am except in a bed with Sid. I sit up and look around. Then it all comes flooding back to me: Meagan, telling Sid about her and then coming to the Lemieux's home where I'm currently sleeping.
I look at my watch and see that it's 5am. We're going to have to get up soon to talk to the lawyer so I might as well get up now. I slip out of bed quietly and pull on my jeans and socks. I'm freezing so I also put on Sid's sweatshirt. For a moment, I hug myself and breathe in Sid's comforting smell. I'm warm on the inside and the outside now.
Slipping out of the room, I try to remember my way back to the main part of the house and, with only a few wrong turns, I manage to find the main hall and kitchen. There's light spilling into the hallway so I know that someone is awake. I take a deep breath and then walk in.
Nathalie is at the coffee maker pouring water into it. I don't know if I should leave and wait until Sid wakes up but then the decision is made for me.
"Hi Anna" Nathalie says. "How did you sleep?"
"Um" I think of our before sleep 'activities' and know that I'm blushing. "I slept well."
"Come, sit" she gestures to a chair the breakfast bar. "I just put the coffee on. I thought I'd make us a big breakfast and start the day with some fuel. Besides, I remember how much Sid eats."
"Oh yes, he used to live here, right?"
"Yeah, for a few years. He became one of the family and a built in babysitter too."
We both laugh and Nathalie goes to the fridge to begin taking out eggs, ham, peppers, onions and more.
"Can I help?" I ask her.
"You don't need to sweetie."
"I'll actually feel more useful if I can help."
"Ok Anna, here" she hands me the chef's knife and places the vegetables in front of me. "They've been washed" she tells me.
I start chopping and we talk about nothing important for a little while. Maybe that's the reason I'm surprised when Nathalie changes the subject.
"Anna, I feel like Sid is one of my kids. He became an integral part of our family over the years that he lived with us. The kids all see him like a big brother and Mario definitely feels fatherly towards him."
"That's nice" I reply not sure where she's going with this conversation.
"I can't say that I know you as well as Sid; but, I have known you and your family for years. I've seen you grow into a lovely, intelligent, successful young woman."
"Thank you Nathalie" I reply and know I'm blushing.
"I've been where you are you know?" I frown not quite sure what Nathalie means so she continues. "I was in love with a star hockey player that everyone wanted a piece of in some way. You have the complications of your family and politics. I was a quiet and shy girl from rural Quebec with poor English. Regardless of how different we are, I know what you're going through being with Sid." Nathalie stops what she's doing and stands in front of me. "He's bigger than life. Everything he does is done perfectly, right? He has the world on his shoulders and handles it effortlessly which is beyond understanding. Everyone wants some of his time no matter where he is and he is adored, even worshipped, by so many. He's also handsome, smart and sexy as hell. Am I right?"
I smile shyly and answer "yes."
"It makes you wonder what he's doing with you. I mean, Mario was the best player in the league, everyone in Pittsburgh and the world loved him, he brought the first Stanley Cup here, and then the girls too. Wow, everywhere we went the girls were throwing themselves at him. And I was always left wondering why he was with me. Why would he want me when he could have any or all of them? It's almost like I was waiting for the balloon of our happiness to pop and Mario would wake up and know that I wasn't right for him. Sound familiar?"
It's like she's saying everything that I've been feeling and, maybe because of that, I can't stop holding it in any longer.
"That's exactly how I feel" I tell her. "Sid is perfect. He says the right things and does the right things. It's like he doesn't even try and yet he's able to do anything he puts his mind to and does it perfectly. He knows exactly what to say to me and make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world. But I know the truth. He could be with any girl in the world, any girl, so what is he doing with me? He actually got pretty ticked off when I said that last night."
"Of course he did Anna. You are a beautiful and intelligent young woman and he's clearly in love with you."
"I know I'm not ugly but I'm hardly like the girls he could get. He could be dating models."
"He has dated models" Nathalie.
Oh my God. I'm shocked although I don't know why I'm so surprised. Of course he's dated models. Why wouldn't he be with someone who's beautiful and perfect like him?
"Anna" Nathalie brings my attention back to her. "Let's put aside how hard you are on yourself and your looks for a moment and be perfectly candid. If Sid wanted to date a model then he would still be with that other girl or would find another like her. He's like Mario and when he wants something he goes after it and gets it. Or her. He chose you. You aren't second best or someone he's settling for right now. He chose you. He loves you."
"How do you know he loves me?"
"He's like my own son. I love him and I know when he's given his heart to someone. He has clearly given his heart to you. He chose you."
What she's saying begins to make sense to me. Sid could be with any girl but he chose me. He chose me. Mario chose Nathalie twenty years ago and they're still together. Why couldn't that be Sid and me? I tamp down the doubt that immediately surfaces. Sidney Crosby chose me. They are only four words but they make all the difference.
"Yeah, you're right" I tell her and smile.
"You could completely screw this up if you don't get some confidence Anna. When I see you working, you are a confident, take charge woman who isn't afraid of jumping into the middle of a media scrum to protect your player. The one thing Sid definitely needs in a partner is someone who has self-confidence and is sure of who she is with and without him. There's going to be times when you're alone because he has obligations and sometimes that's going to include other girls too. You need to bring some of that professional confidence into your personal life. Have you ever heard the expression 'fake it until you make it'?"
"Yes" I reply.
"Then do it. Pretend you're confident and eventually you will be. No matter what this morning brings, or this afternoon, or a week from now, none of it matters because you love and are loved. He chose you."
"He chose me" I repeat. "Fake it until I make it huh?"
"Yep. That's how I got through the first ten years."
"Ten years?" I ask astonished.
Nathalie starts laughing and I join in with her. That's how Mario and Sid find us as they walk into the kitchen.
"Good morning" Mario says and walks over to Nathalie to kiss her.
Fake it until I make it, huh?
I walk over to a blurry eyed Sid, put my arms around his waist and kiss him. I keep it PG but just barely.
"Good morning" I tell him when we part.
He looks surprised and replies "Good morning. This is where my sweatshirt went" he tugs at the sleeve of the shirt I'm wearing.
"I was cold" I tell him.
"Looks better on you."
We kiss once more and then turn toward the Lemieuxs with our arms wrapped around each other.
Nathalie winks at me and Mario hands Sid a glass of orange juice. I guess I can do this.
Nathalie and I finish making breakfast while the guys set the table. The kids are away, some at school some at friends since it's Saturday, so the four of us are alone in the house. The breakfast conversation is light and a little bit forced with everyone knowing what's going to happen when Sam arrives.
As we linger over coffee, we start talking about the situation and possible solutions.
"You know, it's too bad that girl hasn't broken the contract herself" Nathalie says.
That comment hits me like a brick. Meagan most definitely would have thrown herself at every player, she hasn't been shy about flirting, and at least one of the young guys would have taken her up on the offer. She is sexy in an obvious sort of way.
"I'll be back in a moment" I say to the table in general and leave the room.
It only takes me a minute to get back into the bedroom and find my phone.
"What are you doing?" Sid, who followed me, asks.
"Of course she's had sex with players Sid. Seriously, think about it. She throws herself at all of you guys. Do you really think that some of the younger guys wouldn't want her?"
"Ok, it makes sense. What are you going to do?"
"I'm calling Adam, he'll know."
"First, it's 6:30am. Second, you'll have to tell him about us."
"No I won't Sid. Trust me."
It takes him a moment but he nods so I call Adam and, after a few rings, he answers.
"ello."
"Adam, it's Anna. I'm so sorry for waking you up but it's important."
"lo?"
"Adam" I say more loudly. "Wake up! I have a question for you and you need to be awake."
"Ok, fine, just a minute."
I hear some rustling.
"Jeeze Anna. It's not even 7am. What the fuck? You doing a walk of shame and need a ride?"
"I need to ask you a question and you can't ask me why I'm asking. Ok? Please? It's really important."
"Ok" he says hesitantly.
"Is or has Meagan had sex with any of the players?"
"How the hell would I know?"
"Because you know everything. Tell me please Adam."
"Ok, but you didn't hear it from me."
"Sure, fine, ok" I reply.
"Of course she has. During training camp, she was screwing Bennett and still does periodically. I think there have been a couple others but Bennett for sure."
"Thank you so much Adam. I'll tell you everything when I can, I promise."
"You better you witch."
"Bye Adam" I say and disconnect.
I turn to Sid sitting on the bed. I'm so happy that I can't contain myself so I run to him and throw myself into his arms. He catches me and falls back with me against the bed.
I find his lips quickly and kiss him like we've never kissed before.
"I thought we had the rule that no girls are allowed up here" Mario calls from the doorway.
We stop and both turn to Mario. I guess we left the door open.
"Forget the rules" I tell him and both Mario and Sid look at me surprised. "I have great news."
"Good because Sam is here. Let's go downstairs and you can tell all of us."
Today is looking better and better. 'Fake it until you make' it just might work.
Sidney
Anna and I walk into the office hand in hand and see Nathalie and Sam sitting in chairs drinking coffee and chatting.
"Sid" Sam says and stands, reaching out his hand. "It's so good to see you again."
"Hi Sam, good to see you too" I reply as I shake his hand. "This is my girlfriend, Anna."
Anna releases my hand and greets Sam.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sam" she says.
"And you Anna. I know your mother and father from my work with Habitat for Humanity."
I can feel Anna stiffen slightly beside me but it's so brief that no one else notices.
We all sit down, Anna and I together on the sofa, and look at Sam. He picks up his legal pad, a pen and then sits back against the sofa and looks at Anna and me.
"Ok, why don't you start at the beginning and tell me what's going on Anna?" Sam asks.
Anna reaches for my hand, which surprises me and doesn't go unnoticed by the Lemieuxs, and starts the story. At various times, I give Anna's hand a reassuring squeeze and she squeezes back. I don't know what's happened or changed but Anna appears much more comfortable with physical contact this morning. I was stunned when she kissed me in front of Mario and Nathalie before breakfast.
Anna finishes the story with her conversation with Meagan yesterday and then looks at me. She seems to be looking at me for confirmation on something but I'm unsure what. I wasn't involved in any of these interactions. Oh, ah, she's asking about the conversation this morning with Adam. I nod to her and she turns back to Sam.
"This morning, I had a conversation with one of the other interns who is a very good friend. He told me that it's common knowledge that Meagan has been sleeping with players. I've seen her flirt with any man she's around but I didn't know it went any further. Of course, I'm not usually the person people gossip with except my friend" she says.
"Do you know who she might have had sex with?" Sam asks.
"I'm told that one of them was Beau. Oh wait a minute, I remember seeing the two of them kissing during training camp. I completely forgot about that until right now. I guess because I talked to Adam."
She looks at me suddenly and panicked.
"They won't say anything about it being Adam that you spoke with Anna" I say to reassure.
"I don't think it's likely but if we do Anna we'll talk to you first" Sam says. "Is that everything?"
Anna replies "everything I have."
"Good" Sam then turns to Mario. "I looked over the intern contracts and they are very clear and well written."
"Of course they are Sam. Your firm created them" Mario says and chuckles.
"Next time you say our billing is too high I'm going to remind you of this conversation" Sam tells him. "Anyway, the requirements and that clause in particular are clearly written and well within the scope of employment law in Pennsylvania. Both Meagan and Anna signed their contracts and agreed to all of the clauses therein. Even if we could prove that Meagan violated her contract, Anna has too."
"So we pay her off" Mario says.
"That's definitely one way to go. We could have her sign a non-disclosure agreement for the cash. To completely cover every risk then we should probably find her an internship with another NHL team. This way, from an employment law point of view, she hasn't lost anything."
"How does this make sure that she won't say anything?" Anna asks.
"The nondisclosure agreement makes it illegal" Sam tells her.
"But she can always leak it with no way to prove it came from her" Anna counters.
She's right of course. A viper like Meagan would want revenge any way that she could get it and taking the money and inflicting pain on Anna would give her everything she wants. The room is silent because they know it too.
"Can you walk me through the employment law piece? Is there any way that, as the employer, Mario could decide to let Anna out of that clause in her contract?" Nathalie asks.
Sam turns to Nathalie.
"The interns are over eighteen so they can enter into contractual relationships legally. They had enough time to review the documents and were not coerced into signing them. The contacts are also standard in the industry. Essentially, the employee signs the documents, receives payment for work completed and the contract is enforced" Sam says.
"But I'm not" Anna says and all eyes turn to her.
"You're not what Anna" Sam asks.
"I'm not paid" she replies.
"What do you mean you're not paid?" I ask her.
"Before I took the job, I heard that the internship program receives a partial subsidy from the state government. I didn't want to take money that could have come from the state where my dad is the Governor. It wouldn't be right and I really wanted the job" she says and shrugs her shoulders.
Leave it to Anna to go to the extreme to do the 'right thing' and not take any money.
"You don't receive a salary? How do you afford to live?" Sam asks.
"I'm very lucky to have a family who can afford to help me" she looks down at her fingers embarrassed.
"Well Anna that changes everything" Sam says. "If no money was exchanged than there is no employment contract enacted. Any relationship between you and Sid can't break a contract that doesn't exist."
"It's as simple as that?" Nathalie asks.
"Yes, actually" Sam responds. "It is that simple. If you can have the player collaborate that he and the intern had a sexual relationship then you can hold her in breach of contract."
"Really?" I ask.
Sam turns to me and says "yes, really. My suggestion is that you find a way to make your relationship public. Maybe you do it quietly like you go out on a date. Someone will probably take your picture since you're almost never seen with a girlfriend in Pittsburgh and you're so well known. When your relationship is known then you close the loop with the player and fire the intern."
"You mean, that's it?" I ask.
"That's it" he says.
Mario and Nathalie stand and the three of them talk.
"Are you ok?" I ask Anna.
"I don't know" she says softly.
"What's wrong?"
"We need to let everyone know that we're dating?"
Oh, that's what is bothering her. She doesn't want anyone to know about us.
"Sid, if it's out there then my parents will know."
"They won't approve of me" I know that I sound disappointed.
"No but that's not an issue and I couldn't care less if they did. They wouldn't approve of anyone they didn't pick out for me." She turns to me and takes my hand. "Once they know, they're going to want to meet you and it's going to become a circus. I don't want to bring that into your life. You don't need this baggage in your life during the season."
She's remembering my words from last night.
"Anna, that kind of circus I've been dealing with my whole life. Maybe not politically but certainly the media circus. You haven't seen me walk down the street in Canada. As long as we're ok" I take her hand and place it on my heart "then I'm ok. Are we ok?"
She smiles then leans in and kisses me softly.
Against my lips she whispers "yes, we are definitely ok."
"Will you go out with me tonight?" I ask.
"You mean on a date?"
"Yes" I smile at her.
"Then yes" she says and kisses me again.
"If you guys are finished, can we finish?" Mario asks.
Anna and I both turn to them looking sheepish. We're embarrassed but I know that I don't regret anything. I love the new, demonstrative Anna.
"Anna" Nathalie says. "You may want to let your parents know that you're dating before it appears on the internet or your dad gets a question."
"Yeah, I thought of that" she replies and looks at me. "That's going to be fun."
"I'll be there too" I tell her and then narrow my eyes when I think she's going to argue with me.
"Ok" she tells me.
"Mario" Sam says. "I'll connect with my team and have someone write up the termination papers and plan with your team for it."
We thank Sam and Nathalie walks him out.
"I guess it's a really good thing that you have such strong ethics Anna. It's saved the day" he tells her.
"Now I just need to tell my parents" she replies wryly.
"Shit" I say. "I have to call mine and let them know what's happened." I turn to Anna and say "I'll be back in a few minutes."
She smiles and says "I'll be there too."
Damn, throws my words back at me and she's gorgeous. How did I get so lucky?
"I'll give you guys the room" Mario says and shuts the door behind him.
"I guess the world will know soon enough" I tell her.
"Yeah. It might just be a relief to not sneak around anymore" she tells me. "I love you."
I pull her into my arms and kiss her softly, sweetly, deeply.
When we pull apart, I say "I love you."
Finally, thank God finally, we can be exactly who we are; happy.
Anna
The conversation with Sid's parents went as I've come to expect. They were happy that everything worked out for us and are really looking forward to coming down to Pittsburgh and meeting me in person. It's easy to see why Sid is so kind and loving.
"You know that the next call is going to be very different" I tell him.
"Let's not assume the worst. Call them" he says and points to the speaker phone on Mario's desk.
I take out my cell phone and dial Matthew's number. Sid frowns at me.
"I have to find out where they are and if they are both available" I tell him.
Sid nods and sits down.
"Hello?"
"Matthew, it's Anna. How are you?"
"I'm really great. How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Thanks again for your help with Geno's brother. He'll be coming to visit in a couple of weeks."
"That's great" Matthew replies.
"I'm actually calling to find out where my parents are this morning. I need to speak to both of them together if possible."
"Oh. Just a minute while I look at the daily schedule."
The phone is quiet for a moment and then I hear computer keys 'clicking.'
"You're in luck. They are both in the mansion this morning. The Governor's first meeting isn't for thirty minutes."
"Thanks Matthew. I appreciate the help."
We say goodbye and I walk over the phone on the desk. Using the speaker phone, I dial the number of the mansion, ask for the residence and am immediately connected. The housekeeper finds my parents for me.
"Hello darling" my mother says. "Is everything ok? Are you alright?"
I can tell that I'm on speaker phone so my father must be there too. How different the call begins with my parents than with Sid's. For my parents, calling them unexpectedly is a very big surprise.
"I'm fine mom. Sorry to worry you. Is dad there too?"
"I'm here Anna" dad says.
"Oh good. Um, I have you on speaker as well. Sidney Crosby is her with me. He's the captain of the Penguins."
"Oh" my mother says. "Delighted to meet you Sidney."
My mother always has her southern manners ready.
"And you as well Mrs. Xxx, Governor xxx."
Sid is Canadian and has equally good manners. What an odd thing for me to be thinking about right now.
"I know that it's a surprise and unusual for me to be calling like this but it can't be helped. There may be press implications and I wanted you to know immediately." I take a deep breath and Sid reaches for then squeezes my hand. "Sidney and I have been dating for a few weeks now and we've been able to keep it secret but it's just a matter of time before someone in Pittsburgh recognizes Sid and sees us together. I didn't want you to find out via the media that your daughter is dating a hockey star."
There, it's all out. They know and now I don't have to worry about it anymore. Now I only need to worry about the hurricane that's going to follow in about 3, 2, 1 …
"Sidney, would you mind if we speak with our daughter alone please?" my mother asks.
"Actually ma'am, I really would mind. I don't mean to be disrespectful but I care very much for your daughter. This relationship is important to me and we're in it together" Sid responds and then pulls my hand to his lips for a kiss.
"Well, that is unfortunate Mr. Crosby. Anna, you are aware that this is a very important time for your father and media attention about his daughter dating a hockey star will detract from any messages we've planned. This is not a good time" mother says.
Even said with her genteel southern accent, her stern message comes through loud and clear to us both. I hold up my hand to Sid so he doesn't answer her.
"Mother, I completely understand the timing which is why I'm calling you rather than you finding out from a reporter. It's unfortunate that you can't get to know Sid for yourself because you would know that he isn't a typical pro athlete and comes from a good family."
Sid smiles at me and kisses my hand again.
"We haven't had the opportunity to find out for ourselves missy since you didn't feel it was important to tell us until you were forced into it right now."
I know that tone of voice. My mother is pissed, well and truly pissed, and it's going to get ugly regardless of Sid being on the phone too. I brace myself for what's coming.
"We will look at your father's schedule and ensure that we are in Pittsburgh within the week. The social secretary will contact you with the dates."
With that last declarative sentence, my mother disconnects the phone.
I collapse back into the chair next to Sid still holding his hand. We're both silent for a few moments.
"That was, interesting" Sid says.
I look over at him and he has a wry smirk on his face. It makes me laugh, hard, and soon Sid is joining in with me. I can't believe that I'm here laughing like a loon when the full force of the Pennsylvania government, and my mother, will be raining down upon us within the week.
"You laugh now" I tell him. "She's serous you know? They will be here within the next week and then you'll be wondering why you ever got involved with me."
"No, I won't ever have to wonder why I'm with you. I am because I love you."
I feel my heart melt a little.
"Good because I love you" I tell him.
We each lean in and half way our lips meet.
"Good" he replies.
"So now what?" I ask.
"First, we both need to go to work and then tonight" he winks at me. "Tonight we have a date."
Oh my, a real date with Sid. The last five minutes melt away from my mind and I focus on tonight.
"Yes" I reply. "Tonight we have a date. What did you have in mind?"
"Unfortunately, this date also has a purpose so we'll be going out in public. There's a great Italian restaurant that I think you'll like."
"Anywhere with you I'll like" I tell him.
Oh my, I think Sid is actually blushing. I really need to thank Nathalie for this new found confidence.
"I don't know what has gotten into you but I'm enjoying it very much" Sid says and, with a tug, pulls me from my chair and onto his lap. "Very much."
His lips capture mine and I feel his hand creep under my shirt. His hand splays across my back pulling me closer and our kiss deepens quickly. We're both lost until we hear a knock on the door.
"Are you guys done?" Mario's voice comes through the door.
"Not nearly" Sid whispers and bites down on my ear lobe. "Yeah, we're coming."
I guess we need to go. The faster we go to work, finish work, and get home, the faster we'll be on our first official date.
Sidney
I'm actually nervous. I can't believe how nervous I am. I'm standing at her door waiting to knock holding a huge bouquet of flowers. Anna's an old fashion girl so she'll expect flowers, right? Am I overdressed? I took that tie off and on a dozen times. I decided to go without the tie but wore a suit. Ok, this is crazy. I just need to knock. It takes only a few minutes before Anna opens the door. Whatever I was going to say leaves my head and I can only stare at her.
The first thing I notice is that she's left her hair down and it hangs over her shoulders in large curls. Hot. Her eyes are dark and huge staring back at me. When I can finally take in her body, it takes me a while to completely take her all in. The neckline is high and doesn't show any cleavage and the hem is below her knees; but, she's never looked hotter. The silky material clings to every one of her curves in all the right ways. Her breasts press against the fabric perfectly and my hands actually itch to touch them. Her waist is small and her hips, holy hell those hips, now it's more than my hands responding to what I'm seeing.
"Sid?"
I don't know how many times Anna's said my name but I think it's a few times because she chuckles.
"Yeah, wow, sorry. Anna, wow" is all I manage.
"Thank you" she replies and moves to the side to let me pass. "You look really great Sid. I love this suit on you."
I smile at her reaction. I chose the right suit.
"Oh, here" I hand her the flowers.
"Oh they're beautiful Sid. Thank you. I'm just going to put these in water."
I couldn't answer her if I tried. When she turns, my eyes feast on the way the dress forms to her perfect ass. I'm literally rooted to the spot as she walks away and I don't snap out of my haze until she walks back into the living room with the vase full of flowers.
"They smell wonderful Sid. Thank you."
She puts the flowers on the coffee table and then returns to me. Her hands lightly lay on my arms as she gives me a light kiss.
"You smell wonderful too" she tells me and kisses me again.
I'm again struck by the change in her. I don't know what happened but she's different, a good different, and I'm looking forward to our date even more.
"Do you have a coat?" I ask her. "It's a little chilly out there."
She takes her coat from the closet and I help her into it. I pull her hair out of the collar and her natural smell that typifies Anna washes over me.
"You smell good too" I whisper in her ear and feel the chill run through her body.
It seems like I'm affecting her like she's affecting me.
We manage to leave the apartment without ripping each other's clothes off and down to my car easily.
"Do you like Italian food?" I ask her.
"Too much" she says and laughs.
"Well you're going to love this place. They make all of their own pasta, sauces, everything. Their seafood is incredible too" I tell her.
"Good, I'm hungry."
We're both quiet for a few minutes before Anna breaks the silence.
"What do you think is going to happen?" she asks me.
"You mean being out in public?"
"Yeah."
"I requested a specific table that is away from others but we'll definitely be seen by everyone in the restaurant. I guess someone will see us and take a picture. Or, when we leave, someone could recognize me. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't."
"If it doesn't then we'll just have to go out on another date."
"That would be horrible" I tell her in a sarcastic tone.
"We want it to happen tonight so that they can move on Meagan and this can be over."
"Yeah, you're right. Hey, did anything happen with her today? Did she bother you?"
"No" she replies. "She probably thinks that she's letting me stew and worry."
"How does someone become that much of a bitch?"
Anna chuckles and replies "it might be a gift. She does it really well."
"Have you heard from your parents?" I ask.
I've been wondering all day when they'll be coming to Pittsburgh. If that call was difficult, meeting them in person is going to be brutal. Maybe I should invite my parents down too. Oh God, are we ready for the parents to meet. We haven't been together that long.
"No but I expect to hear soon. I'm sorry that you're going to have to experience them. If you still love me after that then it really is love" she chuckles.
I pull up in front of the restaurant for valet, turn to Anna and take her hand.
"It is love Anna. Don't joke about that" I tell her.
"I'm sorry Sid. I really was kidding around. It's a comment on the nightmare that is my mother and not about you and me. I love you too."
"Good" I tell her and get out of the car.
I exchange my keys for a valet receipt and tip the guy then go around to Anna's side of the car. I love that she's the type of girl that waits for a guy to open the door for her. I never realized that I like that in a girl.
We hold hands all the way to the door but before we can enter, I hear it.
"Sid!"
"Sid!"
"Sid!"
The restaurant is in a really busy area and it is Friday night so the side walk is busy. I've been noticed. Anna tries to slip away but I hold her close to me and look at her.
"Oh yeah" she whispers.
"Hi guys" I say and turn to the few people standing around me.
I pose for pictures with those who ask but don't let go of Anna's hand so that she gets into a few a few of them, which we'd both usually avoid but will work to our favour given the goal of this 'date.' Maybe since this is out of the way we can enjoy our date and forget about trying to get our picture taken.
"Are you Sid's girlfriend?"
I hear this question from a girl beside Anna and don't wait for Anna to answer.
"Yes, she is" I answer with a smile, wait a beat and then walk to the restaurant door with Anna.
When we get inside, both Anna and I pause and take a deep breath. Noticing this, we look at each other and chuckle.
"I hope that means we can enjoy our evening" Anna echoes my earlier thoughts.
"Let's decide to do just that" I tell her. "Forget everyone and everything else and focus on each other. Ok?"
Anna smiles and says "ok."
Hand in hand we walk further into the restaurant and the hostess greets us. I give her my name for the reservation and she smiles and seats us immediately.
When we're alone at our table, I reach over and take Anna's hand in mine and kiss it.
"I love when you do that" she tells me and then her cheeks pink.
"Good, because it's the only way that I can taste your gorgeous skin in public" I tell her. "I may do it often."
Anna's pink cheeks quickly deepen.
"You can't say things like that when we're out" she tells me.
I watch her physically squirm in her chair and re-cross her legs. This could be fun. It is so fucking hot to see how I affect her and knowing that it's the same as she affects me. I've been trying to keep my semi down since she opened her door to me and I saw her in this hot as hell dress.
It is simply exhilarating to be this free in public with how I feel for Anna. I'll have to be more circumspect when we're at Consol but it's nice to not worry about who might see and what that will mean.
The waiter arrives, tells us the specials and then asks what we want to drink.
"Wine?" I ask Anna.
"Yes, please" she says with a smile.
I look over the wine list and quickly pick out a Chianti. The waiter leaves and I turn my attention back to Anna noticing that she's staring at me.
"What?" I ask.
She pinks up again and replies "I just like looking at you. You really are handsome you know."
Now it's my turn to be embarrassed. I'm also curious.
"What's come over you?" I ask.
Anna frowns and asks "what do you mean?"
"Nothing bad" I quickly reassure. "You just seem different, I don't know, more open I guess."
"Oh" she looks down at our hands. "Yeah, I guess, I don't know. I feel more open."
"No need to explain. It's just nice to see you like this, feel you like this, and I can't wait to see how 'open' you are later."
Now Anna really blushes but we're interrupted by the waiter before I can say anything more. We go through the process of me tasting the wine and then he pours Anna then me a glass.
"It's delicious" Anna tells me. "Good choice. I guess we should look at the menu."
"I guess so."
Neither of us moves until Anna chuckles, pulls her hand from mine and opens her menu. I laugh and do the same. After we've ordered our dinner, I pick her hand up again. It's strange but I have a compulsion to keep touching Anna. It's not even in a sexual way. I simply need to have the physical connection.
I don't want to break the light hearted moment but I really need to know something.
"So" I begin. "What's going to happen when you're parents get here?"
"I suspect my mother will want to see me alone and I'll be lectured about keeping secrets, suitable dates, the effect both have on my father's career etc. I know what you're going to say" Anna says before I can open my mouth. "Sid, I think I should talk to them first. You may want to be there but my mother would see it as disrespectful if I didn't go alone first and I really don't want to start their visit in a negative way. Let me lay some ground work with them and then you could meet us."
I want to argue, disagree, vehemently, but Anna's look is pleading with me to understand. I guess I do understand even if I don't like it and she is including me after that meeting.
"Ok" I tell her begrudgingly. "I understand. As long as I can meet you guys directly afterward then I'll agree."
Anna's frown smooths and she smiles.
"Thank you Sid. It will be best. As to what you should expect; probably more of what we experienced on the phone; although I've never been in this situation before. I'm walking as blindly as you are at this point."
She stops talking and her lips purse like she's trying to figure out how to say something.
"Just say it Anna."
"The one thing I know that they'll ask, that my mother will ask, is what your intentions are?"
"Intentions?"
Now she looks really uncomfortable. What does she mean by 'intentions'?
"It's an old fashioned way of asking if we're going to get married" Anna says very quickly.
Oh. Um, oh.
"Oh" is all I can say since it's all I can think.
"Sid I'm not asking if we're going to get married nor am I suggesting that we should. All I'm saying is that my mother is going to ask and we should have an answer."
"Oh."
"Really Sid. You don't need worry about this at all. Simply say that we are in a monogamous relationship and that we're serious." She pauses. "That is if you think we're serious."
I break out of my haze and Anna's doubt breaks in.
"Anna, of course we're monogamous and serious."
She smiles that beautiful, loving smile that always warms my heart.
"Good" she says. "Then that's all I'd say. We haven't been together long enough to have even discussed the rest. We're still getting to know each other."
"Ok, good" I reply. "It's not like I'm saying we wouldn't ever get married it's just we really haven't, you know, been together that long, and, well, you know."
I'm doing this quite badly. I think the word 'marriage' has really rattled me. I definitely want to get married and have a family but I'm nowhere near thinking about that now or in the near future.
"Sid, really, I just want you prepared for the question. I'm not asking it" she squeezes my hand. "I don't need any more right now than knowing that you love me. I want to enjoy that for a while."
"So do I."
Our appetizers come and I realize that I'm starving. We both dig in and conversation turns to the upcoming road trip next week in Canada. The rest of the evening flies by. It's so easy to be with Anna. We talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company. It's a nice, really nice.
We walk out of the restaurant arm in arm. Thankfully, no one recognizes us and my car is waiting. It takes us no time to be on our way.
"Your place or mine?" I ask her with a lascivious tone.
Anna places a hand on my thigh and slides it up, slowly, until she's cupping me.
"Which one is closer?" she asks.
Yeah, we definitely need the closest.
Author's Note
I would LOVE to know what you think of this chapter. It took a little while to get just right and, yeah, you're right. It isn't going to be that easy to get rid of Meagan.
This is going to be my last chapter for about two weeks. I'm going on a much deserved vacation. Going to Florida and I have tickets to the Pens game there. Can't wait to see me some Sid live.
Shayla