***Author's note: Thank you everyone for the great support on the new story. I have done some brainstorming and altering to my vision of this story. Going to move a little slower than I expected, but hoping its worth it to create some depth and experience for Sidney and Caroline. Your reviews and two wins in a row are giving me great motivation!***

"You what?" Sara exclaimed causing a slight scene during the lunch rush of Hop Sing's in downtown Pittsburgh. Nearby diners looked over with a mix of irritation and curiosity. Caroline was not in the mood for any attention drawn to her or this conversation, which she should have done in private and not in the usual lunch spot for the two friends.

"Shhhh, geez Sara, I don't need the whole restaurant knowing my business." Caroline chastised her friend. Caroline had spent the past few months maneuvering through her new found celebrity and learning how to maintain her low profile. Unfortunately, Sara didn't know the meaning of low profile.

"Sweetie, the whole city knows your business, remember?" Sara replied with an irritatingly knowing look.

"Well, I don't need to add any fuel to the fire and this is a big deal." Caroline said sadly.

"Sorry, sorry, I know." Sara replied, her voice now much quieter. "I just…I just can't believe you said no. Caroline, what were you thinking?"

Caroline found herself growing more and more defensive. "I…well…it's only been three months! I mean that is way too short of time to be ready to marry someone. There are so many things I don't know about. Like what does he do when he's not playing? Does he still live here? Does he live in Canada? Would I have to go live in Canada? Does he want children, how many and how would we raise them? Would they be Canadian? I don't even know what his political beliefs are, does he even vote? And then there is…the money. I don't know how to deal with the money situation. I don't want to be dependant on him. And what if it doesn't work out? What if…what if things change and he doesn't want to do this anymore? Once we are married, that's it. I don't want to be divorced. And I haven't even met his sister or his grandparents or his dog! And then there's—"

"Caroline! Caroline, take a breath." Sara cut in. "You are all over the place. You need to relax. Did you talk to him about any of these things?"

Caroline took a few deep breaths. "Yeah, a little. But, it has just been so awkward the past few weeks and well I don't know how to fix it," she finished miserably.

She wasn't even going to tell Sara about the proposal but after the week she had had, Caroline couldn't keep it in any longer. To be honest the past few weeks had been rough. She and Sid seemed so disconnected. He had insisted he wasn't angry but he just feel so out of reach. It didn't help matters that he was nearing the end of the season and the playoffs were just a week away. A series of road trips had kept the two apart quite a bit. For Caroline, she had just recently been asked to head a new project at the elementary school. Garfield Elementary was becoming an International school. It was a great opportunity for the Title 1 School and its students. Based on the proposal Caroline and the committee put forward, the school would be paired with a grade school in Portugal to be their sister school. Activities like Skype sessions, pen pal programs and country studies would enhance the children's understanding of a world beyond Pittsburgh and Caroline was really excited to be part of it. But the project was taking up a lot more time than she had expected. They had only seen each other a handful of times and even then it seemed like Caroline was always saying the wrong thing or Sid was distracted with something hockey related and wasn't even listening to what she was saying. Caroline tried not to get frustrated. She knew the next month or (hopefully) two would be super hectic and that it was all part of the package, nevertheless the already tenuous relationship was becoming more and more strained.

"Do you love him?" Sara's question broke Caroline's distracted thoughts.

"What? Yes, yes. Of course I do." Caroline said quickly. She paused however on the next part. "The thing is well, we haven't…you know, since the proposal." Caroline's face went totally crimson as she confessed the very intimate detail to her friend.

Sara's eyes widened a bit and her chunk of sweet and sour shrimp landed back onto the plate with a light plop. "Really?" Caroline hadn't wanted to have this conversation. But the truth was she was worried. Sid had been somewhat cool the night they had gotten back from the Woodlands. After dinner they watched a movie, sitting close but not snuggling like they usually did. When the movie had ended, Sid had announced he had early practice and that she should probably get going. Caroline didn't have the nerve to argue, so she had acted like she totally understood and standing up on her tiptoes pressed her lips lightly to the corner of his mouth. The next day had been a home game and a school night, she had gone to the game, but afterwards Sidney had wanted to go out with his teammates and friends. Caroline, having school the next day had declined his lackluster invitation. It had been the same story for the past few weeks. Late nights with teammates, early morning practices, always something. Caroline wasn't stupid, she knew he was holding her at an arm's length. It made her sad and anxious but she knew for Sid it was a mix between hurt ego and self preservation.

But she wasn't telling the whole truth to Sara. They had…once, sort of.

Last night.

But instead of making her feel better about everything, it had made her feel worse. Sid had invited her out for a night with his teammates and significant others. They were going to some chichi place downtown for dinner. She was supposed to be at Sid's by 8 o'clock but had already promised to meet up with the cultural diversity committee after school to work on the final details of the proposal. Not wanting to make waves with Sidney, she had been convinced she could do both. Bringing her make up bag and a change of clothes, Caroline would get ready after her meeting and it would all work out. Of course it didn't work out that way. Caroline had thought there were just a few minor details that needed to be wrapped up before submitting the proposal, but the committee had other ideas. The group planned on going through the whole document with a fine toothed comb, ensuring they would be tied up into the late evening. Caroline, being the head couldn't just leave. She had underestimated the timing and now would pay the price. She had called Sid to tell him she was running late and asked if she could meet him at the restaurant, but he hadn't answered. She quickly sent him a text instead and put her phone away once she received quite a few dirty looks from the vice-principal and other committee members. It was almost 9 o' clock when she had finally gotten out of the meeting and was able to look at her phone. It was dead. No, no, no. Caroline groaned. Racing to Sid's place she prayed he was still there and they would still be able to make some of the dinner. This was a fancy crowd; they probably hadn't even eaten yet.

Red faced and out of breath she had reached Sid's penthouse in record time, taking the stairs two at a time. She knocked frantically and within moments the door opened. She was met with a stone faced Sidney dressed in track pants and a Penguins t-shirt.

"Hi, I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry." Caroline rushed out, hoping that the night was not lost.

"Do you know what time it is?" he bit out ushering her in.

"I know, I'm sorry. The meeting, it went longer than I expected. I'm really really sorry, we can still make it right?"

Sid gave a roll of his eyes and if Caroline hadn't been trying to stay on his good side she would have been annoyed by the gesture. "No, we can't. Forget it. It's not a big deal. I'm tired anyway, I'm just going to watch the Coyotes/Rangers game and…" he trailed off looking like he wanted nothing more to do with this conversation.

"I can watch with you," Caroline said quickly, reaching her hand out to touch his arm.

"It's ok Care, don't worry about it." Sid said dismissively and with a slight pout that Caroline refused to let get to her.

"No, really I would like to, please. I feel terrible about tonight. I can order us food and we can have a fun night in…it will be great really." Caroline insisted.

Sid finally relented and mumbled an ok. It was good enough for her. They settled in to watch the game and waited for Sid's favorite Thai takeout to arrive. A few hours later the nail biter of a game was halfway through the 3rd period. Caroline clad in a Rimouski t-shirt and a pair of Sid's basketball shorts rolled three times around the waist was pressed tightly up against Sidney. He had let her in closer than he had in weeks and she was grateful for the intimacy. His arm was pulled tight around her and Caroline was fighting the draw of sleep. It had been a long day…it had been a long week. But she hadn't stayed over at his place or he at hers in weeks and she didn't want to go home, not yet. At commercial her eyes had drifted shut for just a few seconds when she caught herself and woke back up with a start. Sid was looking down at her, a tender smile on his face…the first smile in a while.

"Hey," he murmured.

"I'm awake," Caroline said quickly, sitting up, not wanting the night to be over.

"You're exhausted Care" Sid replied.

"No, no I'm fine," she argued halfheartedly.

"You can go to my room…" he said tentatively and Caroline's heart leapt. They hadn't talked about their fractured relationship of late and she hadn't wanted to assume anything when he had given her the comfy clothes to change into to.

"Are you sure?" Caroline asked.

"Yeah, this is almost over. Get some rest," he looked at her for a long moment and for that moment Caroline felt some semblance of their affection alive in the look.

"Ok, thanks. I love you Sid." Caroline said softly extracting herself from him.

He drew her in for a brief second and dropped his lips to her forehead. "I love you too."

Caroline padded to the bedroom and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

She wasn't sure what time it was when she awoke. She felt something wet on her neck and couldn't figure out where it was coming from at first. Then she realized it was the heat of Sid's tongue as he pressed hot kisses to the slope of her neck. Sleepily her head worked to make sense of what was happening. The clock on his nightstand said 12:30. His body was hot and flush behind hers and she instinctively arched back against him.

"Sid…" she murmured.

"Shhh," he breathed hotly into her ear. His mouth went back to her neck as his hands came up and under her t-shirt to cup her breasts. He kissed and squeezed her flesh, as she pushed back up against him. It felt so good to feel his touch again. She had missed it…craved it. After just a few moments she felt his hands pull at the shorts and before she could turn into his arms and look at him and kiss him and show him how much she loved and missed him, he was inside of her. She was ready for him. His mouth and hands had gotten her aroused pretty quickly. But the tender and languorous love-making that she had longed for was not to be had. He pulled her tight and pumped into her methodically for a few minutes. She wiggled against him, desperate for the friction. His fingers moved between her legs and worked at her until a few minutes later they both found their completion. All in all it lasted about ten minutes, but it was something. Caroline turned towards Sid, seeking out his embrace, but instead he whispered for her to go back to sleep and pulled out of her. He rolled over and the sound of his breathing quickly evened into a deep sleep.

Caroline felt…empty.

The few moments of having him so close had felt more melancholy than anything else. It was almost…clinical, methodical. It lacked the love and intimacy that she treasured so much. It was just enough for him to be satisfied without anything getting resolved. Caroline lay awake for a long time. In the morning she had woken and he was gone from the bed. He had left her a note that he had an early practice and that he would see her later at the game. She swallowed the disappointment and gathered her things and left. The distance between them seemed bigger than ever. The drive home she had called Sara to meet for lunch and now here they were. But Caroline could not and would not tell her about last night. It just was too personal. It was as if it had never happened and she would treat it as such.

"So nothing for two weeks?" Sara whispered leaning forward.

Caroline just shook her head sadly. "No and I know he's hurt about what happened and he's just taking time to figure it all out, but I mean, I just don't understand how he doesn't get it. Why would he want to get married so quickly? I'm sure there are a million things about me he doesn't know. How can he be so certain?" Caroline wondered aloud.

Sara gave a small smile, "Love. He loves you. That's all he needs. That's all you need, as the Beatles would say. You are allowed to have your questions and uncertainties but they will get figured out as long as you remember how much you mean to one another and communicate. Seriously Caz, you need to talk to him. About all of it. He obviously thinks the world of you…now please you have got to tell me all about the ring."

Caroline drove home from lunch feeling somewhat better. It was the end of March. The season would be finishing up at home and Caroline's spring break had started. She would have a lot more time and with Sidney in town things would be better.

They had to.

The energy at the Consol arena was palpable. The team was entering its final week of regulation play and the Penguins were fighting for first in their division and first seed in the playoffs. First seed guaranteed home ice and playing the eighth seed which was Tampa Bay, whom the Penguins had beaten in every outing this year. This Saturday night they were playing the rival Flyers, who were nipping at the Penguins heels in second place. As Caroline made her way to the section reserved just for family and friends, she was determined to put her best foot forward in all of this. The conversation with Sara had given her new hope. She and Sid loved each other. They were important to one another. They would make the time and talk it all out. Now that the first phase of the proposal was done, she had a lot more time to spend with him and work at getting the relationship to where it used to be. With a smile on her face, Caroline made her way towards her usual seat, until she heard someone calling her name. It wasn't uncommon for her to hear her name being called in the arena, but this voice was familiar. Caroline turned to look a few rows down and saw the friendly face of Nathalie Lemieux, along with a girl that looked oddly familiar. Nathalie was gesturing wildly that Caroline come join them, which surprised her. Normally Nathalie was entertaining visitors left and right or she was sitting with the children, nonetheless, Caroline changed directions and worked her way towards the owner's wife. Nathalie had her daughters to the left of her and the familiar girl to her right. Next to her was an empty seat. As Caroline got closer and closer the familiar face became clearer and for a moment it was almost staring into the face of Sidney.

"Caroline, there you are! We were wondering when you were going to join us!" Nathalie said enthusiastically.

Caroline just stared dumbly, wracking her brain to remember some conversation that took place that explained all this. Because what it looked like was that Taylor Crosby was in Pittsburgh and Sidney hadn't had the time or the courtesy to tell her.

"Hi," Caroline said shakily, trying not to let on how gob smacked she really was. Settling herself into the seat next to the young girl, Caroline stuck out her hand and put on her most winning smile. She would not let this get to her. "It's so nice to meet you finally. I have heard so much about you."

Taylor said hello and returned the handshake. She looked so much like Sid, Caroline marveled. Taylor was wearing the white and red Olympic jersey of Sid's, along with jeans and boots. Her hair was dirty blond with some streaks of darker colors scatter beneath. She looked like your typical teenager, except with a world famous brother. Even the smile was all Sid.

"He didn't tell you I was coming," Taylor said smiling, her voice loud over the crowd as the noise in the Consol grew exponentially.

As the players took the ice, Caroline gave a weak smile. "He's been really busy," she shouted loyal to the end, not wanting to make Sid look bad.

Taylor just gave a look that Caroline had seen on Sid's face a number of times. "Don't worry, I'm not surprised, that is my brother for you." she shouted in return.

Caroline wasn't quite sure what that meant, although with how things were lately she had somewhat of an idea. Nevertheless, Caroline gave Taylor a light squeeze on the arm and shouted once more, "Well, I'm so glad you're here." Although the last part was lost in the roar of the crowd as 87 and finally 71 took the ice.

The game was extremely fast paced and physical. Caroline watched Sid get into shoving match after shoving match, each altercation rising in intensity. It wasn't her favorite part of the game, but she was grateful that Sidney had back up every time a Flyer got too rough. Caroline made small talk with Taylor during the intermission and learned that the girl would be visiting for her spring break. She had gotten into town earlier this afternoon and would be staying until next Saturday.

So much for that quality time. Caroline thought ruefully and selfishly. Taylor was very personable and friendly, although she spent a lot of time on her cell phone. She confided to Caroline during the second intermission that she was dating a defenseman on Shattuck's boy's team and that things were, as she put it, "serious." Caroline wondered briefly if Sidney knew about this defenseman. As the second intermission came to a close, Caroline listened to Taylor go on and on about the activities she and Sidney had planned. A Pirates game in the owner's box, dinner at some restaurant the Crosby family loved, movies Taylor wanted to see and of course attending all practices and games, with the chance of a few one on one sibling shootouts. Caroline felt childish but as she listened to all the events planned for Taylor and Sidney over the next week, she grew increasingly jealous. It was so stupid she thought as the prick of tears formed in the corners of her eyes. This was his sister. Who he probably only saw a handful of times a year. He saw Caroline constantly. There was no reason to be jealous. But Caroline couldn't help but feel like none of these upcoming plans included her. Not wanting to show Taylor how affected she was by the teenager's enthusiasm; Caroline excused herself at the start of the 3rd period to go to the bathroom and get a drink.

As she walked into the busy bathroom, she tried to be polite to the other women standing in line. She wasn't in the mood to play the part of congenial girlfriend, it was completely inappropriate that she was having this reaction, but the wedge between her and Sidney just seemed to be growing at a pace that scared her. As she came out of the bathroom, Caroline made her way back to the club level and to the semi private concession stand to wait patiently in line for a diet soda. She watched the TV in the corner of the stand and saw as Sid scored his third goal of the game. A hat trick. A freaking hat trick and she had missed it. Caroline shut her eyes for a long moment. Of course she had missed it. With everything going on, how could she be surprised?

The roar of the crowd swelled behind her as people darted out of line to run back into the arena to watch as thousands of hats floated onto the ice. Caroline knew she should follow, go back and watch as he celebrated the special feat, but she didn't. She was tired. The days of everything clicking and seeming so effortless seemed like a life time ago. The stars had completely misaligned themselves for Sidney and Caroline and it was all her fault.

"You should be out there," a voice spoke up. Caroline for a second thought it was just the sound of her conscience, but quickly realized there was someone behind her. She turned to see a woman she had never seen before. However, the lanyard and Penguins credentials hanging from her neck indicated that she was part of the organization.

"Cameron Spencer," the woman said, thrusting her hand out towards Caroline. Caroline looked down at the outstretched hand that was slender and well manicured. Bright red nail polish at the end of long tanned fingers. A giant diamond, surrounded by smaller but just as impressive diamonds surrounded her ring finger. Caroline shook Cameron's hand and looked at the woman before her. She looked like she should be on a television show about sassy high powered business women, who worked hard and played harder. She was slender and wore a high waisted black pencil skirt with a freshly pressed white dress shirt, the first few buttons undone to show off a generous swell of cleavage. Her legs were bare, but tanned in a way that was completely unnatural for Pittsburgh in March. And she wore the tallest stiletto heels Caroline had ever seen. Her make up was heavy, but not tasteless, in fact, she was very very beautiful. Sharp features, pouty lips covered in shiny red lipstick that only seemed to accentuate her very large straight white teeth. She had long blond hair that flowed in layers, swishing around her shoulders like a Pantene commercial. Her eyes were crystal blue and sparkled with mischief as she took in Caroline. Caroline, with her hair up in a clip, wearing jeans and her Crosby sweater felt extremely plain and unsophisticated next to this Blake Lively lookalike.

"Hello, um, Caroline Reid." Caroline said with only an iota of the confidence Cameron seemed to exude.

"Silly, I know!" Cameron said with a fake smile plastered on her face. "Everyone knows who you are."

Caroline felt irritated, "I'm sorry, do we…have I met you before?" Caroline asked, stumbling over her words.

"Oh no! Excuse me, I just joined the organization a few weeks ago. I'm the new VP of media relations, with an emphasis on special projects." Cameron said with a twinge of arrogance.

Caroline had no idea what that meant, but assumed it meant Public Relations, this woman looked like she knew how to spin any story.

"I'm surprised Sid hasn't mentioned me. We just had the meeting to finalize the plans earlier this week. God, girl I have to say you have gotten yourself a good one. That man looks good enough to eat...if I wasn't engaged you'd have a competition on your hands." Cameron said with what Caroline could swear was a growl.

Caroline was completely taken aback, what was this? Where had this woman come from and why hadn't Sidney mentioned her. And meeting? Finalized plans?

"Thanks, yeah Sid's great. Um, I think I'm missing something. What plans?"

Cameron pretended to look surprised, but Caroline was no dope, she might be a bit naïve but she could read Cameron like a book.

"Oh he didn't tell you? Well the Penguins have hired me to do a number of in-depth pieces on the men who make this team click and of course the incredibly smoking hot captain is at the top of that list. Whoo, his story this year is PR gold. Slow start, great comeback, scandal in the locker room, scandal in his personal life and of course you at the center of all of it. We are going to be doing something like a documentary, all about Sidney Crosby and the comeback we all have been waiting for. We are going to document it all, all the way through the playoffs and hopefully up to the Stanley Cup. Interviews with Sidney and all the people close to him, on the road with the team, at home with the captain. Cameras everywhere! Honey, I am going to be eating and breathing your life over the next few weeks and we are going to become the best of friends!"

Caroline swallowed and felt extremely exposed and uncomfortable. What was this? Things were rocky. Not telling her about Taylor's visit was irritating but not that big of a deal. But this? No, there was no way he would agree to this without her consent or at least telling her about it. Caroline just stared dumbly at Cameron and a feeling of anger and dread grew in the pit of her stomach.

"Oh wow, ok, that sounds great." Caroline said with her own faked enthusiasm. There was no way she would let this woman see her sweat, but inside Caroline was a mess. She didn't want her and Sid's story all over the place, especially not in some sort of video or exposé. Things had finally settled down from all that. Despite the past month, things were calm around them. She didn't want this all stirred up again, especially not now. It didn't make sense. Why would he agree to this when the playoffs that were so important were about to start?

Suddenly Caroline was more than irritated, she was mad.

"Oh my, look at me, talking your ear off when you should be in there showing your support for Sid's…what is it, 9th hat trick of his career?" she gave a lecherous smile. "Don't worry it's my job to know all that, really to know everything that makes Sidney Crosby tick."

There was something about the way Cameron said tick that had Caroline's insides churning. If there was any relief to the strain of the relationship between Caroline and Sidney, it wasn't coming any time soon. And Caroline couldn't help but feel like she had to watch out for Cameron Spencer. She looked like she could eat Caroline for dinner and ever more so wanted to have Sidney for dessert. No matter what, Caroline wasn't going to let that happen. Stressed or not, Sidney was her boyfriend, her love and she wasn't going to lose that. Not now, not ever.

Caroline said a short goodbye and made her way back into the arena. Her mind was all over the place. Bruised ego or not, Sidney and she were going to have to talk.

And soon.