"You forgot didn't you?"

Caroline knew when Sara had called for the third time in a row exactly one minute after the final bell rang that she needed something important, which is why she was completely perplexed by the first words that came out of her best friend's mouth in the most exasperated of tones.

"I'm sorry?"

"I knew you'd forget. I mean I love you Caz, really I do, but I should have known. Ugh it's my own fault for not texting you earlier this week. But I didn't want to bother you with Sid coming back and of course you getting better. No pressure I said, she wouldn't forget I said, just let her heal and get settled and don't push. And now Shane's freaking out and if afraid James—"

As soon as Sara uttered Shane's name, Caroline knew what her friend was talking about, and Sara was absolutely right…she had forgotten.

Weeks ago Sara had invited Caroline and Sidney to a dinner party. Sara had caught Caroline just as she was going into the Andy Warhol museum with Taylor. Caroline hadn't had the time or focus to really listen to her friend as she talked a mile a minute about Shane's brother coming into town from Scranton to celebrate his birthday and how he was a big Pens fan. Sara told Caroline how exciting it would be for James to meet Sid and Caroline dumbly had just said sure, not realizing the day, time or if Sid could even make it. With everything going on since then, she hadn't even thought of it and to be honest she was a little miffed that Sara assumed it was a done deal.

"I'm sorry," Caroline repeated, only this time the words held an apology.

"You guys are coming though, I mean whatever, you forgot, but now, you can come right?" Sara was insistent and sounded a little frantic. Caroline could imagine the pressure Sara felt to pull this off for Shane. What little Caroline knew of Shane's family was that they were all extremely competitive with one another. Shane was one of four boys in his family and they were all sports freaks. For Shane, who was the youngest, giving his older brother the opportunity to meet such a star was huge and extremely important in their world. Caroline kicked herself for not remembering. She was feeling a little doubtful that Sid would be able to come.

He'd hurriedly kissed her goodbye this morning, just as her alarm had gone off. He had an early morning workout planned, along with hours of watching tape, meetings and practices as the team figured out strategy with their ever shrinking, injury laded squad. He'd been fuzzy on details for the evening, but she had promised to stay over at his house, since he without complaint had been crammed in her double sized bed for a few days now.

"I'll be there," Caroline promised her friend.

"And Sid?" Sara asked tentatively, needing to know but afraid to hear the answer.

"Let me call him, I'll call you right back." Caroline replied.

The phone rang for about five times until she heard his voice come over the line.

"Hey," his voice was warm but hurried.

"Hi, how's it going" Caroline asked cautiously.

"Eh, ok, busy. Trying to figure out some stuff, but watching tape from last night helped a lot. How are you?"

They chatted for a few moments, then Caroline posed her request.

"Sara just called me. She's having a dinner party tonight for Shane's brother who is in town. She asked me about it weeks ago but I forgot to tell you. Do you want to go?" She refrained telling him that not only was he expected there, he was the main attraction. It made her stomach hurt just to think about it.

"Oh Care," he started.

"It's ok," she interrupted, feeling awful. It was terrible timing.

"I would if I could," he replied, regret in his voice. "Really, I would. But I'm not sure how long I'll be here today and I just need some down—"

"Say no more," she said cheerfully, determined not to make him feel bad. "I'll tell Sara we can't make it. I know she will understand."

But Caroline was pretty sure she wouldn't understand. And Caroline was proven right about two minutes later when she called Sara back and got an earful from her friend.

"Caroline, please, I swear they won't bother him. He'll be treated like everyone else."

"Sara, I'm so sorry. He just has so much going on right now. He's overextended as it is."

Sara moaned into the phone, her voice became desperate, "What if you guys just came for cake? 30 minutes tops. Please Caroline, this would mean so much to Shane. Please please please?"

Caroline felt the lead weight form into her belly again. This was all her fault. She should have just told Sara no at the beginning. Caroline had no place "booking" her famous boyfriend as favors to her friends and they should know that. But listening to Sara plead with her and knowing all the support her friend had given her in the past (save for a few bumpy spots), Caroline knew she had to try.

"Ok, I'll call you back."

Caroline took a deep breath and pressed a few buttons. Seconds later he was back on the line.

"Hey, what's up?" Sid sounded more rushed than in the first call.

"Hi, sorry to bug you. The thing is, I sort of told Sara we could do this, weeks ago. Shane's brother is a huge Pens fan and is dying to meet you. I totally forgot and she understands completely that you have so many obligations, but what if we just went for dessert? We'd be in and out, real quick. Please Sid?"

"Care. I can't," his voice apologetic.

"Just cake, 30 minutes tops." Caroline pressed repeating the words of her friend.

"Caroline."

"C'mon it will be fun and I promise no one will bother yo—"

"I said no!" His voice was sharp, annoyed.

Caroline felt the corners of her eyes begin to prick. She didn't even want to do this and now he was yelling and pissed and she was getting emotional. Caroline didn't want Sid to know what effect his tone had on her, so she spoke quickly and softly.

"I'm sorry, I'll tell her no."

"I just…you know I said I would if I could," he said, exasperated with the conversation.

"I know."

"I gotta go. I love you." The hard edge was gone.

"I love you too," she replied quickly and ended the call.

Caroline sat for a few moments, then mustered up the courage to call Sara back. Just as she was about to make the call, a text popped up on her screen.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell, there's just a lot going on. Can you stop by the Consol in an hour or so? I can give you something for Shane's brother and hopefully that will help.

Caroline instantly felt better. She knew it was a lot to ask him, but part of her wished it hadn't been so difficult. He's her boyfriend, there's nothing wrong with dragging him to dinner parties and work events and whatever obligations that came up. That was what people did.

Stop it, she scolded herself. This was not the time to start wishing Sid was more available. He did everything within his power to make her happy and feel loved. So he couldn't go to Sara's dumb dinner party, just a few moments ago she didn't want to go either.

Sighing she dialed Sara's number and gave the bad news. Surprisingly, Sara took the news well, it helped that Caroline mentioned Sid was sending something special over to James and Caroline somehow found herself committed to attending the get together. Caroline hated that it felt like some sort of duty, so instead, she packed up her things and got herself excited for an evening of celebration with her best friend.

Sid tossed his phone into his gym back and leaned back into his locker cubby. 3:30 and it felt like barely anything had been accomplished today. He'd just gotten off the ice for the second time when he heard the buzz of his phone. He felt guilty about his conversation with Caroline. Truth be told, he was surprised she even asked him to go. She knew how hectic his life was right now. He barely had time to be with his family or her, how could he spend an evening with strangers who would just see him as the guy who couldn't get his team in check last night. He still had off day interviews to do, along with an afternoon workout and some PR stuff from the sponsors. It would be after seven by the time he got home. Then all he wanted to do was watch the Flyers-Bruins match up that had Flyers up 3-2 in the series. He hadn't meant to yell, she just wouldn't let it go. As soon as she mentioned that Shane's brother was a Pens fan, the mask of duty would have to slip on and he was just too tired for that. What he wanted was a hot shower and his favorite spot on the couch with Nicky's Thai takeout and Caroline curled up next to him. Taking a towel and clearing the sweat from his face, he reached for his phone and made a call over to the PR office. With the request made, he stripped down to his spandex and prepared for onslaught of reporters.

Not long later, he wandered into the team lounge and started chatting with some of the guys, as he waited for the package to come down from the front office. Suddenly he heard the familiar click clack of heels come noisily down the hall. He looked over to see Cameron walking towards him with a gift bag in hand. Her face brightened at the sight of him and he tried not to show feelings of annoyance by her arrival. He'd been hoping for one of the other girls to bring down the requested swag. Cameron made him feel irritated and short tempered, knowing whether intentional or not, she'd caused nothing but trouble since she'd arrived.

"Hey boys," Cameron said confidently as she strolled up the men. Sid tried not to groan, as he felt the eyes of the other guys on him.

The men gave grunts of acknowledgement, but Cameron gave no notice. She had her gaze fixed on Sidney. She handed him the gift bag filled with an array of items from the gift show and a Crosby jersey waiting to be signed by the captain. Sid accepted the parcel silently and Cameron flashed a look of uncertainty, her smile faltering for a brief second. Unable to deal with the awkwardness, Sid gave mumbled a thank you and turned back to the guys, dismissing her effectively.

But Cameron wasn't going anywhere.

"Sid?"

He turned back towards her and watched as her fingers worked quickly at the screen of her iPhone. She was all business.

"Yeah?" he asked speaking to her bent head.

She looked up. "Got a thing for you tomorrow. Let's see...4 o'clock here at the Consol. Make a wish kid. Cancer. Looks like..." her eyes scanned the email she'd pulled up. "Leukemia. Fourteen. Was on the hockey team at school, isn't playing anymore but helping the team out. Wanted to get some tips from his favorite player." She looked up at him. "Cute," she said like she hardly meant it.

Sid just stared at Cameron. She had to be kidding. Make a wish? During the playoffs? The most he could do was a meet and greet after practice, 10-15 minutes tops. He didn't do those sorts of things this time of year. He felt badly for the kid, but tomorrow of all days? No way. He had Caroline's dinner. He'd promised her. There was just no way.

"I can't," he said shortly.

Cameron looked surprised. "What?" she asked incredulously.

"I'm sorry, I really am, but I can't. Not in the post season. See if you can schedule him for the end of September." Sid turned back to his teammates, indicating he was done with the conversation.

"Sorry Sid, I can't. The kid's terminal. His dream is to meet you. You are really going to do this to kid who doesn't have more than a few months left?" her voice was tight.

Sid closed for his eyes for a moment. Then rolled his neck. This wasn't happening, he thought. Not tomorrow.

"Can they do next week?" he asked. There had to be another option.

Cameron shook her head, "Nope. They're coming from West Virginia. Tomorrow is the only day." She gave an unconvincing sympathetic look and Sid knew she was enjoying this.

"Why am I hearing about it now?" he nearly growled.

Cameron looked at him with wide eyes, "Email got lost. Sorry. He asked specifically for you. I already got the ok from Ray and Dan."

He clenched his jaw, then ran his hand through his hair. He couldn't say no. Not if Ray and Dan were expecting this. He was on shaky ground as it was. Sid did a calculation in his head. He could make it work. He could be out of here by 630. He would just have to meet Caroline at the dinner. It was downtown. It would work. It wasn't perfect but it would work.

"Fine," he bit out.

Cameron smiled widely, fakely.

"Great! I'll confirm. Thanks Sid!" she said happily and was off, bouncing back down the hall, her long blond hair bouncing behind her.

Grudgingly he turned back to the guys, who could only look at him with sympathy. Sid sighed and pulled out the jersey to sign. Caroline would be here in just a few minutes.

They met up in the back entry way to the Consol. She pulled up to the entrance and put the car in park, jumping out of the car to meet Sid who stood waiting with a black and gold bag. She was running late, but nevertheless was a little timid to approach him. Embarrassed of their conversation.

"Hi," she said quickly, her eyes locked on the bag.

"Hey," he replied, then reached out his arm, his long fingers finding her waist and pulling her close. He was still in part of his uniform she noticed and he smelled...sweaty. Sid's fingers played at her waist, squeezing her gently and she couldn't help but look up at him.

"I'm sorry Care," he said softly, his gaze locked on hers.

"It's no biggie," she said laughing nervously. "I don't mind representing the both of us."

"No, I mean, for snapping. I was a jerk." he pulled her to him and began to nuzzle his nose into her neck, his hand now secured around her waist.

He felt her melt under his hold and he knew he was forgiven. He kissed her neck and took in her fresh scent. Caroline's hands came up to his windbreaker covered arms and held onto him as she angled her neck to receive more of his ministrations. His mouth trailed towards hers and he kissed her gently.

She had to admit, he knew how to apologize. He smelled terrible but she didn't mind one bit. They kissed for a few seconds, neither looking to start something they weren't going to have the opportunity to finish. Eventually pulling back Caroline smiled up at Sid. "That almost makes up for ditching me tonight," she teased.

He was tempted to tell her about tomorrow, but he knew it would ruin the moment. So instead he gave her one final peck before releasing her and reluctantly saying goodbye.

She was the last to arrive at the party. Entering through the back door she was greeted by Sara, who was up to her elbows in stuffed manicotti. Sara held her arms out but elbows bent, careful not to get spaghetti sauce on her friend while giving her a hug.

"I'm so glad you could come." Sara said sincerely.

"I know I'm the less exciting of the pair," Caroline said sheepishly.

Sara gave a noise, "Not to me you aren't. I'm sorry about earlier. I was majorly stressed out and just wanted everything to be perfect. Shane and I talked, I shouldn't have pimped out your boyfriend. I'm sorry."

Caroline was used to being the one apologizing, that she was happy to be on the receiving end for a change.

"Oh Sara, I didn't think that." Yes I did, Caroline thought, but she continued. "I'm happy to be here. Everyone inside?" Caroline jerked her head in the direction of the living room.

Sara just gave a misty smile and nodded to her friend.

The party was all couples. James and his wife Paige, some work friends who brought their significant others and Howard and Tiffany, Sara's sort of bizarro neighbors. In total five couples...and her. Caroline was used to being the only person at these types of things, but only minutes into the conversations, she wished she had Sidney with her. Not that it would have been a normal interaction with him there, but nonetheless the conversation was just so...couplely. The group talked about their jobs and hobbies. Activities they'd taken up together. Sara's coworkers Brad and Naomi were taking dance lessons for their upcoming wedding, Howard and Tiffany were planning a summer trip to Costa Rica. Eventually the conversation turned to the Pens. The guys talked about the series score and the Penguins chances on Saturday's game, while the women seemed hesitant to say anything to Caroline, although they were bursting at the seams. Caroline tried to steer the direction to another topic, but Tiffany just couldn't keep her comments in anymore, "Do you know there are websites devoted just to the appreciation of Sid's ass?"

Caroline nearly choked on her glass of wine. The other girls looked appalled and gave Tiffany dirty looks.

"What? It's true. I mean that thing is huge."

Caroline just wanted to get swallowed up by the couch she sat on. She could feel her face flaming. Tiffany was right, it was abnormally huge, it fascinated her to watch whenever Sid would emerge from the bed naked. The entire lower part of his body was shaped ridiculously but it wasn't something she really talked to him about and it definitely wasn't going to be discussed right now. Luckily Paige was able to shift the conversation, although the direction she went wasn't much better.

"It must be madness right now for you guys," she said sympathetically but also with a tinge of curiosity.

Caroline felt all eyes on her.

"Yeah, it's very busy. But exciting too." She smiled the way she'd seen all the other WAGs smile when asked questions.

"I don't know if I could do it," Naomi replied.

She didn't like all the attention, but she knew this was part of her life now.

"It's hard," Caroline said truthfully. "It takes some getting used to, he's gone a lot. But when he's in town we see each other as much as any other couple…I think." Caroline assumed she saw Sid as much. All couples had jobs and schedules to juggle, that was life. They weren't so different.

"What it is like?" Tiffany asked, not interested in using any sort of tact. "Is it odd to watch him on the ice or TV and then have him right there in the flesh?" She shivered at her use of the word flesh.

Caroline's eyes darted to the kitchen, did Sara need help? Could she escape?

No sight of her friend, Caroline turned to inquiring women and tried to think of a blanket statement.

"It was strange at first, but now I'm used to it. He'd a wonderful person, gives so much to his family and friends, as well as, the public. I'm sure our relationship isn't much different than all of yours. I support him with the team and he is very supportive of my job and responsibilities. We do stuff that everyone does, go to the movies, make dinner, veg out. Sure it's tough worrying about losing games and pressure and what not, but Sid is pretty good at handling all of that. I'm sorry he couldn't come tonight, he really wanted to, but his schedule is packed." She concluded her little PR speech with a smile and hoped the conversation would end there. She would love to have him here, chatting and hanging out, but to talk about him, when he wasn't here, just seemed awkward and uncomfortable.

"And then you'll get to spend all summer with him?" Paige asked casually. "I bet you'll be happy when this is all over and you can actually have some uninterrupted time together."

Caroline wanted to say that she didn't know what was happening this summer. Everything was up in the air, it all depended on how far they went and even then he had commitments all summer long. She wanted to know where she fit in. She did want uninterrupted time with him. And there was that small part of her that wished he wasn't who he was, wished that he could come to things like this, that it wasn't a production every time they went out and that she didn't always have to compete with all of his other responsibilities. But she didn't say that, not to these people. Instead she just nodded and agreed politely.

James loved the jersey and the whole gift was a big hit. He asked Caroline to thank Sid for everything, including a pair of tickets to Game 1 of the next round.

She was happy to leave after the last gift was opened. Sara thanked her profusely and handed her a big chunk of cake for Caroline to take back to Sid. All in all it was a nice evening, even if she felt like she had just been a guest on The View.

She found him lounging on his bed when she came into his condo an hour later. Letting herself in, she'd wandered into the bedroom, and saw his eyes trained on the TV. His eyes moved to the doorway, he smiled widely. With one eye on the screen and another on her, he rose and approached her leisurely. "Sorry, I didn't here you come in. This game has me sucked in. About to go into overtime," he said, his gaze flickering to the TV for a moment as the Flyers scrambled to make one last shot before time ran out. A second later the buzzer went off and his gaze was back on her. "Sorry," he repeated, giving her an easy grin.

Caroline paid no mind and leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss.

"Cake," she said pushing the plate in between their bodies.

Sid's eyes lit up and he accepted it eagerly. Caroline toed of her shoes and fell back onto the bed, while Sid scooped up the sweet treat with his fingers, in three bites it was gone. She told him about the evening, leaving all the "girl talk" out of it.

After a few minutes, she bounded off the bed and crossed over to the dresser and prepared for bed. All she wanted to do was snuggle up with her boyfriend and watch hockey (yes, she could hardly believe it either).

Sid watched as Caroline peeled off her dress. Reaching behind she unclasped the bra and put the items in her overnight bag. He took in her bare back, the smooth unmarred skin that traveled down to her rounded bottom. Standing in only a pair of light pink panties, she reached into a drawer (not the second one) and pulled out a t-shirt. She slipped the cotton over her head and pulled her brown tresses up and into a ponytail, chatting away the whole time. She wandered into the attached bathroom and Sid listened as she washed her face and brushed her teeth. Finally she emerged, pink faced and fresh and in only a few strides bounced back into bed, diving into his side and taking up full residence. Sid's arm came around her and pulled her into him just as overtime was beginning.

When the game was over, the Flyers beating the Bruins almost eighteen minutes into overtime, Sid turned to Caroline and decided it was time to break the news.

"Care?" he asked, looking down at her half-mast eyes.

"Hmmm?" she asked absently, her check rubbing against his shirt.

"I gotta tell you something," his voiced laced with regret.

Caroline sat up and looked at him, worry instantly splashed on her face.

"What?"

The usually poised and well-spoken athlete all of a sudden was at a loss for words.

"Well, you see…"

She stared at him doe eyed. He really wished she wouldn't look at him that way.

Like a band aid, he thought.

"Something has come up for tomorrow. I can't get out of it."

Caroline's face showed a split second flash of confusion, then realization and then her whole face fell.

"You can't come," she said. Not a question.

"No, no, I can," he said quickly, reassuringly.

Her face instantly cleared. "Phew, ok," she smiled.

"But I'm going to be a little late and will have to meet you there."

"Oh," she replied. Then a few seconds later, "Alright."

"I'm really sorry, it's a Make a Wish visit. It's the only day they can do it." Sid said a little off balance by her response and feeling like he needed to explain himself.

"Make a wish? Like a final wish?" Caroline asked, her mind now on this new bit of information.

"Yeah, a boy from West Virginia. Cancer." Sid replied.

Caroline's face now filled with a new kind of worry, "He's dying?" she asked.

Sidney felt like they were really getting off point but answered her, "Yeah, leukemia. Wanted to hit some pucks with me."

She stared into the distance, "Wow," she breathed.

"You're not mad?" he asked incredulously.

Caroline looked surprised, "Mad? No. I mean that's a big deal, I understand totally. I mean I'm a little disappointed, I wish we could go together, but I can't blame the boy."

"I'll come straight over, I won't miss more than the first few minutes at most. I promise I will be there," he said solemnly.

Caroline smiled, "I know you will." Then looked sheepish. "Is it bad that you doing the make a wish thing kind of turns me on?"

Sid didn't laugh, more like guffawed. "Really?"

Caroline's face went red. "I'm a terrible person," she said biting at her lip.

"Hardly," he replied still chuckling, then pulled her into his arms. "Maybe," he said, his voice light and teasing, "There's another wish, I need to help come true."

Caroline's eyes danced. "With my favorite hockey player?" she asked breathlessly.

"Yep, I happen to have my schedule completely clear for the rest of the night," he replied grinning.

Caroline's face fell, "Evgeni Malkin was busy?"

Sid stopped for a second and stared. Caroline burst into laughter, "I'm kidding," she shouted, but it was too late. Caroline was pinned beneath him, his fingers at her sides, torturing her instantly. She squealed and laughed, unable to handle the tickling. Lucky for her they quickly turned to something else and all thoughts of nosy party guests and sick kids left her mind, as all her wishes really did come true.

***Author's note: So so so so soooo sorry about how long this update was. I've had some life changing stuff happen over the last few weeks, good stuff, so I have been super busy with all that. I am moving back up north in a few weeks and life is going to be very hectic. I hate to say it, but I don't want to leave people hanging with this story…it will probably be a while until I can update again. I will try to use spare moments to keep writing, but Im not sure how often that will be. Please know I will not give up on this story, even though it seems to be moving very slowly. I am super excited about the move and my new job and the fact that I will be only a few hours from Sid and the gang, but am sorry the story will have to move to the back burner a bit. Thank you everyone for sticking with me and reading. As always your feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Go Pens!***