While I didn't intend for this to happen, I can't find myself upset to have Cat in my arms and wrapped around me. She's so small that she fits entirely on my lap. I feel Cat's warm skin of her lower back with my fingers when I sense the change. Cat immediately stiffens and we break our kiss. Cat quickly slides off of my lap and onto the sofa beside me. I try desperately to control my heart rate, not to mention other parts of my body, and I'm not having much luck.

"I'm sorry Sid" Cat says.

I quickly reply "there's nothing to be sorry for Cat."

When I look at Cat, her face is bright red. Is she embarrassed?

"Ok but I am sorry Sid. It's not that I wanted to stop but Lizzy is in the next room. I don't usually have men over and wouldn't want Lizzy to …" she stops there.

Fuck. I forgot all about Lizzy sleeping in the bedroom. Of course Cat wants to stop. She's a mom and thinks about her daughter first. We also did just meet. We both let it get out of hand but I'm definitely having trouble getting back in control.

"I understand Cat, really. Um, I'm just going to use the washroom" I tell her and quickly head there.

I saw it taking Lizzy back to her bedroom and take refuge there now. Splashing some cold water on my face helps and I feel 'things' returning to normal. Now it's going to be awkward. What do I say? Should I leave?

After heading back into the living room, I notice that Cat is where I left her and she's sipping her juice. When she sees me, Cat smiles and I feel better; looks like it's ok. I sit beside her again.

"Everything ok?" she asks me.

I look over at Cat and see a humourous gleam in her eyes. She knows exactly why I went so quickly to the washroom. Looks like she's not all sweet and innocence after all; it makes me smile.

I notice that the Bruins/Rangers game is on the TV. I look at Cat and I guess she can tell I'm wondering why she turned it on.

"Ok Sid, I have to admit that I know nothing, less than nothing really, about hockey.

I look at Cat skeptically but she seems very earnest.

"Would you tell me about the game" she's asks me. "I have a feeling that I might be watching more hockey games in the future."

She's flirting with me again. Ok, so I didn't read the situation wrong. She's interested and we were just moving too fast. I guess we really have only seen each other two or three times. Who am I kidding? I know that this is the fourth time. I remember every time and every moment of our time together.

"So, will you?" she asks.

I know a smile breaks out over my face.

"If you're sure, yeah" I reply.

We both settle into the sofa again and I see the game is starting back for the second period from intermission. First I explain the positions. She asks which won I play and then if the 'C' on my sweater is for centre. When I tell her that I'm the captain, she doesn't heap praise on me like most do. Instead she asks questions about responsibilities, how captains are chosen and why I was chosen. I've never been asked why I was chosen before. Everyone usually knows why. I like how this is all new to Cat. I move on to talk about the lines on the ice and some of the most used rules and penalties. Explaining icing is harder. Next season they're thinking of testing hybrid icing which will be much better for the game.

We settle back to watch the game when Cat understands most of what's going on. I love how she emotes every time there is a hard hit. A particularly hard one, but clean, has one guy falling to the ice and he doesn't get up right away. They blow the play dead and the trainer comes out to see to the player. It's Brad Richards so the Rangers are definitely nervous.

"Is he ok" Cat asks me.

I don't reply right away because I'm preoccupied by the way she's linked her arm with mine and is pressed up against my side.

I bring my attention back to the game and see that Richards is still on the ice.

"It looks like he is. The trainer is keeping him on the ice right now to run through all of the things that could be wrong. When they've eliminated everything then they'll let him get up."

No sooner do I say this then Richards is getting up and skating off the ice.

"He's going to the bench so he's fine. It was a hard hit so he's shaken up but he'll be fine; most likely bruised a bit but fine" I tell her.

Not twenty seconds later, Asham, who used to play for the Pens, decides to take action for the hit and picks a fight with Marchand who laid out the hit on Richards. The fight is active and brutal. Both of them have done this before and know exactly how to damage their opponent.

"Why are they fighting? Are you allowed to fight? Have you been in a fight?" Cat runs all of her questions together.

"They're fighting because the Bruins hurt one of the Rangers' key guys." I tell her.

"Oh, so they're sticking up for their team mate."

"Yep" I respond.

"Have you ever been in a fight?" She asks me.

"A couple but it's not something I have a lot of experience with; only a few times in my entire career." I glance at Cat and her brow is furrowed. Oh oh, what does this mean?

"Did you win?" She asks.

I can't help but chuckle. She doesn't chastise me but instead wants to know if I won. "It's hard to tell in fights sometimes but no one has ever knocked me down first."

Cat smiles and then says "good."

We go back to watching the game. I slip Cat's hand into mine and she laces our fingers while laying her head on my shoulder. The game goes into intermission and they start talking about teams around the league. When they bring up the Pens, film of our last game and one of my goals is highlighted.

"Oh, there you are Sid!"

I can't help but chuckle when she cheers at my goal. She saw it live but it's like she's watching it for the first time. It's really sweet.

"They show you a lot when they talk about the Penguins" she says.

Hmm ... "How do you know that they show me a lot?" I ask her.

She looks slightly embarrassed with a red tinge to her cheeks. I watch her bite her bottom lip before she answers.

"Ok, fine. Since we met, I've been watching the news as often as I can to see the game highlights. Roots also has a show on about the team after your games." Cat admits.

It's really sweet. I lean down and kiss her cheek.

"Thank you" I reply.

"For what?" She asks.

"For being honest and really cute too."

She turns toward me and kisses my lips softly. As the next intermission begins, I notice that Cat begins to yawn. That's when I remember what Miss Sally said about how much Cat's been working.

"I should get going" I tell her and rise from the sofa.

As I rise, I keep Cat's hand in mine and we walk to the door like that, hand in hand. I have to let go to put my coat on but then I take both of her hands in mine. As I look into Cat's eyes, I know that something shifted tonight. It might have been when I was scaring away Lizzie's 'munster,' or when we shared that searing kiss. It could have even been when we were simply watching the game and holding hands. All I know for sure is that I want to know this girl, everything about her, including her daughter. Lizzie has a strong hold on my heart and her mom isn't far behind.

I lean down, a ways down given how short Cat is, and take her lips softly with mine. The kiss feels incredibly sweet and full of promises I didn't know I wanted.

When we part, I say "I'd like to see you again."

Cat smiles slowly until she's grinning at me.

"I'd like that too."

Now I know that my grin matches hers. She wants to see me again too.

"Give me your phone" she says and I unlock it then hand it to her. I watch as she types into the phone and then hands it back to me. It simply says 'Cat' and her phone number.

"Goodnight" I tell her and indulge in on last, soft kiss.

"Goodnight Sid" she responds.

I can't help the smile I feel pull at my lips again. This was an unexpected and wonderful evening. The whole drive home I replay every moment over in my head. She seemed to like the game when I explained it to her. Actually, Cat asked some really great questions and wanted to know as much as possible about the game. Siting there side by side on the sofa, her small hand in mine, was both comfortable and exciting. I can't seem to forget the feel of Cat in my arms with our lips locked either.

I'm at my apartment before I know it. For the thousandth time, I can't wait until my house is done. I finally found land that was perfect and then tore down the current structure and built my dream house. It was a surprise to me how much I've enjoyed being involved in selecting every aspect of my new home. I wonder what Cat would think of it? Holy shit, where did that come from? Definitely getting ahead of myself there.

I realize that I'm tired too as I pull into my spot underground. The apartment was a good idea while I wait for the house. It was past time to leave the Lemieux's too.

It isn't until I grab my bag from the trunk that I realize that I forgot all about my reason for originally seeking out Cat. The big, stuffed Iceberg smiles up at me. I forgot about bringing it in when we got to her apartment. Oh well, I guess I'll definitely have to call and see her again.

Up in my living room, I settle in front of the TV to watch the end of the Rangers/Bruins game. With a shortened season, every little game matters. At the commercial, I pull out my phone to text Cat.

'You awake?' I send.

A few seconds later I hear back.

'Yeah'

'What are you doing?' I ask.

'Watching the end of that game. You?'

'Me too'

Then nothing for a few moments.

'I feel like I should ask what you're wearing?' I text. Oh God! Did I really just say that to here? How do I take it back?

'You'd be disappointed. Tattered, comfy robe. What about you.'

I chuckle. She has a great sense of humour.

'Haven't changed' I tell her.

'Good, don't change, I like you the way you are.'

It takes me a few moments to realize what she's said. She turned 'changing clothes' to 'changing me.' Ok, she has a really great sense of humour.

'Ahahahaha' I reply.

Another few moments go by.

'I forgot to give you something' I tell her.

'Something?' she asks.

'Something for Lizzie actually. I have the large stuffed Iceberg for her. She was supposed to get it at the game.'

'Awe, thanks Sid. That's sweet. You'll spoil her.'

'No I won't' I respond

'A little spoil is ok' she tells me.

'Good because she's too cute not to spoil.'

We're both quiet again. The game ends and I receive a text.

'I'm going to bed. Goodnight Sid'

'Goodnight Cat'

I already feel the need to call her, talk to her again. I turn the lights off in the living room and head down the hall. When I get my schedule for the week, I'll definitely have to figure out when I can see Cat again.

All Lizzy could talk about over breakfast was Sid. He is her hero now for scaring away the monsters in the closet. That makes me feel uneasy and worried. I haven't even had a date since I learned that I was pregnant. Lizzy has had men in her life, at the Centre and the diner, but never in our home. I've never had to worry about this before; it was simple because I didn't date. What if Lizzy gets used to having Sid around, we date for a while, and then we break up? It's not just me who is affected. Lizzy's little heart would break. Is it worth going through all of that when it could hurt my daughter? What on earth is the likelihood had Sidney Crosby would actually want a life with a waitress and single mother? None, that's the likelihood. Of course he was incredibly sweet with Lizzy. He was also wonderful with me too. I'm in unfamiliar and scary ground now. How do you date as a mom? How do you date Sidney Crosby?

"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"

Lizzy brings me out of my thoughts.

"Yes sweetie" I reply.

"Whens Sidwee coming back?" She asks.

Shit, she's only seen him a few times and she's already asking after him. How can I squelch her question when I'm wondering the same thing? I took so many parenting classes at the Centre. How come they didn't teach me how to date too?

"I don't know Lizzy. We'll have to see."

I look at my daughter now and there's the bottom lip sticking out and quivering. I'm exhausted since I went to bed so late, after a double shift, and Lizzy woke me up so early. I really don't have the patience to handle a tantrum.

"We can watch him on TV tonight" I tell her. Sid said he was playing tonight; at least I hope it's tonight.

"TV?" She asks me.

"Yeah, we can see him play hockey on TV."

This makes her think. At least she isn't considering the meltdown anymore.

"Toons" she tells me.

"Yes, you can watch cartoons. You ate all of your breakfast, good girl."

Lizzy smiles at me, grabs her penguin and goes to the living room. I hear the TV turn on. I always leave it on her favourite channel since she knows how to turn the TV but not change the channels. We're having trouble with eating breakfast so I had to take away morning cartoons if she doesn't eat. Yep, the threes truly have been more horrible than the twos.

I find myself sighing into my coffee. I may have avoided a tantrum but I still don't know what to do about Sid. It's interesting that I don't doubt if I want to see Sid again. This is the first man I've wanted to spend time enough to figure out how to do it. I sigh again which turns into a yawn. I definitely need more sleep. It's my day off but that doesn't matter when you have a three year old. Maybe she'll want a nap or will fall asleep watching cartoons.

My phone vibrates and I grab it hoping it's Sid. It is and I actually giggle. Wow, it's been a long time since I found myself giggling, especially over a man.

'Good morning. Are you awake?' he texts.

'Of course I am, I have a three year old'

'Hahaha yeah, I would guess so'

'What are you up to' I ask him.

'Have a morning skate and then the game tonight'

'Lizzy's excited to watch you tonight'

'Come to the game' he tells me.

'Can't, too late for a three year old. We are only going to watch the first thirty minutes.'

'How about lunch?' he asks me.

What am I going to say? I still haven't figured out what to do and now Sid's inviting me, or us, for lunch. What am I going to say? Sid beats me to it.

'You're taking a while to respond. Problem?'

That one word, 'problem,' holds so much meaning. Yes there's a problem. I don't know what to say or do.

'Cat?'

I have to say something.

'Yeah, I'm here.'

'What's wrong?'

'Nothing is wrong. I just don't know what to do.'

'About what, me?'

'Yes' oh boy, did I really say/type that to him.

'If you don't want to go out with me Cat, I'll be ok. Just be honest.'

'I want to go out with you Sid. It's just hard to figure out'

'What's hard to figure out? If you like me?'

Ok, now he doubts that I like him.

'Sid, I like you and want to see you again but I have more to think about than just me'

'Lizzy?'

'Yeah'

'I understand. What do we do now?'

'I don't know'

'What have you done with other guys you've dated?'

How do I answer that one? He's been so sweet that I owe him honesty.

'I don't really date Sid'

Now it's his turn to be really quiet. Maybe I freaked him out with that admission.

'Sid?'

'Yeah'

'Now you're the quiet one'

'You don't date?'

'Not since I've had Lizzy. Between work and trying to be a good mom I haven't really had time'

He's quiet again so I text 'Sid?'

'Yeah, so why did you agree to go out with me'

Oh boy.

'I like you' I admit

'Oh, I like you to. So, lunch?'

My instincts have worked well so far. Maybe I should keep going with them.

'Ok, I'd like to have lunch with you' I text.

'Good, pick you up at noon?'

'Great, I'll see you then'

'Great'

Oh boy, I'm really getting in deep now. We're going to lunch. I guess lunch is innocuous. It's friendly; lunch. Maybe if I keep thinking that way then I'll believe it. Deep down I know that nothing between me and Sid will be innocuous. Wow, it's only been three or four times that I've seen him and I already know that this feels different.

I decide to keep going with my instincts. I'll go to lunch with Sid but won't take Lizzy. Of course Sid didn't say anything about bringing Lizzy but he's so good with her that I'm sure he would be ok with it if I did. I am just so scared that's she's going to get attached. If it doesn't go all the way then she'll have her little heart crushed. A small voice in my head says 'and so will you' but I ignore it.

After running across the hall and asking Miss Sally to watch Lizzy, I head into the shower. It doesn't take me long to get ready since I'm used to doing it very quickly. Lizzy doesn't have a long attention span and will get into trouble if left alone too long.

The rest of the morning goes by quickly. Lizzy and I play with her dolls and then build a castle for them out of her blocks. We knock it down and build it again. These are moments I cherish. We're having simple fun. I used to get very anxious that I couldn't take my daughter to expensive parks or buy her lots of toys. I quickly realized that she would love playing with an empty box if we were playing together. It still bothers me that I can't do everything for Lizzy but I can do the things that matter.

Around 11:30am, Lizzy starts yawning widely and rubbing her eyes. It's definitely time for a nap. Usually it's at 1pm but she got up extra early today and is tired earlier too. She drops off quickly which gives me time to get ready. A critical eye shows me just how tired I am too. It takes a little more cover-up than usually to hide the dark circles under my eyes. I regret that I don't have more time to do something with my hair so a pony tail will have to do. That's when I'm stopped short: what am I going to where?! My wardrobe consists of work clothes, yoga pants and tee shirts and jeans. I guess jeans will have to do. A search through the back of my closet and I find a light blue tunic style blouse. Wow, I didn't realize that I kept this. It was way too small after I had Lizzy but I couldn't give it away because I loved it so much. My new diet, basically working on my feet so much coupled with little time to eat, has let me get back into the blouse today. In my jeans and top, I take a critical look in the mirror. Hmm, I actually look good. A pair of ankle boots, that thankfully look better the older and more rugged they get, complete the look. I'm just finishing when I hear the door open and Miss Sally shuffle in. She knows to be quiet as she enters because Lizzy could be sleeping.

"You look so pretty Kitty Cat" she tells me when I walk into the room. "Thanks" I reply. "This is ok for lunch, right?"

"You look gorgeous. Sid is lucky to be going on a date with you. Don't you roll your eyes at me little girl." Miss Sally scolds me. "You are a beautiful woman and any man would be lucky to have you; including Sidney Crosby. You remember that Cat."

I don't know that I agree; but, I can't disagree with her when she's so fierce about it.

"Ok Miss Sally."

We say our goodbyes and I head down to meet Sid in front of my building. As I'm walking out the front door, Sid is walking up the steps.

"Hi" I say.

"Hi" Sid replies and then leans in to give me a light kiss. "You look beautiful" he tells me and smiles.

I feel that smile go through my entire body. Wow.