Sidney

I wake up disoriented. It's dark in my bedroom so I know that it's still night but something woke me up. I look to my left and Anna is propped up on her elbow looking at me.

"Hi" she greets me softly.

"Hi. Can't sleep?"

"I woke up to pee and couldn't fall back asleep. Did I wake you?"

"I didn't hear you" I tell her. "What are you doing?"

"I was watching you sleep which, now that I think about it, sounds really creepy."

We both laugh.

"Sweet" I tell her. "Not creepy."

Anna frowns and I know that she's thinking.

"When did the media start interviewing you?" she asks.

That question seems to come out of nowhere.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"When you were a kid, how old were you when the media wanted to talk to you about hockey and being a hockey player?"

"I think I was eight years old" I tell her. "It was with the local CBC station."

"Why did your parents agree to it?"

"I don't know actually but they asked me if I wanted to do the interview, I said yes and then I was interviewed. Before I played in juniors where interviewing was part of the job, my parents always asked me if I wanted to do the interviews requested. I guess we made the decision together" I tell her. "When was the first time that you were interviewed by the media?"

Anna furrows her brow again and replies "I don't know. I can't remember a time when I wasn't in front of cameras or the media wasn't around. It seems that I was always being prepared and practicing for interviews."

"This is an interesting topic for" I check the clock. "For 2am. What makes you ask?"

"I was thinking back to that time we were trapped in the elevator. Remember that?" she asks and I nod. "That's when we talked about how much we had in common, growing up in front of the media, but I've been wondering about that recently."

"Wondering about what?" I ask.

"If we really have as much in common as we originally thought."

Where is she going with this?

"What do you mean?" I ask her.

"Well, one of the things that originally drew us together was our similar childhoods, right? We understood what it was like to be in the spotlight so young. With Taylor's visit, I started wondering if our experiences really were that similar. We were both definitely dealing with the media young but that's where the differences begin. Your parents gave you a choice, involved you in decisions about what you did, and were always there for you. Taylor loves you fiercely and would do anything for you too." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "I hadn't seen my sister for more than a year when Matt announced that he was running for Governor. Both families were at the press conference for the announcement to show unity and the closeness between the two families. It's ironic that it was the first time I'd seen my sister in thirteen months. This makes me wonder how much you and I really have in common. Maybe there are more differences."

"Does it matter?" I ask and she raises her eyebrows. "I'm serious Anna. This could be the lake of sleep talking but does it really matter how many similarities or differences we have now? We have shared so much that the basis for our originally 'getting together' doesn't seem to matter anymore."

"I think it does but I'm not saying that we shouldn't be together because of the differences. I think it matters so that we can understand each other better. For example, until I took the internship at the Pens, I never did or said anything that wasn't completely approved by my parents. Think about that for a minute. I didn't decide who to date, what to wear, what to say, never made my own life choices before the Penguins. I'm envious of your childhood and your relationship with your family."

"I know that your childhood wasn't easy Anna. I understand" I tell her.

"You may but I think that I'm just beginning to understand what that means."

Confused, I ask "what do you mean?"

"Sid, I have only had one completely open and honest relationship in my life." I smile and Anna frowns. "The problem is that it's wasn't with you" she says softly. "Think about it. I lied to you and even to myself, constantly, whether deliberate or by omission. Can you say that you've been completely open and honest with me? What about when we first got back together? We really only talked about what we 'had' to discuss and then we ignored the rest."

I think about what she's said and I'm forced to agree.

"You were referring to Matt" I say realizing who she was talking about as the only open and honest relationship.

"Yes" she agrees.

I feel pain in my chest at the thought that Anna's best relationship has been with Matt. It's a sobering thought. I sit up, as does Anna, so that we're face to face.

"So you had more in common with Matt?" I ask.

She frowns and says "not more in common, I guess; but, there was never anything to hide from him. We began our relationship in honesty and friendship. Maybe I wasn't worried about what I would lose so I never tried to hide anything. I don't know. We easily understood each other."

"So how can I understand you better?" I ask.

She instantly looks distraught.

"Oh Sidney, I didn't mean that you have to understand me better. I was just trying to articulate what I've been thinking and try to be more open and honest. If anyone needs to do more, it's clear to me that I need to understand you better and I think Taylor's visit was a good start."

Oh.

"Ok" I tell her. "But I think we both can do that better."

"Ok" she agrees. "Would you tell me something?"

"Anything."

"Why do you love me?"

She looks incredibly young and fragile as she asks me that question.

"I don't know that I can put it into words" I admit and struggle to do so. "First, it's your strength even though I know that you don't see it. You were unsure and inexperienced when we first met but you always had strength to meet challenges and do whatever needed to be done. I guess the dichotomy of strength and insecurity first drew me in and in equal amounts. I loved watching you kick ass in the locker room with the reporters as much as I loved how much you needed me to help you, look out for you, care for you.

I love the way your eyes get gooey and soft, then you give me that small and sweet smile that my heart always responds to immediately. You never treat me like Sidney Crosby, in italics and bold letters. I'm always just a regular guy to you and that's always how you make me feel. There's never any pressure to be anything else but exactly who I am and that's what makes me feel special. You love me for me.

You not hard to look at either" I tease her. We both chuckle. "Seriously, I've never met a woman who is sexier, more beautiful or hotter than you. The way your body instantly reacts to mine, the way you know just where to touch me, and the way you moan, fuck the way you moan, is a combination and experience that I've only ever had with you.

I could go on and on, you know, but we really should get some sleep."

Her eyes have become watery and she blinks back tears as she gently cups my cheek.

"Sidney, you are the single best man I have ever known and the only man I have and will ever truly love."

My heart swells and a warm sensation flows through my body. I pull her into my arms and onto my lap capturing her lips in a sweet, loving kiss. We slide down to the bed and are soon lost in each other's touch and our body's sensations.

Anna

I'm tired but it's a good tired. My body feels well used and appreciated and, as I think back on last night, I remember exactly every touch. It was a perfect day and night. I've never felt so completely loved and cherished in my entire life.

"Anna?"

I look up to see Adam at my door with coffee.

"Oh, I couldn't be happier to see you" I say.

Adam comes in and hands me a cup.

"I'm happy to see you too" Adam replies.

"Oh, I was talking to the coffee" I tease.

"Be nice or I'll take it back."

"Ok, ok, I'll be nice."

"How was your day off?" he asks me.

"It was great."

"Oh, from that smile I'd guess that it was more than great with salacious details to describe it."

"Ok then, it was more than great" I agree. "How about you?"

"I spent the morning in bed and the afternoon at the spa."

"In bed with anyone in particular?" I was teasing but become intrigued when Adam blushes. "Ah, there was someone."

I look at my watch but there isn't time now to gossip. A glance at my schedule tells me I'm swamped until lunch.

"Lunch, noon?" I ask.

Adam nods and leaves still blushing. I continue to sift through the mass of emails that I received yesterday and haven't worked through. My calendar alarm pops up and I know that it's time to speak with the coaches about the media protocols for the day.

I stop through the intern's bullpen to touch base with Adam.

"Do you have everything you need to direct the others for how to prepare their players? There's going to be questions about the Rossi article."

"I'm good" Adam tells me.

"Great. Oh, Sid has the speaking points."

"I figured" Adam says. "Thanks."

I continue down to ice level and directly to Mike's office where the coaches are eating breakfast and waiting for me.

"Hi Anna" Mike says when he sees me at his door. "Come on in."

I join the men at the conference table and we chat about our days off for a few minutes as they continue to eat their breakfasts.

"Thank you for meeting with me" I say. "I'm sure that you're all aware of the article Rossi wrote. I've met with David and legal and we created the release that already went out and that's all the organization will say on the subject. My team will talk to their players before practice so that everyone is prepared for questions. I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to give you some background and the speaking notes."

Mike holds up his hand and I pause.

"Anna, I speak for all coaches when I say that it was a bullshit article written by a hack and we don't believe any of it. If it wouldn't make things worse than each of us would run to the nearest reporter and give one hell of an interview about that ass-hat Rossi. Since that will make things worse, tell us what the company line is and we'll follow."

"Damn right Sully" Rick Tochet agrees with Mike. "Anna, you've stepped in to help us with a moment's notice and done an incredible job. The PR team is running perfectly which makes our job much easier. That asshole should be fired."

There are murmurs of agreement which makes me smile and I feel incredibly touched. I have to take a deep breath so that tears don't fill my eyes at their kindness. The coaches, Mike and Rick in particular, are rough-around-the-edges guys and for them to be this sweet and kind is unexpected and overwhelming.

"Thank you all" I tell them. "Legal has determined that we there are no specific grounds to sue Rossi or the paper. I provided details for everything in the article should something else happen."

"That must have been as much fun as a colonoscopy" Rick says.

I chuckle at the unexpected, and appreciated, humour.

"Oh it was" I agree. "David and Mario have decided that the statement released is the only comment that the organization will make. The players are being given the same directions and the only comment anyone will make is to say that they have no comment and refer the reporter to the Pens' statement."

"That's going to be easy" Mike says.

"I'm sorry that you have to deal with this at all" I tell the men and Mike cuts me off again.

"This isn't your fault Anna" he tells me. "No one should have their personal life torn apart and published for public delight."

"Yeah, Anna, don't apologize" Rick agrees.

"Anna" Jacques speaks for the first time. "I've been dealing with the press longer than you've been alive and there's one thing that I can tell you. For all the many good guys out there, maybe hundreds of them, there is always that one, how do you say, um, connard."

The rest of us look at each other and Rick Googles it.

"Ah" Rick says. "Asshole."

We all laugh and I, surprisingly, feel better. I thought that all I would feel is embarrassed at having to discuss my personal life becoming public with these men. I never expected that I would feel a comradery and support.

"Thank you" I say to Jacques and then the whole group. "I appreciate the support."

We chat a little bit about the game tonight and then I leave them to their preparation for practice. On my way past the locker room and the player's lounge, I see that my team is talking with the players milling about, but I don't see Sid.

"Looking for someone" I hear the whisper almost directly in my ear and know exactly who it is.

I turn and see Sid smiling beside me.

"No one in particular" I tell him. I glance around and there is no one in sight so I give Sid a quick kiss. "Good morning. How are you?"

"Someone kept me up most of the night but, surprisingly, I feel refreshed" he gives me a wicked grin.

"That's good news since there is a game tonight."

"Hmm" is all he says and continues on to the change room but not before slapping my butt as he goes by.

"TMI" I hear behind me.

Thank god, when I turn, it is only Adam.

"I should have figured you guys would be into that stuff" he says in a low voice. "It's always the quiet types."

"Adam!" I shush him.

"No one is around" he tells me.

"How did it go with the players?" I ask him to change the subject.

"As easy as expected. Everyone will give the same answer if asked about the article or you."

"I really hate that we have to do all of this because of me."

"Stop Anna. It's not because of you. It's because of Rossi. So just stop it. To be honest with you, most of the guys are truly pissed and would like to take a shot at him."

"Ok, ok, I get it" I tell him.

"Good."

We chat as we head back to the office level. Adam catches me up on his day off, at least the PG version since we're walking through the office, and I can tell that he really likes this guy. I'm laughing as we turn the corner into my office and I walk straight into Trina Crosby. Shit.

Sidney

Practice was hard, as it usually is with Sully, but up-tempo and fun. We're hitting the drills perfectly and the goalies are getting a good workout from our shots. The Caps are number one in the east and we really want to beat them tonight. We know that we have a Cup winning team and are eager to prove it.

The media scrum was awkward. None of the reporters wanted to really ask about the article but they all had to do it. It's news. Thankfully, they were as relieved as I was after I answered the question by referring them to the Pens' statement and then saying no comment. We then move onto the regular scrum kind of questions.

When it's over, I go about the usual routine of taking off my gear and hanging it up to dry. I'm surprised to see my dad standing there when I turn back around.

"Dad?"

"Hey kid" he says.

We embrace laughing.

"What are you doing here so early?" I ask.

"We were able to grab an earlier flight so we did."

I want to take his explanation at face value but I have a small voice telling me that there is something more going on. I don't have time to ask him more questions because Pat joins us.

"Looks like everyone is here" Pat says as he greets us.

"Hey Pat, good to see you" dad says.

We chat a bit before Pat moves on to talk to some of his other clients and leaves dad and I alone.

"Why the earlier flight?" I ask.

Dad has a horrible poker face so I immediately know that there is more to this early visit.

"Your mother wanted to see if she could get a moment with Anna before the game."

Oh. They came in early so that mom could talk to Anna. Usually I wouldn't worry but, since mom and dad came in early specifically for Anna and mom to talk, I'm worried.

"Stop worrying kid" dad says. "This way there's no awkwardness later. Besides, you know better than to argue with your mother."

"I guess so."

"Sid, really, don't worry about it. Mom thought that Anna might feel odd about seeing us again and that saying hello now might be easier for everyone."

I guess that makes sense and it is like mom to want everyone to be taken care of.

"Ok" I tell him. "I need to shower then do you want to grab lunch or just go directly to my place?"

"Let's you and I grab lunch. Mom will take a cab to your place later."

I agree and go shower while dad goes to the player's lounge. He knows everyone on the team including the coaches and trainers and it's a good time for him to catch up.

"I saw your dad in the lounge" Tanger says to me when I enter the showers.

"Yeah he and mom came in for a few days."

"Pat too" he continues.

"Yeah."

"Anything wrong?" he asks me.

"Not really. Pat came in because of the article and he hasn't been here in a while. Mom and day came in to visit."

"They haven't been here since Anna's been back, right?"

"Right."

"So they're here to check out your girlfriend" he tells me.

Let the chirping begin.

"Your folks are here to check out Anna?" Flower yells across the showers.

"Yeah" Tanger yells back.

"That means it's serious Sid" Horny joins in. "You're going to need to put a ring on it soon."

I dunk my head under the water to ignore the rest of the chirping. These guys will pick up anything to rag on me. As I leave, their taunts and laughing follow me. I make sure that I'm dressed and out of the change room before the guys follow me. I don't mind the chirping but I don't need to give them more opportunities to do so.

Upon entering the player's lounge, I see my dad at the counter talking to Sully and Tochet. He loves talking to the coaches, or anybody really, about the game and the team. No matter how old he is, or how long it's been since he's played, my dad loves hockey today as much as ever. Actually, if you get Taylor, dad and I watching a game, mom usually leaves the room because nothing but hockey is discussed for those two and half hours.

"Sid" dad calls out when he sees me.

I smile and walk over to them.

"It's good to see you Troy" Sully says. "We'll see you later."

We all say goodbye and dad and I are left alone.

"Are you ready for lunch?" dad asks.

"Yeah, let's go."

We walk to the garage in silence and dad doesn't speak until we're on the highway.

"Tell me about Anna" he says.

Confused I ask "what do you mean? You know Anna."

"We knew Anna two years ago when she was a young girl; but, it's been two years Sid. I'm sure she's different now."

I think about his words. He's right, Anna is different but do I really want to tell my father about how she's different.

"Sure, she's different" I tell him. "She's more confident and sure of herself I guess."

"That must have been odd, with her coming back and getting to know each other again."

It makes me wonder even more why mom and dad have come here, now, to visit. It's usually mom who talks to me about my personal life. Dad and I primarily talk hockey and other sports.

"It's been, um, a little bumpy" I confess. "We're working through it."

"That's good" he replies. "You both realize that there are things to work through and are doing so."

"Ok" is all that I can think to say.

"Look, Sid, I just want to make sure that you're ok. The last few years have been difficult for you and I guess your mother and I are worried."

I think about what Taylor told Anna about how concerned my family has been. I guess this is how dad is trying to ask me about it. He's not very subtle.

"I know dad" I sigh. "I'm good and Anna and I are on our way to being good too."

"Ok."

I guess he means it because he changes the subject and we talk about the Caps game tonight. Like we've done many times before, we pick up take out from the Italian restaurant we love and then eat lunch at home. Since mom isn't around, dad has spaghetti and chicken like I do. Mom wouldn't let him have that many carbs but he knows that his secret is safe with me.

"I need to nap" I tell him when we're done.

"Ok kid. I'll clean up."

"Thanks dad."

I go upstairs to my room, undress and then climb into bed. Before I can sleep, I need to hear how Anna is doing. I know my mom isn't mean but I feel bad that Anna's been ambushed.

'You there?' I text.

Nothing.

'I'm going to sleep but need to know you're ok' I send.

Nothing again.

As I contemplate calling her, a reply comes through.

'Sleep. Everything is fine. I'll tell you later.'

'Ok, love you'

'Love you too' she replies.

I can sleep now that I know she's ok. There's going to be a story I'm sure but she's talking to my mother, not Taylor, so everything will be fine.

Anna

"Do you have a few minutes to chat?"

I'm stunned to see Trina Crosby at my office door. I thought that the Crosbys weren't going to be here until his afternoon and yet, here she is, asking if I have a few minutes to chat.

"Hi Trina" I reply and deliberately smile even though I want to puke. "Please come in."

I gesture to my sitting area and Trina comes in, closing the door behind her.

"I just need a moment" I tell her and go back to my desk.

Quickly, I send emails to reschedule my next meetings and lunch with Adam. I have a feeling that, even if the chat with Trina is short, I may need some time to recover from it in case the chat with Taylor is repeated.

I forward my phone to voicemail and then join Trina. I sit in the chair beside her, cross my legs and smooth down my skirt. I almost smile at the nervous habit. It's been a long time since I've smoothed my skirt that way with nerves.

"You look good" Trina says with a smile. "How are you settling into the new job? I guess the work itself isn't new to you but the position here is."

"It's been a little overwhelming, especially recently, but the team is incredible and have been very supportive."

"They are a great group of boys."

"Yes, they are" I agree. "Actually though, I was referring to my intern team. They are new to their roles as well but very, very good."

"You are very talented. I'm sure that they are following your lead."

I continue to smile but my mind is whirling. What is she doing here? What does she really want to talk about?

"Thank you" I tell her. "It's a great time to visit Pittsburgh. The game tonight should be really good and it's another sell out."

"Troy is very excited to see this game in person."

"Not you?"

"I love to watch Sidney play but, when you're in the rink, you can hear everything. I hate that sound when someone checks him into the boards."

I smile.

"I know what you mean" I tell her. "I hate it too. I've even watched the game from the media level and you can still hear it."

She smiles back.

"The Penguins are lucky to have you back" she tells me. "And Sidney is very happy that you're back together."

Ah, finally we get to the 'meat' of our conversation.

"I'm very happy too" I agree and wait to see where she's taking this conversation next.

"When we talk to him these past few weeks, he is lighter, happier, than he's been in a long while. It's not accidental that it coincides with your return."

I don't know how to respond to her words. It feels like she's asking me something without saying the words but I can't figure out exactly what she's asking.

"That article wasn't fair Anna" she says bluntly.

"It wasn't untrue" I admit.

"But only half of a story doesn't make it true."

I'm surprised by her words. I've brought all manner of trouble to this family because of that article, and the break up with Sid two years ago, and yet she is being kind.

"What did your mother say about the article?" Trina asks.

"I haven't talked to her about it."

"What do you mean you haven't talked to her about it? She hasn't called to see how you are?"

Of course Trina would assume my mother would call me. That's what she would do. Hell, that's what most mothers would do.

"I don't exactly have the same relationship with my mother have that you do with Sidney and Taylor" I admit. "Since my father's passing, there are no political implications from the media so she wouldn't care about Rossi's article."

Trina purses her lips. It's the same thing I see Sidney do when he's thinking or trying to figure something out.

"I realize that your relationship with your mother is, well, let's call it difficult and leave it at that dear; but, that's not how most mother-daughter relationships are. Sure, they can be difficult, and when we're having a glass of wine sometime I'll share with you some of Taylor's turmoil in her teen years, but they should be different."

I take a deep breath so that I don't break down and sob in her arms. There is no doubt that Sidney gets his compassion, kindness and intuition from his mom.

"I have to admit that I was concerned" she tells me. "Your break up was very hard on Sidney and it only became harder when you became engaged; but, he is very happy that you're back. I hope that it's to stay."

"It is" I reply quickly.

It's very important to me that she knows how committed I am to Sidney.

"Trina, the break up with Sidney was very difficult for me too. I thought I'd never see him again never mind have the opportunity to be with him. This is" for a moment I'm at a loss for words. "This second chance is a gift."

Trina smiles widely.

"Good, I'm happy to hear that Anna. Sidney didn't tell me much about why you broke up but I can see that it was as difficult for you as it was for him. I'm glad that you both have this second chance. You know, Troy and I broke up for a few months when we were dating."

"Really?" I'm surprised.

Hell, the whole conversation feels surreal to me.

"Yes, I didn't think that Troy was serious about our relationship so I broke up with him. He was solely focused on hockey, and playing for the Canadiens, that he didn't seem to care about me. I was very wrong. The day that he was drafted, he called me and basically begged me come back to him. He won't admit it, but there was some serious grovelling and begging going on."

I chuckle at her story.

"Anyway" she continues. "He wanted me to know that, no matter what happened in training camp, he couldn't see his life without me."

"That is so sweet."

"It really was. Anyway, if a couple goes to the trouble of getting back together and working through their differences, then I think they'll make it." I guess I'm frowning because she asks "what's wrong?"

I decide to be as honest and open as Trina.

"I didn't know what to expect when you asked me to chat" I confess. "I definitely didn't expect you to be so, well, nice I guess."

I regret it the minute the words are out of my mouth but relax when Trina laughs.

"To be honest" she begins. "I didn't know what I was going to say either. I just wanted to chat with you, one to one, so that any uncomfortableness or weirdness was gone."

"Thank you, I'm glad that you did Trina. It really is wonderful to see you."

"After the game" Trina begins but then there's a knock on my door.

"I'm sorry" I tell her. "Come in" I call out.

Adam comes into the office. He's smiling but I know him too well; something is very, very wrong. I don't wait for him to say anything.

"Trina, I'm so sorry to do this to you but there are a few things that need my attention."

"Nonsense" she says. "I've intruded long enough. I'll come find you before the game and we can talk about a family dinner tomorrow, ok?"

"Sounds good" I tell her and stand.

She stands too and then leans in to kiss my cheek.

"I'll see you later" she tells me, smiles at Adam and then leaves closing the door behind her.

"What's going on?" I ask.

"It's Rossi" he tells me.

"What about Rossi?"

"He's writing a follow up article."

"About what?" I ask. "There couldn't possibly be anything else to write about."

"Apparently he has a new 'source' that has new information about what happened two years ago when you were an intern. I heard it from my own Trib source who was sure about that much but didn't know any more details."

"I really don't know what else there could be Adam. We need more information."

"I've been calling around and I found out who his source is" he pauses and it's not for dramatic effect.

Clearly Adam doesn't want to tell me who the source is but then it hits me: two years ago when I was an intern means that there is only one person who could be stirring the pot.

"It's Meaghan" he tells me exactly what I'm thinking.

Shit.