Chapter 18

At 3:45 I was parked outside of Logan's school waiting for him. I wanted to be there early so he wouldn't have to wait for me. I had parked outside and sat back waiting when my phone started to ring. I looked and saw Max's number show up on the phone.

"Hello?" I answered.
"Well hello there." He responded back.
"How can I help you?" I asked with a smile.
"You could start by actually doing what I ask you to do."
"Am I supposed to know what you're talking about?"
"Did I or did I not tell you to keep me posted on the Brooke and Sid situation?"
"Yes you did but it like just happened."
"Oh no, you had two hours to tell me."
"I didn't want to ruin your pre-game nap. Did he call you?"
"Yes he called me. I don't even know if he was out of your driveway when he called. You pretty much made his day."
"I'm excited too and I'm kind of nervous already so tomorrow should be awful."
"I have the day off after the morning skate so I'll be there to help you get ready. But like I told you the other night, you're like my baby sister so I'm going to have to find out what his intentions are."
"You're kidding right?"
"Not at all. And I'm guessing Logan will help me."
"You and Logan will behave yourselves."
"Whatever you say. I should go get ready. Are you guys watching the game tonight?"
"Of course, we wouldn't miss it. Good luck."
"Thanks sweetie. Bye."
"Bye."

Basically as soon as I hung up the phone from Max Logan opened the door and got in the car. He was only in the car long enough for me to pull out from the school when his phone rang.

"Hello." He answered. "You sure?" "Oh my God finally." "I agree." "Sounds like a plan." "Doesn't matter if she gets mad." "It's our duty." "OK good luck." "Bye."

I hated only hearing one side of the conversation. When he hung up I could see him looking at me through the corner of my eye.

"What Logan? What was that about?"
"Oh nothing." He answered and I could almost hear the smile on his face.
"What's your duty and who's going to be mad which you don't care about?" I asked being very curious.
"Well that was Max. He told me about your date tomorrow night and then it was settled that we're having a nice, long chat with Mr. Crosby before he takes you anywhere."
"You guys better be joking."
"Brooke obviously we're not. You know how much we both thinks of you and we're going to protect you. Like Max and I agreed on even though Sid is awesome and a good guy and our friend we're making sure you don't get hurt. So we're going to talk to him."
"Oh you guys are just too much." I said not being able to hold back my laughter about how silly the two of them were being and appreciating that they really cared about me.

When we got home we cooked up some supper and both showered. I decided that since we were staying home I would throw on a pair of pajamas to be comfortable to watch the game. We just layed around for a while on our separate couches talking and watching tv until the hockey game finally came on.

"I'm actually nervous for them." I said as the camera scanned over the Penguins bench during the National Anthem.
"Me too. I wouldn't have cared if we didn't get to know them so well but now I just want to see them do good even more." Logan responded.
"I know what you mean." I replied while the puck dropped and we both fell silent hoping to enjoy the game.

We were both watching intently when only 4:41 in the first period Sid scored a power play goal to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. We both yelled with excitement and talked about how awesome it was. After that little wave of excitement was over we both settled down and became intent on the game again. The rest of the period was scoreless and we made light conversation during the intermission until the second period started. Another wave of excitement came over us only 1:39 in the period when Tyler Kennedy scored a goal giving the Pens a 2-0 lead. Again the game went without another goal until Geno scored at 6:28 in the third. Then Mark Eaton scored at 10:27 and Simon Gagne scored for Philly at 15:25 in the third. The minutes winded down and the game ended with a score of 4-1 for the Penguins. Logan and I couldn't peel our eyes away from the screen since we enjoyed watching the guys celebrate their first win of the playoffs together. It made it even more awesome when Jordan, Marc, and Sid were named the three stars. We watched until everything was over and headed to bed since Logan had school in the morning and I was getting up to take him there.

We headed up to our separate rooms and got ready for bed. I texted Max, Sid, Jordan, and Marc a congrats text before heading off to bed. I felt bad for not sending one to the rest of the guys but I didn't know them as well and I didn't have their numbers. I knew I wouldn't get a response any time soon because the guys would have to deal with the media and shower before heading home. Then I crawled in bed and fell asleep within a few minutes.

The next morning my alarm went off bright and early and I dragged myself out of bed. I checked my phone first thing to see if any of the guys had gotten back to me. When I looked it showed that I had five text messages waiting to be read.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
-Marc A.

Thanks babe. Have a nice date haha.
-Jordan

Thanks gorgeous. Can't wait to celebrate with you guys. I'll see you sooner than you think.
-Max

Thanks beautiful.
-Sid

Is 7 going to be good for you?
-Sid

As I was reading the last text from Sid I heard voices downstairs and I went to investigate because I had no clue who would be down there with Logan this early. When I walked into the kitchen I saw Logan and Max cooking bacon, eggs, and toast.

"Good morning sunshine." Max said to me as I walked in the kitchen.
"Do you ever go home? What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I'm giving Logan a ride to school. I have a morning skate the same time he has school and he's on the way so I decided to drop in and see if he wanted a ride."
"So there is no need for me to be up."
"Well now that you're up you can enjoy this lovely meal we slaved over." Logan replied with a grin.
"I think I will actually. It smells really good. But I'm going to go text Sid first and let him know that seven is fine." I called over my shoulder as I walked into the living room.

7 works for me. Where are we going?
-Brooke

Is Italian good for you?
-Sid

I love Italian. Do I have to dress fancy?
-Brooke

Not really just wear jeans or something casual.
-Sid

OK so I'll see you later
-Brooke

See you at 7
-Sid

Then I walked back into the kitchen and sat down with the guys to eat our breakfast. The guys started up on the topic of the date as we were eating breakfast.

"So where's Sid taking you tonight?" Max asked.
"He didn't say where it was but it's going to be an Italian restaurant." I answered.
"I know where you're going I'd imagine. Try the lasagna it's awesome." Max stated.
"Oooh and I love lasagna."
"So when's he coming?" Logan asked.
"At seven."
"Are you excited?" Max asked.
"Excited and nervous."
"Just doing dinner or doing something else afterwards?" Logan asked.
"Just dinner I'm assuming. Can we stop with the twenty questions now?" I asked with a laugh.
"Yeah we should get going anyway before either of us is late." Max stated. "I'll see you later."
"Bye Max. Logan I'll be at school at four to get you."
"OK thanks Brooke I'll see you later." Logan called as they both walked out through the door.

I locked the door behind them and went into the kitchen to clean up the mess they had made. After the dishes and island were done I decided to go back to sleep since it was only early. I got up around dinner time and had a quick bite to eat and then decided to sweep and mop all the floors and clean the windows. Around 3:15 I heard a car pull into the driveway and a knock on the door. When I opened the door Max was there.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Figured we'd go pick Logan up together since we decided to order a pizza when he got out of school."
"Alright well we should get going."

With that we left and locked the door behind us. On the drive to school Max and I talked about random things and he had me in stitches the entire time. I really liked Max and could not get over how funny he is. Then when we picked Logan up the three of us had a laugh on the drive back to our house. When we got home it was something to five so they ordered their pizza while I went upstairs to shower. I shoved on a pair of pajamas since it was almost too early to start getting ready. When I made my way downstairs the pizza had just arrived and I stole a piece to hold me over until dinner. After the pizza was eaten we were just being lazy and watching tv until six came and I went upstairs to get ready.

I decided on a nice pair of jeans and a dark purple halter top. I put on my ballerina flats. I just straightened my hair and put the little bump in the back. As I was picking out my jacket I heard a knock on the door. I looked at the clock and it read 6:58 and I automatically knew it was Sid here to pick me up. All of a sudden I had like a million butterflies in my stomach. All day I had been fine but now I felt like a nervous wreck.

Chapter 17

A little while later Max left, after I had convinced them to watch the movie Twilight with me. Neither of them really liked it but they were good enough to watch it with me since they know it's like my favorite movie. Max had told me one last time before he left to talk to Sid about what happened at Mario's. I wasn't sure if I would have to worry about it anyway since the playoffs started tomorrow and they were all looking forward to it and preparing for it. I was actually looking forward to watching some playoff hockey because I was told it was a lot more intense. Anyway, after Max left Logan and I headed off to bed since Logan had school the next morning. Just as I crawled in bed my phone began to ring and Sid's name showed up on the screen. I became nervous but knew I had to answer the phone to straighten everything out.

"Hello." I answered.
"Hey." He responded sounding kind of nervous as well. "I didn't wake you did I?"
"No I just crawled in bed." I said, trying to sound like I wasn't still pissed.
"I just wanted to call and see if we could maybe talk tomorrow, alone?"
"Yeah I'd like that. Logan has school tomorrow so you can come by here if you want."
"Sounds good. I'll be there around one."
"Ok see you tomorrow."
"Bye." He said and then we both hung up.

After getting off the phone I cuddled down into my bed and fell asleep hoping that the talk would turn out good for us for once.

Around 8:30 the next morning I heard some thumping downstairs. I laughed knowing that Logan was probably trying to make breakfast for himself and let's just say he isn't the best cook there is. I decided to get up and help him since he had to go to school. As I walked into the kitchen I could hear Logan mumbling to himself.

"I don't know why mom never showed me anything. I can't cook, what the hell am I doing?" He said until he saw me standing there laughing at him.
"Well good morning sunshine." I said still laughing at him.
"Will you please help me? I really want pancakes but they won't flip right." He begged me.
"Of course that's what I came down here for."
"You are the best cousin almost sister in the world. I'll shower while you cook. Thanks by the way."
"No problem Logan." I said smiling while he took off to his bedroom to shower. I realized he was running late for school but didn't say anything about it figuring he knew what he was doing.

He came back down ten minutes later as I had just put the plates of food on the island. We both sat down and began to eat.

"So do you want a ride?" I asked.
"Actually Max is picking me up. They had a morning skate early and I would only miss one class so I decided to wait for him since I'm on the way instead of bugging you for a ride."
"Logan I will get up to take you to school even when I don't have to go, you shouldn't miss too much schoool."
"Well next time I'll take you up on that. You can come and get me at 4 though."
"Yeah I can do that. So Sid called me last night when I was getting into bed."
"Max predicted he would call or text you. Apparently he told max that he feels stupid and hopes you'll forgive him."
"I don't know but I told him to drop by today bcause he wanted to talk. He's going to be here around 1."
"What are you going to do?" Logan asked while Max came in through the front door.
"I'm going to guess you're talking about Sid." Max said as he sat down on a stool next to me.
"And how did you know that?" I asked.
"He called me last night after he hung up from you. He's really happy you're going to let him explain."
"That doesn't mean I'm going to forgive him."
"Yes you will." They both said at the same time causing the three of us to laugh.
"Get out of my house." I said joking around with them.
"You're lucky we have to go." Logan said still smiling. "Don't forget to pick me up at 4."
"I won't." I responded. "See you guys later and good luck on the game tonight Max."
"Bye Brooke, let me know what happens with Sid. And thanks." Max said as they left and closed the door behind them.

As soon as they left I looked at the clock and realized it was only 9:30. I figured I could go back to sleep for a couple of hours before Sid showed up. I locked the door, went back upstairs, brushed my teeth, and climbed back into bed. I woke up a bit later and looked at my watch. Seeing it was 11:30 I figured I would get back up. I got up and jumped in the shower. While I waited for my hair to dry a little I went downstairs and had a quick dinner. Then while my hair was still a little damp I put moose in it and crinkled it with my hands giving it an almost curly look. When I was all finished I saw that it was 12:45 so I settled on the couch watching a bit of tv. At 1 o'clock on the dot I heard a vehicle pull into the driveway and then a knock on the door.

"Hey." Sid said when I opened the door for him.
"Hey." I replied. "Come on in."
"Thanks." He said as he followed me into the living room and sat down on the couch next to me.

We sat there for a few minutes in awkward silence until he finally caved and broke it.

"I'm sorry." He started. "I shouldn't have jumped on you like that. It's just that when Max called him your boyfriend I figured it was true."
"Why would you just assume that though? Couldn't you tell they were joking?" I asked.
"I didn't know if they were joking or making fun of you because your new boyfriend was texting you." He said trying not to make eye contact with me.
"Yeah I guess I can see where you're coming from but you could've let me speak. You pissed me off when you kept interrupting me."
"I know I did and again I am really sorry. It's just that I've been used by so many girls for my money or where I can get them and I'm sick of getting burned. I want a real relationship where the girl likes me for me and that's it."
"It must be hard to trust people with that happening to you but not everybody is going to use you."
"I know that it's just hard putting my guard down sometimes because whenever I do it's always a mistake I have to pay for. But I should've known it was different with you, you didn't even know who I was."
"And that's the truth. Believe it or not I like you because of how sweet you were at the party at Marc and Vero's. We didn't really know each other and I still felt connected to you."
"I felt the same way." He said looking at me and smiling. "I felt so stupid last night when I screwed us up again. I really want to give us a shot but I understand if you don't want to."
"I do want to. It did bother me what you said last night but I understand where you're coming from and as long as it doesn't happen again I would like to give us a shot."
"It will not happen again." He said and we smiled at each other. Then we just sat there for a few minutes in another silence.

"I should get going", he said after a few minutes, "I have to have my nap at 2."
"Are you kidding me?" I asked thinking he was trying to be funny.
"No we have to have a pre-game nap so we'll have the energy to go through the full game." He said smiling.
"Wow what a life."
"So I have a game tonight at 7 so I don't know, would you like to go to dinner tomorrow night?" He asked looking a little nervous.
"I would love to." I replied as we both smiled again.
"So I'll text you or call you tomorrow with the time if that's OK with you."
"Sounds great." I said as I walked him to the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." He said as he opened the door.
"See you tomorrow and good luck tonight."
"Thanks." He said as he left and closed the door behind him.

I couldn't take the smile off of my face thinking of how well things are finally beginning to go for the two of us.

Some Info

I don't know how many people are actually reading this story but I have deleted the list of characters at the beginning of the story because there are a lot of them that I do not plan on using in the story anymore. I just felt like I should focus on the main characters instead of a big group of characters so the story will hopefully be more interesting this way. I hope everyone reading is enjoying the story and if there is anything that you don't like that I am writing about feel free to comment. Constructive criticism is sure to help and also if there is anything that anybody would like to see happen also feel free to comment and I'll see what I can do. Anyway thanks for the support of the readers and those of you who have commented and I am almost done my next chapter so it should be up soon. Thanks and once again GO PENS!!!!

WooooHoooo

Pittsburgh Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup Champions

Nothing sounds or looks as good as that line. The celebrations on the ice were awesome and in the locker room. Even though Sid got hurt so far through they didn't let it faze them and they WON. Totally deserved it, they were the underdogs through most of the playoffs and they showed all of their doubters wrong. GO PENS!!!!!!

Chapter 16

I just nodded my head as he grabbed a lawn chair and pulled it over in front of mine so that we were facing each other.

"I'm not the type of guy who tries to come in the middle of another relationship." He began, pretty calmly.
"I know but..." I said before getting cut off.
"And I hate cheaters so I don't get why you didn't tell me about Ethan."
"Sid..."I tried again but got cut off again. This time he sounded a lot more agitated.
"How the hell was I supposed to know he was your boyrfriend if you didn't mention him to me once?"
"If you..." I tried but once again got cut off.
"I guess I was wrong, you're not the type of person I can see myself with." He snapped as he got up and began walking away.

At this point I was pretty pissed off that he wouldn't let me say what I wanted to. I caught up to him when he got a few feet away from me and stood in front of him.

"You are not going to talk to me like that and then just walk away from me without letting me say anything." I basically yelled at him.
"And you're going to stop me?" He yelled back.
"Yes. You may be Mr. hot shot golden boy captain of the Penguins to everyone else but not me. I don't give a damn who you are I'm not going to deal with what just happened."
"Fine, talk. But what could you possibly have to say that'll justify yourself?"
"How about the fact that I am NOT with Ethan and that was the first time I've heard from him? Yeah and I also told him that I couldn't go out with him because I might be seeing someone else. What a mistake that was." I snapped and turned around walking away from him and going back inside.

"Max can you please take me home now?" I asked as soon as I got inside and met up with him.
"What's wrong, is everything OK?" He asked looking concerned and signalling for Logan to come over too.
"It's fine I just want to go." I stated.
Him and Logan just looked at each other but they both headed out with me.

As we opened the door we were met by Nathalie coming inside from the store. "You three leaving already?" She asked.
"Yeah I'm going to bring these two home and head home for some rest myself." Max answered.
"OK then well I hope you had a good time tonight. Max good luck in the playoffs and it was nice meeting you two Logan and Brooke." She said smiling at the three of us.
"Thanks Nat." Max said with a smile of his own.
"Yeah thanks for inviting us and it was nice meeting you too." I responded while the three of us walked to Max's car waving to Nathalie as she went inside.

The three of us walked over to Max's car in silence and we all climbed in. Logan had offered me the front seat but I let him sit up there so him and Max could talk while I calmed down some. I was lost in my thoughts until Logan said my name snapping me out of it. We were in our driveway and the two of them were laughing at me.

"So are you going to tell me what happened to make you upset?" Max asked as he opened the door for me to get out.
"Well first of all I'm pissed not upset. And second, it's only early yet why don't you come hang out with us for a while since I dragged you away from your party?" I offered with a smile.
"I would love to come in with you guys for a while."
"Great." I replied with a smile as he held out his arm so I could loop mine in his. Then we walked side by side following Logan inside the house.

"So Max, would you like a cup of coffee or anything?" Logan offered.
"Yeah I'll take a cup of coffee if it's no trouble." He answered.
"No problem I was going to have one anyway. Brooke you want one?"
"I'd love one. I'm going upstairs to get out of this dress and into something more comfy." I said as I headed upstairs to my bedroom and the two of them talked about random things. I decided to shove on a pair of pajama pants and a tank top. When I had that done I headed back downstairs in time to see Logan mixing up our coffees.

"Looks like I have good timing." I said as I entered the kitchen and grabbed the coffee Logan had mixed up in my pink mug for me.
"You're good at coming around when the work's all done." Logan stated joking around with me.
"Whatever, I do all the work around this place while you're still asleep." I said joking back with him.
"Play nice you crazy kids." Max said as we all entered the living room. As soon as we had sat down Max's phone went off. He looked at his text and smiled while responding back. "You guys are going to get a text now." He said and as soon as he did both Logan and my phone went off signalling a text.

What the hell, you guys left without me. Didn't even say goodbye.
-Jordan

"Awwe I feel bad now." I said as I noticed Logan laughing at his text as well. "Yours from Jordan too?" I asked, laughing.
"Yeah, that guys is funny." Logan answered as the three of us kept texting Jordan.

Sorry Staalzy, you could've followed us.
-Brooke

I didn't know you were leaving.
-Jordan

I didn't see you.
-Brooke

I'm so hurt, I feel so abandoned.
-Jordan

LOL, awwe next time I'll make sure to find you before anybody else.
-Brooke

Promise?
-Jordan

I promise.
-Brooke

Ok then you are forgiven.
-Jordan

I'm so relieved.
-Brooke

You should be lol. I'll ttyl hun.
-Jordan

Ttyl. Xoxo
-Brooke

We all put our phones away laughing at how comical Jordan is. I sat back for a minute wondering how Logan and I were lucky enough to get so close with this awesome group of guys until Max snapped me out of it once again.

"Well you're always out there. Care to tell us what happened with Sid now?" He asked while we all sat back and drank our coffee.
"Are you sure you want to talk about this? I mean you guys are really close." I responded.
"I'm sure. I know we've only known each other for a few months but you guys are like my little bro and sis. So I kind of feel protective over the two of you especially since you're basically here alone, with only each other to count on." Max replied causing Logan and me to smile.
"Thanks man." Logan said to him.
"OK so here goes." I said. I then described to them everything that had happened.

"Wow I didn't think he would do that." Logan said sounding a little angry. "Who do he think he is?"
"Alright I know that wasn't fair for him to jump the gun like that." Max began. "But look at his side of the story. He's always being used by girls for his name or money. Imagine how frustrating if must be for him, never knowing if the girls he likes are being honest with him or only using him. And thinking that you were with Ethan and yet led him on kind of must've been like a slap in the face for him"
"True." Logan stated.
"I understand that guys I really do but not everyone is like that and he could've at least given me a chance to speak. I won't let people walk all over me. Now can we change the subject?"
"Sure but I think you should just talk to him about this. He's a really nice guy he just has to have his guard up at all times." Max said with a little smile as him and Logan went off talking about hockey, and leaving me with thoughts of what I should do about this whole Sid situation.

Chapter 15

I was completely shocked at what Sid had just said to me and I couldn't think of anything to say. We just stared at each other for a while until he got a look in his eye I had never seen before. We were standing very close to each other and he started leaning in towards me. My stomach was full of knots thinking that we were going to kiss. He was so close that I could feel his hot breath on my face and right when our lips were about to touch we were interrupted by someone yelling out Sid's name causing us both to jump away from each other. We looked and I was horrified to see Troy on his way to the balcony with us. Right before he got out with us Sid looked at me.

"Don't freak out." He said with a slight smile. "He won't say anything to you."
"Sure he won't" I replied.
"One down, two to go." Troy stated sounding very proud. "Didn't take very long for this one to attach herself to you. Do you know that he JUST broke up with Holly?"
"Dad stop it." Sid said as I heard my phone go off in on Sid's bed.
"I should go get that." I said relieved to have a reason to leave.
"Try to stay away from Sidney, we don't need any distractions with the playoffs starting in a couple of days." Troy said before I got ready to leave.
I heard Sid say "Dad" but I left the room before I had to listen to them talk about me anymore.

As I walked through the hallway I looked at my phone and saw that I had a text message.

Hey sexy, how about that date we talked about?
-Ethan

I stopped dead in my tracks. 'What do I do?' I asked myself as I walked back in the living room. I knew I was going to have to answer Ethan soon but I needed some advice about what had just happened with Sid. The first people I saw were Marc, Vero, Jordan, Army, Mel, Max, and Logan and I knew exactly who I needed to talk to.

"Hey, you guys busy?" I asked as I approached them.
"Never too busy for you." Max answered smiling.
"I'm glad to see you actually", Vero began, "I feel like I haven't talked to you all night."
"That's perfect because I was hoping to talk to you in private, I need some advice." I replied.
She nodded and we started walking away until Marc sang out my name.

"You two certainly spend some alone time together. Are you trying to steal my girlfriend?" He asked with a huge smile on his face.
"Trying my hardest." I replied as everyone began laughing.
"If you steal my girlfriend you're going to have to make it up to me."
"And what will I have to do to make it up to you?"
"Let me join the two of you."
"Hmm", I began looking at Vero, "I think that can be arranged.
We all smiled and Vero and I walked out the back door and sat out on the lawn chairs that were next to the pool.

"Is anything wrong?" She asked once we were both comfortable in the chairs.
"Not that there's anything wrong I'm just really confused." I answered.
"Confused about what?"
"Well after I went to see Sid in his room he told me that he broke up with Holly. Then he described the kind of girl he wanted and said someone like me."
"Oh my God, what did you say to him?"
"I didn't say anything to him, I didn't know what to say, it kind of took me by surprise. So we just stared at each other and then he tried to kiss me."
"What do you mean tried to kiss you?" She asked sounding both excited and confused at the same time.
I smiled at her and answered the question. "We were so close Vero but of course his father had to walk in and said one down two to go. I'm assuming that is referring to Holly, Logan, and me."
"Oh that man is quite the character and apparently has bad timing too. But I don't get what you need advice on."
"Well after that happened Ethan sent me a text asking me out on the date we were supposed to have. I guess I'm just wondering if you think that Sid would be interested because if not I could at least give Ethan a chance."
"No don't you dare. You tell Ethan that you are seeing someone now."
"But Sid's father obviously doesn't like me. Would Sid really date someone his father doesn't approve of? I mean they do seem really close."
"Yes he would. The boy obviously likes you. He's not the type who does things without thinking it through. If he said he wants you and tried to kiss you then yes he will go ahead and do it and his father will have to learn to be OK with it."
"I hope you're right Vero because I do like him."
"I know you do, and I know he does too so just don't worry and let it happen."
"You're so smart Vero." I said as we were both up and on our way back inside.
"Well I do try." She replied as we joined up with the same group that we had left just a few minutes earlier.

"You done trying to steal my girlfriend? Marc asked me trying to keep a straight face.
"For now but the competition isn't over yet." I said causing everyone to smile as we all went back to talking about random things again. A few minutes later my phone went off again and Sid came and stood with us at the same time.

So what's you answer
-Ethan

I saw Vero looking at me and I nodded my head to try to let her know it was Ethan again. She proved she knew what it meant when she mouthed 'do it' to me. I smiled and nodded again to show her I was going to.

"OOH is that your boyfriend from the bar? Haven't heard much of him since that night." Max said looking down at my phone. I looked at Sid and he gave me a hard look.
"Awwe we're finally hearing from him, how exciting." Logan said while laughing. At this point Sid wouldn't even look at me and he was a little red in the face.
"I'm going to go outside and take care of this." I said as I walked through the back door and got myself comfortable on one of the lawn chairs again. Then I texted Ethan back.

Actually, I can't. Sorry.
-Brooke

And why not?
-Ethan

I'm kind of seeing someone now.
-Brooke

Well that didn't take long. Your loss.
-Ethan

I decided to leave it at that instead of trying to explain anything to him.

"We have to talk." I heard and when I looked up I saw Sid standing there and he didn't look happy at all.

Chapter 14

As soon as we walked back into he house Max walked up to Sid, who was talking to Holly, without hesitation. Logan and I were trying to talk him out of telling Sid but he wasn't listening to us.

"Sid man your father attacked them." Max stated very bluntly.
"What did he do this time?" Sid asked not looking very surprised at all.
"Just told them he knows they're using us and they should stay away from us if they know what's good for them."
Sid smiled at this. "That doesn't sound too bad at all."
"What do you mean that doesn't sound bad at all?" I piped up after getting the opposite reaction I thought we would get from him. "He was very scary with the tone he used and the look he gave me. I have half a mind to like never talk to you guys again so I can avoid him."
"I think that's what you should do." Holly snapped while glaring at me.
"Holly come on we're finishing our conversation in private." Sid snapped. "You guys stay here and I'll be back in like five minutes." Then him and Holly walked over to a corner where nobody else was around.
"What the hell?" I said. "What is this, yell at Brooke day?"
"Aah sweetie it's fine, the rest of us here likes you." Max said with a laugh.
"Man Troy is staring at us, what do we do?" Logan asked looking like a deer in headlights.
Max started laughing. "You guys are insane you know that?"

Just then we heard someone yell "fine" and everyone looked to see Holly grab her coat and open the door. Right before she walked out she turned, looked at Sid, and screamed: "You'll regret this!" at him before walking out and slamming the door behind her. He turned around facing everyone and turned a very bright shade of red when he realized everyone had seen what just happened. "Sorry guys." He said rubbing the back of his neck and walking away from everyone towards what I could only assume was his bedroom. After a few minutes everyone began mingling again like nothing had happened. I saw Troy looking dirctly and Logan and me. "I'm going to go see if he's OK, build the friendship again." I said getting a laugh from Logan and Max.

As I walked down a pretty long hallway I came out into another wing ot the house. I saw only one light coming from upstairs and followed it, ending up in the doorway of Sid's bedroom. I saw Sid laying on his back on the bed staring up at the ceiling. I knocked lightly on the door letting him know I was there without just barging in on him.

"Did you seriously not hear me clicking through that hallway? It's like every step I took echoed." I said getting a laugh from him. He then sat up on the bed putting his two feet on the floor.
"I did but I figured it was mom or Nathalie coming to check on me. Didn't really expect it to be you."
"Yeah I'm full of surprises like that." I responded as I went in and sat down next to him on the bed.
"That's intriguing actually." He said while smiling. "So how did everyone elect you to come talk to me after that?"
"Actually everyone just went back to normal after a couple of minutes. I don't think they really care about you." I said joking around with him.
"That hurts." He said laughing along with me. "So are you trying to say you're the only one cares about me or what?"
"Who said anything about me caring about you? I was just trying to avoid your father."
"Geez you're full of low blows tonight. Why are you avoiding him?"
"He's scary and he sent me too many weird looks for my liking so I wanted to get away from there before his looks sent me up in flames. He's a very scary man."
"Awe come on he's not so scary."
"Obviously not to you, you're his son he has to be nice to you."
"Well I'm glad this wasn't an attempt at trying to make me feel better because if so you're not good at it."
"Oh poor baby want to talk about his feelings." I began joking around again but decided to get serious. "Really what was that blow up about? I don't think I ever heard her speak let alone scream at you in front of everyone."
"Well...." he started only to be interrupted by someone saying his name. Just then his mom walked into the room.

"Hey mom." He said smiling at her.
"Hi Sidney, Brooke."
"Hi Mrs. Crosby."
"Please dear call me Trina." She said smiling at me. "Am I interrupting something?"
"God mom." Sid said beginning to blush. "She came to see if I was OK."
"Well you never know." she said with a big smile on her face. "I mean you're a young, handsome man and she's a very beautiful, young woman. Actually you do look really nice together."
"Oh wow." Sid said pretty loud and now blood red in the face. "Did you want something, other than to humiliate me?"
"Don't be so silly I didn't humiliate you. I came to see how you were but I see you have already been comforted." she said with a smile and winked at us as she walked away leaving us alone again.

"Holy polar opposites." I said referring to his parents and laughing at the same time.
"Yeah real funny. Is it just me or is it hot in here?" he asked while opening the sliding glass doors and walking out on the balcony. When he got out there he was facing away from me and was kind of bent over resting his two arms on the rail. I followed him out there and took the same position next to him on the rail.

"Wow, the city is really beautiful." I gasped when I saw the view he had from his balcony.
"Especially now that it's dark. Has to be one of the nicest places I've ever been to."

We just stood there in silence until he broke it a couple minutes later. "I broke up with her." He stated without taking his eyes away from the city.
"Oh my God, are you OK?"
"I'm fine."
"What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well for one she flipped out at me today because my father was a little mean to her."
"Honestly Sid he is pretty intense, it is pretty scary."
"I know it's not just that though. I kind of figured she didn't really like the guys because she used to complain about me wanting to hang out with them and then once we went out she wouldn't talk to anybody. And if I left her side for like a minute she would get pissed off and wouldn't talk to me until I gave in and would go home with her."
"I can see that being frustrating. Obviously you're going to want to hang out with the guys and you can't exactly spend every minute together. Everyone needs their space."
"Exactly, but after the way she acted today there was no way it would've worked. Going out and not talking to my friends is one thing but to snap at them is completely different, especially tonight being a celebration and all."
"So she snapped at more than just me tonight?"
"Yeah you, Max, Jordan, Army, and Vero. Who the hell snaps at Vero?"
"I know right, Vero's like the nicest and friendliest person in the world. But you don't deserve to be with somebody like that. You're young you have to be with somebody you can have fun with and who can have fun with your friends."
"I want a girl who wants to spend time with me but is also independent so it can work when I'm on the road. Someone who knows how important hockey is to me and has her own passion. Someone I can laugh with and have fun with. Someone who gets along with my friends and actually enjoys going and hanging out with them." Then he turned to me, looked deep into my eyes, and said "someone like you."

Chapter 13

About five minutes after Max said that he pulled into a long driveway to a house that was surrounded by trees and it was pretty secluded. There were already a few of the guys' cars there which made me feel a little better.

"Here we are guys." Max stated as he parked and we got out of the car. When we looked we saw Marc and Vero pulling in right beside us so we decided to wait for them so we could all go in together.

"Brooke you look so pretty tonight." Vero said with a smile as they got out of Marc's truck.
"Thanks Vero, you look great too."
"Well thank you."
"Alright you all ready to head inside?" Max asked.
Everyone nodded while Logan and I just looked at each other with horrified looks on our faces.
"There's nothing to be worried about." Marc said with a smile clearly having seen the looks Logan and I had just given each other.
"Yeah you've been hanging out with us for months now so there's no difference." Max said trying to calm us down.
"Are you kidding me right now?" I asked with my voice more panicky than I had meant it to be. "This is Mario Lemieux's house. He's going to be watching us and making sure we're good enough for the team. What happens if he doesn't like us? Oh my God I am so clumsy, what if I break something?"
"I'm with her." Logan responded. "This is Mario and his Penguins and we're not built for this type of thing. We mess up, that's what we do."
"OK you two just stop." Vero said while laughing at us. "We were all nervous the first time we came here but it's not as bad as you think. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming so stop worrying and let's go inside."

Logan and I nodded, then followed Max, Marc, and Vero to the front door of this beautiful, big house. Max rang the door bell and I was a little relieved to see Sid answer the door.

"Hey guys, glad you could come." He greeted as he stepped aside for us to go in.
"Let's get these two inside before they try to escape." Max stated as he pointed towards Logan and myself, causing us both to smile.
"Why, what's wrong with you guys?" Sid asked us.
"It's just that you guys, Mario mostly, it's kind of crazy that Brooke and I are even here." Logan answered.
"I'm scared I'm going to break something." I said with a little chuckle.
Sid started laughing. "It's no big deal we're all just here to have some fun and relax. So come on in and calm down."

That being said we all walked inside and saw that all of the team were already there and all of the wives and girlfriends were there as well. The guys were in the game room having a good time while all the women were in the living room talking. Vero grabbed my arm and I followed her to the living room. Logan and I shot each other a frightened look while we headed in our own directions. Vero then introduced me to all the wives/girlfriends which also included Nathalie, and Sid's mother, Trina, his sister, Taylor, and of course Holly.
About an hour passed of chatting and laughing and the guys decided to make their way out with us girls and everyone began mingling together in both the kitchen and living room. I was spaced off in my own little world until I felt someone tap me on the shoulder causing me to jump a little.

"Scare you did I?" Sid asked laughing at my startled expression.
"Yeah, you think?" I answered laughing along with him.
"So it's not as bad as you thought it was going to be, is it?"
"Actually it's been pretty great. Everyone is so nice and super happy. It's been way more fun than I thought it would be."
"I told you it wasn't going to be a big deal."
"I know and I have managed to avoid meeting Mario so far so that's kinda of cool. I haven't had to go through that terrifying meeting." I said as I noticed Holly glaring at me.
"Well that's soon going to change. Mario can you come here for a minute."
I looked over my shoulder to see Mario and another man walking towards us and instantly felt terrified. "I hate you." I whispered as I turned around to greet the two men, causing Sid to laugh a little.
"Guys this is Brooke, Logan's cousing from Newfoundland we told you about." He began. "Brooke, this is Mario Lemieux and my father, Troy."
"Nice to meet you." I said while shaking both of their hands and trying to stay as calm as I could manage.
"It's nice to finally meet you Brooke." Mario began with a smile. "The guys have been saying such great things about you and Logan for a while now. We've already met him, he seems like a great kid, funny too."
"Yeah I guess that's why he fits in with these guys so well." I responded.
"Seems like you both fit in well, the guys seem to adore you." Mario said still smiling.
"They're a great bunch of guys. And thank you so much for inviting Logan and me here tonight."
"Oh it was my pleasure to have you two here."

Just then Sid's mom, Trina, sang out to the guys and they all excused themselves and began to leave. I began to turn the other way to look for Max or Logan but I heard someone speak up behind me.

"You think I don't know what you're doing here?" Troy stated very sternly to me.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I responded completely shocked at how this man was talking to me.
"You and your troubled cousin come here with absolutely nothing and conveniently make friends with these guys. I'm not buying your innocent act like the rest of the guys are, I know you two have an alterior motive so the best thing for the both of you would be to stay away from this team, especially my son."
I didn't have a chance to respond before he turned and walked away from me, leaving me standing there completely stunned.

"What did he say to you?" Logan asked as he approached me.
"Pretty much that we're evil and we should stay away from the guys, with extra emphasis on Sid." I answered still pretty taken aback at what had just happened.
"He basically said the same thing to me when all the guys left the game room."
"Wow, I did not see that one coming. Everyone else has been so nice."
"Yeah that guy scares me. Think we should get Max to take us home so we don't cause any trouble at Mario Lemieux's house."
"I think that would be a good idea. I'm going to text Max and tell him to meet us outside."
"Good idea."

Then Logan and I went out front and about a minute later Max showed up. "What's up guys?"
"We were wondering if you could take us home?" Logan asked.
"What, already? Are you guys not having a good time.?"
"It's not that we just don't want to cause any trouble since Mario was nice enough to invite us here tonight." I answered.
"What are you talking about?" He asked clearly confused. We went on then to tell him about our encounters with Troy Crosby.

"You're not leaving because of that. He doesn't control the team and who we hang out with so just ignore him. He's like that when it comes to Sid all of the time anyway."
"It's fine though Max I just don't want to ruin everyone else's time, this is supposed to be a celebration for you guys making the playoffs."

He grabbed us both by our arms and began dragging us back towards the house. "Don't you two worry your Newfie butts off." He stated with a huge smile as he opened the door. "I'll take care of this."

Logan and I shot each other confused glances but followed him back inside to see what he was talking about, both hoping that we could enjoy the rest of our night.