Chapter 19

The party was in full swing by the time they reached the pool deck. A woman with a badge and clipboard moved to stop Erin, then saw Geno and stepped out of the way. Max blew her a kiss as he passed.

Jordan bulldozed a path straight to the bar. Sid was bringing up the rear, his hand in Maddie’s. Before he reached the group, Jordan was already collecting out shots.

“Two tequilas a piece,” he said, “Boys vs. girls. Watch and learn.”

He handed each of the guys two shot glasses, then picked up a slice of lime. He lifted the lime to Deanne’s mouth and made her hold the rind side between her teeth. He downed one shot, the other, and then pressed his mouth to Deanne’s to bite the lime. When he was done, he spit the lime away and went back in for a kiss.

Max crowed. “I hope someone photographs you doing this, Sid!”

“You’re the one with no date!” Sid shot back.

Geno put his hands on Erin’s shoulders and pushed her forward. “You can borrow mine. We just friends,” he said. Erin’s eyes went very wide. Geno spun her back to face him. “But I do it too, okay?” She looked very alarmed, but nodded.

Sidney picked up a lime slice and a napkin. He put the edge of the napkin against Maddie’s chest, just above the top of her dress. Very gingerly, he tucked the napkin between her skin and the fabric. Her stomach dropped as his fingers brushed the top of her breasts.

“Just in case,” he said, handing her the lime.

“Wait, wait! Go one at a time! I wanna see this,” Cynthia shouted, already holding her lime. She nodded to Sid and Maddie. “You guys first!”

Sid glanced around, then looked at Maddie. He raised his eyebrows really high and made a ‘Here we go!’ face. He drained both shots and stepped into Maddie. He wrapped his arms all the way around her back, dipped her so low she was horizontal and bit into the lime. A splash of juice ran onto Maddie’s chin as she fought the urge to laugh. He came up with the lime in his teeth, pulling her to her feet.

“Woooo,” she said, steadying herself.

Sid had the lime in his hand. “Wait...” he said, and gave her a very gentle, very juicy kiss. He licked her bottom lip. “I missed a spot.”

“Oooowwww!” Jordan yelled. “That’s how you do it, boys. Let’s see what you got.”

Cynthia and Kris were next. Kris obviously did not like tequila, and made a face after each shot. Cynthia pushed his hair from his face. He really went for the lime, grabbing Cynthia hard and pulling her into him, their bodies practically slamming together. She hitched her leg up over his hip like they were doing the tango.

“Okay, Erin. You ready for back-to-back action?” Jordan gave her two limes.

“Geno should do like 10 shots really, two isn’t going to do a thing for him,” she laughed, then popped the lime in her mouth.

Geno toasted her with both glasses, then opened his mouth as wide as he could and poured both shots in at the same time. He picked Erin up, lifted her over his head, and slowly slid her body down against his until the lime met his upturned lips. He put her down laughing and wiping juice from her face.

“Saved the best for last,” Max winked at Erin as she put another lime between her lips. Max threw back one shot, then the other. Then he pulled the lime from Erin’s mouth, tilted her over his knee, stuck it in the top of her dress and pressed his face into her cleavage.

“Aaaggghhh!” she squealed.

Max spit the lime out, but kept her there. “See what you’ve been missing?” he teased, and stood her up. She shook her whole body.

“I have lime juice all down my dress!” She slapped him on the arm.

“Then we need more shots!” he yelled.
___

Jordan ordered another round – and got 10 shots. He’d forgotten there were only four girls. He looked at Max, who looked at Erin.

“Can you handle both of us again?” he asked.

“One shot each, and yes,” she nodded deviously. “I am going to have my way with both of you.”

By now, people near the bar had caught on to their game. Most of them had seen Max pillaging Erin and turned to watch. For round two, they had spectators.

Sid was gripping Maddie’s hand a little tighter. She knew he had a lot riding on his image, and that he knew almost everyone at the party. Sponsors, media, executives… he was back on his guard, after the fun they’d had before. She squeezed his hand in what she hoped was a reassuring way.

What am I going to do? she asked herself.

Deanne and Jordan were up first. She got ready like wasn’t a foot taller, like she could ever reach his face without standing on something. He took the lime, looking at her curiously. She picked up her shot glasses, tilted them toward the group, then drank them both in quick succession. When she had tossed them on the bar, she reached out and pushed Jordan – hard. He fell backward into a chair, Deanne threw one leg over him and sat right on his lap. The audience whistled and applauded as she bit into the lime.

Maddie gave Cynthia a pleading look. Cynthia handed Kris his lime – he was perfectly happy not to wait for their turn. She evicted Jordan from his chair and had Kris sit down. She walked around behind him, trailing a hand across his chest. Both shots went down, she leaned over the back of the chair and pressed her lips to the lime in an upside-down Spider Man kiss. Kris’s knuckles went white gripping the arms of the chair. They got catcalls from the peanut gallery.

Erin got the idea and quickly moved to be next. She handed one shot to Max ‘for safe keeping’ and handed Geno a lime. She took a few steps back from him, tapped her shot glass down on the bar and then drained it. Then she ran the distance between them, jumped and wrapped her legs around Geno’s hips. He caught her and she was biting the lime before he could even regain his balance. The crowd whooped. For good measure, he put one hand on her ass.

She climbed down, looked around and held up a single finger to Max. Seconds later, she was back, dragging a deck chair. She pulled it right up in front of Max and pointed for him to lie down. He practically jumped onto it.

She stepped over, straddling him with one foot on either side of the chair. She theatrically took his hands and shoved them under his butt so he couldn’t touch her. Then she undid an extra button on his shirt, exposing his throat and a sliver of his chest. She put the lime in his smile.

Erin winked at Max, then tossed back the shot. She leaned down, took the lime from his mouth, folded open his collar and squeezed it on his neck. Then she put her knee down, stretched her body out against him and slowly licked the juice from his skin. Max’s hands were out in a second, pinning her to him. Everyone whistled and hollered.

Okay, here goes, Maddie thought. She pressed the object in her hand, hoping she’d come up with something good. Suggestive, but certainly not throwing him on the ground and licking him in front of everyone. Though I’d like to.

Sid looked nervous, but he was gamely holding his slice of fruit. Maddie gave him a little nod. He put the lime in his mouth. More people had been attracted by the crowd, and quite a few were now waiting to see what she’d do.

Maddie took her time swallowing one shot, then the other. She put the glasses down, and stepped close to Sid. She held up the object in her hand for everyone to see – her room key. She gently leaned in, used her mouth to take the lime without touching him, and then slid her keycard between his teeth in its place. Then she walked away, like the she was going inside.

There was a beat of silence, then the crowd blew up. Maddie turned back around and did a little curtsey. Sid took the key from his mouth, held it up again, and the slid it into his pocket.
___

“Amazing.” He was shaking his head at her. Maddie was holding a beer, though she could still taste the tequila. “I can’t tell you how scared I was there for a minute,” he laughed before pressing into her. “Though I was pretty desperate for you to have your way with me in a pool chair.”

Maddie smiled. “We could always bring one inside.”
____

Chapter 18

The sun was still high in the sky when the show ended. Maddie stood on the pool deck at The Palms, watching Sidney made the rounds. He seemed to know every single person at the event. Good thing they hadn’t sent him for drinks, he’d never make it to the bar, she thought.

When Commissioner Bettman had made the ceremonial Stanley Cup presentation to the Penguins, Maddie and Erin had both gotten a little teary-eyed. It happened every season, no matter who won. The absolute, unrestrained happiness on the winners’ faces was one of the most beautiful things about this sport.

Kris made it back with two drinks, so Erin went to help Cynthia at the bar. Geno and Jordan were off talking to Jordan’s brothers, and Deanne had disappeared to make dinner reservations.

Kris handed Maddie a glass and offered her a toast. “Thanks for letting me pick you up in the gym,” he said, smiling. “Good thing you have hot friends, or I might be upset that you ditched me for Sid.”

“I am still your biggest fan, and I still owe you a fandemonium moment,” she acknowledged.

“I will be calling that in,” he looked around the pool. “You’re lucky Ovie got you in front of everyone, or I’d make you do it here.”

“I’m plenty embarrassed already,” she said. People had been nodding or saying hello to her all night. And everyone was looking at her, even when Sid wasn’t around. She stuck close to someone at all times.

The girls made it back with drinks at the same time Sidney returned. He raised his glass.

“To Maddie, for not falling up the stairs to the stage,” he said. Everyone clinked glasses.

The party had the prim atmosphere of a cocktail party, but the Vegas undercurrent count not be denied. The pool bar would be open tonight as part of the NHL event. Maddie looked around and thought, This is a lot of hockey players. They will probably tear this place up later. Pro athletes could party like rock stars, and this was the off-season after all.

“Wonder what this place will look like in the morning,” Erin wondered the same thing aloud.

“I wonder what you look like in the morning,” Max said, sidling up to the group. He had been grinning all day since carrying the Cup down the red carpet.

“Someone steal your date?” Cynthia asked. They could see a line of people waiting to have their pictures taken with The Cup.

Max held up his glass, amber liquid sloshing inside. “New date,” he announced.

____

By seven o’clock, the cocktail party was winding down. Appetizers had been passed a hundred times, but arrived much slower than drinks. Everyone was slightly glazed over and stomachs were growling.

“It’s time for our dinner reservation,” Deanne rounded everyone up, and herded them into the hotel. They followed her through the casino… and right out the main entrance. A stretch SUV pulled up and stopped in front of her. For a moment, everyone was quiet.

“Are we going to the prom?” Cynthia asked.

“In New Jersey?” Erin added.

The driver came around and opened a door for Deanne. “Have a little faith, people! We are going to dinner,” she said as she climbed in.

Even with the huge vehicle, five hockey players and four grown women was a tight fit. Deanne sat on Jordan’s lap, and they poured drinks from the sidebar like an upper body version of a three-legged race. Max sat on Kris’ lap, so Cynthia sat on Max’s lap in an attempt to move him. They stayed that way the whole ride.

“Where are we going?” Geno asked. He had an arm around Erin, mostly because of the close quarters.

“To the most magical, wonderful place on Earth,” Deanne lifted her glass, and the girls gasped as the car made a left off the highway. The long SUV rolled to a stop in the parking lot of a gleaming, glowing white In-N-Out Burger.

“Oh my God, I love you more than life itself,” Maddie swore, angling to be the first body out of the car.

Obnoxious vehicles, suits and dresses were not out of place in a hamburger stand in Vegas, even before dark. They got a few looks, but luckily it was all due to the car. No one recognized the guys as they piled into the burger place.

Erin grabbed a table. “Order a 2x4 burger, animal style,” She told Geno. “And one for me.”

They were calling so much attention to themselves that Sid was a little uncomfortable. Even though no one seemed to care, it was against his nature. And it always seemed to always happen by itself anyway. He looked at Maddie and his embarrassment faded. She was smiling like she wore formal wear to a fast food restaurant every day. He noticed that she did not look at the menu.

“Come here often?”

“Every chance I get,” she said. “Number 2, no onions with a neopolitan shake.”

“You don’t like onions?”

She reached her hand right into his pocket. He flinched to feel her palm on his thigh, with just the thin lining separating their skin. She pressed against him, then drew her nails up along his leg as she pulled her hand out.

“Nope, no toothbrush. So I suggest no onions for you either,” she smiled. “Unless you’re going home alone tonight.”

He nodded crisply. “Right, no onions. Ever again.”

Burgers and fries were devoured. Jordan and Kris went back for seconds, and Geno drank three milkshakes. Max, with his mouth full, declared Deanne a genius.

Maddie took a stray fry from the bottom of Sid’s tray. “Too much?” she asked quietly. His look said he knew exactly what she meant.

“No, no it’s great. It’s great.” He looked around. “It’s been a long time since I made a scene and absolutely no one cared at all.” She smiled.

As they hoisted themselves back into the truck, Max insisted on standing with his head out the sunroof. “The Palms Hotel, come to the pool bar!” he shouted to girls walking down the Vegas Strip. He ducked back in when he saw a cop car in the traffic, and shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t hang out with The Cup all night.”
___

Cynthia and Jordan wanted to go another round at the craps table before heading back to the party. They all crowded around to watch. Jordan threw first, and lasted three rounds before rolling craps. Cynthia stayed at the point for 5 rolls on her first turn. Sid reached past Maddie and put a fifty dollar bill on the table. The boxman scooped it up and put two chips in its place.

“Your turn,” Sid said, pushing Maddie toward the head of the table. He handed the chips to Jordan. “Do something with those.”

“What? I don’t know what…” she protested. Cynthia grabbed her arm and pulled her in. Everyone was putting chips on the table, and none of it made any sense to Maddie.

“Just roll,” Cynthia gestured for the dealer to give Maddie the dice. “We’ll tell you if you win.”

Maddie took the dice and looked skeptically at Sid. “Okay Captain, give us some luck.” Sid blew on the dice.

Maddie rolled an 8. The dealer moved the ON button to the 8 in the middle of the table. He didn’t take any chips away, so she looked at Jordan.

“That’s the point number, Maddie. Now roll another one.” Jordan jerked his thumb at Sid. “Don’t roll a 7. Yes, rolling 87 would be very cute. But in this case, you’ll crap out and lose.”

“Just this once, I say it’s okay,” Sid squeezed her waist as she held the dice out to him again.

Maddie shook her fist, closed her eyes and tossed the dice onto the table. One immediately stopped, a three. The other bounced, bounced again… and landed 5-side up.

Their little crowd went crazy. Cynthia hugged Maddie. Sid threw his hands over his head and ran a lap around the table, shouting “We won, we won!”

The boxman dropped chips onto all the stacks on the pass line, including two more on top of the two Sid had bought. Sid picked up his four chips as he circled back. He grabbed Maddie’s hand and spun her out to arm’s length, then wound her back in and kissed her on the mouth.

“You are giddy,” Maddie laughed.

“I’m getting used to this! I feel like I can do whatever I want here and no one cares! This must be what it’s like to be normal,” he was smiling. “I have another idea.” He pulled Maddie from the table, and she waved over her shoulder to everyone.
___

“Oh no,” Maddie said, stopping.

“Oh yes,” Sid dropped her hand and flipped open a huge binder of karaoke songs. The lounge was mostly empty, with just a few people singing. They all looked like regulars.

Maddie put a hand on the book. “I am the worst singer in the world. Really. It’s a human rights violation.”

Sid kept scanning the page, around her fingers. “Don’t care!” He seemed to find one he liked, and he trotted off to the DJ. Maddie flipped open her phone and texted the girls: Karaoke bar – help now.

No one normal gets this excited about Vegas karaoke. Especially sober people before 10 PM, she told herself. But Sid, he was brimming with energy. No one knew him. No one cared who he was or what he did. He seemed so relieved to drop his guard and act like everyone else. Maddie did a quick sweep of her head, looking for photographers or anyone she recognized from the awards show. She saw no one.

“Sidney and Madeline,” the DJ announced. “You’re up!” Sid grabbed Maddie’s had and pulled her toward the stage.

The monitor read: “Journey – Don’t Stop Believing”. Maddie cracked a smile. At least he picked a classic, and I know all the words.

Sid started singing, and Maddie joined in. She hoped he was drowning out her voice. Jordan and Deanne raced into the bar just as they sang “Born and raised in south Detroit….” Jordan must have coached her, because they both yelled “BOOOO!” at the mention of the Motor City.

Erin arrived, ahead of Geno and Max. Without stopping, Max walked right to the DJ, took a microphone and climbed on stage. They all followed his lead. By the chorus, the seven of them were up there. Six people belted out the lyrics without needing to read the screen. Geno accompanied them on air guitar.

When the song ended, one old lady clapped. No one else seemed to have heard them at all.

“We’ll be here all week,” Max pretended to tip his hat.

Chapter 17

As soon as the photographers spotted Sidney, Maddie felt the room close in. They were behind a barricade, but the energy level in the room surged. They pushed forward, angling against each other for the shot.

Sid stepped out of the crowd, onto the carpet. With a squeeze of his hand, he pulled Maddie through behind him. A beat went through the press line, like an awkward silent moment in a crowded room. Then the roar.

Sid pulled Maddie’s hand behind his back, bringing her into his side. He moved his hand to her waist, posing for the photographers with his arm around her. Maddie willed herself to smile. As she stepped into him, she relaxed a touch. Her grin became genuine.

“Sid, who’s the girl?” “Is this your girlfriend?” “Is she Canadian?” “What does Mario say?” The predictable questions came out in a tumble.

Maddie didn’t say anything, wondering if Sid would. How will they caption the photos, she thought, if they don’t know my name?

From the corner of her eye, she saw Erin and Deanne standing at the back of the red carpet. Geno and Jordan were talking together to a TV crew. The girls had been photographed, then had stepped away and let the guys do their interviews. Maddie had a distinct feeling that Sid would not be letting her go.

“Madeline,” Sid was saying to the closest reporter. “Madeline Cartwright.” The person was writing furiously, asking one question as Sid was answering the last. Sid turned and caught Maddie’s eye.

“Jake here wants to know if you’re my girlfriend,” he prompted.

Maddie blushed. She could have kicked him in the shin. Jake was looking at her expectantly.

“Maybe someday, if he’s lucky,” she smiled. Jake scribbled.

At that moment, Max appeared from their right. He was carrying the Stanley Cup.

“My date!” he said, holding it out toward Maddie. His smile was ear-to-ear. The Cup was beautiful up close – shining in the lights and camera flashes. Max easily held the 40 pounds, swinging it around to show everyone.

The photographers screamed for Max to pose with Sidney. For Max to lift the Cup. For Sidney to hold it. Someone waved Jordan and Geno back to the top of the carpet, for a group photo. Bylsma turned up. Maddie stepped back, hidden behind the group.

Then they were yelling for Maddie to be in the photos. Maddie to join the guys, Maddie and Sid with the Cup. Maddie smiled and touched Sid, but she didn’t touch the Cup. Someone shouted for her to hold it.

“When I win it myself,” she said, waving them off.

Max hefted the Cup and moved down the press line. Sid reached out for Maddie’s hand again, and approached the first TV crew – Sportscenter.

“Sidney,” the interviewer said, looking between them, “who’s your date?”

Sid smiled at Maddie. “This is Madeline. She’s my off-season coach.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ve been working on agility out by the pool.”

Maddie almost laughed out loud. She’d barely regained her composure before the microphone was in her face.

“What’s it like to be Sidney Crosby’s date?” he asked her.

“So far, so good,” she answered. “But if it doesn’t work out, he’s always got Stanley over there.”

They moved down the press line, people asking the same questions at each stop. How did Sid plan to spend his day with the Cup? How long had they been dating? How was Maddie prepared to be the envy of women worldwide?

Sid brushed aside many of the questions regarding Maddie. For someone called a ‘dull interview’, he was managing the situation to his advantage. Maddie smiled a lot, but said little unless Sid drew her into an interview.

“I think women would be jealous even if he weren’t famous,” she told a morning program. “I mean, look at him!”

As they moved to the next interview, Sid turned and whispered to Maddie, “Watch out for this one.” She saw a short woman with short, spiky brown hair. She reminded Maddie of the mean reporter who gave Hermione a hard time in Harry Potter. The sign taped to the carpet in front of her read ‘Hello! Canada.’

The reporter leaned way in. “Sidney, who is this lovely creature and where did you find her?”

“Kris Letang introduced us,” Sid said. “We haven’t been seeing each other long.”

“Are you prepared to break the hearts of women across North America for Madeline here?”

Sid smiled. “It’s still new, and I’ve got my own heart to worry about.”

She turned to Maddie. “What’s it like to date Sidney Crosby?”

“So far, it’s great,” Maddie answered honestly.

“And are you prepared for the pressure and gossip storm that will surely follow this debut?”

Maddie looked at Sid. “Sidney deals with a lot of pressure for the sake of his sport. I think I can handle some for the sake of him.”

“Hmmm,” the reporter said. “And for the millions of women who would steal him away from you without hesitation? Drag you through the mud to destroy your relationship? What do you say to them?” She was digging, trying to elicit an unpolished reaction.

Maddie wouldn’t let her in. “I hope they all want what’s best for Sid, because that’s what I want. Even if that ends up not being me.”

The reporter looked at her dismissively, then turned back to Sid. “Does this mean you’ll be spending the off season dating, instead of training and preparing for next year?”

Sidney refused to be galled. “I train better when I’m happy.” With that, he moved away from her.

"You're good," he whispered.

"I've seen Bull Durham a billion times, Meat. I know what to say."

The rest of the interviews were similar. Oy. He really does answer the same ten questions all day long, Maddie thought.

“At least I get to talk about something new,” he whispered, reading her thoughts. Then he stuck his tongue out at her, just a little. “Don’t turn around. They’re photographing your legs.”
____

“Probably shouldn’t Google search yourself for a while,” Bylsma said, squatting down at the end of their row. Sid was in the aisle seat, Maddie next to him. Geno and Erin were beside them, Jordan and Deanne behind with Kris and Erin. Max was on the end of the row in front of them.

Maddie batted her eyelashes innocently. “Why? People might find out why my nickname is Disco?”

Bylsma shook his head and laughed. “I like her,” he said to Sid.

The Awards show began, and Maddie could feel the cameras on her. She half-wished she could see the broadcast – hear how they were presenting the fact that Sid had brought a date, see what she looked like on screen. She was sure that at least one camera was on them constantly.

The League wanted to do something to highlight the growing rivalry between Sid and Alex Ovechkin. They clearly hoped this matchup would become a cash cow, and Sid had agreed to do their little schtick and present a charity check with Alex. A production assistant tapped him on the shoulder when it was time to go backstage.

“He’s got nothing on you,” Maddie said before he snuck down the aisle.

Geno grumbled something in Russian that Maddie was pretty sure couldn’t be said on TV.

A few minutes later, they were announced. Sid came from stage left and gave the crowd a little wave. Alex came from stage right… carrying the Hart Trophy for the league’s Most Valuable Player. He’d won it at last year’s awards. Technically it was his until awarded again this afternoon.

Sid stopped at center stage, and Ovechkin sauntered over. It could have been a weird moment, but Sid gave him an exaggerated crazy look. Ovie’s bravado was legendary, and Sid was smiling like he’d expected nothing else. But then he got something else.

“I hear you brought a date,” Ovie said.

Sid went fuschia , ducked his head and started cracking up right into his lapel microphone. His boyish, high-pitched giggle made everyone in the theater burst out laughing. It took a few moments for him to get composed.

“Yes, I did bring a date,” Sid smiled.

“Well, where is she? You don’t want her to meet me?” Ovie scanned the crowd.

Maddie immediately slouched as far down as she could go. Her knees were pressed into the seat in front of her. Geno looked at her, laughed and then raised his hand.

“Malkin. So helpful,” Ovie said, shielding his eyes against the light. “I don’t see her.”

Sid laughed again. “I think she’s hiding.”

Omigod, Maddie mouthed to Erin, who was practically lying across Geno’s lap, her arm stretched out and holding Maddie’s.

“Let’s bring her up here,” Ovie said. “She can’t be too shy if she’s going to date you. Unless, you don’t want her to meet me.”

“Uhhnn, no. I think we should bring her up here.” He was so unsure it sounded like he was asking a question. “She can’t kill me with this many witnesses.”

The crowd laughed again, and people were turning in Maddie’s direction.

“You have to go,” Erin hissed. Geno was levering her up from her chair.

Oh for fuck’s sake! Maddie thought. She took a deep breath, stood up and smoothed her dress. As she started down the aisle, people applauded. She could hear Jordan and Max whistling and hollering. Her heart was pounding.

They were seated in the 8th row, so it was not far to the stage. Don’t fall, don’t fall, Maddie repeated as she climbed the stairs. She met Sidney’s eyes and glared at him. Taking his outstretched hand, she made a little curtsey to the clapping crowd.

“Alex, this is Maddie,” Sid said, with mock graciousness.

Ovie looked Maddie up and down ostentatiously. He was kind of cute up-close, very tall with floppy hair. When he smiled, Maddie saw that his famously missing front teeth had been replaced.

“Not bad, Sidney,” he said. He came right over and held the Hart Trophy out to Sidney. Sidney looked confused, but he had to take the big torch-shaped statue being passed into his stomach. As soon as he was holding it…

Ovie stepped past him and scooped Maddie up like a princess. She let out a little cry of surprise, and he made to leave the stage.

“Hold that till I get back!” He said, as he walked off with Maddie in his arms.

Maddie could hear Sid laughing into his microphone over the laughter of the crowd. Ovie carried her all the way off stage and into the green room. He was laughing too, but someone must have turned off his mic.

“I am Alex,” he said, putting her down. “Sorry to joke at your expense. But Sid… he makes it too easy.”

Maddie was flustered and flushed but also laughing. “The Hart Trophy for me? That is in no way a fair trade.”

Ovie took her hand and kissed it. “Well I haven’t won the Cup yet. Maybe next year.”

What a goober, Maddie thought as she rolled her eyes. Someone came offstage with the Hart Trophy, and Alex followed it out. Maddie could hear someone else talking onstage with Sidney – they must have had a backup ready to present the check.

Maddie sat on the arm of the couch behind her. Her heart was still racing, but the adrenaline had cut out and her legs felt a little wobbly. Didn’t fall on the way in, can’t fall on the way out.

The crowd applauded the check presentation and two seconds later, Sidney bounded into the green room. When she saw his look of genuine concern, Maddie burst out laughing. The last of her headrush was fading.

“I… I don’t… he’s so… sorry,” Sidney stuttered. “I’m so sorry!” He put his arms around her, standing next to the couch.

“It’s okay! It was funny, really,” Maddie caught her breath. “At least I didn’t fall going up the stairs!”

Sidney squeezed her against his body. “It was totally a setup. Shanny was waiting in the wing to do the check. Assholes! They’re doing the Cup next. Can you go back out there?”

“Yes, of course. I wouldn’t miss that!” He took her hand and led her out, and kept holding her hand all the way up the aisle past everyone, into their seats.

When they sat, Sid turned to Geno. “You’re dead, bro. Dead.”
____

Chapter 16

Maddie unzipped the garment bag and stood back. It was her absolute favorite dress of all time. When she’d bought it, she’d had nowhere to wear it. Not until today. Good thing I brought you, she said silently, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

The dress was dark, mauve-y pink. Black piping ran along the top, accentuating the not-too-revealing cut of the dress. It gave the dress the idea of showing more than it really did. The fitted material hugged Maddie’s body in a classic silhouette. It was sexy, but very classy. Maddie slipped into some black peep-toe heels and spun out into the room.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee,” the girls screamed.

Erin was in a blue satin Audrey Hepburn number. Deanne wore a strapless black dress with flower patter trailing up one side. Cynthia hooked the clasp at the back of her red halter top.

“Deep breath, everyone,” Deanne said.
____

Kris was waiting for them at the elevator.

“Merde,” he said under his breath. “Mademoiselles, you are unbelievable.” He reached out for Cynthia and held her at arm’s length. “Wow,” he breathed. She giggled as he slipped his arm around her waist.

“It looks like Sex and the City over here,” Max sidled up to them. He had a big grin on his face.

“Max, I feel bad you don’t have a date. You’re like the best looking guy in this group!” Erin said.

“Oui cherie, everyone knows this,” he kissed her hand. “Do not worry, I do have a date.”

They headed for the theater. People in the casino, wearing shorts and polo shirts and playing blackjack, turned to watch them go by.

Maddie felt a hand on her back.

“Are you ready for this?” Max said softly.

“How can someone ever be ready for this?” she asked back. “But hey, it’s just a date, right? I’m trying to be cool.”

“Whatever you say, cherie. But this is more like a wedding.”
___

There were people everywhere. Everyone was dressed to the nines. People stood in line for their tickets, others watched as guests trickled down the red carpet. Staff rushed about wearing badges, talking into walkies.

Kris led the way and nodded at a security guard as they passed into the VIP section around the corner from the main entrance. It was packed with people milling about, waiting to hit the red carpet. Alex Ovechkin already had a drink in his hand. One of the Sedin twins spoke Swedish to a blond woman. Chris Drury and Keith Tkachuk swapped Boston University memories.

And then, there he was. Sidney was scanning the crowd, and he started slightly when his eyes met Maddie’s. Max pushed through and made room for him to squeeze in.

“Hi,” she said.

Sidney just stared at her, taking her in. Her shoulders were bare but for thin spaghetti straps. The slightly sweetheart cut of her dress drew his eyes over her curves and down to her waist. The dress flared over her hips and stopped just before her knees.

“Now who’s undressing who with their eyes?” she whispered.

“You should definitely be intimidated by what I’m thinking right now,” he replied. “You look…”

“Damn ladies!” Jordan stomped through the crowd. “I should have kept you all locked upstairs with me this morning!”

As they laughed, Maddie felt Sid slide his hand into hers. In the close quarters, no one could see. She squeezed and he squeezed back.

People started to empty out of the VIP area, players moving down the red carpet giving interviews. The Pens were set to go toward the end. Maddie saw Nathalie and Mario standing outside the stanchion talking to Gary Bettman. Nathalie caught her glance and gave her a big smile.

“Guys ready?” Maddie turned to see Dan Bylsma, the Pens coach. He glanced down to where Sidney was holding her hand. She quickly looked at Sid.

“Wow,” Bylsma said, looking between them. Then to Maddie, “You are a brave girl.” And he led them out. Sid squeezed her hand again.

There was a holdup at the top of the red carpet. Maddie couldn’t really see over the people in front of her, but some ruckus was going on. Max squeezed past them saying, “My date is here.”

Sidney took the momentary pause to lean into her back. “You look spectacular,” he whispered. She smiled.

The crowd in front of them erupted. Maddie caught a glimpse of silver – The Stanley Cup had arrived. She felt a surge of pride for the guys, for their victory. Today was their day. She silently swore to stop worrying about herself.

“Last chance to back out,” said the voice in her ear.

She turned her head to him. “Lights, camera, action.”

Chapter 15

Maddie waited near a side entrance to the theater. Sidney had planted her there, out of sight of most of the setup and press line. He slipped in the door. Maddie looked around while waiting, knowing she looked odd in full hair and makeup wearing Erin’s button down shirt and Capri pants.

She looked up as the door opened and Mario Lemieux stepped out.

PHWOAR, Maddie involuntarily thought. Mario stood 6’ 4” and possibly better looking than he’d been 15 years before. He too was wearing a black suit. And before Maddie knew it, he was giving her a 100 watt smile.

“You must be Maddie,” he said, taking her hand. She blinked back at him. “Sid has told me a lot about you in the last hour.”

Sid looked ready to catch her if she passed out. “Maddie?”

She snapped out of it and shook the hand holding hers. “It’s an honor to meet you. Sir.” She blushed.

Mario laughed. “The pleasure is all mine. I understand Sidney has asked you to be his date today. And that you’ve only agreed if I approve.”

Maddie nodded.

“Why did you want my opinion, if I may ask?”

She looked at the floor. “I thought you would be overprotective of him. So if this was in any way bad for him, you wouldn’t let us do it. I can only guess at the situation,” she took a deep breath. “A mistake here isn’t going to cost me anything. But Sid could stand to lose a lot.” She looked at Sid. “I couldn’t do that to him.”

Mario leaned back, like he was thinking. “Maddie.” He simply stated. “Maddie.” And he pulled her into a hug.

She was so surprised she almost forgot her makeup. Careful not to press her face to his chest, she returned his hug. When he let go, he kept his hands on her shoulders. “I came out here having already decided to say no to this, without even meeting you. I almost made a terrible mistake.” He let his hands drop away.

"I've hoped for a while now that Sid would meet a girl. I even said he could bring them over to the house! But he puts to much pressure on himself, especially during the season. And the thought of something public - well, from a PR standpoint it's scary to lose that control."

"I think you have some grasp of how huge this is for Sidney. For his image, sponsors, everyone. I don't want to be melodramatic, but I need to be honest. This won't be on CNN or in Time Magazine. But it will feel, for you both, that the world has come apart completely. Like you've set a bomb off in your own lives."

He put his hands in his pockets. "That said, I think it's time. Let's not over think it and ruin what it's supposed to be about.

“I would love it if you’d join Sidney on the red carpet for today’s awards show.”
___

When Sidney left for his interviews, Mario asked Maddie to wait a moment. He disappeared inside. Five minutes later, a smiling blonde woman came out.

“Maddie?” she asked. “I’m Nathalie. Mario’s wife.”

“Oh,” Maddie said, recognizing her now. “It’s nice to meet you.” Nathalie was wearing a simple, Jackie O-style black dress with a boat neck and pearls.

“Do you have a few minutes to talk before you dress?” Nathalie gestured to a nearby casino table that was closed. They sat.

“Mario told me that he changed his mind. You must have made quite an impression on him,” she said. “Though frankly asking for his permission was a pretty amazing move. What made you do that?”

Maddie sighed. “I wanted someone rational to make sure Sid was doing the right thing. He seemed so excited by the idea, I knew he wasn’t being objective.” She met Nathalie’s gaze. “I don’t want to cause trouble for him.”

“But you do want to be with him?” Nathalie encouraged.

“I think so,” Maddie bit the inside of her cheek. “We just met yesterday, I know. But if I’m honest with myself, there’s something there that has nothing to do with the number on the back of his jersey. And maybe that deserves a chance. Does that sound stupid?”

Natalie put her hand over Maddie’s. “Maybe to someone who’s never been exactly where you are. But not to me.”

Maddie’s shoulders sagged with relief.

“Mario also told me you said something about how you don’t stand to lose anything in this. Maddie, this is very important. Do not underestimate them,” she waved at the press line, now filling in. “You will be the target of some craziness. And it may get nasty. Not today, probably, they’ll be too surprised. But by the time the show is over…”

Maddie nodded. “I’ve thought about that. Just enough to know I have no idea what to expect.”

“Well know this,” Nathalie said. “I was far from perfect when it happened to me. And I got through, we got through. There’s been a plan all along to orchestrate this for Sid, to cover every angle of his first public relationship. But to be honest, it’s crushing him. He’s missing out on a lot in life without something like this. Someone like you. Part of me is very relieved this has come up quickly before it can become a group project. I say,” she looked around the casino, “let the chips fall where they may.”

That made Maddie laugh. “You just called it a ‘relationship’ when this is really our first date! I wonder what Sid would think of that.”

“Believe me, Maddie. He wouldn’t bring you here if he wasn’t thinking about that.”

They stood up and hugged. Nathalie put her hands on Maddie’s shoulders, the same way Mario had done.

“You can do this. And Sidney deserves it, God knows. That boy is a saint,” she said.

“I’m going to be on the cover of the newspaper tomorrow, aren’t I?” Maddie asked.

“Right next to a composite photo of what your future babies will look like.”

Chapter 14

Brunch flew past as Maddie started to get a little nervous about what she’d agreed to do. They piled into the buffet at the Palms, where the boys really pressed the meaning of ‘all-you-can-eat.’

Over his third plate of pancakes and shrimp cocktail, Jordan said, “So Maddie. We heard you’re having your coming out party today.”

“We’ll see what Mario says,” she answered.

“Oh please,” Jordan replied. “You picked the wrong shield. Mario lifted the ‘no girls’ rule from his house for Sid months ago. He’s pretty desperate for The Kid to get some so everyone can stop worrying about what will happen when he finally does.”

Sidney covered his face with his hands. “Jordo, I will kick your ass if you don’t shutup.”

Jordan shrugged, “Hey man, I’m just saying. You waited long enough to pick someone, Maddie must be pretty special.” He winked at her. “Must have shown you just how special last night…”

Sid laughed and pushed Jordan off the bench. He landed on the floor, but didn’t move to get up. “I can see up D’s dress from down here!”
____

“You okay?” Sid said behind Maddie as they were leaving the restaurant.

She turned to face him. “Don’t worry about me.”

Sid looked at his watch. He had to be at the show an hour before everyone else for some pre-arranged sponsor interviews.

“I have two hours. Want to go for a walk?”

“I have to start getting ready if I’m going to pull this off.”

“Will you come down with me to meet Mario before I start?” She nodded. “Then you can come back with everyone at 3 and I’ll meet you by the top of the red carpet?” He put his hand protectively on her arm. “There’s still time to back out if you want to.” He leaned in, and whispered, “I really hope you don’t want to.”

Maddie touched his face. In the back of her mind, she wondered if it was a good idea to be touching him in public. The hotel must be crawling with press, fans, NHL employees and guests. She knew there was no mistaking what was passing between them now.

“I’ll be there,” she whispered. She turned to walk away.

“Hey Maddie,” Sid called after her. “Change your shoes.” She was still wearing his flip flops.
____

Maddie went straight for the hotel directory.

“Already done!” Erica said, pulling it from her. “They’re ready for you in 15 minutes.”

“What? Who?”

“The salon downstairs, fool,” Cynthia said. “We’re not going to let you become Queen of Canada wearing eyeliner from Target.”

“We got you the works – hair and nails and makeup. But you’ll need at least 90 minutes, and we mustn’t keep Mario waiting.” Erin handed her a bag. “Go.”
____

The salon was gorgeous. Stone waterfall fountains flanked the room. Vaguely Celtic music played softly. Maddie could almost have relaxed except for the team of ninja assassin-like employees swarming around her.

“Curls!” the hairdresser had gasped when he let down her clip. “I love curls.”

And he did. He seemed to go through each curl individually, smoothing them into perfect waves and spirals. He pushed a little bouffant into the top of her hair and pinned it. He carefully selected each curl to join it, fastening them up. When he was done, her hair was a soft cascade of curls catching the light. Maddie thought she looked like a Shakespearean heroine. Like Juliet.

The makeup artist worked quickly, using so many brushes and pots that Maddie gave up trying to guess what she was doing. She concentrated on not letting her eyes water as she looked up, down, up again around the mascara brush. Maddie had asked for “not too much” on her face, so she was thrilled when the artist stepped away. She looked defined and slightly dramatic, but she still looked like herself.

When her nails were dry, she dug into her purse for her wallet. The receptionist stopped her.

“It’s been taken care of, miss,” she smiled. Damn it, girls, Maddie thought. But she couldn’t stay mad as she floated out of the salon on a chorus of “Good luck!” and “Have fun!”

Crossing into the casino, she nearly crashed into Sidney.

“Oooff, sorry! What are you doing here?” She stepped back to look at him. He was wearing a sleek black suit with a slight shine on the lapels. A crisp white shirt peeked out from behind a Nordiques-blue tie. His short hair was gelled slightly, giving it a permanently ‘just ran a hand through it’ look. Maddie drew in a deep breath – he was stunning. Sidney looked like a strapping, Canadian James Bond.

He blushed under her stare. “Shy, sugar?”

“The most beautiful girl in Las Vegas just undressed me with her eyes,” he laughed. “I do feel a little intimidated.”

She swatted his shoulder. “Pssshhht. If you can handle playoffs, I think you’ll live.”

They were standing just a little too far apart – an inch, maybe more, than she would have naturally done. She could see he felt nervous too, about what they might be getting into.

“You look… you look like a fairy tale,” he stammered.

She put her arm through his in what could be considered a formal gesture, then leaned her head in. “Wait till you see my dress.”

She led him in the direction of the theater. They had a few minutes before meeting Mario. Maddie was lost in thinking about what he might say, when she suddenly stopped.

“Sidney Crosby,” she said. “Did you pay the salon?”

He smiled a straight line. “Busted.” He put his hands up, not knowing how she would react. “I felt bad. You’re doing this for me. And wow,” he took her in, “you are really doing it for me.” He smiled, trying. “Please let me.”

Maddie sighed. He looked so cute, making puppy dog eyes and willing her not to be mad. She felt the same insecurity as she had the night before – his insecurity. Like he worried that people only ever wanted him for his money. And he might have overstepped by paying for her.

She smiled, “Thank you, Sidney.”

Chapter 13

Maddie opened her hotel room door prepared to tiptoe in. The she heard laughing.

“Dum dumdumdum, dum dumdumdum…” Erin waved her hands like a conductor as she sang, ‘Here Comes the Bride’ to Maddie’s entrance.

The scene was pandemonium. Clothes were everywhere, suitcases tipped over onto the floor. Hair appliance cords spiderwebbed across the room. A row of empty water bottles stood testament to recovery from the night before.

And feet. Maddie saw feet sticking out the bottom of one bed. BIG feet. Attached to a big guy. Jordan Staal, dead asleep and snoring lightly, was sprawled out face down across one of the beds.

“At least someone covered his ass this time,” Maddie observed.

Deanne’s head popped out of the bathroom. “That was me. But I can’t wake him.” She came over and pushed his leg as hard as she could. “I think we should call Max. He seems like he’s know what to do, right?” She picked up the phone.

“Can I have Max Talbot’s room, please?” She frowned, and put her hand over the receiver. “There’s no Max Talbot registered.”

Cynthia rolled her eyes. “Ask for a Mr. Superstar,” she suggested.

“Ummm, do you have a Max Superstar registered?” Deanne made a face, then quickly smiled. “Thanks!” She nodded as the call was connected.

Cynthia made a gagging noise and pretended to hang herself.

“You are a piece of work, Frenchie,” Deanne said. “Jordan is dead. Or hibernating. We can’t wake him and we’re really hungry.” She listened, then giggled. “That will NOT work.” Pause. “I don’t even want to know how you know that.” Pause. “Okay, I’ll call you back if it doesn’t.” She hung up and turned toward the girls.

“You might want to go in the hall for a minute.”

Laughing, Erin, Cynthia and Maddie backed into the hall. Once the door was shut, Erin spun around.

“You are NOT wearing that shirt!” She said, pulling Maddie around backwards.

“He gave it to me!” Maddie shrieked. “It was that or my dress, and the dress looks like a comforter in a whorehouse.” She looked down at herself.

Baggy #87 Pens t-shirt, mesh gym shorts, too-big flip flops. Sidney had pointed out that wearing sweats with heels was probably as bad as wearing her dress home. Too right, she knew. Then he’d joked about later, when she should wear just the #87 shirt and heels alone. Shiver.

Her thought was broken by Deanne cracking open the door. “He’s up,” she said. Her hair was completely disheveled again, and her shorts were gone. They went in.

Jordan was sitting up in bed, blanket around his waist and big smile on his face. “My harem has returned!” He looked right at Maddie. “Nice shirt,” he said. Then busted out laughing.

“Man, that kid has some luck. Even with an ass like his, he still gets his girl.”

“Get out of my room, Jordan Staaaaaaaaaaaaaaal,” Erin sang, and Cynthia joined in. Maddie stuck her tongue out at him.

“You asked for it,” he said, then stood up. No clothes, no blankets. The girls all dove for cover. He spent a good long time looking for his shorts. “Not under here,” he said lifting up a magazine. “How about… nope.” He looked behind the TV.

“Look between the bed and the wall,” Erin suggested.

“Oh yeah,” he said, picking them up. “I forgot about that!” He pulled them on – red with Hawaiian flowers. He found his pants and shirt, then pulled on his shoes. When he was done, he grabbed Deanne, lifted her a foot off the floor, pressed her to the wall and kissed her. “See you at breakfast.” He bounded out of the room.

Deanne slid down the wall – all the way down till she was sitting on the floor. Looking up at the girls, she said, “You have NO idea.”
___

Maddie showered quickly and pulled her wet curls into the same updo trick from the night before. Deanne tugged her from the bathroom by an arm.

“Roll call,” she demanded. “Two minute version of everything that happened last night. Go.” She pointed at Erin.

“Geno made me do 40 shots of vodka and named me honorary Russian. We ate pizza, then fell asleep watching a movie. In separate beds. He’s a sweetie, and so fun. But that’s it. He wouldn’t let me go upstairs with Max.” She gave a little fake pout. “No really, I had a blast.”

Deanne pointed at Cynthia.

“I won $950 at craps.” She smiled, then blushed. “And Kris talks in French in his sleep.” They all squealed and jumped on Cynthia. “He has more expensive shampoo than I do.”

Deanne leaped up and re-assumed her drill sergeant pose. “Scale of 1 to 10.”

“Two hundred and eleven.” More squealing.

“And you, young lady?” They all turned to Maddie.

Maddie ticked off her fingers. “I ran off some puck bunnies. I did NOT have sex with Sidney Crosby. But I did agree to go to the NHL Awards with him today.”

“THANK GOD!” The girls all said at once. Maddie didn’t get it.

“They all asked us,” Erin said. “But we had zero idea what Sid was doing, so Max of course said he would love to take you so we could all go. We were so excited, but we didn’t want it to be weird for you, and we figured you could just meet him inside once we were all there…”

Maddie put a hand out. “He asked me to GO with him. Red carpet and all.”

They all froze. Then screamed.

“WHATOHMYGODHOLYHELLWHATAREYOUGOINGTOWEAR?”

Maddie doubled over laughing. “I gave him one condition, though. I told him he has to introduce me to Mario, and Mario has to approve this little plan. Turns out maybe Mario wants Sid out there more than even Sid does. So we’ll see what happens.”

“You are dead meat, sister,” Cynthia said. “You are going to be Mrs. Captain Canada by dinnertime.”

They hustled up to finish getting dressed. Maddie put on denim Capri pants and a bright salmon colored henly t-shirt with the top buttons open over a white tank top. Then she put on Sid’s flip flops.

Deanne came in while she was smudging on a little eyeliner.

“Really, no sex?” D whispered. “What’s that about?”

“It was great, actually. He’s really sweet. He was afraid I’d think he was treating me like a starstruck puckbunny.” She turned. “And to be honest, I was afraid that’s what I was being. So neither of us let that happen. We made out and got a little naked, but then we slept. And it wasn’t weird this morning.”

Deanne had a big, shit-eating grin on her face. “Amazing. You don’t have sex and it’s better than having sex.”

"Well," Maddie smiled at herself in the mirror. "That remains to be seen."