\\.::=Thirty-Two=::.//

The I woke up the the sun trickling through the cracks of the curtains. I rolled over to see Sidney still sound asleep. Gently, I slipped out of bed, putting on my undies and his shirt from the floor. Sneaking out of the bedroom, I made my way to the kitchen. Sidney's house was like a castle to me. It was absolutely beautiful, inside and out. It was only eight, but I couldn't sleep any longer, so I decided to cook breakfast. Eggs, beacon, french toast, and shredded hash browns.


As I pour orange juice into a glass, Sid walked in sporting a huge grin. "What's this, Rain?"

Tip toeing over, I wrapped my arms around his neck, "Breakfast, duh" I kissed him and felt him smiling through it. "Hope you like a little bit of everything."

"I couldn't turn it down!" I grabbed his plate waiting for him and sat down at the island. "What time do you have to be at work?"

I looked back at the clock and it was only 8:30. "Ten, so I will finish up pretty early, like three or so."

"Well, you better go get ready." He kissed my lips and I went to the bathroom to shower and get ready for work.

__________________________________________________________

Before I knew it, Thanksgiving was in two days. Sidney didn't mention having dinner with anyone, so I avoided the subject, even though it was pecking at my brain every time I saw him. My salon stays closed for the day before and black Friday, so I had some extra time. I was also taking off that weekend, just to give myself a break before the real holiday madness started.  Since Sidney and Taylor were both in the US, his family just celebrated the American holiday since they got the time off.

The lockout was still holding strong, Sidney was frustrated, but did a good job keeping it under control. I was happy he would at least get more time with his family, which means the world to him. I didn't want him to ruin his family holiday with having me back in the picture, not knowing what his family knows, and doesn't.

I was spending so much time at his place, I forgot what my own place looked like at times. I decided to stay home the last couple nights, just to make myself avoid the Thanksgiving talk I wanted to have. He didn't have to bring me, I just wanted him to show that he cares enough to let me know of his plans. It was really irritating.

My feet were up on the couch, my hair in a messy bun, and barely any makeup on. All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. I rolled off the couch and peeked through the hole to see Sid with his hat pulled down low. "What are you doing here," I asked, confused. "Thought you had a meeting."

"I did, but I missed you so I stopped by," he said kissing me and coming inside. "Hope I'm not being rude or catching you off guard."

Just smiling, I shook my head. "You're goofy. You can always come here, like I always come to your place." I plopped back onto the couch and Sidney sat at the other end, picking up my legs, and laying them over his. "Ohhh, do I get a foot rub," I asked, wiggling my eye brows.

"Only because I think you're absolutely beautiful, yes."

Then I remembered what a mess I was. "Ugh! Sid, I'm super ugly right now," I pouted.

He just smiled and shook his head. "Never, babe."

We sat, watching the tv together in silence. I felt the words coming out of my mouth, without being controlled.

"Soooo, any plans this weekend?" Yup, leave it to me to just blurt that out.

"Nope." He just kept staring at the tv. I just felt myself getting angry. If looks could kill, I'm sure Sidney would of died a horrible death. He looked over at me, and laughed. "I've been waiting all week for my family to get back to me. We weren't sure who's house was having the dinner this year. Since I just found out today, it will just be at my house, I came over to ask if you want to join me since I know you have the time off." Being super embarrassed, I just laughed at myself. "Welllll?" he asked leaning closer to me.

"Of course, I will," I kissed his big lips and pushed him away. "Never wait that long ever again!" I said slapping his arm.

"Ha ha, sorry, babe. It was cute."
________________________________________________________

Sidney and I boarded the plane Wednesday afternoon and headed to Nova Scotia. I had to find a crafty was to avoid my family without telling them about Sidney. I figured I would rather wait till this little trip to see how things could work out. He told his family he was bringing his new girlfriend and they were very welcoming. I was just hoping they wouldn't treat me differently after things happened. The whole flight, I was sweated bullets and felt my stomach cramping up. Sidney was sleeping about 30 minutes after we took off, so he was no comfort.

We landed and had a rental waiting for us. I saw Sid looking at me out of the corner of my eye. "You okay, babe?" he asked grabbing my hand from my lap.

"Yeah, just nervous. I feel like they're gonna hate me or something."

He just laughed, "Raina, they all are good hearted people. You have nothing to worry about. I assure you that." Bring my hand to his lips, he kissed it softly.

We pulled up to his childhood home and he just grinned at me.  "Do I gotta hold you hand the whole way there?"

Giving him the sink eye, I said, "Of course!"

"Good, because I wanted to," he winked, stealing a quick kiss.  We stepped out into the damp weather.  It just rained, the leaves were all over the road, and the place was lit with soft lights.  Sid rang the door bell and put his arm around my waist.

"I got it!" I heard a voice call, that sounded like his mom's.  She opened the door with a huge smile.  "Oh, my!  Raina!" she exclaimed, hugging me tightly.  "Troy!  Look how Sid brought home!  Raina!"

"Don't tell me look if you're going to spoil the surprise!" he yelled back.

Taylor ran the door with a huge smile, "Raina?!  Sid!"  she gave both of us a hug.  She grew so much in just a few years.  "Are you the girlfriend?"

"I sure hope so!" I laughed.

"She so so nervous to come," Sid teased, as we entered the house.

Trina took our bags and hugged us both.  "Now, dear, never feel like that.  You are a sweet heart.  Some times are better the second time around!"

"Hey, son," said Troy, embracing him in a hug.  "Good to see both of you," he smiled, giving myself another sigh of relief.  "How was the flight?"

"Not too bad," Sid said, as we took off our shoes.

"Coming from the guy who slept the whole time,"rolling my eyes, his family laughed.

"That's Sid, for ya!" said Trina, laughing.  "Well, come in the living room, relax!  I made an apple pie this afternoon just for us after dinner tonight.  It should be ready shortly.  Raina, would you like to come help?"

I glanced to Sid, who just had a smile, and nodded his head towards the kitchen.  "Of course," I said nervously, following her.

"Be easy on her mom!" he called from the living room.

Taylor followed us and sat at the table.  "So, I'm surprised to see you," pulling out biscuits from the oven, Trina placed them on top of the stove.  "But, I am very happy.  You were a very good girl for Sidney."

"Thank you, Trina," blushing, I grabbed some plates to set around the table.

"What have you been up to over the years, I must ask."

"Well, I got my cosmetology license and I work around the city for a great shop doing makeup and hair, frequently for commercials and magazines.  That's actually how I ran into Sidney.  So, I guess it has worked out for the best."

"Thank god, because Emily was super clingy and annoying," Taylor said, rolling her eyes, making me laugh.

"Taylor, don't talk badly about people," Trina scolded.

"But, mom, she pretty much worshiped the ground Sid walked on.  He's not that great."

I just couldn't hold back my laugh.  "Well, I'm just happy how things have worked out.  It's awesome to get to be around you guys once again."  I helped bring food to the table for Trina.  "So, Taylor you have anyone special?" I asked, lifting my eyebrows.

"Nope," she said while her mom was turned around, but nodding her head up and down.

"You can tell me later," I whispered.
_______________________________________________

Around the table we told our story of how we met once again, what we all did the last few years, and ate the delicious apple pie.  We all helped clean up and headed to the living room to watch some TV.  Sid and Taylor compared their lives in Minnesota, while Trina was asking me what all I did and how hard it was.  Troy would pop in and out of conversation before disappearing to bed while Trina followed.

"I'm gonna go shower and get ready for bed, babe," Sid said, kissing my forehead and walking towards the bathroom.

I looked over at Taylor with a smile, "So, tell me about this interest!"

Her face lit up, which was adorable.  "His name is Mike.  He's super awesome and plays hockey, too, at my school.  We are two years apart, which is why I really don't wanna say anything to mom yet."

"Understandable!  She seemed real understanding though.  Common, her kids left home so young.  I think she knows you guys are far beyond your years," I laughed.  "You two are good kids."

"Thanks, Raina.  I'm happy you are back.  I think you leaving really made Sidney realize there's more to life than hockey.  Yeah, that's his life, but he needs more than just us to lean on while he's back in Pittsburgh.  He was really bummed out when you left."

I just bit my lip, "We both needed some growing up to do, but I'm happy we are both here now.  He really makes me happy.  And he has the coolest family."  We both smiled and I got up and hugged her.

"It's nice having another girl around here I can trust.  See you in the morning, Raina."  We both made our way to the bedroom and I got undressed while Sid was finishing up in the bathroom.

He walked in, wearing just his boxers and flexing his muscles.  "You are such a dork," I laughed, pulling him on the bed and kissing him.  "Thanks for bringing me babe.  I needed this."

"Me too.  I'm happy you joined me, even though I took forever to ask," he chuckled, turning off the lamp next to him and wrapping his arm around my waist.  "Good night, Raina."

"Night, Sid."

\\.::=Thirty-One=::.//

The day was rainy and cold. I loved it. The weather was perfect around this time of year.
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I sat in the parking lot waiting for Sidney. He told me he was close by. I was happy to get a little break and sit down to eat. Sidney's Rover pull up beside me and I just grinned at him as he glanced over with his silly smile, wearing a beanie. I stepped out and followed him into the restaurant. He grabbed my hand and told me, "You're beautiful."

I let out a laugh, "Thanks, but I look like a bum!"

"Never!" he planted a kiss on my lips before walking inside.

Of course he turned heads in the place. "Two?" the hostess asked, while grabbing menus.

"Yeah, can I be sat in a corner?" he asked, trying to avoid all of the people. Luckily it was still early, so it wasn't packed yet, until more people on lunch started to come in.

"Of course."

We were led to the table and Sidney pulled out my chair for me. "Don't try to impress all these people!" I joked as he sat down.

"I'm a gentleman!" He truly was. I couldn't deny it. We placed our order and he gave me a serious look, turning the mood. "Uhm, I broke things off with Emily."

I shot him a surprised look. "But... why?"

"You. I feel for you too much to stay with her and try to make things work with both of you. You make me feel so different. I can't be put on a peddle stool when I can't always be there for someone. I have a busy life and I need someone who understands that. She relied on me, and I hate that. I love your independence."

I knew I had a stupid smile on my face. I felt bad for the girl, but you can't change someone's mind and we are fighting for the same man. This time, I'm a different person and have to show Sid that. "I'm sorry, I'm sure it was hard for you, being the person you are. In reality though," I looked up from my drink and grinned, "I couldn't be happier to be the only girl... that I know of!"

"You are, Raina." He held my hand and gave it a light kiss. "So, you want to come to the team Halloween party at Mario's this weekend?" Halloween was next Wednesday.

"Sure! Just let me know what time. Can we match?!"

"Whatever you want!" he laughed. Our food was brought to the table and we talked about my morning at work. I couldn't wait to get home and just relax. "Want to come over tonight? You can stay and bring whatever you need for work in the morning. I want to spend more time you you."

"Yeah, I'll be there," I spoke without thinking. I wasn't going to talk myself out of it though. All I wanted was to be with him even more after knowing things were picking up again. He paid the bill and we walked the car. It was still sprinkling a bit.

"Text me after you get home and ready to come over."

"Okay," I gave him a kiss and went off to finish my day of work. I just wanted it to be over!
________________________________________________________________

"So, Raina," Gina, a girl I worked with at the salon, "you had a lunch date?"

"I might have," I blushed.

"With who! I've been trying to ask you out for the last six months and you keep shooting me down!" Petty, the only man we had in the salon that wasn't gay.

"Until you stop asking all of us," I said pointing my finger around the salon, "it will never happen."

He sighed and sat down. "Seriously, it was a date?"

"Yeah, you weirdos! Am I not pretty enough for a date?!" I laughed.

"Don't take it like that, we just know you had it rough in the past, so it's surprising but good!" a girl Caitlin said patting my back.

"Well, sometimes your past can make up for what they did."

You did not go back to that scum bag!" Pet said appalled.

"Not the one you're thinking of. Sidney... Crosby."

"Kay, now you're lying," Caitlin laughed.

"I dated him before I ever got into beauty school. We had a rough patch because I wasn't over Justin. It was hard. We met at the RootSports photo shoot by surprise. We have been spending time together lately and I'm very hopeful that this time we both have our heads on straight."

"I wont believe it till he brings your Starbucks or something!"

Gina said half joking.

Shrugging my shoulders I said, "If that's all it takes!" We all laughed and carried about our day. Them asking questions on and off about him. I knew they thought I was joking, but I was okay with that. These people were family to me, and they would get to see that side of my life sooner or later.

My day went quickly and I was headed home to pack an over night bag for Sid's. I looked through my underwear draw and picked out a matching pair of bra and underwear. I put it on underneath my outfit.

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It was about nine o'clock and I would normally be tired, but all the butterflies I had was keeping me awake. I walked up the the door and Sidney must of been waiting for me. "Nice to see you, beautiful," he said kissing my cheek and grabbing my bags for me. "How was the rest of your day?"

"Slowwww." He sat my bag down by the steps heading upstairs and I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I just wanted to see you," grinning at him, I leaned in for a deep kiss. His hands around my waist, quickly found my butt and gave it a squeeze. I just was really feeling hot for him. Everything about his body and personality turned me on. I broke away and looked in his eyes. I gave him a smirk and grabbed my bag and headed to his bed room.

"But, babe!" he said stopping me. "Did you eat dinner?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I did, Sid. I grabbed food on the way home, so we wouldn't have to waste any time." I gave him a wink and hoped he'd follow. He ran up behind me, picked me up, and carried me to the bedroom. I couldn't help laughing and he laid me down on the bed, putting my bag on the floor. He ran down stairs and locked the doors and came up with two bottles of water for us. Shutting the door behind him, he crawled over top of me and crashed his lips onto mine.