The plane ride to Vancouver was brutal. Anna spent the majority of the time in the small washroom, alternating between washing her face and throwing up. Pregnancy had made her motion sick quite often, and the airplane was complete torture.
Holding onto the silver bowl like it was her best friend, Anna shivered as she felt a pair of hands pull back her hair.
"Everything ok, baby?"
Anna groaned. No.
"Yeah," she said breathlessly, "I'm good."
Ryan rubbed her back as she leaned forward to hurl again.
"I hate airplanes," Anna mumbled, "I hate them, I hate them..."
"We'll be there soon," Ryan told her reassuringly, "Here, I've got some water and Motrin. Take some and you can sleep the rest of the way."
True to his word, Anna passed out shortly after he lead her back to their seats. Thomas Vanek raised an eyebrow at him, "Is she going to be ok?"
"Hope so," Ryan said, "I really do."
"You sound pretty unsure about that."
"I just get the feeling that she's not telling me something..."
Ryan was right- Anna had kept a small secret from him that stemmed just before the trip began. Quietly, she'd brushed it off and said that the doctor said she was good to go. But the truth was that she'd been advised not to fly with the condition of the placenta, and that if she risked taking the trip, the condition could worsen. But Anna knew Ryan wanted her to be there, and he needed her support greatly. So, disregarding what she was told, Anna hopped on the plane.
Things were only going to take a turn for the worse.
-
The Olympic Village wasn't anything special. Not that any of the athletes cared. The Village was bustling with people from all over the world, Swedes to Czech and Americans to Slovaks. Ryan put his Team USA jacket on Anna's cold, exposed shoulders. She smiled at him.
"I have to go claim my uniform," he explained, "I've arranged for Kirsten and Jaro to take you back to our room, if that's ok?"
"Yeah, that's fine," Anna replied, giving him a quick kiss, "See you there?"
"Of course. They'll meet you by the Russian tent."
Ryan disappeared into the Team USA crowd. Anna slowly lowered herself into a seat by the Russian flag, groaning. Her stomach was aching something terrible. It was an odd feeling, since she'd only experienced the pain during her menstrual cycle. One she wasn't supposed to experience when pregnant.
"Miss Anna?"
Anna whirled around and saw a familiar face looking down at her.
"Geno..." Anna mused, as though he was someone from a past dream, "You're here too?"
"Playing hockey for home country," he stuttered, his wide brown eyes watching her stomach curiously, "Is Miller playing hockey for home country?"
"Yeah, he is..." Anna nervously scratched the back of her neck, "Are there any more Penguins here?"
"Seeed-ny, Flow-air...." Anna's heart sank when she heard Geno mentioned Fleury's named, "Brooksy...yes. And Geno."
"Yes, Geno," Anna nodded, "Well, I'm actually waiting for Jaroslav Halak and his girlfriend, so..."
"Jaroslav Halak?" Geno frowned, "Is friend?"
"Yes, he's taking me to my room in the Team USA quarters."
"I take," Geno insisted, "Miss Anna look tired."
"It's ok, Geno, I-"
Anna trailed off when she saw an old familiar figure standing just a few feet away. Carrying his red Team Canada hockey bag, Marc-Andre Fleury's eyes met Anna's for a brief second beneath his black toque. Wetting her lips, Anna tried to speak, but couldn't. She just could not face him, not here and not now.
Geno touched Anna's shoulder, "Miss Anna..."
A sudden cramping pain erupted in her stomach. Anna shrieked and collapsed to the ground, clutching her pregnant belly. Malkin put his arm under her left arm, but someone different had lifted Anna beneath her right. She started to cry as Geno let her go and she embraced Marc-Andre.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." she sobbed into his shoulder, "I shouldn't have asked him to drive all that way in that weather...I''m so sorry..."
Marc held onto his friend and whispered softly, "Shh, little darling. Don't be sorry. Was not your fault."
Anna groaned, "I just...argh..." The pain came back, only this time it was much worse.
Fleury felt her grip him uncomfortably tight, "Are you hurt?"
"I don't know, I just...I wasn't supposed to fly, but I did...doctor said it was dangerous...but I didn't listen..."
He glanced at Roberto Luongo, who stood behind her, "We need to get her to a medical centre."
Luongo nodded, "There's one by the Czech area."
-
"It was just aftershock from the plane. She'll be just fine. As long as there is no flying for the duration of the pregnancy." Sidney Crosby confirmed, crossing his arms as he sat on the edge of Anna's bed.
Anna looked at him shamefully, feeling embarrassed that he had to be called when she passed out on the way to the medical center. Marc was seated next to Veronique in a chair by the wall, while Luongo had somehow explained to Malkin how to get back to the Team Russia tent.
"Where...where is Ryan?" she asked Sidney.
Sid fussed with the loose threads on his Canada sweater, "He'll be here soon to collect you."
Anna sat up, "But I told you not to tell him."
"Tell me that my fiancee was sick? Or that she lied to me?"
The room fell to an eeire silence as Ryan Miller walked in. His cheeks were flushed, clearly he'd run the entire way. Pulling off his toque, Ryan looked at Anna forlornly. She couldn't stand to see the hurt in his eyes, so she turned away.
"Ryan..." Anna began.
"Miller, I have to report to Lindy Ruff in about ten minutes-"
"Yeah, that's fine. Thanks, Sid. You too, Flower."
Fleury nodded, "You have my cell phone number, and Vero's?"
"Yes, and Sid's," Ryan nodded, "Thank you, and good luck at practice."'
Sid nodded as they exited, leaving Anna alone with Ryan.
"Well?" he asked after a moment, "Don't you have anything to say?"
Anna pursed her lips, feeling numb, "I'm...sorry..."
Ryan sighed, "Annie, honey, I told you from the start I wanted to be there..."
"I know..."
"Then why didn't you tell me you weren't supposed to fly?"
"Because I didn't want to be a bother."
"It's not being a bother. It's being responsible for the baby, and for you."
Anna looked down at her sheets, "I don't want to be in the way of you and your dreams."
Ryan sat down on the edge of her bed, "So that's what this is about."
Anna still couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, "I never wanted a baby this young, and I know that your career is starting to take off, and I just feel like I'm ruining that for-"
"Stop," Ryan put a finger to her lips, "That is not true and you know it."
Anna said nothing.
Ryan reached over and touched her hand, "I'm not very good at this stuff, but if I didn't love you, I wouldn't be doing this."
Anna felt her heart jump into her throat. She looked up at him, seeing the dead seriousness in his face.
"You...you love me."
"Yes," Ryan said, his voice a bit shakey, "I love you."
Anna gently took his other hand, "Ryan...I-"
"Jaro!"
The moment was broken by the sight of a familiar, short redhead, dragging the blue-eyed Slovak into the hospital room. Anna smiled and so did Ryan. Kirsten and Jaroslav.
"Čo robíš?" Kirsten gestured to the digestive cookies and apple juice Jaro was currently snacking on, "Tí nie sú pre vás!"
Jaro sighed, "Ja som hlad. Nikto nepovedal, že som nemohol."
"Guys, we have no idea what you're saying." Anna cut in.
"Oh, sorry," Kirsten chirped, "Is everything ok, Anna? We ran into that big Russian guy in the Village. He didn't make a lot of sense, but Joe Thornton gave us the information we needed."
Ryan frowned, "Joe Thornton?"
"Yeah, he's on Team Canada," Kirsten explained, "He heard about you from Dany Heatly, or was it Ryan Getzlaf?"
"All of Team Canada knows."Anna said quietly.
"Tím Slovensko a tie otravné Fíni si príliš," Jaro said through a mouthful of cookie. Kirsten shot him a look.
"So what if they know," Ryan said, brushing it off, his engagement ring flashing in the light, "Let them know."
Kirsten snatched Ryan's hand, "What the shit is this?"
Ryan smiled, "It's my engagement ring."
"Since when do men wear engagement rings?"
Ryan eyed Anna, "Since the second I walk out of here and I have to be interviewed by the press, I will casually scratch behind my ear and the entire world will know that I am going to marry my pregnant girlfriend." He chuckled, "And finally shut up that dirty mouth in Philadelphia."
Kirsten shrugged, clearly not understanding what he was talking about. But Anna did. And that was what really mattered.
![tonight [ryan miller]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2M-AMBs5TfU/TDp_l9eplwI/AAAAAAAAAHM/PEzVpiqLMzA/S660/i++dunno.jpg)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
50 - Placenta Slovak
January seemed to fly by as soon as December ended. Anna had started following a diet issued by her doctor, and was continuously getting more ultrasounds. The only problem was that Ryan wasn’t always there.
Not that she blamed him- the Olympics were fast approaching, and she knew training was key. Sitting in the doctor’s office that day, Anna noticed a Buffalo newspaper sitting on the table next to her. Being bored in the waiting room, she flipped through it and stumbled upon an article:
Anna ignored the fact that they got her name wrong and glanced at the newspaper’s date. It was from the end of December. She sighed, ready to put it down, when she spotted another article:
Anna closed the newspaper and sighed. Thankfully, the doctor called her name.
-
“Placenta what?”
“Placenta previa.”
Ryan frowned, continuing to lace up his skate, “Ok, I read about this in the book somewhere...”
“It means that the placenta is unusually low in the uterus,” Anna explained, “It’s almost covering the cervix.”
Ryan stopped with his skate and looked up at her, “You’re scaring me. What does this mean?”
“It doesn’t mean anything yet, because it’s still a bit early,” Anna told him calmly, “Just, if it persists, it could mean a premature labour.”
The big brown eyes Anna had fallen for blinked at her with concern, “Maybe...maybe I should tell Wilson to let Tim Thomas-”
“NO,” Anna covered his mouth with her hand, “Absolutely not. YOU are going to be the starter. I am not letting you miss the chance of a lifetime. You’re in your prime!”
Ryan blushed a little, “Come on, now...”
“I’ll be fine,” Anna insisted, pecking him on the lips, “Don’t worry.”
“It is so goddamn loud out there,” Pat Kaleta whined as he walked back into the dressing room, “And it’s not even full yet. French people are nuts.”
Anna sighed, “I know. I’m friends with one.”
“Technically, she’s not French,” Ryan corrected, finishing that skate and going to the other, “But she’s just as crazy as them, I guess.”
“Carey’s not starting tonight,” Anna told him, “The other guy is, what’s his name...”
“The Slovak?” Derek Roy piped up, “Yeah, Halak. Think he’s any good?”
“I don’t know,” Anna replied, “Julia never mentioned him.”
“Evans, we need some help out here!” Tom called from the medical station. Anna sighed and went to respond, when suddenly she felt Kaleta grab her wrist.
“What, is this?” he said, lifting her hand so that the ring shone in the light, “Explain!”
Anna laughed a little, “Oh, well, Ryan...”
“She said yes?” Tyler Myers exclaimed from the doorway, “Congratulations!”
Ryan and Anna felt themselves being sandwiched in a hug between Kaleta and Myers, which, for the record, is one of the most uncomfortable things to experience.
“Guys...I need my lungs!” Ryan whined from beneath Tyler’s grasp.
Kaleta let go, “Pussy.”
Tyler gave Anna’s belly a loving pat, “You’re a lucky little one.”
Anna smiled for the first time in a long time. It felt like Pittsburgh all over, and in the best way. She was accepted.
-
Montreal dominated and defeated the Sabres 3-2. Ryan was unable to concentrate during his pregame meditation due to the noise, which Anna suspected had some effect, but it was clear that he didn’t care. Ryan was far too excited about the Olympics to let the loss get to him.
As she waited around the exit for Ryan, a short redhead came wandering around the corner, clutching her purse like it was a shield. Her wide eyes surveyed the area, looking for someone. She let them rest on Anna, who smiled at her.
“You looking for someone? Or an autograph?”
Anna felt stupid, seeing the red Montreal Canadiens shirt.
The girl flushed pink, “No, I’m looking for my boyfriend, actually...”
Anna nodded, “Who? Is he a player?”
The girl toyed with her pass around her neck, “Yeah...he’s a new guy on Montreal...I’ve never been here before, I’m kind of lost...”
“Oh, you’re at the visitor’s side,” Anna informed her, “Come on, I’ll take you over the the Habs dressing room. They should be out by now.”
Anna shouted into the dressing room, “Tell Ryan I’ll be five minutes!”
A sea of kissing noises greeted her, which Anna ignored. She took the girl by the arm and led her around the corner and into the hallway, “I’m Anna Evans, by the way. What’s your name?”
The girl shrugged, “Kirsten.”
Anna nodded, “You know Julia?”
“Price’s girlfriend? Yes,” Kirsten replied, still shyer than ever, “She’s really nice.”
Kirsten hardly said anything the rest of the way, but grew visibly nervous as they approached security.
“Pass?” the man in the suit asked.
Anna showed hers, than Kirsten’s.
“The little red can go, but you stay.”
Anna glared at him, “I’m taking her to see her boyfriend.”
“Uh huh. You’re on the visiting team. Given the events at the Vancouver game, the NHL has issued that all-”
“For shit’s sakes, I’m Ryan Miller’s fiancee,” Anna snarled at him, “And I’m pregnant. Approximately how much damage can I do? And after the game, no less?”
“Relax, Guy, she’s with us,” Julia McNeil said suddenly, appearing behind the security guards, “Come on in, Anna.”
The guard relaxed and stepped aside, allow both Anna and Kirsten to step through.
“Kirsten.” Julia nodded.
Kirsten smiled a little, “Julia.”
“Diet’a?”
Kirsten perked up instantly when a quiet, blue-eyed player in a dark suit appeared behind Carey. She immediately dashed through and over to him, happy to be with him at last. Anna instantly realized that Kirsten’s boyfriend was Jaroslav Halak, the goalie who was starting to take over Price’s place in net.
Which was exactly why Julia was so leery.
“And Julia McNeil rescues me again,” Anna said with a laugh, “What’s up?”
“It’ll be Price soon,” Julie reminded her, “And...by the sound of it...”
Julie reached out and took Anna’s hand, “You’re going to be a Miller!”
Anna blushed, “Yeah...how’d you know?”
“Oh, you know, news travels fast...” Julia sighed, “Did you two get our wedding invite?”
Anna’s face fell, “Yes, and I’m sorry, but we can’t make it. Ryan’s on Team USA.”
Julie became quiet, “Oh...”
“Maybe you could let Kirsten be one of your bridesmaids?”
They snuck a glance at the two lovebirds, who were speaking in broken Slovak in the corner.
“Jaro, wanna be a bridesmaid?” Julia asked him with a serious tone.
Halak put his arm around Kirsten’s waist, “Vypadnúť.”
Julie sighed, “The same to you, buddy."
Anna cocked her head at Julie, "How did you know what he said?"
"Easy. It's the same thing he always says to me..."
Not that she blamed him- the Olympics were fast approaching, and she knew training was key. Sitting in the doctor’s office that day, Anna noticed a Buffalo newspaper sitting on the table next to her. Being bored in the waiting room, she flipped through it and stumbled upon an article:
Miller geared up for Vancouver
Despite injury, Buffalo goalie says he’s ready for the world
Ryan Miller is key to becoming the next golden goaltender on the anniversary of the Miracle on Ice representing Team USA at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. This feat seemed almost impossible to comprehend after the Sabres’ lanky goalie was cut by Vancouver Canuck Alex Burrow’s skate blade in the first period of a game in November.
“It was scary, but I recovered fast,” said Miller at a recent press conference, “I’m not worried about it. I take it day by day, but I’m positive I’m ready.”
Team USA coach Ron Wilson says he never doubted Miller for a second.
“We wanted him from the start, even before he made the cut,” Wilson states, “The injury came as a shock to everyone, of course, but the bounce back he has made is incredible. It just goes to show how determined he is about his game.”
Miller has also confirmed that his pregnant girlfriend, Sabres medic Jenna, will accompany him to the Games and lend moral support. It was speculated by his former teammate, Philadelphia Flyer Daniel Briere that Miller’s game was suffering due to his worry for their unborn child.
“I just want to be there for her,” he says, “We work together every day and things would seem strange without her for two whole weeks. She has friends who live [in Vancouver] and it would be great to see them.”
“I’m excited about this, and I cannot wait to start training.”
Anna ignored the fact that they got her name wrong and glanced at the newspaper’s date. It was from the end of December. She sighed, ready to put it down, when she spotted another article:
Pens retire number 25
Ceremony takes place to honor Max Talbot
The Mellon Arena added another banner next to Mario Lemeiux’s famous 66- Max Talbot’s 25. The Pittsburgh winger, who passed in a car accident in November, was honored in a pre-game ceremony last night at the team’s home arena.
Players called Talbot a, ‘hero’ and ‘a funny, all around great guy.’ Each took the opportunity to speak about their teammate as footage of Talbot’s career, including his famous Game 7 performance played on the jumbotron. The most notable speaker was Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who survived the accident.
“Max was my best friend and I will miss him,” Fleury said with a heavy French accent, “It has been very hard for me. It is still very strange to go to games without him.” This was the first time Fleury had spoken about Talbot since the accident. He finished his part in French, because, he said, “Max will understand what I am saying.”
“We’re still trying to make sense of things, but doing this is helping us heal,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said to the media before the ceremony, “A lot of us feel like we still have holes in our hearts, but it’s normal to feel this way.”
Both Crosby and Fleury plan to have small number 25s stitched to the left shoulders of their Team Canada Olympic jerseys in Vancouver, but if, “they tell us no,” Fleury said, “We will write the numbers on our sticks.”
Anna closed the newspaper and sighed. Thankfully, the doctor called her name.
-
“Placenta what?”
“Placenta previa.”
Ryan frowned, continuing to lace up his skate, “Ok, I read about this in the book somewhere...”
“It means that the placenta is unusually low in the uterus,” Anna explained, “It’s almost covering the cervix.”
Ryan stopped with his skate and looked up at her, “You’re scaring me. What does this mean?”
“It doesn’t mean anything yet, because it’s still a bit early,” Anna told him calmly, “Just, if it persists, it could mean a premature labour.”
The big brown eyes Anna had fallen for blinked at her with concern, “Maybe...maybe I should tell Wilson to let Tim Thomas-”
“NO,” Anna covered his mouth with her hand, “Absolutely not. YOU are going to be the starter. I am not letting you miss the chance of a lifetime. You’re in your prime!”
Ryan blushed a little, “Come on, now...”
“I’ll be fine,” Anna insisted, pecking him on the lips, “Don’t worry.”
“It is so goddamn loud out there,” Pat Kaleta whined as he walked back into the dressing room, “And it’s not even full yet. French people are nuts.”
Anna sighed, “I know. I’m friends with one.”
“Technically, she’s not French,” Ryan corrected, finishing that skate and going to the other, “But she’s just as crazy as them, I guess.”
“Carey’s not starting tonight,” Anna told him, “The other guy is, what’s his name...”
“The Slovak?” Derek Roy piped up, “Yeah, Halak. Think he’s any good?”
“I don’t know,” Anna replied, “Julia never mentioned him.”
“Evans, we need some help out here!” Tom called from the medical station. Anna sighed and went to respond, when suddenly she felt Kaleta grab her wrist.
“What, is this?” he said, lifting her hand so that the ring shone in the light, “Explain!”
Anna laughed a little, “Oh, well, Ryan...”
“She said yes?” Tyler Myers exclaimed from the doorway, “Congratulations!”
Ryan and Anna felt themselves being sandwiched in a hug between Kaleta and Myers, which, for the record, is one of the most uncomfortable things to experience.
“Guys...I need my lungs!” Ryan whined from beneath Tyler’s grasp.
Kaleta let go, “Pussy.”
Tyler gave Anna’s belly a loving pat, “You’re a lucky little one.”
Anna smiled for the first time in a long time. It felt like Pittsburgh all over, and in the best way. She was accepted.
-
Montreal dominated and defeated the Sabres 3-2. Ryan was unable to concentrate during his pregame meditation due to the noise, which Anna suspected had some effect, but it was clear that he didn’t care. Ryan was far too excited about the Olympics to let the loss get to him.
As she waited around the exit for Ryan, a short redhead came wandering around the corner, clutching her purse like it was a shield. Her wide eyes surveyed the area, looking for someone. She let them rest on Anna, who smiled at her.
“You looking for someone? Or an autograph?”
Anna felt stupid, seeing the red Montreal Canadiens shirt.
The girl flushed pink, “No, I’m looking for my boyfriend, actually...”
Anna nodded, “Who? Is he a player?”
The girl toyed with her pass around her neck, “Yeah...he’s a new guy on Montreal...I’ve never been here before, I’m kind of lost...”
“Oh, you’re at the visitor’s side,” Anna informed her, “Come on, I’ll take you over the the Habs dressing room. They should be out by now.”
Anna shouted into the dressing room, “Tell Ryan I’ll be five minutes!”
A sea of kissing noises greeted her, which Anna ignored. She took the girl by the arm and led her around the corner and into the hallway, “I’m Anna Evans, by the way. What’s your name?”
The girl shrugged, “Kirsten.”
Anna nodded, “You know Julia?”
“Price’s girlfriend? Yes,” Kirsten replied, still shyer than ever, “She’s really nice.”
Kirsten hardly said anything the rest of the way, but grew visibly nervous as they approached security.
“Pass?” the man in the suit asked.
Anna showed hers, than Kirsten’s.
“The little red can go, but you stay.”
Anna glared at him, “I’m taking her to see her boyfriend.”
“Uh huh. You’re on the visiting team. Given the events at the Vancouver game, the NHL has issued that all-”
“For shit’s sakes, I’m Ryan Miller’s fiancee,” Anna snarled at him, “And I’m pregnant. Approximately how much damage can I do? And after the game, no less?”
“Relax, Guy, she’s with us,” Julia McNeil said suddenly, appearing behind the security guards, “Come on in, Anna.”
The guard relaxed and stepped aside, allow both Anna and Kirsten to step through.
“Kirsten.” Julia nodded.
Kirsten smiled a little, “Julia.”
“Diet’a?”
Kirsten perked up instantly when a quiet, blue-eyed player in a dark suit appeared behind Carey. She immediately dashed through and over to him, happy to be with him at last. Anna instantly realized that Kirsten’s boyfriend was Jaroslav Halak, the goalie who was starting to take over Price’s place in net.
Which was exactly why Julia was so leery.
“And Julia McNeil rescues me again,” Anna said with a laugh, “What’s up?”
“It’ll be Price soon,” Julie reminded her, “And...by the sound of it...”
Julie reached out and took Anna’s hand, “You’re going to be a Miller!”
Anna blushed, “Yeah...how’d you know?”
“Oh, you know, news travels fast...” Julia sighed, “Did you two get our wedding invite?”
Anna’s face fell, “Yes, and I’m sorry, but we can’t make it. Ryan’s on Team USA.”
Julie became quiet, “Oh...”
“Maybe you could let Kirsten be one of your bridesmaids?”
They snuck a glance at the two lovebirds, who were speaking in broken Slovak in the corner.
“Jaro, wanna be a bridesmaid?” Julia asked him with a serious tone.
Halak put his arm around Kirsten’s waist, “Vypadnúť.”
Julie sighed, “The same to you, buddy."
Anna cocked her head at Julie, "How did you know what he said?"
"Easy. It's the same thing he always says to me..."
49 - Good News
After dinner, Anna helped Elise with the dishes while the boys took to the pond to play some late-night hockey. Dean followed, along with Bruce, while Brynne stayed behind. It was two lady Millers and one-to-be doing the clean up.
“I am so sorry that Dean brought up the subject of that young man on the Penguins team,” Elise said quietly, “I’d no idea he was so close to you.”
Anna shrugged, “Max was like my big brother.” She smiled. “You know, when he found out I was pregnant, he told the coach and Mario Lemeuix so that I’d get sent to Buffalo.”
Brynne’s eyes widened, “Really?”
Anna nodded, “Yeah...he helped me packed and loaded things up for me. Then he had to go to a game.” She paused. “I still wonder what the last thing I said to him was, the last time I saw him...”
“You know, Ryan and Brynne’s cousin, Matthew, passed away a year ago,” Elise told her, “Ryan was a wreck about it, but one thing I remember is him consistantly saying that.”
“He has Matt’s name on the back of his helmet,” Brynne said, “And that’s why he started the Steadfast Foundation with Dad.”
“Shame we couldn’t go this year, I heard Britney Spears or someone like that was in it...”
“Lady Gaga, actually,” Anna laughed, “I have a friend who has connections. We raised enough to help out a hospital with facilities.”
Elise grinned, “You’re a good match for my son.”
Brynne’s eyes widened, “A step up from Noureen!”
Anna frowned, “Who’s Noureen?”
Elise shot Brynne a look, who simply said, “Ryan’s ex-girlfriend who cheated on him with Colin Farrel.”
“What?” Anna wrinkled her nose, “Oh my god, that’s horrible...”
“That was years ago, Brynne,” Elise corrected her, “You and I both know what kind of state Ryan was in.”
“He was drinking...”
Elise’s eyes flared, “How did you know that?”
Anna swallowed, “I remember the headline on NHL.com...at the time I didn’t know him, of course. It was referencing his rehabilitation.”
Elise calmed down, “I see.”
“Noureen was really nice, but too Hollywood for Ryan,” Brynne said with a sigh, “She tried to get him to request a trade to LA , San Jose or Anaheim so they could be closer...”
Anna shook her head, “He’d never leave the Sabres.”
Elise nodded, “He’s the kind of boy who doesn’t run away.” She glanced at Anna. “Trust me on that one.”
-
Drew Miller was beyond angry that Ryan was allowed to let Anna sleep in his room with him.
“But you wouldn’t let Angie-”
“Because Angie was your girlfriend, not your wife.”
Drew pouted, “Same thing.”
“What more can they do than what’s already been done?” Dean chuckled, messing Drew’s hair as he walked by.
Ryan yawned and crawled into bed, “Damn, I’m beat. My mom’s cooking always defeats me.”
“She is great,” Anna told him, “Really.”
“Can you get the light?” Ryan asked. Anna nodded and clicked it off.
Searching for the bottom of the bed, Anna lifted the covers and crawled under, making her way to Ryan’s waist. Ryan let out a small noise as he felt her reach for the elastic of his boxers.
“Annie, what’re-”
“Shhh...just be quiet.”
“My parents are downstairs!”
Anna rolled her eyes, crawling up to his face. “Yes, and?”
“And, they might hear us.”
“Why? Are you a screamer?”
“Anna, you know very well-”
Anna smothered Ryan’s words with a kiss, which he completely surrendered to. The kiss started to get really heated as Ryan pulled off her sleep top, letting his hands explore her. Just as she was about to reach for his boxers, the door flew open and the light was switched on.
“Hey Ry, have you seen my PSP?”
Anna almost screamed and dove under the covers, trying to cover herself. Ryan groaned and sat up, giving his brother the nastiest look he could muster. Drew stood in the doorway, making the most innocent face possible. Laced with guilt, of course.
“No, I haven’t.” Ryan told him bluntly.
“Whatcha doin’?” Drew asked, smirking.
“Trying to sleep, now go away,” Ryan replied.
“Ok, sleep tight, and remember, if you guys need anything,” Drew smiled, “I’M IN THE ROOM NEXT TO YOU.”
Ryan gave his little brother the finger.
-
“I’m going to miss you, sweetie,” Elise whispered, kissing Drew on the cheek, “Now remember, be sure to call when you get home.”
Drew rolled his eyes, “I know, Mom.”
Anna was dressed in her winter coat, ready to go. Ryan had received a call on his cell phone and stepped outside to take it. Christmas with the Millers hadn’t been so bad, even with Drew’s consistant interruptions- “How’d you guys sleep last night? I slept GREAT!”- everything had turned out just fine. Anna was happy they were accepting her, and the pregnancy.
“You’re really cool, Anna,” Brynne said happily, “Thanks for helping me with my project.”
“Oh, it’s no problem,” Anna said, glancing at the science presentation on mitosis she’d helped Brynne construct, “I loved that subject when I was in high school.”
Dean sighed, “So did Ryan. If he wasn’t a hockey player he’d probably be doing something in medicine.”
“Are you going to the Winter Classic, Anna?” Bruce asked from the stairway.
“Don’t think so, I’ll probably be with the boys on the road,” Anna rolled her eyes, “Well, until Lindy tells me otherwise.”
“I hope Boston wins,” Bruce added, “Can’t stand Philly.”
“Yeah, neither can I...” Anna said under her breath.
The door opened and Ryan stepped in, fresh snow on his boots. He was grinning from ear to ear. Something had happened. Something good.
“What is it?” Anna asked him.
“I just got a call from Ron Wilson,” Ryan said slowly, “I...I made the cut. I’m on Team USA. I’m going to play goal in the Olympics, in Vancouver.”
“Ryan! That’s amazing!” Anna threw her arms around him, following by five other pairs.
Ryan squeezed her tight, “It’s going to be an experience, I’m sure.”
“Just make sure you don’t lose to Russia,” Drew perked up, “I hear they’ve got Ovechkin.”
“Drew, shut up.”
“I am so sorry that Dean brought up the subject of that young man on the Penguins team,” Elise said quietly, “I’d no idea he was so close to you.”
Anna shrugged, “Max was like my big brother.” She smiled. “You know, when he found out I was pregnant, he told the coach and Mario Lemeuix so that I’d get sent to Buffalo.”
Brynne’s eyes widened, “Really?”
Anna nodded, “Yeah...he helped me packed and loaded things up for me. Then he had to go to a game.” She paused. “I still wonder what the last thing I said to him was, the last time I saw him...”
“You know, Ryan and Brynne’s cousin, Matthew, passed away a year ago,” Elise told her, “Ryan was a wreck about it, but one thing I remember is him consistantly saying that.”
“He has Matt’s name on the back of his helmet,” Brynne said, “And that’s why he started the Steadfast Foundation with Dad.”
“Shame we couldn’t go this year, I heard Britney Spears or someone like that was in it...”
“Lady Gaga, actually,” Anna laughed, “I have a friend who has connections. We raised enough to help out a hospital with facilities.”
Elise grinned, “You’re a good match for my son.”
Brynne’s eyes widened, “A step up from Noureen!”
Anna frowned, “Who’s Noureen?”
Elise shot Brynne a look, who simply said, “Ryan’s ex-girlfriend who cheated on him with Colin Farrel.”
“What?” Anna wrinkled her nose, “Oh my god, that’s horrible...”
“That was years ago, Brynne,” Elise corrected her, “You and I both know what kind of state Ryan was in.”
“He was drinking...”
Elise’s eyes flared, “How did you know that?”
Anna swallowed, “I remember the headline on NHL.com...at the time I didn’t know him, of course. It was referencing his rehabilitation.”
Elise calmed down, “I see.”
“Noureen was really nice, but too Hollywood for Ryan,” Brynne said with a sigh, “She tried to get him to request a trade to LA , San Jose or Anaheim so they could be closer...”
Anna shook her head, “He’d never leave the Sabres.”
Elise nodded, “He’s the kind of boy who doesn’t run away.” She glanced at Anna. “Trust me on that one.”
-
Drew Miller was beyond angry that Ryan was allowed to let Anna sleep in his room with him.
“But you wouldn’t let Angie-”
“Because Angie was your girlfriend, not your wife.”
Drew pouted, “Same thing.”
“What more can they do than what’s already been done?” Dean chuckled, messing Drew’s hair as he walked by.
Ryan yawned and crawled into bed, “Damn, I’m beat. My mom’s cooking always defeats me.”
“She is great,” Anna told him, “Really.”
“Can you get the light?” Ryan asked. Anna nodded and clicked it off.
Searching for the bottom of the bed, Anna lifted the covers and crawled under, making her way to Ryan’s waist. Ryan let out a small noise as he felt her reach for the elastic of his boxers.
“Annie, what’re-”
“Shhh...just be quiet.”
“My parents are downstairs!”
Anna rolled her eyes, crawling up to his face. “Yes, and?”
“And, they might hear us.”
“Why? Are you a screamer?”
“Anna, you know very well-”
Anna smothered Ryan’s words with a kiss, which he completely surrendered to. The kiss started to get really heated as Ryan pulled off her sleep top, letting his hands explore her. Just as she was about to reach for his boxers, the door flew open and the light was switched on.
“Hey Ry, have you seen my PSP?”
Anna almost screamed and dove under the covers, trying to cover herself. Ryan groaned and sat up, giving his brother the nastiest look he could muster. Drew stood in the doorway, making the most innocent face possible. Laced with guilt, of course.
“No, I haven’t.” Ryan told him bluntly.
“Whatcha doin’?” Drew asked, smirking.
“Trying to sleep, now go away,” Ryan replied.
“Ok, sleep tight, and remember, if you guys need anything,” Drew smiled, “I’M IN THE ROOM NEXT TO YOU.”
Ryan gave his little brother the finger.
-
“I’m going to miss you, sweetie,” Elise whispered, kissing Drew on the cheek, “Now remember, be sure to call when you get home.”
Drew rolled his eyes, “I know, Mom.”
Anna was dressed in her winter coat, ready to go. Ryan had received a call on his cell phone and stepped outside to take it. Christmas with the Millers hadn’t been so bad, even with Drew’s consistant interruptions- “How’d you guys sleep last night? I slept GREAT!”- everything had turned out just fine. Anna was happy they were accepting her, and the pregnancy.
“You’re really cool, Anna,” Brynne said happily, “Thanks for helping me with my project.”
“Oh, it’s no problem,” Anna said, glancing at the science presentation on mitosis she’d helped Brynne construct, “I loved that subject when I was in high school.”
Dean sighed, “So did Ryan. If he wasn’t a hockey player he’d probably be doing something in medicine.”
“Are you going to the Winter Classic, Anna?” Bruce asked from the stairway.
“Don’t think so, I’ll probably be with the boys on the road,” Anna rolled her eyes, “Well, until Lindy tells me otherwise.”
“I hope Boston wins,” Bruce added, “Can’t stand Philly.”
“Yeah, neither can I...” Anna said under her breath.
The door opened and Ryan stepped in, fresh snow on his boots. He was grinning from ear to ear. Something had happened. Something good.
“What is it?” Anna asked him.
“I just got a call from Ron Wilson,” Ryan said slowly, “I...I made the cut. I’m on Team USA. I’m going to play goal in the Olympics, in Vancouver.”
“Ryan! That’s amazing!” Anna threw her arms around him, following by five other pairs.
Ryan squeezed her tight, “It’s going to be an experience, I’m sure.”
“Just make sure you don’t lose to Russia,” Drew perked up, “I hear they’ve got Ovechkin.”
“Drew, shut up.”
48 - Meet the Family
“Thank heavens you made it, I heard there was a storm coming!” Elise Miller exclaimed, pulling her son into a hug, “Ryan, sweetie, you look so cold, go to the kitchen and warm up.” She hugged Anna as well, “So good to see you again, Anna.”
Anna smiled, “It’s great to see you too, Mrs. Miller.”
“Please, call me Elise,” Elise told her, closing the door behind them, “You’re just in time. Dinner will be ready any minute.”
The Miller house was a modest one, filled with pictures of the family. Ryan’s different hockey career awards were displayed on the wall, along with a menagerie of the Miller boys throughout the years. A particularly cute photo of Drew and Ryan, likely before they reached double-digits, was in the midst of it all.
“Let me take your coat, dear,” Dean Miller said immediately, removing Anna’s jacket.
“Oh, actually, I-”
Ryan bit his lip as Anna’s four-month pregnant belly was revealed beneath the winter jacket. The bulk had only just disguised it, and now the secret was out. Anna’s cheeks turned bright red. Dean fell silent and Elise suppressed a gasp. They both stared at Ryan for an answer.
“I can explain.”
Anna cut in, “I am four months along. We believe it is going to be a girl.” She paused, having difficulty maintaing eye contact with Dean’s glare. “When we met before in Vancouver, I didn’t think it would be a good time to say anything, but now I can’t hide it anymore.”
“That’s for sure.” Dean mumbled.
“And Ryan, dear? What do you have to say about this?” Elise asked him.
Ryan looked from one parent to the other, “I...I’m excited. I’m almost 30, and I feel like the time is right for me to become a father.”
Dean sighed, “Yes, but, have we not taught you anything?”
Anna forlornly lifted her hand to show the ring on her finger, “We’re engaged.”
Dean looked at his eldest son sternly. Elise’s eyes seemed to water. At the opportune moment, Drew came bounding down the stairs and entered the scene.
“Oh, well,” Drew crossed his arms, “You finally told them?”
Dean pointed at Drew, “He knows about this?”
“Please, don’t blame Ryan,” Anna said quickly, “If anything, he is taking responsibility here. Most men would flee, but Ryan chose to stay, and I’m choosing to stay.” She swallowed. “I want this.”
Elise started to cry. Dean eyed her, “You do?”
Anna nodded, “Yes.” She looked at Ryan and took his hand. “God, yes.”
“This is just a bit of a shock,” Dean said slowly, “I mean, we didn’t even know Ryan had a girlfriend until we met you at the hospital. He never once mentioned you.”
“I know this seems so backwards, Dad,” Ryan cut in, “But you always said that you can’t live life by a plan; you have to plan it as it comes at you. So that’s what I’m doing. Anna has moved to Buffalo, we are seeing a doctor regularly and preparing for this baby.”
“Well then,” Dean pulled Anna into a hug, “Welcome to the family.”
Drew rolled his eyes, “You’re kidding me, Dad.”
“Drew, it’s Christmas,” Dean replied, “Show a little respect for your new sister-in-law.”
Elise smiled, “I’m going to be a grandma.”
“Yeah Mom, you are.” Ryan said with a small grin.
“A what?”
A younger boy and girl walked into the entryway, eyeing Anna with suspicion. Both were in their teen years; one looking 15 and the other around 18. She saw that one looked like Ryan, while the other more or less resembled Drew. Ryan smiled at them.
“Annie, this is Brynne and Bruce,” he explained, “My sister and brother.”
Brynne cocked her head at Anna, “And you are?”
“She’s my fiancee,” Ryan told her, “We’re having a baby.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be married to have kids?” Bruce asked, raising an eyebrow at his brother.
“Well, yes, but you know I prefer to do things out of order,” Ryan said, forcing a laugh, “Gee, I’m hungry, is dinner almost ready?”
Anna sighed, glad to change the subject. Elise was more than happy to bring her son into the kitchen, while Dean welcomed Anna into the family room. After removing her boots, she was stopped by Drew.
“You came clean,” he said, “Good job.”
“What is your problem?” Anna asked him, lowering her voice to a whisper.
“I’m just making sure you’re legit.”
“And that means?”“Drew, sweetie, come help me with the turkey!” Elise called from the kitchen.
Drew leaned forward until his nose was almost touching Anna’s, “I’m not done with you yet!” before fleeing to help his mother in the kitchen. To Anna’s relief, Ryan emerged, and she practically tackled him.
“Drew scares me,” she whispered as they walked into the family room.
“Come on, he’s just trying to mess with you,” Ryan said, “That, and he’s mad because he and his wife are having problems.”
Anna frowned, “What?”
Ryan sighed, “I don’t know the details, I just know she wasn’t willing to drive the short amount here with him. She’s staying at home.”
“By herself? On Christmas Eve?”
“Yeah, kind of sad, really...”
Anna pursed her lips, “It is.” She didn’t exactly get along with Drew, but she didn’t think he deserved to be without his wife on Christmas.
Dean gestured to the fireplace, “Look Anna, this is Ryan’s stocking from the time he was a little kid. His grandmother made it for him.”
Anna smiled at the tattered blue stocking, embroidered with hockey sticks crossed and Ryan’s name, “It’s sweet.”
Ryan blushed a little, “Yeah...”
Gently, she touched the small stocking, “I used to have one like this, but we lost it in the fire...”
“I thought your parents passed in a car accident,” Ryan said slowly. Dean glanced at Anna, a sudden sympathy in his eyes.
“They did,” Anna shrugged, not liking the attention, “I lived in a foster home for some time, and the attic where we stored our Christmas things caught fire during an electrical surge. The house always had bad wiring.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Ryan laced his hand with hers, “That’s terrible. I can’t imagine losing things that mean so much.”
“Yes, but, they’re just material items,” Anna told him, “Memories are what live on, you know.”
Brynne, who had been observing Anna from her father’s easy chair, piped up, “So, you’re gonna have a baby, right?”
Anna turned, “Yes...”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
Ryan chuckled, “Well, the doctors are saying it’s a girl, and Anna thinks so too.”
Brynne smiled, “You’re lucky. My mom and dad had three accidents before they got what they wanted.”
Ryan sent her a glare and she grinned at him, “What? It’s true.”
Anna laughed, “I like her.”
Elise popped into the living room, “Dinner’s ready, everyone!”
Ryan put an arm around Anna, “You’re going to love this. Mom makes the best Christmas ham.”
Just as he said, the dinner was wonderful, but Anna’s hormones were driving her crazy. Every time Ryan’s arm brushed up against hers, or even when she accidentally bumped against his leg, she got chills. She crossed her legs nervously, knowing her body was going to collapse under his touch.
“...so that was when he told me he wanted to be a goalie,” Dean said, pouring his wife a glass of wine, “Hasn’t change since then.”
Anna grinned, “Hasn’t changed at all by the sound of it.”
Drew, who sat across from Anna, passed the potatoes to Brynne, “So tell us, Anna, how did you meet Ryan?”
The table fell silent. Ryan gave Drew an angry stare. He knew the story all too well, and was not about to ruin the evening with it. Gently, he took Anna’s hand under the table.
“We met in Pittsburgh,” Ryan began calmly, “Right, dear?”
Anna nodded slowly, “Er, yes. I used to work for the Penguins. Well, at the time I did.”
“She was the one who helped prevent my second ankle injury,” Ryan continued, “She’s an excellent medic.”
Anna blushed a bit, “Don’t be silly! I was just doing my job.”
“After seeing each other for over a year, we had been meaning to move in together, but because of the distance, we couldn’t-”
“So, when I fell pregnant, it was actually a blessing in disguise,” Anna said, catching on to Ryan’s lead, “I finally moved to Buffalo and we have never been happier. This baby has made everything even better.”
Situation avoided. Anna: 1, Drew: 0.
“You must have known that kid who passed recently,” Dean said, “Talbot, was his name?”
Of course it had to come to Max Talbot. Anna felt very still. She looked down at her plate, unable to speak. It had been a month, but she still wasn’t ready to talk about him.
“Max was Anna’s best friend,” Ryan told his father, “They were very close.”
“I’m sorry,” Dean apologized, “You must be devastated.”
Anna nodded a bit, “He was the one who encouraged me to be with Ryan.”
Elise smiled, “How sweet. From what I hear he was a very nice young man. That poor goaltender is having a most difficult time with him being gone.”
Flower. Anna had been meaning to call him and make sure he was ok, but couldn’t. A few times Veronique had answered the phone, but even then Anna could hardly speak. Everything was so messed up between them.
Sensing the tight atmosphere, Bruce changed the subject, “Gary said he might get the band a gig at the Friday bar on Thursday.”
Mentally thanking Bruce, Anna looked from one end of the table to the other. She couldn’t think of a time when she’d felt so welcome, so blessed by a family she hardly knew. Actually, she could: Christmas in Quebec.
“It’s no big deal, they’ll love you!”
“Max, this is seriously weird. Everyone is going to think we’re dating.”
“So? Just say you’re a lesbian.”
“And make things even stranger? Yeah, no thanks. I don’t even know how to say ‘lesbian’ in French...”
A snowball hit Max in the back of the head just before they reached the sidewalk to the front door. He whirled around and saw a familiar face, snarling at the other Frenchman who hurled the snowball. Screaming at each other in half-English, half-French, an all out snowball fight had begun.
“Arette, Marc!” A dark-haired woman cut in, “S’il vous plait!”
“Anna,” Max said breathlessly, “This is Marc-Andre Fleury, the crazy French bastard.”
“You are the crazy bastard!” Marc-Andre argued, flashy pearly whites unlike anything Anna had ever seen before, “Joyeaux Noel, Anna. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Why haven’t I met you? I’ve seen you before,” Anna exclaimed.
“I have been injured for some time and required ‘special attention’,” Marc said tiredly, “But hopefully after December I will be back again!”
Anna looked questionably at Veronique, “He has always been stubborn, but fair. I’m Veronique, by the way, Marc’s girlfriend.”
“From the time they were sixteen,” Max said, making kissy faces, “SO CUTE!”
Marc swore at him in French, ensuing another snowball fight. The girls ran for cover by the garage, laughing at the two ‘boys’ playing in the snow.
“You are Max’s girlfriend?” Veronique asked non-chalantly.
“Actually, I’m just the Penguin’s new medic,” Anna explained, “Max has kind of taken me under his wing. I’m glad to have him, he’s like a big brother to me.”
“You sure about that? He invited you to his parents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner!”
Anna smiled, “He only did that because he knew I don’t have anywhere to go for Christmas.”
Veronique’s face fell, “I’m sorry, I didn’t-”
“No, it’s fine,” Anna insisted, “I’m fine.”
That was how Anna had always been. Telling herself she was fine, when in reality, she was far from it. Quietly, she hoped the Millers wouldn’t find out.
Thankfully, her secret was safe with Ryan.
Anna smiled, “It’s great to see you too, Mrs. Miller.”
“Please, call me Elise,” Elise told her, closing the door behind them, “You’re just in time. Dinner will be ready any minute.”
The Miller house was a modest one, filled with pictures of the family. Ryan’s different hockey career awards were displayed on the wall, along with a menagerie of the Miller boys throughout the years. A particularly cute photo of Drew and Ryan, likely before they reached double-digits, was in the midst of it all.
“Let me take your coat, dear,” Dean Miller said immediately, removing Anna’s jacket.
“Oh, actually, I-”
Ryan bit his lip as Anna’s four-month pregnant belly was revealed beneath the winter jacket. The bulk had only just disguised it, and now the secret was out. Anna’s cheeks turned bright red. Dean fell silent and Elise suppressed a gasp. They both stared at Ryan for an answer.
“I can explain.”
Anna cut in, “I am four months along. We believe it is going to be a girl.” She paused, having difficulty maintaing eye contact with Dean’s glare. “When we met before in Vancouver, I didn’t think it would be a good time to say anything, but now I can’t hide it anymore.”
“That’s for sure.” Dean mumbled.
“And Ryan, dear? What do you have to say about this?” Elise asked him.
Ryan looked from one parent to the other, “I...I’m excited. I’m almost 30, and I feel like the time is right for me to become a father.”
Dean sighed, “Yes, but, have we not taught you anything?”
Anna forlornly lifted her hand to show the ring on her finger, “We’re engaged.”
Dean looked at his eldest son sternly. Elise’s eyes seemed to water. At the opportune moment, Drew came bounding down the stairs and entered the scene.
“Oh, well,” Drew crossed his arms, “You finally told them?”
Dean pointed at Drew, “He knows about this?”
“Please, don’t blame Ryan,” Anna said quickly, “If anything, he is taking responsibility here. Most men would flee, but Ryan chose to stay, and I’m choosing to stay.” She swallowed. “I want this.”
Elise started to cry. Dean eyed her, “You do?”
Anna nodded, “Yes.” She looked at Ryan and took his hand. “God, yes.”
“This is just a bit of a shock,” Dean said slowly, “I mean, we didn’t even know Ryan had a girlfriend until we met you at the hospital. He never once mentioned you.”
“I know this seems so backwards, Dad,” Ryan cut in, “But you always said that you can’t live life by a plan; you have to plan it as it comes at you. So that’s what I’m doing. Anna has moved to Buffalo, we are seeing a doctor regularly and preparing for this baby.”
“Well then,” Dean pulled Anna into a hug, “Welcome to the family.”
Drew rolled his eyes, “You’re kidding me, Dad.”
“Drew, it’s Christmas,” Dean replied, “Show a little respect for your new sister-in-law.”
Elise smiled, “I’m going to be a grandma.”
“Yeah Mom, you are.” Ryan said with a small grin.
“A what?”
A younger boy and girl walked into the entryway, eyeing Anna with suspicion. Both were in their teen years; one looking 15 and the other around 18. She saw that one looked like Ryan, while the other more or less resembled Drew. Ryan smiled at them.
“Annie, this is Brynne and Bruce,” he explained, “My sister and brother.”
Brynne cocked her head at Anna, “And you are?”
“She’s my fiancee,” Ryan told her, “We’re having a baby.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be married to have kids?” Bruce asked, raising an eyebrow at his brother.
“Well, yes, but you know I prefer to do things out of order,” Ryan said, forcing a laugh, “Gee, I’m hungry, is dinner almost ready?”
Anna sighed, glad to change the subject. Elise was more than happy to bring her son into the kitchen, while Dean welcomed Anna into the family room. After removing her boots, she was stopped by Drew.
“You came clean,” he said, “Good job.”
“What is your problem?” Anna asked him, lowering her voice to a whisper.
“I’m just making sure you’re legit.”
“And that means?”“Drew, sweetie, come help me with the turkey!” Elise called from the kitchen.
Drew leaned forward until his nose was almost touching Anna’s, “I’m not done with you yet!” before fleeing to help his mother in the kitchen. To Anna’s relief, Ryan emerged, and she practically tackled him.
“Drew scares me,” she whispered as they walked into the family room.
“Come on, he’s just trying to mess with you,” Ryan said, “That, and he’s mad because he and his wife are having problems.”
Anna frowned, “What?”
Ryan sighed, “I don’t know the details, I just know she wasn’t willing to drive the short amount here with him. She’s staying at home.”
“By herself? On Christmas Eve?”
“Yeah, kind of sad, really...”
Anna pursed her lips, “It is.” She didn’t exactly get along with Drew, but she didn’t think he deserved to be without his wife on Christmas.
Dean gestured to the fireplace, “Look Anna, this is Ryan’s stocking from the time he was a little kid. His grandmother made it for him.”
Anna smiled at the tattered blue stocking, embroidered with hockey sticks crossed and Ryan’s name, “It’s sweet.”
Ryan blushed a little, “Yeah...”
Gently, she touched the small stocking, “I used to have one like this, but we lost it in the fire...”
“I thought your parents passed in a car accident,” Ryan said slowly. Dean glanced at Anna, a sudden sympathy in his eyes.
“They did,” Anna shrugged, not liking the attention, “I lived in a foster home for some time, and the attic where we stored our Christmas things caught fire during an electrical surge. The house always had bad wiring.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Ryan laced his hand with hers, “That’s terrible. I can’t imagine losing things that mean so much.”
“Yes, but, they’re just material items,” Anna told him, “Memories are what live on, you know.”
Brynne, who had been observing Anna from her father’s easy chair, piped up, “So, you’re gonna have a baby, right?”
Anna turned, “Yes...”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
Ryan chuckled, “Well, the doctors are saying it’s a girl, and Anna thinks so too.”
Brynne smiled, “You’re lucky. My mom and dad had three accidents before they got what they wanted.”
Ryan sent her a glare and she grinned at him, “What? It’s true.”
Anna laughed, “I like her.”
Elise popped into the living room, “Dinner’s ready, everyone!”
Ryan put an arm around Anna, “You’re going to love this. Mom makes the best Christmas ham.”
Just as he said, the dinner was wonderful, but Anna’s hormones were driving her crazy. Every time Ryan’s arm brushed up against hers, or even when she accidentally bumped against his leg, she got chills. She crossed her legs nervously, knowing her body was going to collapse under his touch.
“...so that was when he told me he wanted to be a goalie,” Dean said, pouring his wife a glass of wine, “Hasn’t change since then.”
Anna grinned, “Hasn’t changed at all by the sound of it.”
Drew, who sat across from Anna, passed the potatoes to Brynne, “So tell us, Anna, how did you meet Ryan?”
The table fell silent. Ryan gave Drew an angry stare. He knew the story all too well, and was not about to ruin the evening with it. Gently, he took Anna’s hand under the table.
“We met in Pittsburgh,” Ryan began calmly, “Right, dear?”
Anna nodded slowly, “Er, yes. I used to work for the Penguins. Well, at the time I did.”
“She was the one who helped prevent my second ankle injury,” Ryan continued, “She’s an excellent medic.”
Anna blushed a bit, “Don’t be silly! I was just doing my job.”
“After seeing each other for over a year, we had been meaning to move in together, but because of the distance, we couldn’t-”
“So, when I fell pregnant, it was actually a blessing in disguise,” Anna said, catching on to Ryan’s lead, “I finally moved to Buffalo and we have never been happier. This baby has made everything even better.”
Situation avoided. Anna: 1, Drew: 0.
“You must have known that kid who passed recently,” Dean said, “Talbot, was his name?”
Of course it had to come to Max Talbot. Anna felt very still. She looked down at her plate, unable to speak. It had been a month, but she still wasn’t ready to talk about him.
“Max was Anna’s best friend,” Ryan told his father, “They were very close.”
“I’m sorry,” Dean apologized, “You must be devastated.”
Anna nodded a bit, “He was the one who encouraged me to be with Ryan.”
Elise smiled, “How sweet. From what I hear he was a very nice young man. That poor goaltender is having a most difficult time with him being gone.”
Flower. Anna had been meaning to call him and make sure he was ok, but couldn’t. A few times Veronique had answered the phone, but even then Anna could hardly speak. Everything was so messed up between them.
Sensing the tight atmosphere, Bruce changed the subject, “Gary said he might get the band a gig at the Friday bar on Thursday.”
Mentally thanking Bruce, Anna looked from one end of the table to the other. She couldn’t think of a time when she’d felt so welcome, so blessed by a family she hardly knew. Actually, she could: Christmas in Quebec.
“It’s no big deal, they’ll love you!”
“Max, this is seriously weird. Everyone is going to think we’re dating.”
“So? Just say you’re a lesbian.”
“And make things even stranger? Yeah, no thanks. I don’t even know how to say ‘lesbian’ in French...”
A snowball hit Max in the back of the head just before they reached the sidewalk to the front door. He whirled around and saw a familiar face, snarling at the other Frenchman who hurled the snowball. Screaming at each other in half-English, half-French, an all out snowball fight had begun.
“Arette, Marc!” A dark-haired woman cut in, “S’il vous plait!”
“Anna,” Max said breathlessly, “This is Marc-Andre Fleury, the crazy French bastard.”
“You are the crazy bastard!” Marc-Andre argued, flashy pearly whites unlike anything Anna had ever seen before, “Joyeaux Noel, Anna. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Why haven’t I met you? I’ve seen you before,” Anna exclaimed.
“I have been injured for some time and required ‘special attention’,” Marc said tiredly, “But hopefully after December I will be back again!”
Anna looked questionably at Veronique, “He has always been stubborn, but fair. I’m Veronique, by the way, Marc’s girlfriend.”
“From the time they were sixteen,” Max said, making kissy faces, “SO CUTE!”
Marc swore at him in French, ensuing another snowball fight. The girls ran for cover by the garage, laughing at the two ‘boys’ playing in the snow.
“You are Max’s girlfriend?” Veronique asked non-chalantly.
“Actually, I’m just the Penguin’s new medic,” Anna explained, “Max has kind of taken me under his wing. I’m glad to have him, he’s like a big brother to me.”
“You sure about that? He invited you to his parents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner!”
Anna smiled, “He only did that because he knew I don’t have anywhere to go for Christmas.”
Veronique’s face fell, “I’m sorry, I didn’t-”
“No, it’s fine,” Anna insisted, “I’m fine.”
That was how Anna had always been. Telling herself she was fine, when in reality, she was far from it. Quietly, she hoped the Millers wouldn’t find out.
Thankfully, her secret was safe with Ryan.
47 - Sealed
“So, you wanna go up to Michigan for Christmas?”
Anna stared at Ryan, wide-eyed. She was sitting next to him at the annual Buffalo Sabres Christmas party, at the table with a few stray Sabres and their wives. Ryan patiently awaited Anna’s answer, one he’d been waiting for weeks to receive. It was December 15th, and the only day the NHL would have off was December 25th, Christmas Day. Ryan wanted to take Anna to East Lansing, to introduce Anna to the whole Miller family...and, Anna knew, to set things straight: let them know she was pregnant.
“I mean, if you’d rather go to Pitt-”
“No,” Anna said firmly, not wanting to even hear the word, “Let’s go to Michigan.”
Ryan broke into a smile, “Really?”
Anna smirked a little, “Yes, really...”
Ryan pulled her into a gentle hug, “This is great, Annie. Really.”
So, after the world’s longest road trip (at least, it felt that way to Anna, since she was still peeing like crazy), the dysfunctional couple found themselves driving through the snowy weather on the evening of December 24th, to the town of East Lansing, Michigan. The town when Ryan grew up.
It was around 4:00pm when the GPS started acting up.
“Ryan, it’s saying you missed your turn,” Anna perked up.
“I know,” Ryan replied, pulling from the highway and onto a country road, “Don’t worry.”
Anna did worry, of course. Where was he taking her, she didn’t know. Not knowing things often frustrated and scared her.
The car traveled to a wooded area near a small frozen pond. Ryan put the park in park and unlocked both doors. Anna frowned as he came to her side, offering his hand, “Come on. We’re here.”
“You live in a forest?” Anna joked, stepping into the snow.
“Not exactly,” Ryan said, closing the door behind her, “But, I spent so much time here, you might as well say so.”
Ryan gave Anna his arm, leading her towards the pond. A strange, crooked tree with a giant hole in the front leaned over menacingly. Anna edged away from the ice surface.
“Is it safe?”
“Hmm,” Ryan let Anna go and walked over to the tree, digging through the hole only to find, to Anna’s amazement, a dirty old puck, “Let’s see.” As though skipping rocks, he tossed it out onto the pond, “Yep, it’s solid. Follow me.”
“Are you crazy?” Anna screamed as Ryan bounded onto the ice, sliding on his side, “This could be dangerous!”
Ryan rolled over onto his back, “Come on in, the water’s fine!”
Anna sighed, “Ryan, I’m pregnant.”
“So?”
“So...I’m not coming out there.”
Ryan sat up and cocked his head at her, some of his dark hair peeking out from beneath his blue toque, “Fine, leave me to make snow angels all alone.”
Anna groaned, “Ugh, for shit’s sakes...”
Trudging over the sticks and frozen pussy willows, Anna stepped onto the frozen pond and felt the familiar shift of the ice. She took a breath, feeling like her childhood was coming back to her. Anna herself had played pond hockey with the boys growing up, and it was some of the best memories she held. Letting Ryan hold both her gloved hands, they began to smile as the snow began to fall down.
“This is the place my dad taught me to skate,” Ryan explained, “I was two years old. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
“Instant prodigy, skating like a pro?” Anna guessed.
Ryan chuckled, “Yeah, right. Fell flat on my face.” He shook his head, “Got right up, though. I wanted to learn right away. I was stubborn.”
Anna laughed, “You still are.”
“Touche,” Ryan shrugged, “Well, this place means a lot to me. When Drew was old enough he came out here with Dad and me. We’d play until it was dark. Or until Mum would rush out and call us for dinner. It was great.”
He paused, reaching out to brush a few snowflakes from Anna’s hair. She shivered.
“Anna, I’ve got to ask you something.”
Anna watched a snowflake fall and land on his nose, “Uh, sure.” She was tempted to plant a kiss to make it melt.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you for some time now,” Ryan said, letting go of her, “I want things to work. I mean, I want everything for this baby. I want to be a good father, and I want to provide. I want us to have a family.” Anna felt her stomach jump into her throat as Ryan opened a small box, revealing a diamond ring, “If I do something, I make sure I do it right.”
Ryan dropped to one knee, “Anna Evans, will you marry me?”
She was speechless. Here she was, with the guy she’d had a crush on for two years, carrying his illegitimate child, standing on a frozen hockey pond in the middle of Michigan. In the past few months she’d spent time worrying like crazy, had some amazing nights in his bed, puked her guts out AND lost her best friend. This was all happening so fast, it was such a whirlwind.
But then, Anna thought of Ryan’s upbringing. Dean and Elise were kind, respectable parents. Ryan had been raised to do things the ‘proper’ way, so in his mind, if a baby was made, a marriage had to be created before or after. Anna thought of the disapproval of Ryan’s family upon hearing they were only a couple for the sake of the child, and how Drew would surely use this against her. Despite the success of the Catwalk for Charity, she still wasn’t 100% in his books.
There was too much at risk here. She had to do it.
“Yes.”
Ryan’s lower lip trembled, “Yes?”
Anna nodded, “Yes, Ryan Miller, I will marry you.”
Ryan pressed his lips to Anna, wrapping his arms around her as he engulfed her into a powerful kiss. She felt like melted into him. Ryan’s smile was brighter than any of the snowflakes that were falling, and for a minute, Anna felt like what she was doing was almost genuine.
She only wished those feelings, those emotions, and most of all, those three words, would stop getting in the way. The stupid thing was, she felt like everything would be ok if Ryan felt the same.
Anna stared at Ryan, wide-eyed. She was sitting next to him at the annual Buffalo Sabres Christmas party, at the table with a few stray Sabres and their wives. Ryan patiently awaited Anna’s answer, one he’d been waiting for weeks to receive. It was December 15th, and the only day the NHL would have off was December 25th, Christmas Day. Ryan wanted to take Anna to East Lansing, to introduce Anna to the whole Miller family...and, Anna knew, to set things straight: let them know she was pregnant.
“I mean, if you’d rather go to Pitt-”
“No,” Anna said firmly, not wanting to even hear the word, “Let’s go to Michigan.”
Ryan broke into a smile, “Really?”
Anna smirked a little, “Yes, really...”
Ryan pulled her into a gentle hug, “This is great, Annie. Really.”
So, after the world’s longest road trip (at least, it felt that way to Anna, since she was still peeing like crazy), the dysfunctional couple found themselves driving through the snowy weather on the evening of December 24th, to the town of East Lansing, Michigan. The town when Ryan grew up.
It was around 4:00pm when the GPS started acting up.
“Ryan, it’s saying you missed your turn,” Anna perked up.
“I know,” Ryan replied, pulling from the highway and onto a country road, “Don’t worry.”
Anna did worry, of course. Where was he taking her, she didn’t know. Not knowing things often frustrated and scared her.
The car traveled to a wooded area near a small frozen pond. Ryan put the park in park and unlocked both doors. Anna frowned as he came to her side, offering his hand, “Come on. We’re here.”
“You live in a forest?” Anna joked, stepping into the snow.
“Not exactly,” Ryan said, closing the door behind her, “But, I spent so much time here, you might as well say so.”
Ryan gave Anna his arm, leading her towards the pond. A strange, crooked tree with a giant hole in the front leaned over menacingly. Anna edged away from the ice surface.
“Is it safe?”
“Hmm,” Ryan let Anna go and walked over to the tree, digging through the hole only to find, to Anna’s amazement, a dirty old puck, “Let’s see.” As though skipping rocks, he tossed it out onto the pond, “Yep, it’s solid. Follow me.”
“Are you crazy?” Anna screamed as Ryan bounded onto the ice, sliding on his side, “This could be dangerous!”
Ryan rolled over onto his back, “Come on in, the water’s fine!”
Anna sighed, “Ryan, I’m pregnant.”
“So?”
“So...I’m not coming out there.”
Ryan sat up and cocked his head at her, some of his dark hair peeking out from beneath his blue toque, “Fine, leave me to make snow angels all alone.”
Anna groaned, “Ugh, for shit’s sakes...”
Trudging over the sticks and frozen pussy willows, Anna stepped onto the frozen pond and felt the familiar shift of the ice. She took a breath, feeling like her childhood was coming back to her. Anna herself had played pond hockey with the boys growing up, and it was some of the best memories she held. Letting Ryan hold both her gloved hands, they began to smile as the snow began to fall down.
“This is the place my dad taught me to skate,” Ryan explained, “I was two years old. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
“Instant prodigy, skating like a pro?” Anna guessed.
Ryan chuckled, “Yeah, right. Fell flat on my face.” He shook his head, “Got right up, though. I wanted to learn right away. I was stubborn.”
Anna laughed, “You still are.”
“Touche,” Ryan shrugged, “Well, this place means a lot to me. When Drew was old enough he came out here with Dad and me. We’d play until it was dark. Or until Mum would rush out and call us for dinner. It was great.”
He paused, reaching out to brush a few snowflakes from Anna’s hair. She shivered.
“Anna, I’ve got to ask you something.”
Anna watched a snowflake fall and land on his nose, “Uh, sure.” She was tempted to plant a kiss to make it melt.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you for some time now,” Ryan said, letting go of her, “I want things to work. I mean, I want everything for this baby. I want to be a good father, and I want to provide. I want us to have a family.” Anna felt her stomach jump into her throat as Ryan opened a small box, revealing a diamond ring, “If I do something, I make sure I do it right.”
Ryan dropped to one knee, “Anna Evans, will you marry me?”
She was speechless. Here she was, with the guy she’d had a crush on for two years, carrying his illegitimate child, standing on a frozen hockey pond in the middle of Michigan. In the past few months she’d spent time worrying like crazy, had some amazing nights in his bed, puked her guts out AND lost her best friend. This was all happening so fast, it was such a whirlwind.
But then, Anna thought of Ryan’s upbringing. Dean and Elise were kind, respectable parents. Ryan had been raised to do things the ‘proper’ way, so in his mind, if a baby was made, a marriage had to be created before or after. Anna thought of the disapproval of Ryan’s family upon hearing they were only a couple for the sake of the child, and how Drew would surely use this against her. Despite the success of the Catwalk for Charity, she still wasn’t 100% in his books.
There was too much at risk here. She had to do it.
“Yes.”
Ryan’s lower lip trembled, “Yes?”
Anna nodded, “Yes, Ryan Miller, I will marry you.”
Ryan pressed his lips to Anna, wrapping his arms around her as he engulfed her into a powerful kiss. She felt like melted into him. Ryan’s smile was brighter than any of the snowflakes that were falling, and for a minute, Anna felt like what she was doing was almost genuine.
She only wished those feelings, those emotions, and most of all, those three words, would stop getting in the way. The stupid thing was, she felt like everything would be ok if Ryan felt the same.
45 - Photographs, 46 - Ring
45. PHOTOGRAPHS
“Crack your jaw yet?” Derek Roy tapped Ryan’s helmet in the dressing room. Practice before the Senators game that night had just wrapped.
“Yeah, you seem real uptight today, Millsy,” Tyler Myers commented, “Seriously, what’s up?”
Ryan looked around suspiciously, “Where’s Anna?”
“Out on the bench with Pommers and Ruff, why?” Pat Kaleta replied.
Ryan sighed heavily and turned to his jacket. In a secret pocket was where he kept the ring box. Gesturing to his teammates to gather in closer, Ryan gingerly took out the box and revealed the ring inside.
“Holy shit,” Derek said with a grin, “What a sparkler!”
“Ryan, congratulations!” Tyler exclaimed.
“She’s definitely going to say yes to THAT.” Pat said with a wink.
“When and how is the only problem...” Ryan said quietly.
“Well, what is something very special to her that coincides with the both of you?” Derek asked, “Besides the obvious baby factor.”
Ryan chewed on his lower lip, “We both love hockey. She grew up playing on the pond, and so did I...” He suddenly got it. “Actually, yeah...I got it. Thanks guys.”
Idea in mind, Ryan drove home immediately, only to find Anna on the floor of the living room; a small box open with photographs strewn across the floor. He set his hockey bag by the door and walked slowly to her, seeing she wasn’t feeling her best today. Something was wrong.
“Annie? You all right?”
Anna turned and gave him a small smile.
“Ryan...I never told you about what happened to my mum and dad, did I?”
He gently touched her shoulder, “No.”
“Sit down,” Anna said quietly, “Here.”
She turned and handed him an old polaroid as he settled on the couch behind her, “This was my mom and me on Halloween when I was six. Just before the accident.”
“Accident?” Ryan asked, painfully putting down the picture of the little girl in the pirate costume.
Anna swallowed, “I was at my aunt and uncle’s when it happened. It was sometime around the middle of November. Brit was four. I just remember being told that mum and dad had gone to heaven...” Anna hugged her knees, “They were hit by a drunk driver who was going 140 mph. Died instantly.”
Ryan felt his mouth go dry, “Annie, I’m so sorry...”
“It was a long time ago,” Anna shrugged, “It’s just, what happened with Max just brings back the pain. I tried to shut it out, but...it’s no use.”
Ryan rubbed her back soothingly, “I know, it’s not easy to deal with these things. Crying doesn’t make you weak, either, baby.”
“You...you just called me ‘baby’.”
He froze, “Oh...uh, do you not want me to call you that?”
Anna shook her head, “I don’t know. It’s been a long time, you know.”
She sifted through the pictures in her tin box, “This was my first boyfriend. Check him out.”
Ryan had to chuckle, “Nice hair.”
“Shut up, we were 16, and it was cool to have a buzzcut,” Anna snorted, taking the picture from him, “Look at this one. This was my first day in Pittsburgh. Flower took this one of me with Colby Armstrong. That was before he was traded, of course. My hair was so short then...”
A few photos later, Anna found one that put a lump in her throat. It was of Max , of course, wearing his sunglasses and a tight black tee, the Pennsylvania sunset behind, with his arm around her. They were at Mario’s house for Sid and Brit’s anniversary. Anna remembered the day like no other. There was a BBQ, everyone jumping in the pool (or falling, in Flower’s case) and lots of laughs. That was one of the first times she really felt like she fit in with the Penguins.
“I forgot I had this...” Anna said, gripping the tiny frame.
Ryan put his head on her shoulder, “You were beautiful then, too.”
Anna bit her lip, “No...I’m not.”
Ryan got up and sat in front of her, the photos the only barrier between them, “Anna, it’s normal to feel remorse, but you shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened to Max.”
“I know,” Anna sighed, feeling her cheeks burning with the ever-constant tears, “But I can’t help but think, if I hadn’t tried to get him to come to the charity, maybe he’d still be alive.”
“We can’t live our lives with ‘ifs’,” Ryan told her, “We just can’t. Regrets just bring us down.”
“How do you know?”
“How?” Ryan chuckled, “Well, for one thing, I used to let goals bother me.”
“Most goalies do.”
“No, I mean I really let them bother me,” Ryan continued, “If I was scored on, I’d curse myself and hurl insults at my so-called lack of skill. I’d feed on negativity so by the end of the game I’d be ready to tear my hair out. Turns out, after seeing an athletic therapist, that’s not good.”
“But you’re amazing,” Anna said, quickly fixing herself, “Amazing at stopping pucks.”
“I just try my best and I don’t linger on the bad things,” Ryan said with a smile, “I mean, sure, I’ll let in a softie, but what’s the point of lamenting about it? Why not prepare myself to rob the next shooter blind? Fool them when they think they’ve cracked me open?” He laughed a bit. “You know, it’s so much more satisfying to make a comeback than to crawl into my net and cry.”
That forced a smile out of Anna. He reached over and touched her cheek.
“You won’t get over losing your best friend overnight,” Ryan said warmly, “And you certainly can’t waste time blaming yourself for something you couldn’t control.” Anna let Ryan wrap his arms around you. “And just think- Max is no longer miles away in Pittsburgh. He’s right next to you whenever you need him to be.” He kissed her forehead. “He’s always with you, Annie. Always.”
Anna pressed her lips to Ryan’s, kissing him softly, “Thank you.”
He smiled, “Anytime.”
46. RING
Things were heating up between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres that night at the HSBC. Anna crossed her arms over her chest, keeping a watchful eye on Drew Stafford, who had endured a typical Matt Cooke shot. He seemed to be doing just fine, so when the whistle was blown for offside, Anna turned to the Pens side.
Fleury wasn’t playing so well. He missed softie goals and threw more tantrums than usual. The Sabres were up 4-1, which was kind of unusual. The Pens just weren’t scoring. Anna had a feeling in her gut as to why, but she hoped it wasn’t that.
The final buzzer sounded and both teams headed off the ice. Anna saw the team congratulate Ryan for a job well done, but she wasn’t very interested. Leaving her post, Anna headed to the visitor’s side, knowing she wasn’t needed to examine Stafford until later.
Jordan Staal gave her a nod as he passed by, as did Guerin and Kunitz. There was only one person she wanted to talk to at that moment, and of course, he was the last one off, just like Miller. Sid tapped his glove on Anna’s shoulder as he headed out, just before Flower came into view.
He paused. Anna gave him a tiny smile, “Hey, Marc...”
The French-Canadian goaltender propped up his helmet, showing his ever-present soul patch on his chin and bright eyes. But the pure white smile he was so famous for was missing. His eyes weren’t bright- they were sad. Anna wanted so badly to speak, but she couldn’t find her voice.
“It’s...it’s not the same without him.”
Anna fought to swallow her tears, and it looked like Marc was also.
“I know...” she managed to stutter.
“Why not me?”
Anna frowned.
Flower’s lower lip trembled, “Why not me instead of Max?” Those words being said, he rushed past Anna, smashing his stick out of view and throwing his mask aside, disappearing into the visitor dressing rooms.
Anna leaned against the wall, unsure of what to think or say. She waited there, hoping to talk to Sid or Geno to get some reassurance, but everyone just filed by. You could cut the dark atmosphere with a knife, it seemed. At long last, one suited Pen stopped to see her.
It was Kris Letang.
“I was going to give this to you when you were in Pittsburgh,” Kris said nervously, “But I didn’t think the timing was right...”
Anna watched him reach into his pocket and pull out a chain- with Max’s Stanley Cup ring on it. She'd seen him wear it almost every day. It was his most prized possession.
“He would want you to have this,” Kris said, dropping it around Anna’s neck, “Believe me.”
Anna, overwhelmed, threw her arms around Kris and sobbed, “Thank you.”
He hugged her back, a little tighter than usual, “It’s nothing, really.”
Letting go, Anna turned the ring in her hands, “Flower’s taking this so hard.”
“I know,” Kris nodded, “We all are. Especially Molly.”
Anna frowned, “Molly?”
Kris’ eyes widened, “Wait...you never met Max’s girlfriend Molly?”
Anna shook her head, “No, I didn’t...think I heard her name once or twice.”
Kris sighed, “Well, you are very lucky to have Ryan...”
“What makes you say that?”
Kris shrugged, “Molly might be pregnant.”
“Crack your jaw yet?” Derek Roy tapped Ryan’s helmet in the dressing room. Practice before the Senators game that night had just wrapped.
“Yeah, you seem real uptight today, Millsy,” Tyler Myers commented, “Seriously, what’s up?”
Ryan looked around suspiciously, “Where’s Anna?”
“Out on the bench with Pommers and Ruff, why?” Pat Kaleta replied.
Ryan sighed heavily and turned to his jacket. In a secret pocket was where he kept the ring box. Gesturing to his teammates to gather in closer, Ryan gingerly took out the box and revealed the ring inside.
“Holy shit,” Derek said with a grin, “What a sparkler!”
“Ryan, congratulations!” Tyler exclaimed.
“She’s definitely going to say yes to THAT.” Pat said with a wink.
“When and how is the only problem...” Ryan said quietly.
“Well, what is something very special to her that coincides with the both of you?” Derek asked, “Besides the obvious baby factor.”
Ryan chewed on his lower lip, “We both love hockey. She grew up playing on the pond, and so did I...” He suddenly got it. “Actually, yeah...I got it. Thanks guys.”
Idea in mind, Ryan drove home immediately, only to find Anna on the floor of the living room; a small box open with photographs strewn across the floor. He set his hockey bag by the door and walked slowly to her, seeing she wasn’t feeling her best today. Something was wrong.
“Annie? You all right?”
Anna turned and gave him a small smile.
“Ryan...I never told you about what happened to my mum and dad, did I?”
He gently touched her shoulder, “No.”
“Sit down,” Anna said quietly, “Here.”
She turned and handed him an old polaroid as he settled on the couch behind her, “This was my mom and me on Halloween when I was six. Just before the accident.”
“Accident?” Ryan asked, painfully putting down the picture of the little girl in the pirate costume.
Anna swallowed, “I was at my aunt and uncle’s when it happened. It was sometime around the middle of November. Brit was four. I just remember being told that mum and dad had gone to heaven...” Anna hugged her knees, “They were hit by a drunk driver who was going 140 mph. Died instantly.”
Ryan felt his mouth go dry, “Annie, I’m so sorry...”
“It was a long time ago,” Anna shrugged, “It’s just, what happened with Max just brings back the pain. I tried to shut it out, but...it’s no use.”
Ryan rubbed her back soothingly, “I know, it’s not easy to deal with these things. Crying doesn’t make you weak, either, baby.”
“You...you just called me ‘baby’.”
He froze, “Oh...uh, do you not want me to call you that?”
Anna shook her head, “I don’t know. It’s been a long time, you know.”
She sifted through the pictures in her tin box, “This was my first boyfriend. Check him out.”
Ryan had to chuckle, “Nice hair.”
“Shut up, we were 16, and it was cool to have a buzzcut,” Anna snorted, taking the picture from him, “Look at this one. This was my first day in Pittsburgh. Flower took this one of me with Colby Armstrong. That was before he was traded, of course. My hair was so short then...”
A few photos later, Anna found one that put a lump in her throat. It was of Max , of course, wearing his sunglasses and a tight black tee, the Pennsylvania sunset behind, with his arm around her. They were at Mario’s house for Sid and Brit’s anniversary. Anna remembered the day like no other. There was a BBQ, everyone jumping in the pool (or falling, in Flower’s case) and lots of laughs. That was one of the first times she really felt like she fit in with the Penguins.
“I forgot I had this...” Anna said, gripping the tiny frame.
Ryan put his head on her shoulder, “You were beautiful then, too.”
Anna bit her lip, “No...I’m not.”
Ryan got up and sat in front of her, the photos the only barrier between them, “Anna, it’s normal to feel remorse, but you shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened to Max.”
“I know,” Anna sighed, feeling her cheeks burning with the ever-constant tears, “But I can’t help but think, if I hadn’t tried to get him to come to the charity, maybe he’d still be alive.”
“We can’t live our lives with ‘ifs’,” Ryan told her, “We just can’t. Regrets just bring us down.”
“How do you know?”
“How?” Ryan chuckled, “Well, for one thing, I used to let goals bother me.”
“Most goalies do.”
“No, I mean I really let them bother me,” Ryan continued, “If I was scored on, I’d curse myself and hurl insults at my so-called lack of skill. I’d feed on negativity so by the end of the game I’d be ready to tear my hair out. Turns out, after seeing an athletic therapist, that’s not good.”
“But you’re amazing,” Anna said, quickly fixing herself, “Amazing at stopping pucks.”
“I just try my best and I don’t linger on the bad things,” Ryan said with a smile, “I mean, sure, I’ll let in a softie, but what’s the point of lamenting about it? Why not prepare myself to rob the next shooter blind? Fool them when they think they’ve cracked me open?” He laughed a bit. “You know, it’s so much more satisfying to make a comeback than to crawl into my net and cry.”
That forced a smile out of Anna. He reached over and touched her cheek.
“You won’t get over losing your best friend overnight,” Ryan said warmly, “And you certainly can’t waste time blaming yourself for something you couldn’t control.” Anna let Ryan wrap his arms around you. “And just think- Max is no longer miles away in Pittsburgh. He’s right next to you whenever you need him to be.” He kissed her forehead. “He’s always with you, Annie. Always.”
Anna pressed her lips to Ryan’s, kissing him softly, “Thank you.”
He smiled, “Anytime.”
46. RING
Things were heating up between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres that night at the HSBC. Anna crossed her arms over her chest, keeping a watchful eye on Drew Stafford, who had endured a typical Matt Cooke shot. He seemed to be doing just fine, so when the whistle was blown for offside, Anna turned to the Pens side.
Fleury wasn’t playing so well. He missed softie goals and threw more tantrums than usual. The Sabres were up 4-1, which was kind of unusual. The Pens just weren’t scoring. Anna had a feeling in her gut as to why, but she hoped it wasn’t that.
The final buzzer sounded and both teams headed off the ice. Anna saw the team congratulate Ryan for a job well done, but she wasn’t very interested. Leaving her post, Anna headed to the visitor’s side, knowing she wasn’t needed to examine Stafford until later.
Jordan Staal gave her a nod as he passed by, as did Guerin and Kunitz. There was only one person she wanted to talk to at that moment, and of course, he was the last one off, just like Miller. Sid tapped his glove on Anna’s shoulder as he headed out, just before Flower came into view.
He paused. Anna gave him a tiny smile, “Hey, Marc...”
The French-Canadian goaltender propped up his helmet, showing his ever-present soul patch on his chin and bright eyes. But the pure white smile he was so famous for was missing. His eyes weren’t bright- they were sad. Anna wanted so badly to speak, but she couldn’t find her voice.
“It’s...it’s not the same without him.”
Anna fought to swallow her tears, and it looked like Marc was also.
“I know...” she managed to stutter.
“Why not me?”
Anna frowned.
Flower’s lower lip trembled, “Why not me instead of Max?” Those words being said, he rushed past Anna, smashing his stick out of view and throwing his mask aside, disappearing into the visitor dressing rooms.
Anna leaned against the wall, unsure of what to think or say. She waited there, hoping to talk to Sid or Geno to get some reassurance, but everyone just filed by. You could cut the dark atmosphere with a knife, it seemed. At long last, one suited Pen stopped to see her.
It was Kris Letang.
“I was going to give this to you when you were in Pittsburgh,” Kris said nervously, “But I didn’t think the timing was right...”
Anna watched him reach into his pocket and pull out a chain- with Max’s Stanley Cup ring on it. She'd seen him wear it almost every day. It was his most prized possession.
“He would want you to have this,” Kris said, dropping it around Anna’s neck, “Believe me.”
Anna, overwhelmed, threw her arms around Kris and sobbed, “Thank you.”
He hugged her back, a little tighter than usual, “It’s nothing, really.”
Letting go, Anna turned the ring in her hands, “Flower’s taking this so hard.”
“I know,” Kris nodded, “We all are. Especially Molly.”
Anna frowned, “Molly?”
Kris’ eyes widened, “Wait...you never met Max’s girlfriend Molly?”
Anna shook her head, “No, I didn’t...think I heard her name once or twice.”
Kris sighed, “Well, you are very lucky to have Ryan...”
“What makes you say that?”
Kris shrugged, “Molly might be pregnant.”
44 - Goodbye
Anna fell asleep on the way to Pittsburgh, awakening once to see Ryan covering her in a blanket at a gas station. They got there in no time, it seemed, meeting at the old Mellon Arena with the rest of the group. Parking amidst the full lot, Anna saw that it was almost sunset. It had been a full day of driving.
The first person she recognized the second she got out of the car was Marc-Andre Fleury. Her eyes met his briefly. That was when he started to walk toward her, which turned into a sprint, and then a run. Marc put his arms around the girl who was like his younger sister, embracing her. Anna hugged him back, just as hard, holding back tears.
“I’m so sorry...” she whispered.
“Is not your fault,” Marc replied, “Is no one’s...Anna, I’m so happy you’re here...we need you...”
Anna felt a few tears escaped as she hugged Fleury, letting him go after a moment. He smiled at her, patting her belly gently. “You have a glow, Annie...”
She felt Ryan by her side, “Well, I’ve been fortunate.”
Fleury extended his hand, “Hello, Miller. Welcome to Pittsburgh.” He paused. “I would much have liked to met you in other circumstances, but we must take things as they are.”
Ryan nodded, “I’m terribly sorry for your loss. Max was always a feisty guy whenever we played you Pens.” He smiled a bit. “I know he meant the world to Anna.”
Fleury nodded, “We announced the accident earlier today, at the game. We decided to meet here, make the arrangements...”
“We’re going to do a memorial service throughout the city.”
Anna turned to see none other than Mario Lemeuix standing behind her. She swallowed, not knowing what to say. Mario put an arm around her comfortingly.
“You look quite nice, Anna,” Mario said, “Pregnancy agrees with you.” He turned to Ryan, who appeared slightly starstruck. “Thank you for coming to pay your respects, Mr. Miller.”
Ryan shook hands with Mario, “You’re welcome, sir.” His mouth was too dry to say anything.
Mario nodded, “We’ll be bringing everyone in after Ray arrives. He’s late for everything. Good to see you both.”
“Anna?”
Before she even had the chance to say good-bye to Mario, Anna heard the familiar voice of her brother-in-law behind her.
“Hi Sid.”
Sidney blinked, his brown eyes wide seeing Ryan Miller standing with his sister-in-law. Fleury shoved him, and he realized that they were, in fact, together. He gave Miller a quick nod.
“Ray’s here, Mario,” Sidney Crosby told the GM, “Come on, guys. We’re going to have a meeting.”
Anna reached for Ryan’s hand, which he took gently. She needed him now more than ever. Walking into the old arena, seeing the rest of the Penguins, Anna felt her heart ache. Looking around the table in the meeting area, she felt her heart ache as she knew that one was missing.
“...so then TK will pass it on to Billy, who will help light them all through to the arena. Then we’ll pass the balloons to the kids.” Ray finished. Anna was so deep in sadness that she hardly registered any of this.
“We’ll continue after a short break. Fifteen minutes.”
The group eagerly got up and went outside for some fresh air. Anna told Ryan she had to use the washroom, and he reluctantly walked out into the sea of Penguins and associates. He had absolutely no ties here, and felt lost without Anna.
That was when Sid approached him.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“So, you guys still living together?” Sid asked non-chalantly.
“Yeah,” Ryan nodded, “I, um, I’m very excited for this baby.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really,” Ryan replied, “Anna said you have a son?”
“Gavin,” Sidney said with a small smile, “Your life will change in a heartbeat, you know. That baby will become your whole world.”
Ryan nodded. They were quiet for a moment.
“Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Ryan felt a lump in his throat, “I know Anna and her sister don’t have any parents, so...I was wondering, if maybe you’d give me permission...” Sid gave him a confused expression. “I want this to be done properly. I want to marry Anna.”
Sidney raised his eyebrows, “Wow, really?”
“Yes,” Ryan told him, “And I’ve already got a spare bedroom that could be a nursery.”
Sid smirked, “You’re planning ahead, aren’t you?”
“I know you’ve just met me,” Ryan said, seeing a small laugh from Sid, “Ok well, ignoring all the times you’ve scored on me...but I am in love with your sister-in-law. I want to provide for her, make things right.”
Sid seemed to be taking this all in, “You know, you’re not what I expected. I guess Max had the right idea sending her to live with you.” He shook hands with Ryan. “You have my permission.”
“Thank you,” Ryan said, relieved, “I’m going to wait to ask her, of course, but not for a long time. Just until things are right again.”
“Understandable.” Sidney paused. “You love her?”
Ryan closed his eyes, “You have no idea.”
While Ryan chatted with Sidney, Anna emerged from the ladies’ washroom and nearly walked right into a stunned Evgeni Malkin.
“Sorry!” she said quickly, “Oh, hi Geno. Good to see you.”
“Miss Anna,” Malkin stuttered, “You are with Miller?”
Anna nodded, “Yes, Geno, I am. We’re going to have a baby.”
“Baby?” Geno frowned. Anna gently took his massive hand and placed it on her belly, letting him feel the baby kick. His mouth fell open even wider than usual.
“Is good!” Geno exclaimed, “Miss Anna, you are love with Miller?”
Anna smiled, “Well...I don’t know about that....”
“Max be happy see you with baby,” Geno said slowly, “I miss Max very well.”
“I know, honey, I miss him too,” Anna said quietly, “I didn’t want to come here because it made me sad...but Ryan insisted I come here.”
Geno looked at her strangely.
“Yes, love is what you are with Miller,” Geno said, nodding, “I have find Oksana. Good wishes to you.”
Anna shook her head as she watched him walk away. He was simply the most awkward yet adorable Russian she knew. Which only meant tomorrow was going to be even harder.
-
Monday was a bright and sunny day. The snow seemed to gleam in the sunlight as the people of Pittsburgh stepped out into the streets, shivering in the cold. It was a sea of gold and black; some people wore Talbot jerseys, some wore mourning clothes. Anna grasped Ryan’s hand ever so tightly as they sat in the car, leaving the church service. The burial had been difficult, but Anna was able to make it through. Now came the hard part: the memorial.
It was 11:00 am as Dan Byslma stepped up to the podium in the middle of the city.
“There will be 25,000 candles lit throughout the streets of Pittsburgh today, in Max Talbot’s memory,” Dan said quietly, “We ask that you please refrain from autographs or photography of any sort of our players.”
Dan was quiet for a moment. Anna watched on the screen as Brent Johnson began lighting the candles at the other end of the city. The entire city was silent.
“Max Talbot was a player like no other. He will remain in my memory as the guy with the sense of humour in every situation, but quick to beat you down if you insulted him or one of his teammates...”
Anna had to block out Dan’s words. She laid her head against Ryan’s chest. Press, who were allowed to document the event, snapped pictures of the two together. It was most certainly be on the news the next day, but Anna didn’t care. She wanted Ryan’s comfort.
As Dan finished, it moved on to Marc-Andre Fleury. Marc choked on his words several times, but somehow managed to get through. Kris Letang was next, hardly audible. It was painful to watch each Penguins member speak about their fallen teammate, while the others helped to light the candles throughout the city.
As Sidney Crosby finished speaking, he lifted his son Gavin up to the podium. With clarity, Gavin announced, “To all the kids who wrote something on your balloons for Max, now is the time to let them go. When we start playing the song, Max will be ready to read them all in Heaven.”
Anna watched a spare balloon float around in front of her. She grasped it and took a Sharpie from her purse, starting to write. She didn’t care that it was just the kids doing this. As ‘Shine On,’ by Jet, played throughout the entire city of Pittsburgh, Anna watched her balloon go to the sky. It read something simple.
THANK YOU. FOR EVERYTHING.
At that moment, she felt a warm feeling on her right hand. Expecting to see Ryan, Anna glanced over, and to her surprise, she saw no one. Was she just imagining things?
Of course, at the worst possible time, Anna's phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out to shut it off, not before checking the text.
ANYTIME :)
Anna frowned. The number was unknown. She tried to text back, but the message refused to send. Confused, she nudged Ryan, but when she tried to show him the message, it was no longer there. Anna stood there in silence, unable to believe whether or not she had imagined the whole thing.
The warm feeling met her again. No, she wasn't just imaging things. Anna smiled, letting the tears fall from her eyes. Max Talbot never left without saying goodbye.
The first person she recognized the second she got out of the car was Marc-Andre Fleury. Her eyes met his briefly. That was when he started to walk toward her, which turned into a sprint, and then a run. Marc put his arms around the girl who was like his younger sister, embracing her. Anna hugged him back, just as hard, holding back tears.
“I’m so sorry...” she whispered.
“Is not your fault,” Marc replied, “Is no one’s...Anna, I’m so happy you’re here...we need you...”
Anna felt a few tears escaped as she hugged Fleury, letting him go after a moment. He smiled at her, patting her belly gently. “You have a glow, Annie...”
She felt Ryan by her side, “Well, I’ve been fortunate.”
Fleury extended his hand, “Hello, Miller. Welcome to Pittsburgh.” He paused. “I would much have liked to met you in other circumstances, but we must take things as they are.”
Ryan nodded, “I’m terribly sorry for your loss. Max was always a feisty guy whenever we played you Pens.” He smiled a bit. “I know he meant the world to Anna.”
Fleury nodded, “We announced the accident earlier today, at the game. We decided to meet here, make the arrangements...”
“We’re going to do a memorial service throughout the city.”
Anna turned to see none other than Mario Lemeuix standing behind her. She swallowed, not knowing what to say. Mario put an arm around her comfortingly.
“You look quite nice, Anna,” Mario said, “Pregnancy agrees with you.” He turned to Ryan, who appeared slightly starstruck. “Thank you for coming to pay your respects, Mr. Miller.”
Ryan shook hands with Mario, “You’re welcome, sir.” His mouth was too dry to say anything.
Mario nodded, “We’ll be bringing everyone in after Ray arrives. He’s late for everything. Good to see you both.”
“Anna?”
Before she even had the chance to say good-bye to Mario, Anna heard the familiar voice of her brother-in-law behind her.
“Hi Sid.”
Sidney blinked, his brown eyes wide seeing Ryan Miller standing with his sister-in-law. Fleury shoved him, and he realized that they were, in fact, together. He gave Miller a quick nod.
“Ray’s here, Mario,” Sidney Crosby told the GM, “Come on, guys. We’re going to have a meeting.”
Anna reached for Ryan’s hand, which he took gently. She needed him now more than ever. Walking into the old arena, seeing the rest of the Penguins, Anna felt her heart ache. Looking around the table in the meeting area, she felt her heart ache as she knew that one was missing.
“...so then TK will pass it on to Billy, who will help light them all through to the arena. Then we’ll pass the balloons to the kids.” Ray finished. Anna was so deep in sadness that she hardly registered any of this.
“We’ll continue after a short break. Fifteen minutes.”
The group eagerly got up and went outside for some fresh air. Anna told Ryan she had to use the washroom, and he reluctantly walked out into the sea of Penguins and associates. He had absolutely no ties here, and felt lost without Anna.
That was when Sid approached him.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“So, you guys still living together?” Sid asked non-chalantly.
“Yeah,” Ryan nodded, “I, um, I’m very excited for this baby.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really,” Ryan replied, “Anna said you have a son?”
“Gavin,” Sidney said with a small smile, “Your life will change in a heartbeat, you know. That baby will become your whole world.”
Ryan nodded. They were quiet for a moment.
“Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Ryan felt a lump in his throat, “I know Anna and her sister don’t have any parents, so...I was wondering, if maybe you’d give me permission...” Sid gave him a confused expression. “I want this to be done properly. I want to marry Anna.”
Sidney raised his eyebrows, “Wow, really?”
“Yes,” Ryan told him, “And I’ve already got a spare bedroom that could be a nursery.”
Sid smirked, “You’re planning ahead, aren’t you?”
“I know you’ve just met me,” Ryan said, seeing a small laugh from Sid, “Ok well, ignoring all the times you’ve scored on me...but I am in love with your sister-in-law. I want to provide for her, make things right.”
Sid seemed to be taking this all in, “You know, you’re not what I expected. I guess Max had the right idea sending her to live with you.” He shook hands with Ryan. “You have my permission.”
“Thank you,” Ryan said, relieved, “I’m going to wait to ask her, of course, but not for a long time. Just until things are right again.”
“Understandable.” Sidney paused. “You love her?”
Ryan closed his eyes, “You have no idea.”
While Ryan chatted with Sidney, Anna emerged from the ladies’ washroom and nearly walked right into a stunned Evgeni Malkin.
“Sorry!” she said quickly, “Oh, hi Geno. Good to see you.”
“Miss Anna,” Malkin stuttered, “You are with Miller?”
Anna nodded, “Yes, Geno, I am. We’re going to have a baby.”
“Baby?” Geno frowned. Anna gently took his massive hand and placed it on her belly, letting him feel the baby kick. His mouth fell open even wider than usual.
“Is good!” Geno exclaimed, “Miss Anna, you are love with Miller?”
Anna smiled, “Well...I don’t know about that....”
“Max be happy see you with baby,” Geno said slowly, “I miss Max very well.”
“I know, honey, I miss him too,” Anna said quietly, “I didn’t want to come here because it made me sad...but Ryan insisted I come here.”
Geno looked at her strangely.
“Yes, love is what you are with Miller,” Geno said, nodding, “I have find Oksana. Good wishes to you.”
Anna shook her head as she watched him walk away. He was simply the most awkward yet adorable Russian she knew. Which only meant tomorrow was going to be even harder.
-
Monday was a bright and sunny day. The snow seemed to gleam in the sunlight as the people of Pittsburgh stepped out into the streets, shivering in the cold. It was a sea of gold and black; some people wore Talbot jerseys, some wore mourning clothes. Anna grasped Ryan’s hand ever so tightly as they sat in the car, leaving the church service. The burial had been difficult, but Anna was able to make it through. Now came the hard part: the memorial.
It was 11:00 am as Dan Byslma stepped up to the podium in the middle of the city.
“There will be 25,000 candles lit throughout the streets of Pittsburgh today, in Max Talbot’s memory,” Dan said quietly, “We ask that you please refrain from autographs or photography of any sort of our players.”
Dan was quiet for a moment. Anna watched on the screen as Brent Johnson began lighting the candles at the other end of the city. The entire city was silent.
“Max Talbot was a player like no other. He will remain in my memory as the guy with the sense of humour in every situation, but quick to beat you down if you insulted him or one of his teammates...”
Anna had to block out Dan’s words. She laid her head against Ryan’s chest. Press, who were allowed to document the event, snapped pictures of the two together. It was most certainly be on the news the next day, but Anna didn’t care. She wanted Ryan’s comfort.
As Dan finished, it moved on to Marc-Andre Fleury. Marc choked on his words several times, but somehow managed to get through. Kris Letang was next, hardly audible. It was painful to watch each Penguins member speak about their fallen teammate, while the others helped to light the candles throughout the city.
As Sidney Crosby finished speaking, he lifted his son Gavin up to the podium. With clarity, Gavin announced, “To all the kids who wrote something on your balloons for Max, now is the time to let them go. When we start playing the song, Max will be ready to read them all in Heaven.”
Anna watched a spare balloon float around in front of her. She grasped it and took a Sharpie from her purse, starting to write. She didn’t care that it was just the kids doing this. As ‘Shine On,’ by Jet, played throughout the entire city of Pittsburgh, Anna watched her balloon go to the sky. It read something simple.
THANK YOU. FOR EVERYTHING.
At that moment, she felt a warm feeling on her right hand. Expecting to see Ryan, Anna glanced over, and to her surprise, she saw no one. Was she just imagining things?
Of course, at the worst possible time, Anna's phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out to shut it off, not before checking the text.
ANYTIME :)
Anna frowned. The number was unknown. She tried to text back, but the message refused to send. Confused, she nudged Ryan, but when she tried to show him the message, it was no longer there. Anna stood there in silence, unable to believe whether or not she had imagined the whole thing.
The warm feeling met her again. No, she wasn't just imaging things. Anna smiled, letting the tears fall from her eyes. Max Talbot never left without saying goodbye.
43 - Conversation
The entire morning Anna felt lost. Ryan busied around her, asking constantly if she was ok, and calling seemingly everyone in his contacts. Anna didn’t eat and hadn’t slept after Dan had called. She was still in her pajamas when Ryan finished talking to Lindy.
“Annie,” Ryan said affectionately, “Come on, now. You have to go shower. We’re going to leave in an hour.”
Anna said nothing. He cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her face.
“Your Penguins need your support now more than ever,” he told her, planting a kiss on her wide mouth, “And I’m going with you. Come on, baby. Shower.”
Anna wandered upstairs and took a shower. By the time she had emerged from the bathroom, Ryan had two suitcases packed and ready. He gave her a tiny smile, opening his arms. Anna collapsed into him, crying softly.
“I don’t want to go...” she said miserably, “Please don’t make me.”
Ryan stroked her hair, “We have to go. I’ve already made the arrangements.”
Anna shook her head, her hand curled up by her face, “I can’t do it.”
Ryan held her back, “Yes you can. I’ll be right by your side.”
“What if they don’t want me there? What if they hate me for leaving?”
“Dan requested that you come, and there is no way that anyone can hate you,” Ryan told her, instantly regretting the last part he blurted out, “Now you get dressed, honey. I’m going to go start the car.”
Anna looked out the window at the passing city, her hair in a messy ponytail, her make up already running and streaky from crying. She couldn’t handle this. It was too much.
It started when she turned on the radio. The first song she heard was, “My Boy’s Gonna Play in the Big Leagues.” Anna winced, changing the station instantly. The next song was an old Elton John diddy that she and Max used to sing to annoy TK and Kris, and then on the next station was the Penguin’s goal song.
Anna sighed in defeat. She couldn’t escape him. Max Talbot was everywhere.
Ryan sensed her hurt and popped in his Kings of Leon CD. Anna hated Kings of Leon. Or so she thought.
One song came along that she surprisingly knew the words to. A song that actually meant a lot to her. The very song that she had playing in the background the night she brought Ryan drunkenly back to her apartment in Pittsburgh. The night they’d conceived. She’d listened to it at least a thousand times, not registering who it was performed by.
Anna happened to glance at Ryan, who was singing along softly under his breath. As she watched him longer, a smirk appeared on his face. He smiled at her.
“You know this song...” Anna said quietly.
“Of course I do, it’s on my CD.” Ryan quipped.
Anna crossed her arms, “Don’t be a smart-ass.”
Ryan turned onto the next highway, “I’m kidding. Of course I know it. You had it playing on your stereo that night.” His brown eyes met hers briefly. “How could I forget?”
“Well, you were drunk, for one thing.” Anna said with a light laugh.
“Not that drunk,” he said.
Anna raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m sorry?”
“Well, I certainly wasn’t as intoxicated as you,” Ryan said, laughing a bit, “I mean, the next morning I felt really bad.” He chewed on his lower lip. “I’m sorry I left, by the way. I mean, maybe I should’ve stayed, but then that could’ve been a bad idea. But I’m saying sorry because maybe you wanted me to stay, and I didn’t, so I feel bad about that, although maybe staying could be deemed inappropriate, therefore I-”
Anna started laughing, “Ryan, shut up.”
Ryan grinned, “I guess I get a little carried away sometimes.”
Anna was quiet for a moment, “Can I ask you something?”
Ryan nodded.
“If you weren’t too drunk that night, did you go home with me because you wanted to have an easy first time?” she said slowly, “I mean, you said you were a virgin, which I totally respect, and I understand if that was why you went home with me...”
Ryan knawed on his lip again, “Honestly, I went home with you because I wanted to give it to someone I had feelings for.”
Anna’s eyes grew wide and Ryan’s cheeks flushed. Had he really just said that?
“Wait...you had feelings for me BEFORE I got pregnant?” Anna asked, astonished.
“Well...yes. Is it really that hard to comprehend? I’m not a heartless being, you know.”
Anna sighed, “Sorry. I just, I find that strange. Why didn’t you ask me out for dinner or anything? Like, why’d you wait until I was drunk off my ass?”
“I guess because I thought you were too good for me.”
Anna snorted, “Oh come on. A rookie medic, too good for an amazing goaltender in the running for the Vezina? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Amazing, huh? Keep talking.”
Anna shoved him playfully. Ryan smiled.
“I liked you too for awhile,” Anna said shyly, “The night you got hurt in Pittsburgh. That was the first time I saw you without your mask. I guess I never really paid attention before.”
“That was the deal maker for me,” Ryan said, “You have great hands.”
Anna rolled her eyes, “Sure I do.”
“No really! You’re much better at massages than Mercedes. She’s creepy anyways, but I think you saved me a good few games that night. I wanted to ask for your number then, but Max was there, and...”
Ryan trailed off. Talking about Max was still fresh and painful to Anna’s wound. Ryan directed his attention completely to the road. Anna leaned back in her seat.
“Max was like my brother, you know,” Anna said, “He was the one who sent me to Buffalo.”
“I thought Dan Byslma-”
“Yes, well, Dan made the final decision. But Max was the one who told him I was pregnant by you. Practically the whole team knew we’d slept together after that night at Diesel.” Anna flushed a bit. “News travels fast in close-knit communities.”
Anna sighed, “Max said he only wanted the best for me. He’s always been like that. Max was the one who helped me hunt down my first apartment, gave me the grand tour of the arena on my first day, invited me to parties and fun team activities. He was the brother I never had.”
“You guys were close. I knew that. Danny told me all about you.”
“Danny Briere?”
“Yeah. I used to ask him about you all the time. It’s stupid, I know, but I was too shy to talk to you myself, so I’d ask him.”
Anna felt a smirk on her lips.
“Your favourite flowers are tiger lillies. You love rainy weather. Sometimes when you’re mad, you mutter to yourself in French. Your favourite movie is 500 Days of Summer, and the colour you love most is purple.”
“Well researched, if not a bit schoolboy creepy, Miller.”
Ryan shrugged, “I do what I can.”
The song ended and Anna continued looking out the window. She was now starting to feel ready to go back to Pittsburgh, if only for a few days. Having Ryan by her side meant everything to Anna, and his support was almost overwhelming.
Anna no longer feared admitting that she and Ryan Miller were, in fact, together, and in one of the saddest moments of her life, she was willing to embrace the fact.
“Annie,” Ryan said affectionately, “Come on, now. You have to go shower. We’re going to leave in an hour.”
Anna said nothing. He cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her face.
“Your Penguins need your support now more than ever,” he told her, planting a kiss on her wide mouth, “And I’m going with you. Come on, baby. Shower.”
Anna wandered upstairs and took a shower. By the time she had emerged from the bathroom, Ryan had two suitcases packed and ready. He gave her a tiny smile, opening his arms. Anna collapsed into him, crying softly.
“I don’t want to go...” she said miserably, “Please don’t make me.”
Ryan stroked her hair, “We have to go. I’ve already made the arrangements.”
Anna shook her head, her hand curled up by her face, “I can’t do it.”
Ryan held her back, “Yes you can. I’ll be right by your side.”
“What if they don’t want me there? What if they hate me for leaving?”
“Dan requested that you come, and there is no way that anyone can hate you,” Ryan told her, instantly regretting the last part he blurted out, “Now you get dressed, honey. I’m going to go start the car.”
Anna looked out the window at the passing city, her hair in a messy ponytail, her make up already running and streaky from crying. She couldn’t handle this. It was too much.
It started when she turned on the radio. The first song she heard was, “My Boy’s Gonna Play in the Big Leagues.” Anna winced, changing the station instantly. The next song was an old Elton John diddy that she and Max used to sing to annoy TK and Kris, and then on the next station was the Penguin’s goal song.
Anna sighed in defeat. She couldn’t escape him. Max Talbot was everywhere.
Ryan sensed her hurt and popped in his Kings of Leon CD. Anna hated Kings of Leon. Or so she thought.
One song came along that she surprisingly knew the words to. A song that actually meant a lot to her. The very song that she had playing in the background the night she brought Ryan drunkenly back to her apartment in Pittsburgh. The night they’d conceived. She’d listened to it at least a thousand times, not registering who it was performed by.
Anna happened to glance at Ryan, who was singing along softly under his breath. As she watched him longer, a smirk appeared on his face. He smiled at her.
“You know this song...” Anna said quietly.
“Of course I do, it’s on my CD.” Ryan quipped.
Anna crossed her arms, “Don’t be a smart-ass.”
Ryan turned onto the next highway, “I’m kidding. Of course I know it. You had it playing on your stereo that night.” His brown eyes met hers briefly. “How could I forget?”
“Well, you were drunk, for one thing.” Anna said with a light laugh.
“Not that drunk,” he said.
Anna raised an eyebrow at him, “I’m sorry?”
“Well, I certainly wasn’t as intoxicated as you,” Ryan said, laughing a bit, “I mean, the next morning I felt really bad.” He chewed on his lower lip. “I’m sorry I left, by the way. I mean, maybe I should’ve stayed, but then that could’ve been a bad idea. But I’m saying sorry because maybe you wanted me to stay, and I didn’t, so I feel bad about that, although maybe staying could be deemed inappropriate, therefore I-”
Anna started laughing, “Ryan, shut up.”
Ryan grinned, “I guess I get a little carried away sometimes.”
Anna was quiet for a moment, “Can I ask you something?”
Ryan nodded.
“If you weren’t too drunk that night, did you go home with me because you wanted to have an easy first time?” she said slowly, “I mean, you said you were a virgin, which I totally respect, and I understand if that was why you went home with me...”
Ryan knawed on his lip again, “Honestly, I went home with you because I wanted to give it to someone I had feelings for.”
Anna’s eyes grew wide and Ryan’s cheeks flushed. Had he really just said that?
“Wait...you had feelings for me BEFORE I got pregnant?” Anna asked, astonished.
“Well...yes. Is it really that hard to comprehend? I’m not a heartless being, you know.”
Anna sighed, “Sorry. I just, I find that strange. Why didn’t you ask me out for dinner or anything? Like, why’d you wait until I was drunk off my ass?”
“I guess because I thought you were too good for me.”
Anna snorted, “Oh come on. A rookie medic, too good for an amazing goaltender in the running for the Vezina? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Amazing, huh? Keep talking.”
Anna shoved him playfully. Ryan smiled.
“I liked you too for awhile,” Anna said shyly, “The night you got hurt in Pittsburgh. That was the first time I saw you without your mask. I guess I never really paid attention before.”
“That was the deal maker for me,” Ryan said, “You have great hands.”
Anna rolled her eyes, “Sure I do.”
“No really! You’re much better at massages than Mercedes. She’s creepy anyways, but I think you saved me a good few games that night. I wanted to ask for your number then, but Max was there, and...”
Ryan trailed off. Talking about Max was still fresh and painful to Anna’s wound. Ryan directed his attention completely to the road. Anna leaned back in her seat.
“Max was like my brother, you know,” Anna said, “He was the one who sent me to Buffalo.”
“I thought Dan Byslma-”
“Yes, well, Dan made the final decision. But Max was the one who told him I was pregnant by you. Practically the whole team knew we’d slept together after that night at Diesel.” Anna flushed a bit. “News travels fast in close-knit communities.”
Anna sighed, “Max said he only wanted the best for me. He’s always been like that. Max was the one who helped me hunt down my first apartment, gave me the grand tour of the arena on my first day, invited me to parties and fun team activities. He was the brother I never had.”
“You guys were close. I knew that. Danny told me all about you.”
“Danny Briere?”
“Yeah. I used to ask him about you all the time. It’s stupid, I know, but I was too shy to talk to you myself, so I’d ask him.”
Anna felt a smirk on her lips.
“Your favourite flowers are tiger lillies. You love rainy weather. Sometimes when you’re mad, you mutter to yourself in French. Your favourite movie is 500 Days of Summer, and the colour you love most is purple.”
“Well researched, if not a bit schoolboy creepy, Miller.”
Ryan shrugged, “I do what I can.”
The song ended and Anna continued looking out the window. She was now starting to feel ready to go back to Pittsburgh, if only for a few days. Having Ryan by her side meant everything to Anna, and his support was almost overwhelming.
Anna no longer feared admitting that she and Ryan Miller were, in fact, together, and in one of the saddest moments of her life, she was willing to embrace the fact.
42 - Brake
PLEASE, DON'T KILL ME...
Anna watched Ryan with a careful eye as she drove them both home. She insisted on driving; she still wasn’t too high on the idea of fresh-out-of-the-hospital Ryan driving at night. Ryan settled. He had other plans in mind anyway.
Parking in the garage, Anna went to put the keys on the counter when she felt Ryan’s arms around her.
“You were amazing tonight,” he whispered in her ear, sending chills down her spine, “I’m so proud of you.”
Anna smiled nervously, “Thanks, I-”
Her voice was suppressed by a moan as Ryan kissed from her ear to her shoulder, pulling back her cardigan so he could continue trailing down her neck. His hands wandered up to her chest, grasping her gently. Anna held onto his wrists, feeling her body stiffen.
They were used to this now, but each time still felt amazing. Ryan was gentle and sweet as he made love to her upstairs in their bed, holding her tightly and lovingly. They reached the perfect moment at the same time; Anna's nails digging into Ryan's back as she writhed beneath him. Falling down beside her, he felt like everything was in place. It was the perfect moment.
"Will you marry me, Anna?"
No response.
Ryan turned to look at her. She was fast asleep. He sighed, a bit frustrated.
"So that whole sex thing mixed with pregnancy does tire a woman out," he thought miserably, "I'll make a mental note of that."
-
It must have been around 3:00 am when the phone rang. Ryan crawled out of bed, gently releasing his embrace around Anna. He yawned, hoping this wasn’t a prank call.
“Hello?”
Anna opened her eyes slowly and turned to see Ryan standing with the portable phone in his ear. She sat up, covering herself with the blanket, blinking at him curiously.
“Oh my god....oh my god...” Ryan put a hand on his forehead, pushing back his hair while he shook his head, “I’m so sorry....yes, I’ll tell her.” He sighed, “I’ll be sure to let Lindy know. Thank you.” Hanging up the phone, Ryan looked as though he’d seen a ghost.
“Who was that?” Anna asked him, “What’s wrong?”
Ryan couldn’t look at her. His eyes were fixed on the floor as he walked back to bed, getting in next to her. The suspense was killing Anna.
“That was Dan Bylsma. There’s been an accident, Annie...” Ryan said slowly.
Anna felt her heart sink, “What happened?”
Ryan took both of Anna’s hands, rubbing his thumbs along her palms, “Max and Fleury were in an accident. Their car collided with a van on an icy road just outside of Pittsburgh. Apparently it was storming badly there.” Anna bit her lip. “Fleury is ok, though. He just has a couple scratches.”
Anna grasped Ryan, “And Max?”
Ryan sighed. Anna squeezed him harder. Ryan could feel his eyes growing heavier as he finally made himself look at her; her gaze enough to stab him. The tears started falling from Anna’s eyes as he said the very words they had feared.
“He’s gone, Annie...Max didn’t make it. I’m...I’m sorry...”
Anna buried her face in Ryan’s shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head over and over. She gripped his arms tightly, the anger and sadness pouring out of her like a fountain. Ryan felt tears welling up in his eyes too, but he knew he had to be strong. Anna needed him right now.
Gently, Ryan laid Anna down on the bed and held her. She settled her head on his chest, stilling sobbing quietly. Ryan ran a hand through her hair, whispering softly, “It’s ok, it’s ok, I’m here for you...”
“I shouldn’t have asked him...” Anna said between sobs, “I shouldn’t...”
It made sense now as to why they never showed, and why TK and Kris weren't there after the show.
“It’s not your fault,” Ryan told her, “It’s no one’s.”
They spent the rest of the night like this, hardly sleeping, just holding each other. Ryan rocked her back and forth, kissing her every now and then. Anna cried until she ran out of tears. It felt like a part of her was gone.
Anna watched Ryan with a careful eye as she drove them both home. She insisted on driving; she still wasn’t too high on the idea of fresh-out-of-the-hospital Ryan driving at night. Ryan settled. He had other plans in mind anyway.
Parking in the garage, Anna went to put the keys on the counter when she felt Ryan’s arms around her.
“You were amazing tonight,” he whispered in her ear, sending chills down her spine, “I’m so proud of you.”
Anna smiled nervously, “Thanks, I-”
Her voice was suppressed by a moan as Ryan kissed from her ear to her shoulder, pulling back her cardigan so he could continue trailing down her neck. His hands wandered up to her chest, grasping her gently. Anna held onto his wrists, feeling her body stiffen.
They were used to this now, but each time still felt amazing. Ryan was gentle and sweet as he made love to her upstairs in their bed, holding her tightly and lovingly. They reached the perfect moment at the same time; Anna's nails digging into Ryan's back as she writhed beneath him. Falling down beside her, he felt like everything was in place. It was the perfect moment.
"Will you marry me, Anna?"
No response.
Ryan turned to look at her. She was fast asleep. He sighed, a bit frustrated.
"So that whole sex thing mixed with pregnancy does tire a woman out," he thought miserably, "I'll make a mental note of that."
-
It must have been around 3:00 am when the phone rang. Ryan crawled out of bed, gently releasing his embrace around Anna. He yawned, hoping this wasn’t a prank call.
“Hello?”
Anna opened her eyes slowly and turned to see Ryan standing with the portable phone in his ear. She sat up, covering herself with the blanket, blinking at him curiously.
“Oh my god....oh my god...” Ryan put a hand on his forehead, pushing back his hair while he shook his head, “I’m so sorry....yes, I’ll tell her.” He sighed, “I’ll be sure to let Lindy know. Thank you.” Hanging up the phone, Ryan looked as though he’d seen a ghost.
“Who was that?” Anna asked him, “What’s wrong?”
Ryan couldn’t look at her. His eyes were fixed on the floor as he walked back to bed, getting in next to her. The suspense was killing Anna.
“That was Dan Bylsma. There’s been an accident, Annie...” Ryan said slowly.
Anna felt her heart sink, “What happened?”
Ryan took both of Anna’s hands, rubbing his thumbs along her palms, “Max and Fleury were in an accident. Their car collided with a van on an icy road just outside of Pittsburgh. Apparently it was storming badly there.” Anna bit her lip. “Fleury is ok, though. He just has a couple scratches.”
Anna grasped Ryan, “And Max?”
Ryan sighed. Anna squeezed him harder. Ryan could feel his eyes growing heavier as he finally made himself look at her; her gaze enough to stab him. The tears started falling from Anna’s eyes as he said the very words they had feared.
“He’s gone, Annie...Max didn’t make it. I’m...I’m sorry...”
Anna buried her face in Ryan’s shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head over and over. She gripped his arms tightly, the anger and sadness pouring out of her like a fountain. Ryan felt tears welling up in his eyes too, but he knew he had to be strong. Anna needed him right now.
Gently, Ryan laid Anna down on the bed and held her. She settled her head on his chest, stilling sobbing quietly. Ryan ran a hand through her hair, whispering softly, “It’s ok, it’s ok, I’m here for you...”
“I shouldn’t have asked him...” Anna said between sobs, “I shouldn’t...”
It made sense now as to why they never showed, and why TK and Kris weren't there after the show.
“It’s not your fault,” Ryan told her, “It’s no one’s.”
They spent the rest of the night like this, hardly sleeping, just holding each other. Ryan rocked her back and forth, kissing her every now and then. Anna cried until she ran out of tears. It felt like a part of her was gone.
41 - Go
The lights dimmed on the stage and the room went silent. A giant screen let up, showing the Steadfast Foundation logo. Anna gripped Ryan’s hand nervously. It was now or never. She hoped Vesa had choreographed it right.
A song started blasting on the speakers. Anna recognized it as the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s ‘Zero’. Lights emitted the runway as the Buffalo Sabres walked out, one by one, clad in leather and wearing shades. The crowd started to go wild. The moving spotlight caught Ryan’s smile.
The song faded as the Sabres made their way to the back and turned into Loveshack. Laughter came from the crowd while Julia cartwheeled down the runway in neon clothes, followed by a very hyper Carey Price with spiked, sparkling hair. The two mouthed the words to the song and swung each other around, throwing out free Steadfast tee shirts to the people. Everyone was clapping wildly.
Once that song ended and erupted into the Joan Jett’s I Love Rock and Roll, showing it was time for the 80’s hair metal Chicago Blackhawks Toews and Kane to play their air guitars and make utter fools of themselves. Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Del Zotto strutted their stuff as classy pimps in suits to the Asteroid Galaxy Tour’s Around the Bend.
Irma Tremblay was getting ready for her big number when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, but can you tell me where Ryan is?”
It was Mercedes, the girl who tricked Alex Burrows into almost killing Miller in Vancouver that day. Irma tried to remain calm, but her temper flared and got the best of her. Through gritted teeth she demanded, “The fuck are you doing here?”
Mercedes looked taken aback, “Um, I bought a ticket.”
“I mean backstage,” Irma snapped, “Get out before I call security.”
Mercedes waved a hand, “Chill out, sweetheart. I’m with the Sabres. And I have no idea who you are.”
“Oh, I know you, you insane, psycho bitch!” Irma hissed, “How dare you show your face here. You should be behind bars for that shit you pulled.”
Victor came to stand next to Irma, “Babe, what’s going on?”
Mercedes raised a penciled eyebrow, “Wait just a minute, you’re that Canucks scout! Gotta say, real classy banging the sloppy Hedman on the side.”
That was it for Irma. Several models had to jump out of the way as she grabbed Mercedes by her bony shoulders and pushed her down to the floor. Victor tried to restrain his girlfriend, but to no avail- when Irma was fighting, she was FIGHTING. Vesa Toskala saw the scene and immediately grabbed Pat Kaleta and Drew Stafford, who were able to separate the two.
“Ladies, that’s enough!” Vesa said dramatically before stomping off, “We’ve got a fashion show, here! Save the drama for your mamas!”
Irma tried to claw at Mercedes, “You’re just lucky I haven’t reported you yet, you dirty little-”
“Reported me for what?” Mercedes laughed, “I should report you for robbing the cradle.”
Irma went to punch Mercedes but Pat Kaleta held her back. Drew Stafford, however, had different plans. He loosened his grip on Mercedes and let her walk away. Pat looked at him, stunned.
“Irma, what happened between you and her?” Stafford asked.
Pat let Irma go free, “It’s not between us. It’s what she did to your goaltender.”
Stafford frowned, “How long until you go on?”
“I’m not on until for ten minutes,” Irma replied.
“Tell me what happened.”
Victor watched with a close eye as Irma explained everything to Stafford and Kaleta.
“...and it’s not that I like Miller, but I care about Anna, and the last thing she needs is for anything to happen to him. She needs his support.”
Stafford nodded, “That’s it, then. We’ve got enough proof.”
“Proof for what?” Irma was confused.
“We lost Daniel Briere and Brian Campbell because of that bitch,” Pat said bitterly, “Seriously. We can’t charge her for rape alone, but now attempted murder should get her ass canned.”
“Wait...rape?” Victor looked horrified.
“They had the biggest salary caps,” Pat explained, “So she tried to seduce them. Eventually she locked them in the medical room, and well...they were traded shortly afterwards. Lindy just told the press it was for a good trade, but that was the truth.”
“She went after Tom Vanek, too,” Stafford said, “But he doesn’t have the highest salary cap right now.” He smirked. “Guess who does?”
Irma’s mouth dropped open, “Why didn’t you let me kill her?!”
“Because jail would be way awesomer.” Pat concluded.
The Toronto Maple Leafs exited the stage just as the KISS medley ended, and the entire stage went black. People rushed around for the quickest costume change in history. Vesa was in the middle of a meltdown when she came to save the show- she, being the incredible Lady Gaga.
People started screaming as she walked out onto the stage and sat down next to a piano. Without a word she performed a makeshift version of ‘Speechless,’ making lighters and cell phones wave in the crowd. Drew Miller brought down the disco ball from the ceiling and the scene was complete.
Ryan stood backstage with Anna, watching Gaga perform. He felt his mouth go a little dry as he turned to her, feeling the lump in his pocket. Playoffs were nothing compared to his nerves now.
“Anna, I’ve got to ask you something.”
Anna nodded, “Ok?”
Ryan gently touched her arm, “Anna, I know we’ve only been together a short while, but I think that somehow what’s happened between us was supposed to happen. I feel like I’ve known you a lot longer, like I’ve known you for years...”
Anna swallowed, “Ryan, where are you going with this?”
“Anna Evans,” Ryan said, his hands shaking, “I...I...”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
That was when the entire place when completely pitch black. Lady Gaga had stopped singing. The board above the runway lit up and showed the lyrics:
RA RA AH AH AH
ROMA ROMA MAGA GA OOH LA LA
The crowd sang along, “WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!”
Fireworks went off around the runway as the spotlight fell on Gaga, who stood on top of the piano with the microphone. The runway lit up to show Julia, Melissa, Luke and Carey crawling in something black and smudgy; the boys wore tight leather pants and nothing else.
Julia and Melissa pulled the boys up to stand and revealed that they were leather-clad, fishnet and heels girl cops. The took handcuffs from their belts and handcuffed the boys with their arms in the air. Several other couples followed suite, including the very pregnant Erica Stamkos and her husband Steven.
Ryan’s mouth dropped open. It was avante-guard. It was racy. It was dirty.
And it was pure genius.
As Lady Gaga broke into the chorus, the girls danced around the boys as if they were poles, swinging their hips and covering themselves in the black sludge. The audience went wild as the girls grinded on their boys and Gaga sang her heart out. Anna noticed Vesa knew all the words and the dance moves.
Gaga clapped her hands as Victor Hedman walked down the middle of the runway wearing a white t-shirt in addition to leather pants that read STAY STEADFAST. He was taken down by the naughtiest, sexiest cop of them all- Irma, the chief officer. She cuffed him and pulled him up as the other girls crowded around, dancing the final steps as Lady Gaga sang the last words.
And then, to top it all off, fireworks went off again and black and white confetti fell from the ceiling. It was the single most epic Steadfast Foundation Catwalk for Charity that anyone had ever seen. The applause was unbelievable.
“I’d like to call upon Ryan Miller, the man responsible for pulling together this amazing show,” Lady Gaga said into the mic.
Ryan sheepishly walked down the runway as everyone applauded, giving Gaga a nod as she handed him the mic, “Thank you, Lady Gaga. But I wasn’t the only one who worked on this awesome event. I’d like to call upon Miss Anna Evans.”
Anna, blushing, was pushed out onto the stage by Vesa, who was close to tears with the success of the show. She walked down the runway nervously as she joined Ryan. Gaga winked at her knowingly.
“Anna is my girlfriend,” Ryan said, “And while I was busy recovering in the hospital, she took the time to call some of her friends-” Alex Ovechkin cheered, “To help make this show out of this world.”
Anna nodded shyly. Ryan grinned at her.
“That is why I have decided to ask Anna...”
The crowd gasped. Lady Gaga clapped her hands excitedly. Anna’s mouth dropped open.
Just as Ryan was about to drop to one knee, several police officers entered the building. The room fell completely silent as they hauled Mercedes away in cuffs. Pat Kaleta looked more relieved than ever.
“Party time!” Luke Schenn screamed from seemingly nowhere; Melissa looked embarrassed. Drew hit the music on up in the control room and it seemed that everyone agreed. The hockey players/models jumped off the runway to mingle, sign autographs, run the silent auction and drink. Ryan looked disappointed.
“Sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Gaga comforted him, “But seriously...congrats on the little tyke!”
Ryan forced a smile, “Thanks so much for coming, Miss Gaga.”
Lady Gaga shrugged, “Anything for V-baby. Now I’ve got a bar mitzvah to hit.” She blew a kiss to Ryan and headed backstage.
Ryan turned to Anna. She smiled at him, “Don’t just stand here, silly. Go out there and celebrate.”
Ryan smirked, “All right. If you come with me.”
“Actually,” Anna touched her stomach, “Baby’s giving me a bit of trouble. I think I’m going to sit this one out.”
Ryan looked concerned, “Oh my god, are you ok?”
Anna smiled, “Of course. I’ll be in the lounge.” She gave him a quick kiss before walking backstage to exit to the floor.
By the time she made her way to her seat, Anna felt sick. She knew why the baby wouldn’t stop kicking wildly. It was almost like the little one knew that Ryan was about to pop the big question. The scary thing was that Anna was happy the police interrupted.
She had no idea what to say to him.
A song started blasting on the speakers. Anna recognized it as the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s ‘Zero’. Lights emitted the runway as the Buffalo Sabres walked out, one by one, clad in leather and wearing shades. The crowd started to go wild. The moving spotlight caught Ryan’s smile.
The song faded as the Sabres made their way to the back and turned into Loveshack. Laughter came from the crowd while Julia cartwheeled down the runway in neon clothes, followed by a very hyper Carey Price with spiked, sparkling hair. The two mouthed the words to the song and swung each other around, throwing out free Steadfast tee shirts to the people. Everyone was clapping wildly.
Once that song ended and erupted into the Joan Jett’s I Love Rock and Roll, showing it was time for the 80’s hair metal Chicago Blackhawks Toews and Kane to play their air guitars and make utter fools of themselves. Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Del Zotto strutted their stuff as classy pimps in suits to the Asteroid Galaxy Tour’s Around the Bend.
Irma Tremblay was getting ready for her big number when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, but can you tell me where Ryan is?”
It was Mercedes, the girl who tricked Alex Burrows into almost killing Miller in Vancouver that day. Irma tried to remain calm, but her temper flared and got the best of her. Through gritted teeth she demanded, “The fuck are you doing here?”
Mercedes looked taken aback, “Um, I bought a ticket.”
“I mean backstage,” Irma snapped, “Get out before I call security.”
Mercedes waved a hand, “Chill out, sweetheart. I’m with the Sabres. And I have no idea who you are.”
“Oh, I know you, you insane, psycho bitch!” Irma hissed, “How dare you show your face here. You should be behind bars for that shit you pulled.”
Victor came to stand next to Irma, “Babe, what’s going on?”
Mercedes raised a penciled eyebrow, “Wait just a minute, you’re that Canucks scout! Gotta say, real classy banging the sloppy Hedman on the side.”
That was it for Irma. Several models had to jump out of the way as she grabbed Mercedes by her bony shoulders and pushed her down to the floor. Victor tried to restrain his girlfriend, but to no avail- when Irma was fighting, she was FIGHTING. Vesa Toskala saw the scene and immediately grabbed Pat Kaleta and Drew Stafford, who were able to separate the two.
“Ladies, that’s enough!” Vesa said dramatically before stomping off, “We’ve got a fashion show, here! Save the drama for your mamas!”
Irma tried to claw at Mercedes, “You’re just lucky I haven’t reported you yet, you dirty little-”
“Reported me for what?” Mercedes laughed, “I should report you for robbing the cradle.”
Irma went to punch Mercedes but Pat Kaleta held her back. Drew Stafford, however, had different plans. He loosened his grip on Mercedes and let her walk away. Pat looked at him, stunned.
“Irma, what happened between you and her?” Stafford asked.
Pat let Irma go free, “It’s not between us. It’s what she did to your goaltender.”
Stafford frowned, “How long until you go on?”
“I’m not on until for ten minutes,” Irma replied.
“Tell me what happened.”
Victor watched with a close eye as Irma explained everything to Stafford and Kaleta.
“...and it’s not that I like Miller, but I care about Anna, and the last thing she needs is for anything to happen to him. She needs his support.”
Stafford nodded, “That’s it, then. We’ve got enough proof.”
“Proof for what?” Irma was confused.
“We lost Daniel Briere and Brian Campbell because of that bitch,” Pat said bitterly, “Seriously. We can’t charge her for rape alone, but now attempted murder should get her ass canned.”
“Wait...rape?” Victor looked horrified.
“They had the biggest salary caps,” Pat explained, “So she tried to seduce them. Eventually she locked them in the medical room, and well...they were traded shortly afterwards. Lindy just told the press it was for a good trade, but that was the truth.”
“She went after Tom Vanek, too,” Stafford said, “But he doesn’t have the highest salary cap right now.” He smirked. “Guess who does?”
Irma’s mouth dropped open, “Why didn’t you let me kill her?!”
“Because jail would be way awesomer.” Pat concluded.
The Toronto Maple Leafs exited the stage just as the KISS medley ended, and the entire stage went black. People rushed around for the quickest costume change in history. Vesa was in the middle of a meltdown when she came to save the show- she, being the incredible Lady Gaga.
People started screaming as she walked out onto the stage and sat down next to a piano. Without a word she performed a makeshift version of ‘Speechless,’ making lighters and cell phones wave in the crowd. Drew Miller brought down the disco ball from the ceiling and the scene was complete.
Ryan stood backstage with Anna, watching Gaga perform. He felt his mouth go a little dry as he turned to her, feeling the lump in his pocket. Playoffs were nothing compared to his nerves now.
“Anna, I’ve got to ask you something.”
Anna nodded, “Ok?”
Ryan gently touched her arm, “Anna, I know we’ve only been together a short while, but I think that somehow what’s happened between us was supposed to happen. I feel like I’ve known you a lot longer, like I’ve known you for years...”
Anna swallowed, “Ryan, where are you going with this?”
“Anna Evans,” Ryan said, his hands shaking, “I...I...”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
That was when the entire place when completely pitch black. Lady Gaga had stopped singing. The board above the runway lit up and showed the lyrics:
RA RA AH AH AH
ROMA ROMA MAGA GA OOH LA LA
The crowd sang along, “WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!”
Fireworks went off around the runway as the spotlight fell on Gaga, who stood on top of the piano with the microphone. The runway lit up to show Julia, Melissa, Luke and Carey crawling in something black and smudgy; the boys wore tight leather pants and nothing else.
Julia and Melissa pulled the boys up to stand and revealed that they were leather-clad, fishnet and heels girl cops. The took handcuffs from their belts and handcuffed the boys with their arms in the air. Several other couples followed suite, including the very pregnant Erica Stamkos and her husband Steven.
Ryan’s mouth dropped open. It was avante-guard. It was racy. It was dirty.
And it was pure genius.
As Lady Gaga broke into the chorus, the girls danced around the boys as if they were poles, swinging their hips and covering themselves in the black sludge. The audience went wild as the girls grinded on their boys and Gaga sang her heart out. Anna noticed Vesa knew all the words and the dance moves.
Gaga clapped her hands as Victor Hedman walked down the middle of the runway wearing a white t-shirt in addition to leather pants that read STAY STEADFAST. He was taken down by the naughtiest, sexiest cop of them all- Irma, the chief officer. She cuffed him and pulled him up as the other girls crowded around, dancing the final steps as Lady Gaga sang the last words.
And then, to top it all off, fireworks went off again and black and white confetti fell from the ceiling. It was the single most epic Steadfast Foundation Catwalk for Charity that anyone had ever seen. The applause was unbelievable.
“I’d like to call upon Ryan Miller, the man responsible for pulling together this amazing show,” Lady Gaga said into the mic.
Ryan sheepishly walked down the runway as everyone applauded, giving Gaga a nod as she handed him the mic, “Thank you, Lady Gaga. But I wasn’t the only one who worked on this awesome event. I’d like to call upon Miss Anna Evans.”
Anna, blushing, was pushed out onto the stage by Vesa, who was close to tears with the success of the show. She walked down the runway nervously as she joined Ryan. Gaga winked at her knowingly.
“Anna is my girlfriend,” Ryan said, “And while I was busy recovering in the hospital, she took the time to call some of her friends-” Alex Ovechkin cheered, “To help make this show out of this world.”
Anna nodded shyly. Ryan grinned at her.
“That is why I have decided to ask Anna...”
The crowd gasped. Lady Gaga clapped her hands excitedly. Anna’s mouth dropped open.
Just as Ryan was about to drop to one knee, several police officers entered the building. The room fell completely silent as they hauled Mercedes away in cuffs. Pat Kaleta looked more relieved than ever.
“Party time!” Luke Schenn screamed from seemingly nowhere; Melissa looked embarrassed. Drew hit the music on up in the control room and it seemed that everyone agreed. The hockey players/models jumped off the runway to mingle, sign autographs, run the silent auction and drink. Ryan looked disappointed.
“Sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Gaga comforted him, “But seriously...congrats on the little tyke!”
Ryan forced a smile, “Thanks so much for coming, Miss Gaga.”
Lady Gaga shrugged, “Anything for V-baby. Now I’ve got a bar mitzvah to hit.” She blew a kiss to Ryan and headed backstage.
Ryan turned to Anna. She smiled at him, “Don’t just stand here, silly. Go out there and celebrate.”
Ryan smirked, “All right. If you come with me.”
“Actually,” Anna touched her stomach, “Baby’s giving me a bit of trouble. I think I’m going to sit this one out.”
Ryan looked concerned, “Oh my god, are you ok?”
Anna smiled, “Of course. I’ll be in the lounge.” She gave him a quick kiss before walking backstage to exit to the floor.
By the time she made her way to her seat, Anna felt sick. She knew why the baby wouldn’t stop kicking wildly. It was almost like the little one knew that Ryan was about to pop the big question. The scary thing was that Anna was happy the police interrupted.
She had no idea what to say to him.
40 - Set
The dress rehearsal was a great success, and to everyone’s relief Vesa Toskala was satisfied with it. Irma Tremblay, still feeling like her lungs were being clogged with glitter and hairspray, groaned as she collapsed into her chair in the dressing room. Her boyfriend, Victor Hedman, followed her.
“What’s bothering you, baby?”
Irma sighed, “Nothing.”
Victor touched her chin and lifted her head, “It’s something. I can see that.” He pressed his forehead to hers, “Talk to me?”
Irma licked her lips and looked around, “Not here. Can we find a quiet place?”
Victor nodded, “Box office.”
Still wearing her poofy Cyndi Lauper dress, Irma held his hand as they walked to the box office, which was larger than most. Sitting by on the chair that was meant to be for the person handling tickets, Irma watched Victor sink down to the floor in front of her. She had to smirk- it was his way of being at eye-level with her.
“You’ve been nervous all day,” Victor began, “What’s up?”
His heavy Swedish accent was laced with concern. Irma fell for him harder every time he spoke. She looked down at her hands, playing with the pink fabric of her skirt. Victor reached out and touched her leg.
“It’s Ryan...” Irma said slowly, “Do you...do you remember what happened a few weeks ago? At the GM?”
Victor nodded, “How can I not? Burrows hasn’t spoke about it since. He is saying that the NHL is wanting to press charges. They could cost him his career, you know.”
“I do know, and I don’t want them to do that. He didn’t know he was an accomplice.”
Victor gave her a strange look, “What?”
“There’s this girl, she works for the Sabres, at least I think she does,” Irma replied, “I saw her talking to Burrows before the game. She had Ryan’s mask and she did something...she tampered with it.”
Victor’s eyes grew wide, “No....you can’t be saying that it was intentional?”
“Yes,” Irma said breathlessly, “As much as I hate him, I want to tell him about it. I strongly believe that she tricked Burrows into almost killing Ryan Miller.”
Victor put his arms around Irma as she started to shake, “But why, baby?”
“I don’t know,” Irma stuttered, “But if I don’t say something, she might try to hurt him again.”
Victor let go and looked at Irma proudly, “You see it, then.”
Irma shrugged, “Yeah, I guess.”
“Love is strange, my bella,” he said, touching her hair, “But it is clear that Anna is in love with Ryan. This show is proof enough.”
Irma sighed, “Well, that and I saw him with something when he stopped by during rehearsal to drop off the tickets.”
“What?”
Irma laced her hand in Victor’s, “A ring.”
“You guys finally GOT A ROOM!”
Victor and Irma jumped to see Kris Letang and Tyler Kennedy standing in the doorway of the box office. Irma practically flew off her chair and threw her arms around them. Victor could only laugh as they choked.
“Anna will be so happy to see you!” Irma said, clapping her hands excitedly.
“Well, we beat Max and Flower here,” TK said with a grin, “I am now $5 richer.”
“Thanks to MapQuest,” Kris said, “Come on, I wanna see who else is here.”
As Irma followed the two Penguins, Victor clasped his hand around hers. He knew she had been worried for weeks, but couldn’t figure out why. In his heart he felt that Irma was starting to accept Ryan in a way- but in no way would she ever admit it. Still, Victor was ready to support his girlfriend the second she was ready to spill the beans on the awful secret she was carrying with her. Simply because he loved her.
The show was set to start at 7:00pm, and doors were to open at 6. It was now 5:30 and the entire cast and crew were running around wildly. Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane argued as they tried to choose a place for the disco ball, while Vesa Toskala fussed with everyone’s hair and outfits. Julia and Carey were scolded for making out in the prop closet, then the same thing to Luke and Melissa exactly ten minutes later. Drew Miller hurled swear words at his Macbook while Ryan was trying to work the projector. The only person not losing their mind completely was Anna.
Or so she thought.
Standing in the dressing room, she stared at Vesa’s choice of clothing for her to wear that evening. Anna had placed it on the display mannequin, unsure what to think. The frills, the bow, everything- was completely spectacular.
Taking off her jeans and tee, Anna pulled the dress on and marveled. It fit her perfectly and hugged her curves, fitting around all the right places. She twirled, having a hard time remembering the last time she felt this beautiful.
“Annie?”
Anna turned around to see Ryan standing there, wearing a black tuxedo suit with a black cowboy tie. On his feet were a pair of Converse black high-tops. His hair, recently short from a haircut, was gelled back into an Elvis-style poof.
That was when she finally got it.
“Ryan. We’re Andie and Duckie.”
“Come again?”
“Pretty in Pink. Vesa made us Andie and Duckie.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows, “Oh...um, wow.”
Anna glared at him, “What?”
Putting on a face, Ryan quoted, “This is a really volcanic ensemble you're wearing, it's really marvelous!” before making his way out of the dressing room.
It was all Anna could do not to laugh. He really should’ve been an actor. Duckie was the perfect choice for Ryan, and she’d have to thank Vesa for it later.
Speak of the devil.
“You. Hair, make-up, now!” Vesa sneered, pointed at Anna, his pink clip board in hand. She mouthed a ‘Sorrrrrr-yyyyy!’ to him before pulling on the pink pumps and rushing off. Julia stood there with Irma, one holding a brush and the other a lip stick. Both girls grinned mischievously.
The clock hit 6:45 when Anna walked out of the make up area and to her absolutely shock, the room was completely filled with people in 80’s attire. Cameras were flashing everywhere. A disco ball was spinning on the ceiling. MGMT music was blaring. And there, in the centre of it all, stood Duckie-clad Ryan, looking happier than he had in days as he talked to fans and took pictures.
Each of the Sabres boys had showed up and crowded backstage, rubbing elbows and chatting with the other NHL stars. Anna walked through and smiled, loving how positive the energy was in the room. She could feel the baby moving around excitedly, almost as though they shared the same feeling at that moment.
Up in the control room, Drew Miller was setting the lighting and such for the stage. The graphics were projected perfectly onto the black banner above the catwalk. Steadfast Foundation logo, encrusted in 80’s neon and rhinestones, was looking better than ever. All the music was in cue and set to go.
Scanning the crowd, Anna noticed TK and Kris were dressed as hair band rockers. She rolled her eyes, pretending she didn’t know them. They WOULD do that.
Max and Flower were due any moment, she thought. Why hadn’t she seen them? Flower was never late, and neither was Max. Maybe they were in the washroom or something.
The crowd began to applaud as Ryan took the stage center of the catwalk with the microphone, welcoming the audience to the Steadfast Foundation Catwalk for Charity. Nervously, Anna walked around backstage, looking for someone to stand with and talk to. That, and she wanted a good view of Ryan to watch. Anna eventually found a spot next to Derek Roy, across from Vesa.
A blonde woman in a space-age outfit walked past Anna and made her way to Toskala, “V baby, it’s been too long!” Before she could finish her air-kisses, Anna felt her stomach jump into her throat. There was no way this could be who she thought it was.
It was her song that was the finale. Her song they had modeled everything around. There was no chance that Vesa could know her, let alone book her to perform at this place in such short notice. But he did and here she was, standing right in front of her.
Lady. Freaking. Gaga.
“You must be Anna!” Lady Gaga said excitedly, air-kissing her, “You look so cute!”
“Thanks,” Anna stammered, “I...I mean, Vesa, I can’t believe this!”
Gaga smiled at the Finnish goaltender, “Well, V and I go way back, and long story short, I owed him a favour. He told me all about this charity and that you badly wanted to help your boyfriend. I think that is so sweet!”
Anna felt herself blushing, “Well, I....”
“Congratulations, by the way,” Gaga said with a wink, “I’d love to chat with you more, sweetheart, but I’ve got to warm my vocals!”
Anna nodded, “Um, thanks, and sure, you go right ahead...”
Left standing in awe as Lady Gaga walked to the other side of the backstage area, Anna shook her head. Vesa Toskala had truly outdone himself. If Ryan wasn’t floored already he was going to definitely pass out before the end of the evening.
Vesa stood next to Anna, “So, did I do good, or what?”
Anna squealed and hugged him, “LADY GAGA! V I love you!”
“What’s bothering you, baby?”
Irma sighed, “Nothing.”
Victor touched her chin and lifted her head, “It’s something. I can see that.” He pressed his forehead to hers, “Talk to me?”
Irma licked her lips and looked around, “Not here. Can we find a quiet place?”
Victor nodded, “Box office.”
Still wearing her poofy Cyndi Lauper dress, Irma held his hand as they walked to the box office, which was larger than most. Sitting by on the chair that was meant to be for the person handling tickets, Irma watched Victor sink down to the floor in front of her. She had to smirk- it was his way of being at eye-level with her.
“You’ve been nervous all day,” Victor began, “What’s up?”
His heavy Swedish accent was laced with concern. Irma fell for him harder every time he spoke. She looked down at her hands, playing with the pink fabric of her skirt. Victor reached out and touched her leg.
“It’s Ryan...” Irma said slowly, “Do you...do you remember what happened a few weeks ago? At the GM?”
Victor nodded, “How can I not? Burrows hasn’t spoke about it since. He is saying that the NHL is wanting to press charges. They could cost him his career, you know.”
“I do know, and I don’t want them to do that. He didn’t know he was an accomplice.”
Victor gave her a strange look, “What?”
“There’s this girl, she works for the Sabres, at least I think she does,” Irma replied, “I saw her talking to Burrows before the game. She had Ryan’s mask and she did something...she tampered with it.”
Victor’s eyes grew wide, “No....you can’t be saying that it was intentional?”
“Yes,” Irma said breathlessly, “As much as I hate him, I want to tell him about it. I strongly believe that she tricked Burrows into almost killing Ryan Miller.”
Victor put his arms around Irma as she started to shake, “But why, baby?”
“I don’t know,” Irma stuttered, “But if I don’t say something, she might try to hurt him again.”
Victor let go and looked at Irma proudly, “You see it, then.”
Irma shrugged, “Yeah, I guess.”
“Love is strange, my bella,” he said, touching her hair, “But it is clear that Anna is in love with Ryan. This show is proof enough.”
Irma sighed, “Well, that and I saw him with something when he stopped by during rehearsal to drop off the tickets.”
“What?”
Irma laced her hand in Victor’s, “A ring.”
“You guys finally GOT A ROOM!”
Victor and Irma jumped to see Kris Letang and Tyler Kennedy standing in the doorway of the box office. Irma practically flew off her chair and threw her arms around them. Victor could only laugh as they choked.
“Anna will be so happy to see you!” Irma said, clapping her hands excitedly.
“Well, we beat Max and Flower here,” TK said with a grin, “I am now $5 richer.”
“Thanks to MapQuest,” Kris said, “Come on, I wanna see who else is here.”
As Irma followed the two Penguins, Victor clasped his hand around hers. He knew she had been worried for weeks, but couldn’t figure out why. In his heart he felt that Irma was starting to accept Ryan in a way- but in no way would she ever admit it. Still, Victor was ready to support his girlfriend the second she was ready to spill the beans on the awful secret she was carrying with her. Simply because he loved her.
The show was set to start at 7:00pm, and doors were to open at 6. It was now 5:30 and the entire cast and crew were running around wildly. Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane argued as they tried to choose a place for the disco ball, while Vesa Toskala fussed with everyone’s hair and outfits. Julia and Carey were scolded for making out in the prop closet, then the same thing to Luke and Melissa exactly ten minutes later. Drew Miller hurled swear words at his Macbook while Ryan was trying to work the projector. The only person not losing their mind completely was Anna.
Or so she thought.
Standing in the dressing room, she stared at Vesa’s choice of clothing for her to wear that evening. Anna had placed it on the display mannequin, unsure what to think. The frills, the bow, everything- was completely spectacular.
Taking off her jeans and tee, Anna pulled the dress on and marveled. It fit her perfectly and hugged her curves, fitting around all the right places. She twirled, having a hard time remembering the last time she felt this beautiful.
“Annie?”
Anna turned around to see Ryan standing there, wearing a black tuxedo suit with a black cowboy tie. On his feet were a pair of Converse black high-tops. His hair, recently short from a haircut, was gelled back into an Elvis-style poof.
That was when she finally got it.
“Ryan. We’re Andie and Duckie.”
“Come again?”
“Pretty in Pink. Vesa made us Andie and Duckie.”
Ryan raised his eyebrows, “Oh...um, wow.”
Anna glared at him, “What?”
Putting on a face, Ryan quoted, “This is a really volcanic ensemble you're wearing, it's really marvelous!” before making his way out of the dressing room.
It was all Anna could do not to laugh. He really should’ve been an actor. Duckie was the perfect choice for Ryan, and she’d have to thank Vesa for it later.
Speak of the devil.
“You. Hair, make-up, now!” Vesa sneered, pointed at Anna, his pink clip board in hand. She mouthed a ‘Sorrrrrr-yyyyy!’ to him before pulling on the pink pumps and rushing off. Julia stood there with Irma, one holding a brush and the other a lip stick. Both girls grinned mischievously.
The clock hit 6:45 when Anna walked out of the make up area and to her absolutely shock, the room was completely filled with people in 80’s attire. Cameras were flashing everywhere. A disco ball was spinning on the ceiling. MGMT music was blaring. And there, in the centre of it all, stood Duckie-clad Ryan, looking happier than he had in days as he talked to fans and took pictures.
Each of the Sabres boys had showed up and crowded backstage, rubbing elbows and chatting with the other NHL stars. Anna walked through and smiled, loving how positive the energy was in the room. She could feel the baby moving around excitedly, almost as though they shared the same feeling at that moment.
Up in the control room, Drew Miller was setting the lighting and such for the stage. The graphics were projected perfectly onto the black banner above the catwalk. Steadfast Foundation logo, encrusted in 80’s neon and rhinestones, was looking better than ever. All the music was in cue and set to go.
Scanning the crowd, Anna noticed TK and Kris were dressed as hair band rockers. She rolled her eyes, pretending she didn’t know them. They WOULD do that.
Max and Flower were due any moment, she thought. Why hadn’t she seen them? Flower was never late, and neither was Max. Maybe they were in the washroom or something.
The crowd began to applaud as Ryan took the stage center of the catwalk with the microphone, welcoming the audience to the Steadfast Foundation Catwalk for Charity. Nervously, Anna walked around backstage, looking for someone to stand with and talk to. That, and she wanted a good view of Ryan to watch. Anna eventually found a spot next to Derek Roy, across from Vesa.
A blonde woman in a space-age outfit walked past Anna and made her way to Toskala, “V baby, it’s been too long!” Before she could finish her air-kisses, Anna felt her stomach jump into her throat. There was no way this could be who she thought it was.
It was her song that was the finale. Her song they had modeled everything around. There was no chance that Vesa could know her, let alone book her to perform at this place in such short notice. But he did and here she was, standing right in front of her.
Lady. Freaking. Gaga.
“You must be Anna!” Lady Gaga said excitedly, air-kissing her, “You look so cute!”
“Thanks,” Anna stammered, “I...I mean, Vesa, I can’t believe this!”
Gaga smiled at the Finnish goaltender, “Well, V and I go way back, and long story short, I owed him a favour. He told me all about this charity and that you badly wanted to help your boyfriend. I think that is so sweet!”
Anna felt herself blushing, “Well, I....”
“Congratulations, by the way,” Gaga said with a wink, “I’d love to chat with you more, sweetheart, but I’ve got to warm my vocals!”
Anna nodded, “Um, thanks, and sure, you go right ahead...”
Left standing in awe as Lady Gaga walked to the other side of the backstage area, Anna shook her head. Vesa Toskala had truly outdone himself. If Ryan wasn’t floored already he was going to definitely pass out before the end of the evening.
Vesa stood next to Anna, “So, did I do good, or what?”
Anna squealed and hugged him, “LADY GAGA! V I love you!”
39 - Getting Ready
Anna had seen divas before, but nothing compared to Vesa Toskala’s attitude the day of the fashion show. He called Anna and Ryan as they made their way to the Town Ballroom, asking briskly, “Um, where are you? We’re waiting!”
Ryan shook his head as he assured Vesa they were on their way, “You know, I knew he was gay, but...not THAT gay.”
Anna shoved him, “Ry, be nice. He’s doing a lot for us right now.”
Ryan nodded, “Yeah, he is. I’m anxious to see who he hired.”
In no time they pulled up to the Town Ballroom and used the key to get into the back of the building. They were greeted by Vesa, who was wearing a fedora and scarf, grinning wildly. Beside him was none other than Mike Green.
“Anna!” Mike exclaimed, hugging her, “How are you?”
Anna smiled, “Oh, I’m-”
“She’s great. We’re having a baby.” Ryan said defensively.
Anna punched Ryan in the butt. He shut his mouth instantly.
“You two? For real?” Mike frowned, “Ha, never thought I’d see the day. Did you finally notice her googly eyes, Ryan?”
Vesa smirked, “I know, right?”
Anna glared at them. Vesa took a hint, “Ok then. Let’s meet the cast.”
He led them into a room where a group of people were gathered, which looked like a normal meeting area. There was a table filled with food and many chairs. Ryan’s mouth dropped open when he saw how many people had showed.
“We have, Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane,” Vesa said proudly, pointing to the two young men raiding the breakfast table, “Thanks to Irma.”
“I guess it helps that I dated Jon way back when,” Irma said, standing up with Victor, “Hey, you two!”
Anna pulled Irma into a hug and Victor fist-bumped Ryan.
“This is going to be amazing,” Victor said, “I can’t wait.”
“I’m psyched.” Irma said, nodding quickly.
Vesa looked at her impatiently, “I’m not quite finished.”
“Excuse me,” Irma rolled her eyes, “I hate Toronto.”
“And we’re not too fond of you, either,” Vesa sneered, “Anyway. Of course, all the Sabres will be modeling, as per usual, but we also got a few Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Del Zotto. They’ll arrive later today.”
Mike Green came walking over with a shy blonde kid, “Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capital. Best team ever.”
Niklas waved a bit, “Hi.”
Vesa laughed, “Right. I invited some of my own, as well...”
Anna’s eyes widened when she recognized Melissa Coffey and her boyfriend, Luke Schenn, “You guys made it! Awesome!”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Melissa exclaimed, winking at Anna, “Congrats, you two.”
Ryan blushed, touching Anna’s hand, “Thanks.”
“I can’t wait for the finale,” Melissa squealed, “Neither can Luke.”
“The finale?” Ryan frowned.
Vesa hushed him, “It’s a surprise, Ryan. Right, Anna?”
Anna bit her lip, “It’s a surprise all right.”
Luke sighed, “Yeah, I’m ecstatic.”
“Always in a happy mood around me,” Anna shook her head, “You know, I could easily have hired someone else.”
“ANNIE.” Ryan warned.
Luke rolled his eyes, “No, it’s fine. Like maybe Ryan, since you two obviously like things without a plan.”
“Luke...” Melissa began.
Anna shrugged, “Don’t worry, Melissa. What’s next, V?”
“RAAAAAVEE!”
The group went quiet as they saw Carey Price frolicking around the room in a neon-bright jumpsuit; white sunglasses on his head. Wearing matching attire only in dress form, Julia followed, embarrassed.
“Carey...you’re not going to a rave.” she said tiredly.
Anna laughed, “Don’t worry, Jules. His energy is perfect for the Loveshack party.”
Julie bit her lip, “Yes, but, I’m getting tired of chasing him.”
Ryan smiled, “This is going to be interesting.”
“That reminds me. Ok, everyone!” Vesa shouted, clapping his hands, “Let’s get to dress rehearsal!”
“And that is our cue to leave,” Anna said, grabbing Ryan’s hand, “We’ll catch you guys around five?”
Vesa nodded, “Make sure you pick up your dress, Anna.”
“My dress?” Anna frowned.
“It’s with Ryan’s,” Vesa winked, “Don’t worry. Alex helped pick it out.”
“Alex...?”
A quick tap on the shoulder made Anna whirl around and she found herself looking at a gap-toothed old friend, “Hey.”
Alex Ovechkin. This was going to be a hell of a star-studded party.
“Are you kidding me?” Anna shrieked as Alex pulled her into a hug.
Ryan said nothing. He looked nervous. Ovie took notice of this as Vesa proceeded to dictate the others.
“Mike told me you needed some help with the promotion,” Alex said, grinning, “So we came over together. We looked at your website, Ryan. It’s awesome.”
Ryan smiled a bit, “Thanks.”
“Are you modeling too?” Anna asked.
“No, I’ll just sit in the audience and look attractive.” Alex replied with pure honesty.
Ryan snorted. Anna shoved him.
“I just Tweeted about the show an hour ago,” Ovechkin said, “Check your ticket sales, Miller.” He messed Anna’s hair and walked over to join Backstrom and Green. Ryan took out his iPhone and scrolled through.
“Holy shit.”
“What?”
Ryan grinned from ear to ear, “We’ve got a waiting list.”
“You’re kidding! Ryan, we have to print more tickets!”
Ryan took Anna gently by the arm and they headed for the door, “Let’s go and see what other last-minute pieces we have to take care of.”
Together they exited the Town Ballroom shortly after taking two black cases with hangers- these were the outfits Vesa and Alex had picked out for the evening. They put them in Ryan’s car and decided not to look at them until later. It was for the best.
“Just got a text from Flower,” Anna said as they neared the way home, “He said they’ll try to make it. Roads are bad in Pittsburgh right now, but they’re going to try to get to the airport anyway.”
“They have snow in Pittsburgh already?” Ryan shrugged, “We haven’t had a snowfall yet.”
Anna nodded, “Yeah...” She looked at him, “You ok?”
“What? Of course, why?”
Anna wet her lips, “Because. Your eyebrow is twitching. It does that when you’re angry, upset...maybe even when you’re jealous.”
Ryan chewed on his lip, “It does not. And why would I be jealous?”
Anna smirked, “Well, hun, just so you know, I never dated Ovechkin. Two years ago he got hurt really bad at the Mellon and I helped him. He still thinks to this day that my medical assistance is what won him the game, despite the fact that I’m on the opposite team.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.”
“Did you call me ‘hun’?”
Now it was Anna’s turn to be uncomfortable, “No.”
Ryan pulled into the driveway and parked the car, “You did.”
Anna got out of the vehicle, heading to the front door, “I don’t think I did.”
Ryan came up behind her, “You know, I was reading this thing in one of your pregnancy books...”
“Ryan, you only read the Sex During Pregnancy Chapter.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because you left creases on the pages.”
Ryan pouted. Busted.
“Besides,” Anna said, “We don’t have time. You go take care of the tickets. I’ll make sure the signs are ready and I’ll call the guys. Got the graphics?”
“Already gave them to Drew,” Ryan replied, “He’s got them hooked into his Macbook.”
“Awesome,” Anna nodded, “You better go get those tickets taken care of.”
Ryan tried for a kiss but Anna turned away, “Later!”
She smirked. Teasing Ryan was now one of her most favourite things to do.
Ryan shook his head as he assured Vesa they were on their way, “You know, I knew he was gay, but...not THAT gay.”
Anna shoved him, “Ry, be nice. He’s doing a lot for us right now.”
Ryan nodded, “Yeah, he is. I’m anxious to see who he hired.”
In no time they pulled up to the Town Ballroom and used the key to get into the back of the building. They were greeted by Vesa, who was wearing a fedora and scarf, grinning wildly. Beside him was none other than Mike Green.
“Anna!” Mike exclaimed, hugging her, “How are you?”
Anna smiled, “Oh, I’m-”
“She’s great. We’re having a baby.” Ryan said defensively.
Anna punched Ryan in the butt. He shut his mouth instantly.
“You two? For real?” Mike frowned, “Ha, never thought I’d see the day. Did you finally notice her googly eyes, Ryan?”
Vesa smirked, “I know, right?”
Anna glared at them. Vesa took a hint, “Ok then. Let’s meet the cast.”
He led them into a room where a group of people were gathered, which looked like a normal meeting area. There was a table filled with food and many chairs. Ryan’s mouth dropped open when he saw how many people had showed.
“We have, Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane,” Vesa said proudly, pointing to the two young men raiding the breakfast table, “Thanks to Irma.”
“I guess it helps that I dated Jon way back when,” Irma said, standing up with Victor, “Hey, you two!”
Anna pulled Irma into a hug and Victor fist-bumped Ryan.
“This is going to be amazing,” Victor said, “I can’t wait.”
“I’m psyched.” Irma said, nodding quickly.
Vesa looked at her impatiently, “I’m not quite finished.”
“Excuse me,” Irma rolled her eyes, “I hate Toronto.”
“And we’re not too fond of you, either,” Vesa sneered, “Anyway. Of course, all the Sabres will be modeling, as per usual, but we also got a few Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Del Zotto. They’ll arrive later today.”
Mike Green came walking over with a shy blonde kid, “Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capital. Best team ever.”
Niklas waved a bit, “Hi.”
Vesa laughed, “Right. I invited some of my own, as well...”
Anna’s eyes widened when she recognized Melissa Coffey and her boyfriend, Luke Schenn, “You guys made it! Awesome!”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Melissa exclaimed, winking at Anna, “Congrats, you two.”
Ryan blushed, touching Anna’s hand, “Thanks.”
“I can’t wait for the finale,” Melissa squealed, “Neither can Luke.”
“The finale?” Ryan frowned.
Vesa hushed him, “It’s a surprise, Ryan. Right, Anna?”
Anna bit her lip, “It’s a surprise all right.”
Luke sighed, “Yeah, I’m ecstatic.”
“Always in a happy mood around me,” Anna shook her head, “You know, I could easily have hired someone else.”
“ANNIE.” Ryan warned.
Luke rolled his eyes, “No, it’s fine. Like maybe Ryan, since you two obviously like things without a plan.”
“Luke...” Melissa began.
Anna shrugged, “Don’t worry, Melissa. What’s next, V?”
“RAAAAAVEE!”
The group went quiet as they saw Carey Price frolicking around the room in a neon-bright jumpsuit; white sunglasses on his head. Wearing matching attire only in dress form, Julia followed, embarrassed.
“Carey...you’re not going to a rave.” she said tiredly.
Anna laughed, “Don’t worry, Jules. His energy is perfect for the Loveshack party.”
Julie bit her lip, “Yes, but, I’m getting tired of chasing him.”
Ryan smiled, “This is going to be interesting.”
“That reminds me. Ok, everyone!” Vesa shouted, clapping his hands, “Let’s get to dress rehearsal!”
“And that is our cue to leave,” Anna said, grabbing Ryan’s hand, “We’ll catch you guys around five?”
Vesa nodded, “Make sure you pick up your dress, Anna.”
“My dress?” Anna frowned.
“It’s with Ryan’s,” Vesa winked, “Don’t worry. Alex helped pick it out.”
“Alex...?”
A quick tap on the shoulder made Anna whirl around and she found herself looking at a gap-toothed old friend, “Hey.”
Alex Ovechkin. This was going to be a hell of a star-studded party.
“Are you kidding me?” Anna shrieked as Alex pulled her into a hug.
Ryan said nothing. He looked nervous. Ovie took notice of this as Vesa proceeded to dictate the others.
“Mike told me you needed some help with the promotion,” Alex said, grinning, “So we came over together. We looked at your website, Ryan. It’s awesome.”
Ryan smiled a bit, “Thanks.”
“Are you modeling too?” Anna asked.
“No, I’ll just sit in the audience and look attractive.” Alex replied with pure honesty.
Ryan snorted. Anna shoved him.
“I just Tweeted about the show an hour ago,” Ovechkin said, “Check your ticket sales, Miller.” He messed Anna’s hair and walked over to join Backstrom and Green. Ryan took out his iPhone and scrolled through.
“Holy shit.”
“What?”
Ryan grinned from ear to ear, “We’ve got a waiting list.”
“You’re kidding! Ryan, we have to print more tickets!”
Ryan took Anna gently by the arm and they headed for the door, “Let’s go and see what other last-minute pieces we have to take care of.”
Together they exited the Town Ballroom shortly after taking two black cases with hangers- these were the outfits Vesa and Alex had picked out for the evening. They put them in Ryan’s car and decided not to look at them until later. It was for the best.
“Just got a text from Flower,” Anna said as they neared the way home, “He said they’ll try to make it. Roads are bad in Pittsburgh right now, but they’re going to try to get to the airport anyway.”
“They have snow in Pittsburgh already?” Ryan shrugged, “We haven’t had a snowfall yet.”
Anna nodded, “Yeah...” She looked at him, “You ok?”
“What? Of course, why?”
Anna wet her lips, “Because. Your eyebrow is twitching. It does that when you’re angry, upset...maybe even when you’re jealous.”
Ryan chewed on his lip, “It does not. And why would I be jealous?”
Anna smirked, “Well, hun, just so you know, I never dated Ovechkin. Two years ago he got hurt really bad at the Mellon and I helped him. He still thinks to this day that my medical assistance is what won him the game, despite the fact that I’m on the opposite team.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.”
“Did you call me ‘hun’?”
Now it was Anna’s turn to be uncomfortable, “No.”
Ryan pulled into the driveway and parked the car, “You did.”
Anna got out of the vehicle, heading to the front door, “I don’t think I did.”
Ryan came up behind her, “You know, I was reading this thing in one of your pregnancy books...”
“Ryan, you only read the Sex During Pregnancy Chapter.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because you left creases on the pages.”
Ryan pouted. Busted.
“Besides,” Anna said, “We don’t have time. You go take care of the tickets. I’ll make sure the signs are ready and I’ll call the guys. Got the graphics?”
“Already gave them to Drew,” Ryan replied, “He’s got them hooked into his Macbook.”
“Awesome,” Anna nodded, “You better go get those tickets taken care of.”
Ryan tried for a kiss but Anna turned away, “Later!”
She smirked. Teasing Ryan was now one of her most favourite things to do.
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