36 - Steadfast

DISCLAIMER: VESA TOSKALA IS MARRIED, ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA. HIS EXTREME, ER, GAYNESS IN MY STORY IS PURELY FICTIONAL. PLEASE DON'T KILL ME, VESA...

It was almost 10:00 pm when the doorbell rang. Anna yawned, wondering who could possibly be at her door this late. She made her way down the stairs and to the doorway.

Drew Miller, Anna’s least favourite person, was standing there, “Hey, can I come in?”

“Well, actually, I was just getting ready for-”

“Cool, thanks,” Drew pushed past her, leaving Anna stunned, prompting her to mutter. “No really, just invite yourself in.”

“So you live here with my brother?” Drew asked, peering into the cupboards, “Nice, you’ve finally got him out of eating at restaurants all the time.”

Anna followed Drew into the kitchen, “Can I help you with something? I don’t recall inviting you over.”“It’s my brother’s house. I should be allowed to come over when I please.”

“Yes, but, your brother isn’t here right now,” Anna told him, “Of course, you know that...”

“I just finished talking to him,” Drew explained, “He’s pretty drugged up. Was saying some really weird stuff.”

Anna pretended to be interested, hoping Drew was only around for a conversation, “Oh yeah?”

“He thinks you’re his wife.”

Anna sustained a gag, “What? Heh, that’s funny alright...”

“So the idea of being married to my brother disgusts you.”

Anna glared at him, “I never said that.”

“Haven’t you considered marrying him? I mean, you are having his baby.” Drew crossed his arms.

Anna did not appreciate Drew’s manipulation, “Listen, I know you don’t think the best of me, and we’ve only just met, but you should know something.”

Drew rolled his eyes, “Let me guess- you have a great personality.”

Anna’s eyes flared, “Despite what your opinion is, I care deeply about Ryan and this child we’re having. Yes, it was an accident, but no, I don’t regret it. In fact, I feel like maybe it was meant to happen. So you can shut your judgmental mouth and try to understand that I am trying my best to make this work.”

Drew was silent for a moment, then held out his hand, “Good job.”

Anna cocked her head, “I beg your pardon?”

“Truce,” Drew said, “I believe you. You’re spunky and kind of cute, just Ryan’s type. And after seeing how you’ve cleaned up his house and put food in the cupboards, I’m thinking you’re for real.”

Anna reluctantly shook Drew’s hand, “Um, thanks...”

“Not so fast, though,” Drew said, withdrawing after they shook, “You have to prove that you care about my brother yet.”

“And how can I do that?”

“Easy,” Drew reached into his coat pocket, “The Steadfast Foundation’s annual Catwalk for Charity. Ryan is not in good enough health to do it himself.” He handed Anna a Blackberry.

“I don’t understand.”

“That’s Ryan’s Blackberry,” Drew told her, “His entire life is on that thing. His schedule and all the information you’ll need to know about the Steadfast Foundation. All the contacts are there as well.” He smiled, “The SF means everything to him. If you can put this together and pull it off before the end of November, you’ll more than prove it to me and the family.”

As Anna started to review the contacts list on the Blackberry, Drew’s phone suddenly went off. He took it out and looked at it worriedly.

“Well, I’m off,” Drew headed towards the door, “Nice seeing you again.” He paused, “Oh yeah, the password is MattMan.”

“Wait, Drew, you can’t be serious!” Anna said, trailing after him, “There’s a ton of stuff to do before the month ends. I gotta book a place, find the models...”

“Like I said, if you pull it off,” Drew announced as he headed to his car, “You’re welcome in our family.”

Anna shook her head and closed the door, going to sit on the sofa. She rocked back and forth, trying to figure out a way to get out of this. After about fifteen minutes of whining, she realized there was no way she could wiggle her way out of this one. Instead, Anna activated the Blackberry and logged in, scrolling through everything Ryan had collected about the Steadfast Foundation. She was surprised by what she found.

Directly at the top, she found a link to the website. It was outfitted with a banner of Ryan with different kids, some of his goalie shots, and the foundation logo. She finally discovered what it was when she read the mission statement:

The Steadfast Foundation is dedicated to assisting those afflicted and affected by the consequences of cancer, and especially childhood forms of the disease.

As she ventured further, Anna saw what had been done about it the year before:

At a press conference, Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller announced the details of Catwalk for Charity IV – Presented by New Era. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, at the Town Ballroom. Due to the challenging and compressed NHL schedule this year, the event has been moved to November.

Anna knew that Ryan wasn’t of good health yet, but she decided to surprise him and make the show the best it had ever been. She began to make a list of the things she needed. First, she would have to call all the guys and help plan a date that worked with the team schedule. Then she would have to go to Michigan and pick up the clothing from the store. She figured she’d need someone fashion-oriented to help her pick out the theme for the show and the outfits.

Only one name came to mind.

“Hi Melissa,” Anna said into the receiver, “Any chance Vesa’s on the bench tonight?”

Melissa Coffey, LEAFSTV announcer and girlfriend of Defenceman Luke Schenn, replied brightly, “Yep! Gus is out there tonight. You called just in time. The boys are headed to the dressing room and I have to interview Blake. I’ll put him on.”

A few minutes later, the familiar voice of her GBFF, Vesa Toskala, came through the phone, “Allo?”

“V!” Anna squealed, “What up, boy?”

Vesa replied tiredly, “My Bella! It’s been awhile, yes? How are you?”

“Well, I’ve gone through a few changes since we last hung out,” Anna said, glancing down at her pregnant belly, “Listen, I’ve got a favour to ask of you...”

Of course, Vesa was more than happy to get involved as soon as she said the words ‘fashion show,’ and was fascinated by the entire Catwalk for Charity night. He told her that he would be there as soon as the next day, since the team would not be playing for a few days. Anna was happy and relieved that he had agreed.

“But who are you chosing for models?” Vesa asked.

“Well, the Sabres are going to model, like they usually do,” Anna replied, “Nothing different, I don’t think.”

“No, no, no,” Vesa tutted, “You must have a diverse group if you want to raise money. Get some names out there. Like...what if I brought Luke and Melissa?”

Anna pursed her lips, “Melissa’s fine...”

Vesa laughed, “I understand you do not like Luke. But you have to admit he has great fashion sense. I envy his shoes...”

Anna sighed, “Ok, fine. Luke and Melissa.”

“Do you not know Carey Price and his fiancee?” Vesa asked, “Maybe they would be interested as well?”

“I’ll see what connections I have,” Anna replied, “After all, Ryan would really appreciate getting some of the other NHL teams involved...”

“Ah, Ryan Miller,” Vesa smiled through the phone, “You have loved him for a long time. Makes sense now.”

“Vesa, I have not.”

“Right,” Vesa said quickly, “I will call tomorrow morning and we’ll pick a place to meet.”

Before she could protest, Vesa made a ‘kiss kiss’ noise and hung up Melissa’s cell phone. Vesa grinned at Luke Schenn, who sent him a glare.

“She’ll make me wear pink just to piss me off,” Luke said through gritted teeth, “Just you watch.”

Vesa threw his arms in the air dramatically to the heavens, “What is wrong with pink?”