38 - Mess

The next few days were a busy whirlwind for Anna, as she booked the place for the show (Town Ballroom in Buffalo, the usual spot), ordered the clothes from Dean (after confirming sizes with her models), chose the music (80’s themed but with a modern twist) and made the graphics within three days. Not to mention she continued her regular duties once the boys returned for a home game. Vesa was surprised the poor girl didn’t collapse, but was happy to see she continuously ate for two- both herself and the baby.

The day finally came when Ryan was to come home from the hospital- a day the Sabres both welcomed and dreaded. Patrick Lalime was alright in net, but was relieved that Ryan would be back soon. Of course, the entire fanbase missed him a lot, and sent countless fan letters to Ryan’s overflowing mailbox at the HSBC. The only thing bad about his return was the press conference that would follow.

Anna was able to speak with Ryan on the phone before the conference was about to begin, and he didn’t seem fazed- in fact, he was used to it. He told her that it was just protocol and she needn’t worry. Anna wished him well and promised to watch it on the television.

The press asked the usual stupid questions, and Ryan answered them with poise. Anna was pleased to see he no longer had to wear that awful neck brace, although he did opt for a collared shirt to hide the scarring. It would be some time before he would readily show it. She watched as he took every question in stride.

And that was when it happened.

It was the Buffalo News Report that asked, “So has your injury impacted your relationship with your expectant girlfriend?”

Ryan’s face turned white. He was completely caught off-guard.

“I don’t have a girlfriend...” he stuttered into the microphone.

“Your former teammate, Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers, mentioned that your injury made him worry for your pregnant girlfriend.”

That was when the dots connected instantly in Anna’s mind. Vesa had said that the source was in Philadelphia, and it most certainly was-Daniel Briere. He was the one who told the press.

With tears of anger and sadness, Anna grabbed the phone and dialed Daniel’s cell phone number. He barely said hello when she began to yell at him.

“How could you?!” Anna demanded, “You were his best friend. MY best friend. I trusted you with this! I thought you understood how serious it was, and that I didn’t want anyone knowing, especially not the public!”

Daniel sighed, “Anna, listen, I-”

“Vesa Toskala told me, alright? VESA TOSKALA. He’s a Toronto Maple Leaf. You know what that means? The entire hockey world is going to know that Ryan Miller, star of the Buffalo Sabres, knocked up his girlfriend. Well, we weren’t technically that at the time, but that’s beside the point. The point is, you betrayed Ryan and me, and I want to know why.”

Briere was silent for a moment. Anna took the time to let herself calm down. If he had an answer, it’d better be a damn good one, she thought.

“The Sabres are killing us right now,” Danny said slowly, “They’re so far ahead that the Flyers don’t have a chance. We need some wins, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to get them.”

“I can’t believe you...” Anna said, gritting her teeth, “Just because you can’t match their talent, you have to play dirty? Outside of the game, in fact?”

“I didn’t have a choice. Something had to be done to throw them off so we’d get a chance.”

“So you decided to spread an ugly rumour about their star player, then.”

“It’s not a rumour if it’s true, Anna. Last I checked, you had unprotected sex with him and he DID knock you up.”

Daniel’s words hit Anna like daggers to the heart. She swallowed her tears.

“I don’t know what’s worse,” Anna said quietly, “Knowing that you’ve backstabbed me, and your former best friend, or that you’re turning into a true Philadelphia Flyer, Daniel Briere.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Anna snapped, “That you’re always going to lose to the better team, whether it be my Penguins, or my Sabres.”

“You can’t have two teams. You got kicked off the first one.”

“Says the one who plays only for the name on the back,” Anna replied, “You never win a Stanley Cup, Daniel. That honour is reserved for people who win fair and square.”

That being said, Anna hung up the phone. Now she would wait for Ryan to come home.

Ryan did come home, two hours later, looking haggered and worn. Anna pulled him into a gentle hug as they closed the door behind them. It felt good to have him back. The house was far too empty without him.

“I’m so sorry about what Briere said,” Anna told him, “I called and gave him shit. What an ass.”

Ryan shrugged, “Yeah, I guess that happens...”

Anna took Ryan’s hand, “Come on. You need some rest. I’ll help you relax before the game.”

Before changing the sheets on the bed, Anna ran a hot bath for Ryan. While he soaked in the tub, she closed the blinds and lit candles so his room would have a calming scent. She knew he’d be too stressed out to sleep, but Anna wanted him to take his usual pre-game nap.

After he emerged from the bathroom wearing his comfortable clothes, Anna beckoned him to lie down on the bed. Ryan did so facing her. Anna reached out and began to run her fingers through his hair soothingly.

“Thank you,” Ryan said tiredly, “This is really nice.”

“Turn over,” Anna told him, “I’ll rub your back.”

She knew from experience that the way to Ryan’s heart was to give him a backrub. He started out mumbling about the press conference, but soon his words were inaudible while he unwound. As his breathing softened, Anna knew she was working on him well. Within ten minutes he was fast asleep. Covering him with a blanket, Anna planted a kiss on Ryan’s forehead, blew out the candles, and left the room.

Door closed, Anna put a hand on her belly. She secretly hoped their baby would look just like him when he slept- beautiful and serene.