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.