Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Forty
Riley awoke to the large sliding glass doors letting in the pale sunlight. From the big white bed she could see the deck and the beautiful blue water. As she stretched, she turned, and noticed that she lay alone in the large bed. Trying to find Sidney in this house would be impossible, she knew. So Riley took a few minutes to herself and stared out at the picture-perfect scenery that Sidney called a backyard.
He hummed a tune as he made his way up the steps of his summer home. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and walked barefoot through the house. He had all ready taken his dog out for her morning walk while Riley was still asleep. Before he had left, Sidney had opened the curtains and watched her sleep with the sun pouring out over her.
Now, half an hour later, he assumed that she was still asleep – though it was rare for her to sleep in – since he hadn’t seen her downstairs. He walked down the hallway and stopped dead in his tracks at the threshold of the master bedroom. For a few seconds he just watched his girlfriend sit cross-legged on the bed peering out the window. He looked closer and noticed something about her that he hadn’t truly seen before; she looked relaxed, completely at ease.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, not taking her eyes off the water and the boats that whizzed by. She hadn’t heard or seen him, but she sensed him. Her system was attuned to him. “Now, I see why you love it so much.”
“It’s captivating, isn’t it?” He walked over to the bed and wrapped his arms around her.
“Yes,” she murmured, “it’s very captivating.”
“It’s really nice out today. If you want we could go for a swim.”
“You’ve all ready been outside?” He was an early bird, she thought.
“Yeah,” he said as she stretched out on the bed. “I had to take the dog for a walk.”
“You have a dog?” Riley asked as he climbed on top of her, straddled her.
“Yes, she stays with me when I’m home for the summer and with my parents when I’m not. My dad just dropped her off this morning.” He kissed her on the lips once, twice, and lingered on the third.
“I look forward to meeting her,” she said with a smile. “But I have to take a shower.”
“Can I join you?”
She lifted a brow. “But you’re already dressed and I assume you’ve already showered, why would you need another?”
“I can think of many reasons. Besides, it’s just water and—” he broke off when the doorbell rang. “Crap. That’s probably my parents. My dad said they’d be stopping over sometime but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” He looked at her, at her horrified expression. “Relax; I’ll keep them busy while you shower.”
“Owe you,” she said quickly as she rummaged around for clothes.
Sidney went downstairs to greet his family. He jogged down the steps towards the front door. When he opened it he saw his mom, dad and younger sister Taylor. They all wore bright smiles on their faces.
“Hi Mom, Dad,” he said as he hugged them. “Hi Tay,” he said as he picked her up. Even though she was a teenager now, at 13, she was still his baby sister. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”
“We just had to come over right away. We’re so glad you’re home.” Trina, his mom said sweetly. “We brought you some casserole,” she said as she walked past him an into the kitchen.
“Thanks,” Sidney replied.
“So, it’s a shame about the playoffs,” Troy, his dad started.
“Yeah, but I don’t really want to think about it, you know? It still kind of hurts to think about it.”
Troy opened his mouth and was just about to speak when the sounds of girly squeals were heard in the kitchen. Both men walked quickly towards the squeals. When they got to the kitchen Sidney’s smile widened and Troy stood there caught off guard.
“You’re here! I didn’t know you were coming, Sidney never told me you were.” Trina said in a high tone as she rushed over to embrace Riley in a tight hug. “How long are you staying?”
“I actually have the entire summer off, so I guess I’ll be here until he gets sick of me.” Riley pulled Taylor in for a hug as well. “Oh, and before you go and condemn your son I’ll let you know that it was a last minute decision for me to come.”
“That’s wonderful, dear. We have plenty of time for Taylor and me to show you around. Although I’m sure Sidney all ready has or is planning to show you around, you need a woman’s perspective.” Trina said as she played with Riley’s hair. “You’ve changed your hair.”
Riley laughed. Trina had always been like a mother to her. “Yes. I cut it just before we left. Didn’t get too much off, but enough, you know? I also decided to change the colour a bit, lighten it up for the summer.”
“It looks great. The blonde highlights really show off the beautiful light brown you have as a natural colour. I like this cut; it shows off the cheekbones well. Your eyes look as green as ever.”
“Thank you. I liked this cut because it’s the perfect length for my face shape. They say that if you have a longer face you should have your hair to about your shoulders or higher. So I chose for the shoulders. I’m too scared to get it cut any shorter.”
“Why did you take the entire summer off?” Troy asked, speaking for the first time. His voice held no real emotion which was odd for when he spoke to Riley. “I thought you had a job.”
“I do have a job.” She tried to keep the tone light but the ending came out in a clipped tone. She was slightly offended with how he’d phrased it. “As for the holiday, I got a promotion so they gave me the entire summer off.”
Something flashed in his eyes. It was quick but Riley caught it. It looked like anger, just without the heat.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Hi everyone,
Alright, so I just wanted to let you all know that I've started a one shots blog. I've only one posting there right now but I do plan to put more up (I've gone a ton written all ready) and I eventually want to write some one shots about other guys on the team. I don't have any quite yet but if and when I do I'll let you all know.
Until then, enjoy chapter thirty-nine.
Please comment and thank you so much for reading!
-Sam. =)
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Nine
She stared out the window as Sidney drove them both back to his house. Riley loved Nova Scotia because it always reminded her a little bit of back home. Everything seems so serene, she mused as she watched children play outside their houses. The sun was out shining and the people were enjoying it. This was what Sidney needed. This was what she needed.
They pulled up to Sidney’s house a few minutes later and it was everything she’d expected it to be. It was secluded but not in the middle of nowhere. It was on the water, which she imagined was somewhere he spent most of his time. Even though it was a fairly large house, Riley loved it immediately.
Sidney pulled into the driveway and couldn’t have looked any more relaxed. He shut the car off and quickly walked around to open the door for Riley. The second she stepped out of the car she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
“What was that for?” He asked with a laugh.
“I don’t know. I just felt like it.” She smiled. “I am so excited to be here. To spend the entire summer with you.”
“I feel the same way, darling. Come on,” he said taking her hand. “I have to give you a tour.”
The house used mostly an open-concept. Riley thought that it made the house seem even bigger. Most, if not all, the walls were painted in very neutral colours – something different for Riley. But, she thought, it suited him. The furniture was also very contemporary. Nothing really stood out.
That was until he showed her the den or living room area. Everything in there was top of the line. The entertainment system was probably better than the stuff at Sports Guide. She imagined that this was where he spent a lot of time.
The kitchen blew her away. So much stuff, she mused, for a guy who couldn’t cook. Everything there had to be really expensive. The countertops were dark granite that had Riley standing over, admiring it for an entire minute.
“Whoa,” she said under her breath, but he heard her.
“I still have to show you the bedroom,” he whispered in her ear.
“The bed isn’t made out of gold or something, is it?” Riley asked as they walked down a long carpeted hallway, hand in hand.
He laughed, that rich sound she loved to hear. “No, love, it isn’t made out of gold. I imagine that wouldn’t be very comfortable.”
The room was massive, she thought instantly. Seriously huge, the furniture looked very soft and very tempting. There was a large plasma TV hung on the wall and several chairs and couches surrounding it. Then she saw the bed.
“Sweet Jesus,” she muttered as she walked towards it. Then blew out a breath, “Bet it’s comfy, eh?”
“Oh, you bet.”
“Looks like you could sink right in to and never resurface.”
He lifted her onto it as she gaped at the large white bed. He then climbed on top of her. “Why don’t we try it out?” He kissed her lips softly. The deepening the kiss, he ran his hands up and down her sides. “You know, like break it in and all.”
“Uh-huh. I see how you roll, Crosby.”
“We don’t have to if you don’t want to.” He backed away from her. His eyes were… innocent.
She snorted. “I never said that I didn’t like how you roll.” She reached out and dragged his mouth back onto hers.
Mouths ravaged, touches lingered, and pulses raced. They rolled playfully on the big bed as the birds sang outside. Nature could no longer be heard as their breathing hitched, then raced, as their moans got louder, as the sounds of skin against skin became faster and faster.
Clothes were shed quickly without any objections. Demands were made.
Riley was seeing stars as Sidney continued to increase the pleasure. Her breath backed up in her lungs as she tried to speak. He was hovering over her, watching her. She watched his face as her heart pounded in her chest. Then his mouth got to work and she lost every ounce of control.
He watched her muscles tighten then go lax. Then started it up all over again. He enjoyed driving her up and over the edge. His vision, too, was blurring as he slid into her. She tightened around him and he almost exploded.
As he drew her up to the point of madness again, he said her name. Then went over the edge with her.
They lay together in a sweaty heap of skin on the big bed. She sighed as she curled up in his arms. He wrapped one arm around her and rested his head on hers.
“So, I love this place.” Riley said with a smile as she closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep.
Alright, so I just wanted to let you all know that I've started a one shots blog. I've only one posting there right now but I do plan to put more up (I've gone a ton written all ready) and I eventually want to write some one shots about other guys on the team. I don't have any quite yet but if and when I do I'll let you all know.
Until then, enjoy chapter thirty-nine.
Please comment and thank you so much for reading!
-Sam. =)
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Nine
She stared out the window as Sidney drove them both back to his house. Riley loved Nova Scotia because it always reminded her a little bit of back home. Everything seems so serene, she mused as she watched children play outside their houses. The sun was out shining and the people were enjoying it. This was what Sidney needed. This was what she needed.
They pulled up to Sidney’s house a few minutes later and it was everything she’d expected it to be. It was secluded but not in the middle of nowhere. It was on the water, which she imagined was somewhere he spent most of his time. Even though it was a fairly large house, Riley loved it immediately.
Sidney pulled into the driveway and couldn’t have looked any more relaxed. He shut the car off and quickly walked around to open the door for Riley. The second she stepped out of the car she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
“What was that for?” He asked with a laugh.
“I don’t know. I just felt like it.” She smiled. “I am so excited to be here. To spend the entire summer with you.”
“I feel the same way, darling. Come on,” he said taking her hand. “I have to give you a tour.”
The house used mostly an open-concept. Riley thought that it made the house seem even bigger. Most, if not all, the walls were painted in very neutral colours – something different for Riley. But, she thought, it suited him. The furniture was also very contemporary. Nothing really stood out.
That was until he showed her the den or living room area. Everything in there was top of the line. The entertainment system was probably better than the stuff at Sports Guide. She imagined that this was where he spent a lot of time.
The kitchen blew her away. So much stuff, she mused, for a guy who couldn’t cook. Everything there had to be really expensive. The countertops were dark granite that had Riley standing over, admiring it for an entire minute.
“Whoa,” she said under her breath, but he heard her.
“I still have to show you the bedroom,” he whispered in her ear.
“The bed isn’t made out of gold or something, is it?” Riley asked as they walked down a long carpeted hallway, hand in hand.
He laughed, that rich sound she loved to hear. “No, love, it isn’t made out of gold. I imagine that wouldn’t be very comfortable.”
The room was massive, she thought instantly. Seriously huge, the furniture looked very soft and very tempting. There was a large plasma TV hung on the wall and several chairs and couches surrounding it. Then she saw the bed.
“Sweet Jesus,” she muttered as she walked towards it. Then blew out a breath, “Bet it’s comfy, eh?”
“Oh, you bet.”
“Looks like you could sink right in to and never resurface.”
He lifted her onto it as she gaped at the large white bed. He then climbed on top of her. “Why don’t we try it out?” He kissed her lips softly. The deepening the kiss, he ran his hands up and down her sides. “You know, like break it in and all.”
“Uh-huh. I see how you roll, Crosby.”
“We don’t have to if you don’t want to.” He backed away from her. His eyes were… innocent.
She snorted. “I never said that I didn’t like how you roll.” She reached out and dragged his mouth back onto hers.
Mouths ravaged, touches lingered, and pulses raced. They rolled playfully on the big bed as the birds sang outside. Nature could no longer be heard as their breathing hitched, then raced, as their moans got louder, as the sounds of skin against skin became faster and faster.
Clothes were shed quickly without any objections. Demands were made.
Riley was seeing stars as Sidney continued to increase the pleasure. Her breath backed up in her lungs as she tried to speak. He was hovering over her, watching her. She watched his face as her heart pounded in her chest. Then his mouth got to work and she lost every ounce of control.
He watched her muscles tighten then go lax. Then started it up all over again. He enjoyed driving her up and over the edge. His vision, too, was blurring as he slid into her. She tightened around him and he almost exploded.
As he drew her up to the point of madness again, he said her name. Then went over the edge with her.
They lay together in a sweaty heap of skin on the big bed. She sighed as she curled up in his arms. He wrapped one arm around her and rested his head on hers.
“So, I love this place.” Riley said with a smile as she closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Hey, babe, can I ask you something?” Sidney asked when they were at home later that evening.
“You just did.” She giggled when he rolled his eyes and playfully punched her. “Ask away.”
“Obviously you know that I plan on going back home to Nova Scotia for the summer, and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me. I mean, I know you have to work and stuff, but can’t you take a few weeks off?”
She closed her eyes and almost purred when he stroked her hair. She was stretched out on the couch with her head on his lap. He had the TV on, the volume low. The curtains were closed because it was after nine and the sun had obviously set.
“Sid, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“Okay.” He looked so terribly mortified that she laughed.
“You know how I had to go in to the station today for a meeting?” She looked up at him, face blank. “Well, it was a private meeting between me, Cheryl and Philip.”
“Who’s Philip?”
“He’s this big-boss guy.”
“Alright, continue.”
“Well, I handed in my last report for Sports Guide at that meeting.”
“Cheryl fired you?” He asked, looking confused.
“No.”
“You lost me.”
“Philip Andrews is with KDKA. I’ve met with him before and he said that he really likes my work,” she said. “He offered me a job there.”
“That’s wonderful!”
“It gets better, I don’t start at KDKA until September and Cheryl gave me the entire summer off.”
“So, you can spend the summer with me in Nova Scotia?” He asked; his eyes bright.
“I don’t see why not.” She said just before his lips crushed hers. “When do we leave?”
“Whenever you want,” he murmured against her mouth then neck.
“Hmm. How about next week then? I still have to pack…” she trailed off as his kisses got hungrier.
“Mhm. You can do all of that tomorrow, I’ll even help you.” When she sat up, he pulled her onto his lap.
She was getting the hint. “Then what are we supposed to do for the rest of tonight?”
“I have something in mind,” he said in a husky voice.
“Oh do you?”
“Yes, and I think we should take it very slow.”
“What’s the game plan, Crosby?”
She laughed when he picked her up and carried her into their bedroom.
A week later, they were all packed and ready. Sidney looked happier than ever about going back home. Riley on the other hand, was nervous. She told herself that it was stupid to be nervous because she’d already been to the Crosby house when she was a teen. She looked forward to seeing Sidney’s house, of course.
The plane ride there was like any other. She read a book while Sidney played on his PSP, like a child. She tried to muffle a laugh when one of the flight attendants flirted with Sidney, and went unnoticed because he was at a high level of his game.
As the plane touched down, Riley looked out her window. The sun was out and shining brightly. The birds were chirping. Riley smiled at Sidney. She loved the summer atmosphere.
As they were exiting the plane, he looked at her and wrapped his arms around her. This was what he’d wanted. He wanted the love of his life with him all summer.
“Welcome home, Riley.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Hey, babe, can I ask you something?” Sidney asked when they were at home later that evening.
“You just did.” She giggled when he rolled his eyes and playfully punched her. “Ask away.”
“Obviously you know that I plan on going back home to Nova Scotia for the summer, and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me. I mean, I know you have to work and stuff, but can’t you take a few weeks off?”
She closed her eyes and almost purred when he stroked her hair. She was stretched out on the couch with her head on his lap. He had the TV on, the volume low. The curtains were closed because it was after nine and the sun had obviously set.
“Sid, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“Okay.” He looked so terribly mortified that she laughed.
“You know how I had to go in to the station today for a meeting?” She looked up at him, face blank. “Well, it was a private meeting between me, Cheryl and Philip.”
“Who’s Philip?”
“He’s this big-boss guy.”
“Alright, continue.”
“Well, I handed in my last report for Sports Guide at that meeting.”
“Cheryl fired you?” He asked, looking confused.
“No.”
“You lost me.”
“Philip Andrews is with KDKA. I’ve met with him before and he said that he really likes my work,” she said. “He offered me a job there.”
“That’s wonderful!”
“It gets better, I don’t start at KDKA until September and Cheryl gave me the entire summer off.”
“So, you can spend the summer with me in Nova Scotia?” He asked; his eyes bright.
“I don’t see why not.” She said just before his lips crushed hers. “When do we leave?”
“Whenever you want,” he murmured against her mouth then neck.
“Hmm. How about next week then? I still have to pack…” she trailed off as his kisses got hungrier.
“Mhm. You can do all of that tomorrow, I’ll even help you.” When she sat up, he pulled her onto his lap.
She was getting the hint. “Then what are we supposed to do for the rest of tonight?”
“I have something in mind,” he said in a husky voice.
“Oh do you?”
“Yes, and I think we should take it very slow.”
“What’s the game plan, Crosby?”
She laughed when he picked her up and carried her into their bedroom.
A week later, they were all packed and ready. Sidney looked happier than ever about going back home. Riley on the other hand, was nervous. She told herself that it was stupid to be nervous because she’d already been to the Crosby house when she was a teen. She looked forward to seeing Sidney’s house, of course.
The plane ride there was like any other. She read a book while Sidney played on his PSP, like a child. She tried to muffle a laugh when one of the flight attendants flirted with Sidney, and went unnoticed because he was at a high level of his game.
As the plane touched down, Riley looked out her window. The sun was out and shining brightly. The birds were chirping. Riley smiled at Sidney. She loved the summer atmosphere.
As they were exiting the plane, he looked at her and wrapped his arms around her. This was what he’d wanted. He wanted the love of his life with him all summer.
“Welcome home, Riley.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Good news, I can reach my documents again! Thank you everyone for putting up with the delay and a special thanks to the anonymous poster who gave the wonderful advice on my dilemma.
But here is chapter thirty-seven!
Enjoy. :]
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Seven
On the way to the arena Riley filled Brett in on her news. He was thrilled for her and assured her that they would definitely keep in touch once she left SG.
When they pulled up Riley noticed that there were several other cars in the parking lot. She thanked Brett and made her way into the arena. This may be the last time she reported for the Penguins, she thought sadly.
As she walked in she was immediately greeted by one of her closest friends on the team, Jordan Staal.
“Hey, Rye,” he said and pulled her in for a big hug.
“Hey, Staalsy,” she replied. “Have you seen Sid?”
He pulled back. “Yeah. Last time I saw him he was in the dressing room with Mario. If I were you, though, I’d go check around the rink area. It’s pretty tough being in the dressing room still.”
“I know. Look, Jordan, you and the rest of the team did amazing all season. I mean you started off kind of lousy and you made it into the playoffs. I think that is definitely something to be proud about.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Riley?” he said as she began to walk off. “He’s taking it pretty hard. Like, harder than everyone else.”
She closed her eyes for a minute before turning back. “I know. He’s trying not to show it around me, but I know.” She touched his arm. “He’s going to need more than just me. He’s going to need his friends.”
“I’ll be there for him.”
“I know you will.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
Riley walked off to find the love of her life. On her way there she ran into Mario and he quietly told her where she could find Sidney.
Turning a corner, she saw him.
He stood there, his back to her, leaning on the boards, facing the ice. His shoulders were slouched, his forehead resting against the glass. He stood there dressed in dark jeans, a grey t-shirt and a black sweater. He didn’t move the slightest inch.
She walked up behind him, silently, and wrapped her arms around him. She felt him tense as she rested her head against his back. They stood there like that for a few silent moments. He then turned in her arms and wrapped his own around her, whispering, “I can’t do this alone. I need you.”
Her heart broke.
“I’m here for you, baby.” She tried to make it as soothing as possible. “I’m always here.”
“Thank you.”
She was angled in a way where she could see an entrance way. There she saw a young, naïve-looking journalist who obviously got to do some summer report about the Penguins.
She saw him just as he saw her. When his eyes veered toward Sidney, they lit up. Knowing that Sidney was in no way ready to talk to a reporter, she shot him a death glare. He retreated.
“Let’s go home,” Riley said a few minutes later. “You don’t want to be here.”
They went home and Riley saw him relax slightly. She knew that he still found it hard to be at the arena – and she couldn’t blame him. Even though she’d never been interested in many sports, she knew what it was like to be so close to something and then have it taken away.
Over the next few days Sidney had gone to the arena to clean out his stall and chat with the guys before they all headed their own ways for the summer. It would be hard to not see these guys for a few months but she knew that he would desperately need the break.
Sidney was going out to lunch with a few of the guys and had asked Riley to join but she politely declined. She had a meeting with Cheryl and Philip Andrews from KDKA. Riley also wanted Sidney to spend his last few days before leaving for the summer with his friends.
She’d left half an hour after he had and tried to calm herself throughout the short drive. There’s nothing to be nervous about, she told herself. No, she wasn’t worried about the job so much. She was nervous about what she would do all summer without Sidney. Riley didn’t think that she could spend two full months without him.
She pushed the questions out of her mind the moment she walked into the station. There was a show being filmed, Brett was hosting. He slid a cool glance at her then back without missing a beat in his report. Talent, Riley thought, just oozed out of him.
“Good morning, or shall I say afternoon, Riley,” Cheryl said, hurrying over to wrap Riley in a motherly hug.
“Good afternoon,” was all Riley could get out before Cheryl was pushing her into the meeting room.
The meeting room had several windows that let in the beautiful summer sunlight that shined over the long, elegant oak table. In the room there were twelve dark, leather office chairs. The walls were painted a soft brown and sconces were set every few feet from each other. There were some plants located around the room, too.
Her gaze slid quickly but softly across the room and she saw, sitting in one of the leather office chairs, Philip Andrews. He was dressed, again, in a dark suit that almost matched his skin tone. He had a few sheets of paper set out in front of him but Riley assumed that he wouldn’t look at them once. He sat, back straight, smiling warmly at Riley.
“Good afternoon, Riley.” His voice was deep, professional.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews.” She wasn’t sure what she should address him by. But she opted for the respectful one seeing as he outranked her. “It’s nice to see you again.”
He smiled then got down to business. “I assume that you’ve thought about the offer we talked about last week.”
“Yes, I have. But first, sir, I must thank you for this opportunity. It’s something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.” Riley threw a smile at both him and Cheryl. “Now, about the job offer, I’ve chosen to accept it and leave my current one behind at Sports Guide.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Now, of course, you will not start off at KDKA at the top of the food chain. You may decline the position if you don’t approve of the position you will be assigned.”
She nodded. “Understood, sir.”
“Good,” he said swiftly. “You will not work sports. We want you to try out the locals. By that I mean plays, concerts, events and so on. It’s not such a popular area but if you work hard enough, I believe that you’ll excel quickly at KDKA.”
“Okay.”
“I am aware that your boyfriend is a hockey phenomenon, which is why I didn’t automatically assign you the position of sports – I like you too much to have the other reporters pick you apart.”
Since she’d kept quiet he continued.
“It isn’t the most popular thing, like I said before, but it pays better than what you were getting here.” He shot a glance at Cheryl, eyes full of laughter. “Do you have any questions?”
“Just one: when do I start?”
He laughed. He answered her as he began to shuffle the papers into his briefcase. “You start in September.”
“Riley, you deserve this more than anyone I know.” Cheryl said when Riley handed her the final report she’d written about the Penguins. “You think you don’t, but you do. I’ve never seen someone so determined, so focused at what they do as much as you are. You’re a natural, Riley, embrace it.”
“Thank you. It just feels so soon, you know? I mean, I’m twenty-two years old and I’ve already had people say I’m one of the best. It’s just… wow. What do you want me to do from now until September?”
Cheryl laughed, sweet and innocently. “Take the summer off, Riley. Spend it with your boyfriend.”
But here is chapter thirty-seven!
Enjoy. :]
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Seven
On the way to the arena Riley filled Brett in on her news. He was thrilled for her and assured her that they would definitely keep in touch once she left SG.
When they pulled up Riley noticed that there were several other cars in the parking lot. She thanked Brett and made her way into the arena. This may be the last time she reported for the Penguins, she thought sadly.
As she walked in she was immediately greeted by one of her closest friends on the team, Jordan Staal.
“Hey, Rye,” he said and pulled her in for a big hug.
“Hey, Staalsy,” she replied. “Have you seen Sid?”
He pulled back. “Yeah. Last time I saw him he was in the dressing room with Mario. If I were you, though, I’d go check around the rink area. It’s pretty tough being in the dressing room still.”
“I know. Look, Jordan, you and the rest of the team did amazing all season. I mean you started off kind of lousy and you made it into the playoffs. I think that is definitely something to be proud about.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Riley?” he said as she began to walk off. “He’s taking it pretty hard. Like, harder than everyone else.”
She closed her eyes for a minute before turning back. “I know. He’s trying not to show it around me, but I know.” She touched his arm. “He’s going to need more than just me. He’s going to need his friends.”
“I’ll be there for him.”
“I know you will.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
Riley walked off to find the love of her life. On her way there she ran into Mario and he quietly told her where she could find Sidney.
Turning a corner, she saw him.
He stood there, his back to her, leaning on the boards, facing the ice. His shoulders were slouched, his forehead resting against the glass. He stood there dressed in dark jeans, a grey t-shirt and a black sweater. He didn’t move the slightest inch.
She walked up behind him, silently, and wrapped her arms around him. She felt him tense as she rested her head against his back. They stood there like that for a few silent moments. He then turned in her arms and wrapped his own around her, whispering, “I can’t do this alone. I need you.”
Her heart broke.
“I’m here for you, baby.” She tried to make it as soothing as possible. “I’m always here.”
“Thank you.”
She was angled in a way where she could see an entrance way. There she saw a young, naïve-looking journalist who obviously got to do some summer report about the Penguins.
She saw him just as he saw her. When his eyes veered toward Sidney, they lit up. Knowing that Sidney was in no way ready to talk to a reporter, she shot him a death glare. He retreated.
“Let’s go home,” Riley said a few minutes later. “You don’t want to be here.”
They went home and Riley saw him relax slightly. She knew that he still found it hard to be at the arena – and she couldn’t blame him. Even though she’d never been interested in many sports, she knew what it was like to be so close to something and then have it taken away.
Over the next few days Sidney had gone to the arena to clean out his stall and chat with the guys before they all headed their own ways for the summer. It would be hard to not see these guys for a few months but she knew that he would desperately need the break.
Sidney was going out to lunch with a few of the guys and had asked Riley to join but she politely declined. She had a meeting with Cheryl and Philip Andrews from KDKA. Riley also wanted Sidney to spend his last few days before leaving for the summer with his friends.
She’d left half an hour after he had and tried to calm herself throughout the short drive. There’s nothing to be nervous about, she told herself. No, she wasn’t worried about the job so much. She was nervous about what she would do all summer without Sidney. Riley didn’t think that she could spend two full months without him.
She pushed the questions out of her mind the moment she walked into the station. There was a show being filmed, Brett was hosting. He slid a cool glance at her then back without missing a beat in his report. Talent, Riley thought, just oozed out of him.
“Good morning, or shall I say afternoon, Riley,” Cheryl said, hurrying over to wrap Riley in a motherly hug.
“Good afternoon,” was all Riley could get out before Cheryl was pushing her into the meeting room.
The meeting room had several windows that let in the beautiful summer sunlight that shined over the long, elegant oak table. In the room there were twelve dark, leather office chairs. The walls were painted a soft brown and sconces were set every few feet from each other. There were some plants located around the room, too.
Her gaze slid quickly but softly across the room and she saw, sitting in one of the leather office chairs, Philip Andrews. He was dressed, again, in a dark suit that almost matched his skin tone. He had a few sheets of paper set out in front of him but Riley assumed that he wouldn’t look at them once. He sat, back straight, smiling warmly at Riley.
“Good afternoon, Riley.” His voice was deep, professional.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews.” She wasn’t sure what she should address him by. But she opted for the respectful one seeing as he outranked her. “It’s nice to see you again.”
He smiled then got down to business. “I assume that you’ve thought about the offer we talked about last week.”
“Yes, I have. But first, sir, I must thank you for this opportunity. It’s something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.” Riley threw a smile at both him and Cheryl. “Now, about the job offer, I’ve chosen to accept it and leave my current one behind at Sports Guide.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Now, of course, you will not start off at KDKA at the top of the food chain. You may decline the position if you don’t approve of the position you will be assigned.”
She nodded. “Understood, sir.”
“Good,” he said swiftly. “You will not work sports. We want you to try out the locals. By that I mean plays, concerts, events and so on. It’s not such a popular area but if you work hard enough, I believe that you’ll excel quickly at KDKA.”
“Okay.”
“I am aware that your boyfriend is a hockey phenomenon, which is why I didn’t automatically assign you the position of sports – I like you too much to have the other reporters pick you apart.”
Since she’d kept quiet he continued.
“It isn’t the most popular thing, like I said before, but it pays better than what you were getting here.” He shot a glance at Cheryl, eyes full of laughter. “Do you have any questions?”
“Just one: when do I start?”
He laughed. He answered her as he began to shuffle the papers into his briefcase. “You start in September.”
“Riley, you deserve this more than anyone I know.” Cheryl said when Riley handed her the final report she’d written about the Penguins. “You think you don’t, but you do. I’ve never seen someone so determined, so focused at what they do as much as you are. You’re a natural, Riley, embrace it.”
“Thank you. It just feels so soon, you know? I mean, I’m twenty-two years old and I’ve already had people say I’m one of the best. It’s just… wow. What do you want me to do from now until September?”
Cheryl laughed, sweet and innocently. “Take the summer off, Riley. Spend it with your boyfriend.”
Friday, May 1, 2009
Chapter Thirty-Six
Oh man, I am so excited for the second round of the playoffs. Hopefully the guys can shut down Ovechkin and get four wins. Either way, it'll be an interesting series.
But on with the story!
I hope you enjoy chapter thirty-six. Comments are appreciated. ;]
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Six
There he stood, looking quite intimidating. Riley didn’t know whether or not to be intimidated or impressed. Why would this very professional-looking man want to talk to her?
Well hell, why not take a risk and ask?
“Hello Riley,” he began in a deep voice. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“Oh no, not at all,” Cheryl put in.
Riley looked at her, confused. “But I thought we had a meeting.”
“Oh, sweetheart, it isn’t about anything particularly important.” Cheryl touched Riley’s arm lightly – motherly. “Besides, it doesn’t really deal with you. You’re our best reporter so you don’t need any spanking.”
She laughed as she walked away. Even though Cheryl was the producer of the show, she gave off such a motherly vibe. She was in her sixties and was the cutest thing. Riley adored her.
“Well then,” Philip began. “Why don’t we go somewhere else and talk, shall we?” He motioned to one of the meeting rooms.
He was in his forties, Riley guessed. The suit he was wearing was almost as dark as his skin. He had a very polite, very professional way about him. This man was all about business.
“Have a seat,” he said, as he gestured to one of the large leather office chairs. “You’re probably wondering who I am and why I’m here.” He smiled, showing off a bright white smile.
“Have you checked the ratings?” He asked as he pulled out a notebook from his suit pocket.
“No, not recently,” she replied.
“Ah, well, maybe that’s where we should begin. Sports Guide is at the top. Everyone watches this show. When I saw this I asked myself why – not that I disagreed with it – because as I recall it’s a fairly new sports-highlights show,” he said, as he opened the notebook to show her the ratings.
“As it turns out,” he continued, “that most people watch Sports Guide because of its reporters.”
“We do have a good number of great reporters here. Everyone is extremely dedicated to what they do as a career. We pride ourselves on our performances as well as how much information we can get.” She looked directly into his eyes as she spoke.
“And she’s modest, too,” he murmured to himself. “Anyway, I wanted to see why, seeing as at KDKA we, too, pride ourselves on our performances. We don’t like to be second-best.” He smiled, quick and competitively. “So, I watched several shows over the past several weeks – and, I must say, I’m addicted. Sports Guide is an entertaining sports show that offers more than just highlights. Humour is widely dispersed throughout the shows.
“But, Riley, I must be completely honest with you. You are the best reporter on this show and one of the best I’ve ever seen. Your reporting style is unique. It’s not the typical ask-the-direct-question style for you; you bring a whole wave of comfort and ease when you interview and report. You make the show what it is – a hit.”
She sat there, stupefied. Here was this big man, probably way up there in his career, and he’s sitting talking to a young woman whose only been reporting for less than a year, and he’s raving about how good of reporter she is. The best, she thought dreamily. He had called her one of the best he’d ever seen.
“Thank you,” she said, a little dazed.
“Now, I didn’t come here just to compliment you, although you do deserve it. I came here to tell you that KDKA wants to be on top again. We want the best reporters in the city. I came here, Riley, to offer you a position, as a reporter, at KDKA.”
She had to use all of her strength to prevent her jaw from dropping. This was everything she’d ever dreamt of, but didn’t expect to get to this quickly.
“Wow,” she murmured. “I’m speechless right now.”
“Now, you don’t have to answer right away. Take some time, think it over. I’ll give you my card and you can call me when you’ve come up with an answer.” He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small white business card. “You’d be a great addition to the show.”
As he left she sat there staring at the card. That little white card was the ticket to her dreams. But, of course, before she made any major decisions she’d have to talk it over with Sidney. She’d also have to talk with Cheryl.
“How’d it go, sweetheart?”
Riley looked up and saw Cheryl standing in the threshold of the meeting room. The expression on her face and her body language portrayed no more than – with no other way of describing it – the image of a mother watching her child move on to higher things in life.
“He offered me a job.” The words came out in a dazed tone.
“Take it. You deserve it.” Cheryl patted her lightly on the arm as she spoke.
Riley looked up at her and smiled. “You knew, didn’t you?”
“That he was going to offer you a job?” Her smile was so big that the skin wrinkled around her eyes. “Of course I knew, sweetheart, Philip and I go way back. He called me last week asking if he could speak with you. When I asked him why, he told me that he had plans of stealing you away from me.”
“If I take this job—”
“Which you will,” Cheryl cut in.
“—I’ll be leaving SG behind. In a way I don’t want to do that. I love working here, with everyone.”
“Riley,” she began in a tone that reminded Riley of when her mother would scold her. “This job will boost your career so much higher than SG ever could. Trust me; you do not want to give this up.”
“I’ve wanted this so bad,” Riley told her.
“Take the job, Riley. Sometimes you have to be a little selfish. But before you do, could I ask you to do one thing?”
“Anything.”
“Could you do one more report on the Penguins? The last one; the one about the end of their season,” she said, and handed Riley a notebook.
“Sure, I’ll start today.”
Once Cheryl left Riley was about to walk out the doors when she realized that she had carpooled with Brett. Seeing as he was still in the meeting, she sat on one of the plush chairs in the lounge area and texted her brother until Brett came out.
Ben and his fiancée, Kim planned to get married in the summer; just a small wedding in Rimouski with family and friends. Riley made a mental note to tell Sidney about it. She was certain that he’d want to be there.
Half an hour later, Brett approached her. “Ready?”
“Yeah,” she said, with a smile. “Could you drop me off at the Mellon?”
“Of course.”
But on with the story!
I hope you enjoy chapter thirty-six. Comments are appreciated. ;]
***
Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Thirty-Six
There he stood, looking quite intimidating. Riley didn’t know whether or not to be intimidated or impressed. Why would this very professional-looking man want to talk to her?
Well hell, why not take a risk and ask?
“Hello Riley,” he began in a deep voice. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“Oh no, not at all,” Cheryl put in.
Riley looked at her, confused. “But I thought we had a meeting.”
“Oh, sweetheart, it isn’t about anything particularly important.” Cheryl touched Riley’s arm lightly – motherly. “Besides, it doesn’t really deal with you. You’re our best reporter so you don’t need any spanking.”
She laughed as she walked away. Even though Cheryl was the producer of the show, she gave off such a motherly vibe. She was in her sixties and was the cutest thing. Riley adored her.
“Well then,” Philip began. “Why don’t we go somewhere else and talk, shall we?” He motioned to one of the meeting rooms.
He was in his forties, Riley guessed. The suit he was wearing was almost as dark as his skin. He had a very polite, very professional way about him. This man was all about business.
“Have a seat,” he said, as he gestured to one of the large leather office chairs. “You’re probably wondering who I am and why I’m here.” He smiled, showing off a bright white smile.
“Have you checked the ratings?” He asked as he pulled out a notebook from his suit pocket.
“No, not recently,” she replied.
“Ah, well, maybe that’s where we should begin. Sports Guide is at the top. Everyone watches this show. When I saw this I asked myself why – not that I disagreed with it – because as I recall it’s a fairly new sports-highlights show,” he said, as he opened the notebook to show her the ratings.
“As it turns out,” he continued, “that most people watch Sports Guide because of its reporters.”
“We do have a good number of great reporters here. Everyone is extremely dedicated to what they do as a career. We pride ourselves on our performances as well as how much information we can get.” She looked directly into his eyes as she spoke.
“And she’s modest, too,” he murmured to himself. “Anyway, I wanted to see why, seeing as at KDKA we, too, pride ourselves on our performances. We don’t like to be second-best.” He smiled, quick and competitively. “So, I watched several shows over the past several weeks – and, I must say, I’m addicted. Sports Guide is an entertaining sports show that offers more than just highlights. Humour is widely dispersed throughout the shows.
“But, Riley, I must be completely honest with you. You are the best reporter on this show and one of the best I’ve ever seen. Your reporting style is unique. It’s not the typical ask-the-direct-question style for you; you bring a whole wave of comfort and ease when you interview and report. You make the show what it is – a hit.”
She sat there, stupefied. Here was this big man, probably way up there in his career, and he’s sitting talking to a young woman whose only been reporting for less than a year, and he’s raving about how good of reporter she is. The best, she thought dreamily. He had called her one of the best he’d ever seen.
“Thank you,” she said, a little dazed.
“Now, I didn’t come here just to compliment you, although you do deserve it. I came here to tell you that KDKA wants to be on top again. We want the best reporters in the city. I came here, Riley, to offer you a position, as a reporter, at KDKA.”
She had to use all of her strength to prevent her jaw from dropping. This was everything she’d ever dreamt of, but didn’t expect to get to this quickly.
“Wow,” she murmured. “I’m speechless right now.”
“Now, you don’t have to answer right away. Take some time, think it over. I’ll give you my card and you can call me when you’ve come up with an answer.” He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small white business card. “You’d be a great addition to the show.”
As he left she sat there staring at the card. That little white card was the ticket to her dreams. But, of course, before she made any major decisions she’d have to talk it over with Sidney. She’d also have to talk with Cheryl.
“How’d it go, sweetheart?”
Riley looked up and saw Cheryl standing in the threshold of the meeting room. The expression on her face and her body language portrayed no more than – with no other way of describing it – the image of a mother watching her child move on to higher things in life.
“He offered me a job.” The words came out in a dazed tone.
“Take it. You deserve it.” Cheryl patted her lightly on the arm as she spoke.
Riley looked up at her and smiled. “You knew, didn’t you?”
“That he was going to offer you a job?” Her smile was so big that the skin wrinkled around her eyes. “Of course I knew, sweetheart, Philip and I go way back. He called me last week asking if he could speak with you. When I asked him why, he told me that he had plans of stealing you away from me.”
“If I take this job—”
“Which you will,” Cheryl cut in.
“—I’ll be leaving SG behind. In a way I don’t want to do that. I love working here, with everyone.”
“Riley,” she began in a tone that reminded Riley of when her mother would scold her. “This job will boost your career so much higher than SG ever could. Trust me; you do not want to give this up.”
“I’ve wanted this so bad,” Riley told her.
“Take the job, Riley. Sometimes you have to be a little selfish. But before you do, could I ask you to do one thing?”
“Anything.”
“Could you do one more report on the Penguins? The last one; the one about the end of their season,” she said, and handed Riley a notebook.
“Sure, I’ll start today.”
Once Cheryl left Riley was about to walk out the doors when she realized that she had carpooled with Brett. Seeing as he was still in the meeting, she sat on one of the plush chairs in the lounge area and texted her brother until Brett came out.
Ben and his fiancée, Kim planned to get married in the summer; just a small wedding in Rimouski with family and friends. Riley made a mental note to tell Sidney about it. She was certain that he’d want to be there.
Half an hour later, Brett approached her. “Ready?”
“Yeah,” she said, with a smile. “Could you drop me off at the Mellon?”
“Of course.”
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