Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Chapter 5: Oil & Vinegar

Hello you lovely people! I hope you all had wonderful holidays. Winter Classic is a hop, skip and a jump away so you best all be excited. Sorry this one is short but Max didn't seem to feel much like talking these past few weeks. Let me know what you think. :)


I was never good at meeting the family. I got lucky in meeting most of Mal’s family at the ballet where it was not appropriate to talk. This kept me from putting my foot in my mouth for the most part. Tonight I would not have that luxury. I sat in the parlor of the big fancy house with a maid/cook that opened the door and took my coat. We all knew Mal was running late and I couldn’t exactly sit in the driveway since there had to be a buzzer to get the gate open so here I was parlor a glass of scotch in my hand. I don’t even like scotch but Mal’s Grandfather insisted on it. He was a nice enough guy but no doubt felt just as awkward as me… or much less so. He seemed pretty comfortable in what was obviously his favorite chair watching me be uncomfortable sipping my own scotch.

I had to fight not to curse as I felt my phone vibrate in my jacket pocket. Next thing I know Ke$ha is busting out letting me know that it is in fact Mal calling. It’s a silly ring tone but when the song comes on she always dances around to it and it is especially funny with my playoff beard being just around the corner.

“If it is Mallory please answer, if it isn’t then that song needs to be explained.” The old man said with just a hint of a mischievous smile. I may actually like him.

“Yes, it’s her.” I said answering. As usual she just started talking not even letting me say hello.

“I promise at one point I was on time…” she paused honking her horn. “Fucking Walmart parking lot. Put me on speaker I need my Grandpa to hear this too.”

I followed her directions. “Ok, Mal your on.”

“Great. Grandpa, Max, Max my Grandpa. Sorry you guys are stuck waiting on me. I really was on time at one point. Then there was this big accident. There were kids and I couldn’t just wait for the EMT’s.” she said making my jaw drop. She had done this before. I had actually seen her pause to help someone on the street before. “So long story short I’m walking into wal-mart now because I got a little….” she paused. “Messy.” I knew messy was her and Sarah’s usual code for bloody or some other nursing related kind of grossness. “So I’ll be there shortly to change. I currently look so crazy with scrubs thrown over my dress.” My mind goes to the thought of her in her pink scrubs in heels. That would be hot, not as hot as an old times nurse uniform with the hat but still hot. “Grandpa be nice to Max. Max don’t be shy. You guys should talk about Max’s charity. He wants to start a foundation Grandpa so maybe a few tips?” Mal said into the phone as I heard plastic hangers sliding around. “Just be good both of you till I get there.” With that she ended the call.

“So a foundation?” her Grandfather asked sitting back in his chair slightly more relaxed.

“Yes, Sir. I want to put some good in the world. Hockey is good but I want lasting good. To know I did my parts to help the human race.” I explain powering through a sip of the scotch.

“That sound nice Max. Do you have thoughts on what your charity will work towards?” he had to go and ask a hard question.

“Well I think it will take on a project at a time. I love supporting children’s charities. Helping cancer patients has a place in my heart as well. Right now I have a friend who has been telling me about the problems in Haiti. I think our first goals will have to do with that. I am planning to go visits down there late this summer. I hope to see what I can do.” please god let that have made sense.

“That is the benefits of having a foundation. You can do whatever speaks to you. For example when we started our foundation the first goal was the childrens museum then the cancer center and now a grant program to help found other projects that focus on bettering the lives of local families.” he explained to me.

“Yes, I however can not make my foundation central to Pittsburgh. As much as I would love to do so I can not because of how mobile my job is.” It was a reality every hockey player faced. Not all of us were lucky enough to have no trade clauses and long term contracts. A player like me has to work for every start, has to work to stay.

He nodded. “Someday I always expected a man would take Mallory away from me.”

I opened my mouth to speak but the bustle at the front door distracted both us.

“Hey men folk I’m going to change because I’m pretty sure it’s not appropriate to as dirty as I am for a dinner. Sorry Grandpa but I had to go with jeans.” she said holding up her walmart bag.

“Meet us in the dining room Mallory we’ll be waiting for you.” her Grandpa said draining his drink and watching me till I drained mine before leading the way to the formal dining room.

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“Sorry you were stuck like that.” Mal said as I tossed my keys on the counter of her apartment.

“No problem. It wasn’t that bad.” I shrug taking off my over coat handing it to her as she hung up her own followed by mine. It was this little tradition or something she always did at least. It made me feel especially welcome that she didn’t just toss my coat somewhere. She wanted me there and made space in her closet (which I know is freakishly full) for me.

“Good.” she walked around her kitchen in her bare feet the jeans and plaid shirt she had gotten at walmart looking amazing on her like this was her normal. “He made you drink scotch didn’t he?” she asked wrinkling her nose

“Yeah but it wasn’t dat bad.” I say with a shrug moving in behind her as she got me a glass of water without asking me if I needed it. I was thirsty. She was good at anticipating my needs before I even knew them. She relaxed back into me sighing. “Do you need to talk about the accident?” It wasn’t like me to open up this kind of a conversation. To be honest I have a hard time listening. My mind just kind of wonders off somewhere and I end up saying some kind of wacky shit that may or may not vaguely have to do with what the conversation was about. It works for me though because I’m Max Talbot and people don’t expect me to be a good listener.

“Yes and no.” she said shrugging one shoulder that I could feel move up and then down on my chest as I stood behind her. “I just… the kids were really little. I would guess three and five. Two little boys. They had hockey gear in the back.” she sighed again turning in my arms so she could rest her head against my chest. “We never talk about the future because neither of us are the making plans type and to be honest it is still way to soon for anything like that. It was just… seeing these little kids with their hockey gear in the back of the station wagon made me scared. I don’t get scared about this stuff. I’ve seen kids with gun shot wounds or kids get their chest cracked open in the ER or see them slowly waste away. This just freaked me out.”

“Do you want that someday? Little boys with hockey gear in the back of the car?” I asked wrapping my arms around her tight. I could feel her pulse picking up anxiety building within her.

“Yeah, I guess. I mean someday.” I could feel her brows furrow against me.
“I want dat too someday.” I say managing to catch myself before I add the with her. It freaked me out as much as I think it would have freaked her out. I have never ever thought of anyone like this before. “Mal…” I swallow hard as my mouth goes dry with anticipation of what I am about to say. “I think you should know that I am in love with you.”

She make some kind of soft humming sound like a cat purring but also unique to her. “I love you too Max.”

“Shower then bed eh?” I ask knowing she had to still feel gross clothes changed or not I know the first thing she does when she gets home from work is shower.

“Yeah, shower then bed.” she said back as I slowly unwrapped us from the death grip we had on one another.

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“So I told Mal that I love her.” I say to Kris as we are both in the stick room cutting and being obsessive. Sometimes it freaks me out how obsessive we all get about stuff. Sid and his gross hat and his peanut butter and jelly time. Kris with the tape on the blade of his stick. We’re all a bit crazy but I try to keep a lid on mine.

“You did what?” he asked lifting the blade of the table saw.

“I told Mal that I love her.” I say again.

He just gives me this look that I’m not sure what the fuck it means. It’s somewhere between a shocked face and a glair and uniquely Kris. “And you mean it?”

“Yeah I mean it.” I saw rolling my eyes heating up the glue with the hot gun thing remembering no one ever told me what the hell this thing was called in English.
“Oh well that’s good.” he says going back about his business. He’s so freaking weird sometimes. Train with him for months and I’ll never understand how Sarah puts up with him.

“Hey this is a big deal.” I say.

“Not really. Either you love her or you don’t and you just told her a lie. Since you say you really do love her then I am happy for you. You two are crazy but I am happy for you. You are like oil and vinegar you and Mal. You make good salad dressings but are such individuals it is hard for others to see how you can work.” he just shrugged and went back to working on his sticks.

Damn him for being a fucking relationship Yoda right now. He was right the rat bastard. The only way oil and vinegar can work together is if you keep shaking them up. Mal and I may love one another but to keep that we’ll have to keep shaking the bottle. I like dramatics but could I really do that for forever? Is a car with little boys and hockey gear really something that can be shaken up when we get bored and the love we have separates like salad dressing?

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Chapter 4: The Clapper

I know this one is a short one but It's been a long week. If you didn't already know Max & Mal are a kind of spin off from another story of mine (link in the side bar)so for some people who started with that story some of this might be review. As always I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!


I wake up with Stanley panting in my face. “Gross.” I mumble to myself rolling over. I groan seeing Max was out of bed. I stumble to the bathroom and snag Max’s plaid bathrobe before heading downstairs. It’s February and his house of steel and glass is freaking freezing. I hear cooking sounds and can’t help but smile as I make my way to the kitchen.

“ Ello beautiful!” Max says far to perky for my liking. He does that sometimes. He’s just painfully cheerful at completely inappropriate times. “I’m glad you did not come down naked.”

“Yeah me too.” Johnny said from the counter where he sat eating an omelet Max obviously had just made. “No offense, I’m married is all.”

All I could do was chuckle and tightened the robe. I had pajama’s on not they were silky and shorts and a tank and not for the guys to see. “So what are you boys up to today?” I ask snatching Johnny’s toast from the toaster before he could get it. Vengeance was sweet.

“So it’s true? Max is in a relationship?” Jordan asked emerging from the downstairs bathroom. “I wouldn’t go in there for awhile.” he said closing the door behind him letting the fan run.

We had all hung out before but to an observer it would just look like Max and I were casual with our conflicting schedules keeping us from being out in public with his friends all that often. The reality was it had been a rather intense four months running from Thanksgiving to the Winter Olympics now. I had given up on seeing other people and from what I understood so had he.

Max looked to me and then back to Jordan before answering as he loaded up his friend with a dinosaur sized omelet. “Neither of us are seeing other people and I like it that way.” He said it as casually as he could but I knew it was a big deal for him. He had this… reputation/persona.

I do my best to hide my smile behind a mug of coffee I had just poured myself. I move next to Max placing my arm around his back as he makes a normal sized omelet for me.

“Kris how’s our girl?” I ask looking to the quietest member of the breakfast crew of boys. Out of the team I knew him the best since he was dating my best friend and along with Sarah was a part of Max and I ending up together.

He sighed looking up from his breakfast. Sometimes he was so French I wanted to punch him in his pretty face. That would make Sarah mad though so I resist the urge since she loves him and all. “I took her to the hospital to sit with Jason. I’m picking her up after practice later.”

I nod knowingly. Sarah used to work on the same floor as me at Children’s Hospital but has since left to work with the Pens. She and Kris have been dating since before the season started. He was a good guy to stand by her now as she go through the pain of seeing a ‘favorite’ patient die. It happens when you works with terminal kids. I don’t pretend what I do is easy but being able to compartmentalize the pain of seeing a child’s life end before it starts is something you have to deal with when this was your job. It was a skill Sarah never really mastered.

“Cool. We’re running at four so I guess you’ll be picking her up and then I’ll be over to meet her for our run.” She agreed to train with me for the marathon in the spring. She did it last year and this was my first time. What were best friends for if not to support one another in doing something incredibly stupid. “I know it’s hard with her like this but she’ll pull through she always does.” I put a hand on his shoulder and he gives me a nod. Damn him for being so perfect for her all strong and silent like. He’s exactly what she needs.

Generally I didn’t talk much about work. I kept a journal which I regularly dumped my feelings into. The pages were marred with my pressing to hard on the pen due to my overwhelming emotions at times. I just recently started talking about my work to Max. There’s never really a good time to talk about how hard it is to see a six year old little girl in so much pain she can’t even wear a birthday hat because the feeling of it on her skin when she turns seven makes her want to cry. I don’t like dumping that kind of pain transference on anyone.

“Chin up Tanger. She’ll get through it. Jason isn’t the first and he won’t be the last as long as she keeps nursing.” I say trying to be positive.

“Was that supposed to be cheerful?” Max asked as every eye in the room was on me.

“Well no… just the truth.” I say with a shrug.

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“Damn you Sidney Crosby!” I yell at the tv. My cursing of the Pens team captain was lost in the cheers of all the freaking Canadians around me. I cross my arms pouting as I watch my boyfriend do a jig of glee his country having topped mine.

“Dance with me!” he said pulling me to my feet.
“I don’t wanna. My team lost.” I said as he swung my arms still dancing around.

“My friends are awesome, friends on both teams.” he said giving me a smile.
“Yeah, they are.” I said giving in letting him move me to whatever music was playing in his head.

“Come with me to Montreal this summer?” he asked still dancing around everyone around us high fiving and such as the showed the replay over and over again.

“Wait what?” I said really confused.

“Come with me to Montreal this summer where I train. Come meet my family, meet my home. I want to show you my Montreal.” he said pulling me in close now slow dancing whispering in my hear the beat of the music in his head slowing to a ballad or something.

“Max that’s like four months away.” I say. Sarah taught me always to include the playoffs and a cup run to the finals in my estimation of the length of the season.

“Just say you’ll come.” he whispered swaying me so my hair swished from side to side across my back.

I get so lost in his eyes and the swaying that I nod my agreement. His eyes are so fucking blue I can’t help but get lost in them. Damn him for having such a hold on my girlish emotions.

It wasn’t until we were laying in bed later that night that what he asked me really made sense.

“Hey…” I say rolling over shaking his shoulder. He always slept with his back to me. Not to be rude or because we were fighting but because he still didn’t lay on the shoulder he had surgery on over the summer. I could tell it still caused him pain from time to time as did his groin strain which he was struggling to get healed properly. “What do you mean come to Montreal this summer?”

“What the fuck Mal I’m sleeping.” he said not giving me two thoughts as he readjusted to go back to sleep.

“Hey I need to know.” I said shaking him again. I know the middle of the night wasn’t the right time to have this conversation but I didn’t want to forget and let it slide.

I hear him sigh and turn back towards me his eyes catching the street light coming in from the windows. He’s ridiculously cute when he’s sleepy. “Come to Montreal where I train this summer with me. I want you to meet my family and see my Montreal.” he explain.

“Oh ok.” I say nodding. “I bet I can swing three solid weeks off and some long weekends.” I say feeling better about it all as I settle back in to go to sleep turning my back to him now.

“No come for all summer.” he said snuggling up to my back his hands finding my breasts obviously in the mood now that I woke him up.

“I can’t just leave my job Max.” I said rolling to face him again removing his hands from me.

“Sure you can I’ll take care of you.” he said softly as he kissed my neck trying to get me in the mood with him.

“Hold the phone.” I said lightly pushing him away creating some space between us in the bed.

“Is it ringing?” he said with a smile looking to his night stand where both our phones sat charging as well as the base for his land line.

“Ugh fuck you Max I know you know that expression.” I say my obvious distaste in my voice.

“Ok, ok…” he said putting on his glasses and clapping his hands so the lights came on.

“You can’t just use the switch like a normal person can you?” I said glairing at him.

“This is better…” he said going to clap again but I grabbed his hands to stop him. Damn him for distracting me with the popular infomercial product.

I can’t just go to Montreal with you for the summer Max.” I say trying to be as earnest as possible.

“Why not?” he asked perplexed. “I can take care of you and if that makes you uncomfortable I know you can take care of yourself or your family can.”

I climb out of bed searching for my clothes. I had told him everything the night of the ballet. I told him about all my families money, the trust fund I had sitting in the bank, how they all hated that I worked in a ‘menial’ job, how I didn’t want to access my trust and continue to let it gain interest till I found a good use for it someday. “I hate money Max. I thought I made that clear.” I say as I pull on my panties and jeans not bothering with a bra just stuffing it in my purse as I throw on a hoodie of his that was laying on a chair. I had money all my life and have never wanted for anything. Now after a lifetime of being spoiled I liked working for my money and earning and living within a budget like the rest of the world. I liked being normal. Being normal was all I ever wanted growing up and I had finally achieved it.

“Mal, come on I did not mean it like that.” he said climbing out of bed starting to dress as I left the room.

“Yes you did!” I shout up the steps as I head downstairs stuffing my feet into my fuzzy boots as passed by my coat.

“Mal come back..” I hear him call as he hops around pulling on pants of some kind. I kicked his under the bed giving myself a few seconds head start on him.

I head outside and curse at the cold. My keys are on his kitchen counter and I’m to pissed off to go back in there. I head for the corner. It was stupidly difficult to get a cab on the south side but I would make it fucking happen. I stood there with my arm out as occupied cabs sailed by and drunken Pitt students stumbled around. It was fucking freezing.

“Mal come back…” I hear him say next to me. At least he knew better than to touch me when I’m this pissed off.

“No way asshole.” I say refusing to look at him. It was childish but I know as soon as I look at him he’ll do something adorable and I’ll give in because he’s fucking Max Talbot. “I thought you understood how important my work is to me and how much I hate taking advantage of having money.” I finally look at him trying not to drop the tears that were welling in my eyes. I wanted to go with him I really did but what hurt the most out of all this was the fact that I thought he understood. I thought he got that part of me that no one else had yet to pick up on. “I’m good at what I do.” I say putting my arm down. “Not to be cocky but I’m a damn good nurse. I work on a floor where 8 out of 10 kids who walk in won’t live to be 20 years old. They deserve more than me running off to Montreal with my hockey player boyfriend.” I say dropping tears that turn icy on my red cheeks.

“You’re right.” he said stepping closer to let some drunken students pass by. He took the opportunity to brush my tears away daring not to touch me any more than that.

“I want to visit you in Montreal Max. I can do three weeks and some long weekends.” I saw with a shrug.

“I want to show you my Montreal.” He said nodding. “Can we go home now it’s fucking cold out.” he said burrowing his hands into his pockets.

“Yeah, we can go home.” I agreed.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Chapter 3 Ballet

Hey guys I hope you enjoy this chapter. I laughed when I looked back over it while posting so I hope that's a good sign... or just that I'm super lame.


“Please I am so bored.” I say into the phone my chin resting on the kitchen table at my Parents house. Mal was being stupid about wanting to keep her job when I wanted her to come visit me in Montreal. “Sarah and Kris made me have dinner wif dem yesterday and it was gross how cute they were. Wif no hockey they are just sickening in love.” I said turning my head to lay it on the table my phone just laying on my ear. I see my Mom walk by rolling her eyes. She must have flashed back to when I was 14 since I used to do this all the time and she was carrying a basket of my laundry.

“I can’t. Really I have to work this week. I’m off when you get back that week you’ll be practicing and such we’ll be able to hang out. I can come do whatever pretty much whenever.” she said. “I really can’t just drop shit and ran to Montreal.”

“I know. I’m just bored.” I say with my Mom glaring and saying something about having a list of things I could do like shovel the driveway if I was so bored. I really might be flashing back to when I was 14.

“You whine all the time about missing your family. Go grab a board game and make the best of it Max” she said. I know she had to have had at least one hand on her hip.

“You’re right.” I say with a sigh getting up from the table to go find my Mom to do something. “Have a good day at work. Keep saving the future generations. I mean the next Max Talbot could come in with a flu and because he meets you he will be touched by greatness.”

“Shut the fuck up Max. Go have fun at home. I’ll talk to you tonight.”

She always makes me laugh before hanging up. I like that she always calls me on my shit. No one calls me on shit except my family which would be why I miss them a lot. Thankfully Mal isn’t like a sister to me. I definitely don’t want to sleep with my Sisters but Mal pops into my head and my cock twitches just at the thought of her. I push that out of mind though as I find a deck of cards and hunt for my Mom. I need to spend time with the #1 woman in my life.
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“Don’t you have to get up for practice?” I hear Mal say as I nuzzle the back of her neck. I got in late last night and she picked me up. We stayed at my place and now there here she is next to me in bed. She sleeps in a cute tank tops and panties. They match and I love it. She sleeps with her hair pulled up too which is what has allowed me to get at her neck. She smells like sex, sleep and the faintest hint of her perfume. I nip the skin there and she shivers.

“Yes, but I do not want to. I want to stay with you.” I smile to myself liking the sound of those words. I don’t ever want to stay with anyone but here she was and I wasn’t pretending to be asleep till she got the fuck out of my house. In fact I’m trying to think of ways to keep her here.

“You have a job ass. You get ready to go and I’ll make you breakfast. Don’t get any ideas though because I’m not a cooking girl. You’re getting toast with peanut butter and banana.” she said as she gingerly got up pulling on a pair of my sweat pants before heading down stairs with Stanley hot on her heels. Funny how pets take to people.

I jump in the shower and get ready as fast as I can which is pretty fuckin fast when there is a hot girl in my kitchen making me toast. I put my gear bag by the door and head for the kitchen where she had indeed made me toast with peanut butter with slices of banana on it.

“I thought you were joking.” I say looking at the toast and then at her.

“No, I don’t cook. This is breakfast. It has just as much protein as an omelet, extra potassium and whole grains to keep you full.” she said making the same for herself.

I shrug and eat it. It’s good which is shocking considering I’ve never had peanut butter and banana together before. “What are we doing tonight?” I ask as she hops up on one of the stools at the breakfast bar next to me.

“Well I have this family obligation.” she said sighing. “I have to be there. They always hold this event.” she explained though it made little sense.

“Your family has a lot of obligations.” I say trying to push for more info. “When can I see one of these obligations.”

She coughs and I’m pretty sure she almost chocked on her toast.

“Are you asking to meet my family?” she said point blank. She’s honest like that but in moments like these it’s a bit scary.

“Um no… yes? I don’t know. They are obviously a big part of your life.” I explain with a shrug.

“If you notice I’m always trying to get out of these obligations.” she reminded me taking a measured bite of her toast so as not to accidentally chock again.

“yes, but you never do. So I guess yes, I want to go.” I say with a nod.

She sighs reaching for her phone which was in her purse where it had been all night. She sent out a text and in less than five minuets there was a reply.

“Ok, we’re going to the opening of Sleeping Beauty at the ballet. So you’ll have to dress up. My Mom said I have to talk to Fanfare as well so if you’re with me they’re going to ask questions. They’re nosey.” Mal said looking at me pointedly. “Sure you want to go.”

‘Fuck no’ I thought to myself but the words that came out were different. “Yes. I want to go.” I have no fucking idea why I say I want to go because I don’t. Ballet is boring and I only like to deal with the media on my terms not anyone elses. “Why do you have to talk to Fanfare?” I asked confused. They were a glossy Pittsburgh society kind of magazine. It was pretty lame.

She sighed adjusting her ponytail. “My family is kind of involved in stuff.” she was being vague and I didn’t like that. “We’re patrons of the ballet.”

“So?” I ask still wanting all the facts.

“Ugh. My Mom was a model and my Dad is a Hillman. I know that doesn’t mean a lot to you but within the city people have come to the conclusion that this is important.” she shrugged.

“So your name is Mallory Faith Hillman I knew that.” I’m still confused especially why this seems to be a big deal.

“Basically my grandparents are billionaires.”

“Ohhh…” I say shocked but trying not to show it to much. “Well I still want to go.”

She shook her head. “It’s going to be a special evening to say the least.”

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I put on one of my nice suits. A navy one with a light blue shirt and a slightly patterned tie. I look good but not to over the top. This is a ballet after all. I can only assume ballets are understated given what I’ve learned from the film ‘Center Stage’ today. I do not think the performance we are going to see will include Michael Jackson as much as that pains me.

Mal picks me up in a private car which is weird even for me. The only time I’m driven around by someone else is when we do ticket delivery everything else is buses with the team or driving myself.

“You look good.” she said straightening my tie. We match kind of. She has on a blue and black satin dress that skims her curves and then heels that make her legs look so curvy and like I want to lick up them or something. “Good enough to make this car go back to mines but I know that is not an option.” I say with a smirk.

She just smacks me with her little clutch purse as we cross the river bound for Heinz Hall. We’re early but let in for some special cocktail thing she presented and invitation to. We ride up in the elevator and she turns to me talking.

“Ok so My Mom has a boutique clothing store all high end hand picked shit that gives her an excuse to attend fashion weeks. She was a model back in the day.” Mal rushed out. “And my Dad is the chairman of the foundation in our family name. He’s never really worked a day in his life. My Grandma is going to be here and she’s a right old uppity bitch so beware. My Grandpa sadly isn’t coming. He’s staying home but you’d like him. He’s the one who actually worked for all this money. Everyone likes him.” she sighed and I could tell she actually liked her Grandpa the best. “I’m an only child by the way. No one is to fond that I work as a nurse but I don’t see how it’s any of your business. I made them aware you’re coming with me and they’re pleased so they’ll be on their best behavior. Though don’t be to shocked if they aren’t to pleased with me and say so expecting you to join in.”

It was a lot to take in and I didn’t even get to respond before the elevator dinged opening to a lounge area. Our coats were immediately taken and Mal made a b-line for the bar with my hand in hers.

“So do they think I’m your boyfriend?” I asked with a sly smile.
“No they think the truth which is we’ve been on some dates and I’m fond of you.” she ordered up a martini for herself and I just shook my head no. I liked to drink but not when I was about to meet the family of a woman I was actually interested in.

“I’m fond of you too.” I saw with a goofy grin. “I like that word I think I’ll use it more. I’ll be fond of everything. I’m fond on velvet and fedoras…” I say a bit missed and making fun of her.

“Shut-up Max you know I like you… a lot.” she said leaning into my shoulder. I think that was the Mal way of saying she had feelings for me other than liking when I went down on her.

“I like you a lot too and not just because you have the best ass in the room.” I have to make an effort not to grab her ass since I notice several pairs of eyes on me.

A woman in her mid-50’s approaches us. She’s the kind of mid-50’s that has had a few cosmetic procedures to keep herself looking as young as possible without looking like Cher. She was attractive with the same coloring as Mal and her hair pulled back in what I believe Tyra calls a chignon. I guess I learnt something from watching top model on marathon all the fucking time.

“Mother, Father, Grammy this is Max Talbot.” she said introducing me.

I shook hands with them in the last cheesy way I could manage. I did the two hand comforting introduction for the women and the single hand firm grip for Father. I figured I didn’t mess up to badly yet. They seem like cold people. They were standoffish even to Mal which I’m assuming they don’t see to often given her schedule I don’t see her that often myself and she actually wants to see me. Except for that one time when we had the stupid fight about if Jess had been with it sooner he would have been perfect for Rory on Gilmore girls. I always thought Dean was better but it could have just been my inner stupid but lovable guy identifying with Dean who loved the smart girl. Either way I watch to much ABC Family and it was a stupid fight. Anyway her family asked me polite questions about what I knew of ballet and how Mal and I met. I tell them about Sarah introducing us and they give one another a look that said they didn’t like Sarah which confused me because I thought she was cool and maybe the nicest person I’ve ever met. Mal found a way to excuse us and pulled me to a corner by some fancy looking sofa.

“They don’t like Sarah.” she said with a sigh. “I had her over for dinner once our first year of nursing school and she came in jeans and brought a candle as a hostess gift.

“Aw, that is just Sarah being sweet.” I say my grin coming back thinking of our mutual friend trying to do the right thing.

“I know this and you know this but to my family it was this great big deal. Except for my grandpa who I really wish you could meet tonight. He still has the candle she brought in his office. It’s cinnamon and he says it goes well with his cigars.”

She ran a hand through her hair and stood up taller. I knew something was up immediately.

“Heads up Fanfare.” she said through clenched teeth putting on the fakest smile I’ve ever seen her put on even more fake than the time Jordan attempted to drunkenly dance with her and spent the whole time standing on her feet.

I smile and think of the scene in Gilmore Girls when Jess and Luke go to the lake to look for the swan that beaked Jess in the eye. That shit was funny. My smile is genuine when people approach me then. It’s part of the Superstar media face.

“Hey Mal!” the thin blond woman who was dressed in some kind of weird wrap dress thing. She hugged Mal like she knew her and gave awkward air kisses.
“Hi Jeanie, how have you been?” Mal asked. “I don’t think I’ve seen you since last years holiday party.” Mal’s smile got more and more fake with each word she spoke.

“I’m still sad we didn’t get to speak at this years party. We can make up for it now.” The Jeanie woman said extremely perky like she was a former cheerleader or something.

“Have you met Max?” Mal said putting an arm around my back. She was throwing me under the bus a bit but I was willing to take the hit for her.

“Not yet but it’s lovely to do so max. Obviously we all love our Pens.” she said in the fakest way I’ve ever heard anyone say they are a fan and this includes many a drunk girl. “I’m just so happy to see our Mal has an escort tonight. She so often turns up alone.”

I see Mal’s jaw clinch in hurt, anger and pure resistance to not deck this woman.

“Oh yeah? Mal’s amazing. I love spending time with her. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather go to my first ballet with.” That was sure some media quote but oh well. At least I really do like Mal so it was the truth.

“Jeanie and Mallory Faith took ballet classes together when they were little girls.” a voice chimed in from behind this Jeanie.

“Mrs. Hillman it’s lovely to see you.” Jeanie said giving the awkward air kisses to the woman I can only say looks like a younger version of the queen with an even bigger stick up her ass than the actual queen.

“Do you remember doing the nutcracker Mal?” Jeanie said with one of those smiles that was laced with the venom of a snake lulling some defenseless animal in only to attack it.

“Sure do Jeanie. It was a lot of fun right?” Mal said trying to not go there.

“Mallory Faith was one of the mice. They had to put her in the fur suit like the other chubby girls. We couldn’t have fat sugar plums now could we?” This evil bitch masquerading as a Grammy laughed with the Jeanie woman and I wanted to see both of them trip on a rolled up carpet somewhere as they laughed.

“I’m sure Mal would look adorable in any costume.” I say giving her a squeeze.

“Can I have a picture for the magazine?” Jeanie asked snapping her fingers beckoning a photographer over to our group. “Mrs. Hillman would you step in as well?” Jeanie asked as we posed together.

The photo was taken and the lights flashed and a tone chimed. “I guess that is our cue eh?” I ask looking between the women around me. I clap my hands together. “Lets get our ballet on .”

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“It was so pretty.” I say to Mal as we are driver through traffic back to mines. “I am not often a man who calls things pretty but dat was pretty. I never think of motion being so emotion filled except in cases of da obvious.” I joke trying to make her laugh. When she doesn’t respond I reach out and take her hand. “Hey..”

“Hmm?” she asks not looking away from the wonder.

I love when she makes that little sound. The little sound that says she is so comfortable with me there is no need for words.

“Talk.” I prompt her.

“This is awkward. My Grandma called me out as a fatty in front of you. Excuse me for retreating internally and reliving every single cubby girl comment and embarrassing boy hell I’ve ever experienced.” she said still not looking at me.

“Shut your mouth.” It came out harsher than I intended but it got her to look at me. “You are sexy. So fuckin’ sexy. I mean not a single one of those ballerina’s had a rack or ass like yours.”

“Ha, thanks for objectifying me.” she said rolling her eyes but the tiniest hint of a smile burst through.

“Serious. This is going to make me sound like an ass.” I sigh but continue on. “I have my pick of girls, I really do and I pick you. You are sexy, smart, work hard, have a heart and are apparently loaded. What more could a guy ask for?” I give her one of my trademark grins only to be met with a punch in my good arm though she was smiling knowing I was joking. “Stay with me tonight?” I asked finally meeting her eyes.

“I don’t have any of my stuff.” she protested.

“I’ll take you home in the morning.” I offer. “I have practice so I can even take you early.” I beg because I don’t want to let her go home feeling like this. Stupid uppity bitches.

She thinks for a moment before answering “Fine.” and putting her head on my shoulder as we cross the river. I put my arm around her and kiss the top of her head. I’ve seen Tanger do it to Sarah hundreds of times and I never understood it till now when I found myself kissing the head of the girl next to me in the car.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Chapter 2 Judgemental Pets

Not every chapter here has a song. Mostly because my computer and ipod died within two weeks of another but anyways... Hope you enjoy!

I have a love/ hate relationship with clothes. I love fashion and style but I hate how many thing look on me. My Mom had it easy. She alays been one of those ‘naturally skinny bitches. An American Twiggy they called her when she modeled back in the 70’s and 80’s before I was born. I’m not skinny. A thing she has been reminding me of since I was four years old. My problem with clothes is that just because something goes up to a 14/16 in size doesn’t mean it’s the appropriate proportions. I’m lucky to be tall so at least I’m not plagued by hems that are three inches two long.

I try on four or five outfits before setting on the purple tights, gray dress and black boots combo. Boots always make my legs look good. Getting ready for dates is always painful. Especially for ones I feel have little to no hope of going anywhere. I mean he’s a professional athlete. I’m pretty sure I’m not his type… aside from the boobs. He really seemed to like those.

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Traffic is hell. Damn him for picking Nakama on the south side. I finally arrive and spot him in the back corner. He looks good. I’m sure he always does but he is looking great in this navy blue sweater that looks so soft I want to steal it from him and stretch it out. It’s really playing up his eyes too which to my shock are behind glasses.

“Real or fake?” I ask as I take my seat across from him to quick for him to get up and pull it out for me.

“What?” he asked tilting his head like an adorable puppy confused by my question where the context is only in my head.

“Your glasses. Are they real or just to make you look smart?” I shook my head. “Sorry I’m sure you are smart. Glasses have nothing to do with it. I mean I wear glasses and sometimes my intelligence can be equated to a box of rocks.”

“Oh they are real. I dropped my contact and my dog ate it. Well he licks it up so I can only guess he ate it. Either way I am not putting it back in my eyes.” he said with a smile. “I think Stanley would eat anythings I drop. He always assumes it is food.”

I chuckle at his little story about his dog. I didn’t think he would be a dog person. I don’t know why but I didn’t. I guess it had something to do with all the traveling he did.

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“Do you want to walk a bit?” he asked as we exited the restaurant.
It was early and a clear night. Cold but I like that . The conversation was flowing well too and to be honest I wasn’t ready to leave him.

“Sure.” I say buttoning up my peacoat and pulling on my gloves as he did the same.

Max wrapped my arm around his holding me close as we walked. He was warm against my side a guys always are. With my boots on I’m maybe an inch taller than him but I think that inch is all in my hair rather than real height. “So what are you holiday plans? I don’t know how it works with your schedule.” I asked making conversation.

“Oh we’re playing in Ottawa so I will just stay there on the 23rd to be with my family. They are coming to the game and I will go home with dem. Then the 26th I have to be at practice in Toronto for our game on the 27th.” he explained. “It is a busy schedule but I can not imagine being anywhere but home for Christmas. How about you does your family have a traditions?”

“Well we have the normal Christmas day kind of stuff and my Grandparents host a big party on the weekend after. It’s a big event at their house, really fancy kind of stuff.” I shrugged not really knowing what else to say. Holidays were obligations to me not something worth celebrating. “I’ll check in at the party and then go into work at 11 on New Years Eve. Sarah and I usually do something but you guys took her from me so she’ll be on the road trip with ya’ll.”

“I would say you could have her back but I think all of the team would hurt me especially Tanger. She’s his world right now.” Max said puling me close stopping at the cross street. “That is my house.” he pointed out an odd modern building within the brick homes surrounding it. “Not trying to be fresh do you want to come in? I am cold and I need to let Stanley out.”

“Stanley is your dog?”

“Yes, Stanley the dog. I would never name a kid Stanley and I would never make him use the back yard as a toilet.” he joked.

I elbow him in the ribs playfully. “Yeah sure. My nose is to the point where it’s so cold I can’t tell if it’s running or not.” I chuckle squeezing his arm.
We get to his front door and he stops looking at me straight on. He reached out and brushed his gloved finger under my nose.

“You’re good.” he said all smiles as he unlocked the door leaving me shocked.

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His house is obviously a bachelor pad cleaned by someone other than him. I could tell from the mess he made putting on water for hot chocolate that he wasn’t the type to clean his own bathroom. It was a nice place though. His style was modern but without being cold which was actually just like him. He seemed comfortable to me but a guy who loved shiny modern things. His dog was cute and he picked the middle sized beagle up and carried him around even putting him in a ‘special chair’ once he had one his business outside.

He brought the hot chocolate in from his kitchen to where he had pretty much put me on the sofa. Good thing he came because Stanley was staring me down like he was judging me as a potential mate for his owner.

“Your dog is judgy.” I said taking a sip.

“What?” he asked once again confused by my randomness.

“Your dog is looking at me and judging me.”

“Dogs can not judge people Mal. They are dogs.” Max said leaning back arm on the back of the sofa ready to drop down and be around my shoulders like this is 7th grade or something.

“Oh really? You’ve never caught him sitting there looking at you? Like say when your packing your stuff for a road trip?”

“Oh my god my dog judges me!” he said having a sudden revelation.

“Yeah they all do, all pets. Even my fish judge me. Every time I walk past them it’s like they’re saying ‘bitch forgot to feed us again’.” I explain.

“Stanley does that too! Every time I walk past his bowl. You’ve blown my mind here.”

I chuckle and nudge him. “Oh just wait Max. If you think this is profound you should see me drunk sometime. I’m fuckin’ hilarious with some of the shit I come up with.” I kind of cringe and I know he can feel it.

“You ok?” he asked getting this really cute concerned face.

“Yeah I’m fine. I’m trying not to swear as much. I don’t at work in front of the kids but it’s like that filter goes off as soon as I leave a patients room.”

“Oh I say fuck all the time. I do not mind if you say fuck.”

I was a little shocked there was no eyebrow wiggle. People always made him out to be this kind of perv but this far he has been a gentleman.

“You know you can kiss me Max.” I say kind of relaxing back into the sofa half facing him.

“I know and I will. Before you go home. If I kiss you now I will ask you to stay and you will be like everyone else and I don’t want you to be like other girls. Other girls don’t think pets are judgey.”

“So there are other girls?” I asked playfully.

“Well yeah. I mean there are other guys right?”

Ok he had a point there. I have had a thing for the rad tech department over the last year. “Well yeah.”

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We talked until two am both of us having lost track of time. It was all random stuff like my lamenting the horrors of fat camp and him talking about hockey camp and it’s dangers. We talked about our mutual fear of snakes yet love of cute tree frogs. It was a text from Sarah that forced me to check the time. She wanted a date report and was slightly concerned I hadn’t given her one yet. I texted her back that I would call in the morning because I was driving.

He helped me on with my coat and even buttoned it up for me. It was then he kissed me. Not the kind of kiss I thought I would get from Max Talbot but a gentle kiss that was begging me to come back for more.

“If you do up your scarf like this…” he wrapped it around my face up to my eyes. “Your nose won’t get as cold and you won’t have to worry about it running.” he said stepping back to admire his handy work.

“I look stupid.” I say muffled by the scarf.

“I’m sorry I can not hear you due to the warmth you are experiencing.” he joked.

I patted him on the head with my mitten covered hand before hugging him good bye.

“Text me when you get home?”

I nod yes. “I will.”

He opened the door for me and I was off into the cold to my car. I didn’t really notice it though since my insides were swimming with warmth. I just had a date with Max Talbot and it went well. Really well.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Chapter 1: Keep Yourself Warm - Frightened Rabbit

It’s 8am and I see her collect her dress from the floor pulling it over her head though my lashes. I’m pretending to be asleep. I don’t want to chat with her about her number or how great last night was. She was average and so was I. My head wasn’t into being with her and my heart… well it hasn’t been into anyone in this city in a long time.

She’s texting a friend no doubt arranging a ride. She sits down on the edge of the bed searching for her shoes. She looked cuter in the dark of the club last night. Everyone looks better like that. Even me. In the club I’m all French accent and white teeth, a loud mouth who likes to have fun.

Her friend must not live far because I hear a beep out front. She checks the window and scribbles a note on a receipt she pulled from her hand bag. A number no doubt. I won’t be calling. I never call them. I wait till I hear the front door close and the car pull away before I get up. I’m stiff and tired. Sure sleeping with that chick didn’t help either of us. I’m hurt and she’s out looking for a fuck the day before American Thanksgiving. Talk about people with issues.

I get up and start to get ready. Sarah was hosting an American Thanksgiving at her house. She invited me and most of the team along with her friends and family. I didn’t understand how we would all fit in her home. My images of Thanksgiving were always a house full of people and I knew her apartment was quite small. It didn’t matter though I needed to shower. That would make me feel better.

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I arrived at Sarah’s at 3pm just when she asked me. I had texted Kris asking if they needed me to bring anything. Kris said drugs because she was going crazy but I couldn’t get those so I asked if chocolate would do. He was amused and texted back that it might just work. We all knew chocolate made girls far less crazy… or more crazy… it depended on what you were going for. In this case it would make her less crazy.

It didn’t take me long to make the stuff. My Mom had taught me when I was younger and since then I’ve used it to impress girls quite frequently. Like I said sometime chocolate can make girls crazy… in a good way. I pack up the fondue pot taping the lid down and put it on the floor of my car as I head out. I know someone is going to make fun of my loud sweater but I don’t care. I like bright things. If I wear something bright people automatically think I’m friendly which isn’t an untruth. I am friendly and I love to laugh but it is hard for me to let people truly get to know me. They all see Superstar and that’s not who I am. I’m Max.

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Sarah’s food is good. She managed not to make dry turkey which is hard to do apparently. I wouldn’t know my Mom is the best cook in the world. I met her Dad no, her Grandfather. He was the one who raised her and you can tell. He spent the whole dinner looking so proud. I’m sure she thought he was excited to meet all of us but really he was just proud and happy for her. Kris had told me a few things about Sarah’s life but he had only said that it was hard.

Sarah’s friend Mal turned up half way though dinner. Sarah was happy to see her and ‘even things up a bit’. Apparently this friend Mal was equal to six girls because that was what it would take to even the numbers. This is scary and intriguing to me. She’s an attractive girl. Dark wavy hair down past her shoulders. She has some nice curves going on. She came in wearing a rather fancy looking black dress and heels but went straight up to Sarah’s bedroom to change. She returned in jeans and a bright pink sweater. Sarah took her around introducing her to everyone. They have their arms around one another and that does dirty things in my mind. Kris catches my eye though sending me a look that says ‘mine’ in regards to Sarah.

Sarah brings Mal over to me introducing her.

“Mal this is Max, he’s cool.” Sarah says with a smile.

“Nice to meet you.” Mal said offering me her hand. I take it thinking of kissing it but I know everyone in the room would bust my balls if I did.

“Good to meet you too. You’re friends with Sarah yeah?” I ask trying to start a conversation.

“Yep. We went though nursing school together and worked together before you guys stole her away from me.” Mal said giving Sarah a squeeze.

It was then Sarah abandoned us hearing a crash in the kitchen and her Grandfather calling for help. Not a hurt kind of help but a he didn’t know where anything was kind of help.

“Do you want to eat?” I ask getting up to show her to the table.

“No. I had to eat with my family earlier. I’ll have some desert in a bit though. I saw some fondue and wow… looks crazy good.” she explained flopping down on the somewhat lumpy sofa.

I sit down next to her turning towards her to talk. “I love fondue too. I think it is just in me though.” I say playing up my accent a bit. She’s hot in the sweater how it stretches over her chest and the dainty silver necklace with a dove charm on it rests in just the right place.

“Eyes up here buddy.” she said calling me out on ogling her cleavage.
I hear Geno laughing near by and I do my best not to go red only my ears blushing.

She doesn’t dwell on it though as she starts talking about fondue and Paris. I listen and am shocked when she talks about beef fondue. It’s not something Americans usually talk about eating. I decide to test the waters. “Comment est votre français?” I ask.

“Je ne suis pas un expert mais je fais bien. J'ai passé quelque temps en France comme un enfant.” Mal’s family moved around a fair bit though Pittsburgh was always home for business no matter where her Mother’s hobby took them.

“I go back frequently as well. It’s my favorite place to go on vacation.” Mal said reverting to her native English.

I continue to test her French. “Avez-vous été à Montréal?”
“Yes, I like spending time in Old Town. It reminds me of Paris without having to go all the way there.” she explained.

“Europa pois dans la Vieille Ville est magnifique. Le fait d'avoir tartare agréable.” she wrinkled her nose at that though.

“If I’m going to eat something raw it’s going to be Sushi.” she confessed.

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I’m actually kind of shocked at how nice of a night it was. I had gone expecting free food and spending time with the boys… and Sarah. I ended up getting a phone number out of it. One I actually wanted to call not just text.

That’s exactly what I did when I got settled in at home. I put on pajamas took Stanley out back and then wated tv in bed. I kept looking at my phone though and I knew I couldn’t resist.

‘Want to get sushi for lunch on Saturday? I would go tomorrow but I have to work.’ I always call games and practices work when I talk to people outside of the team. It makes me sound like it’s a real job. It is a real job but not like anything people who aren’t in it don’t understand.

I watched tv while I waited for a return text. I don’t know why she was taking so long. Most girls jump on an invitation to a date. I watched some old Friends reruns about Thanksgiving. I’m not into it though. I only like the season of friends when Joey and Chandler had the chick and the duck. Now that was some funny stuff. Finally I hear my phone vibrate on the night stand making Stanley growl at it. I pet his head and check the message.

‘Sure but can it be dinner? I have to work the night before and trust me it’s in everyone’s best interest if I am well rested. I tend to be a raving bitch when tired. You have been warned.’

I chuckle at that. She was honest which was a revelation. I text her back.
‘Yeah dinner at 8. I’m a bastard when tired too. Apparently I’m known to check people out of my way if they get between me and a bed when I’m tired.’

She answers much faster this time. I guess her phone had been in the other room or the bottom of her handbag or something.

‘Sounds good. Yeah, I’ve thrown a few hip checks for no reason. Ask Sarah she’s been the recipient of a few. Mostly because I like to mess with her. She’s to sweet to do anything back. I don’t do it to be mean because I’m sure she could kick my ass in a real fight. I like to be goofy.’

I chuckle at this. I could see her putting her rounder hip into Sarah going down a hospital corridor. Then my mind strays and I find them fighting in mud. I push that out of mind though because in my imagination Tanger is standing by the mud pool shaking his head no with his arms crossed.

‘Same with me and Kris. I like to mess with him but I’m pretty sure he could kill me if he were to work up a good rage.’. It was true. When Tanger got mad watch yourself because even though he was small he was strong and derived some kind of secret strength from his hair or something.

‘So no fighting our friends. Got it. I have to go though. I work in the morning and I need to sleep because there will be all kinds of drama at work tomorrow. They day after a holiday is always weird.’ I nod like we’re talking but start to text back.

‘Have a good night. I let you know the exact reservation for our dinner sometime tomorrow.’

She doesn’t respond again. I can imagine her getting ready for bed. She has on pink pajamas and a tank top., no make-up her hair pulled up off her face. It’s not my usual fantasy but it’s something fun to think about as I settle in for bed myself.