It's Never too Late to Try ~ Sidney Crosby

Chapter 5- First Date

I was sitting in my car nervous as I waited for Sidney to finish getting his things together. I couldn't stop looking in the mirror to make sure I looked alright; making sure I didn't have something in my teeth. Darcy agreed to pick up Eli and bring him back to her house. I decided to put on the radio to calm my nerves. I haven't been on a date in a long time so this will make me anxious. The last time I went on a date was when Eli was only 2 years old. Darcy decided it would be a good idea if I went out with someone. Long story, short -- it was an utter disaster. Taylor Swift came blaring through the speakers and I couldn't control myself from singing along. As I was singing to Blank Space, suddenly the car door opened and I jumped. I looked over to see Sidney with a huge grin plastered on his face.

"Did I scare you?" Sid asked me, chuckling. He got in the car and closed the door. "Yes, you could've been anybody. You could of been a murder for all I know." I protested while I lowered the volume on the radio. He turned his head to look at me and kissed my cheek gently. "You ready to eat?" I asked him pulling out of the parking space. "Of course, I'm starving actually." Sid took his phone out and checked a few things. I started driving to the restaurant nearby while Sid rested his hand on my thigh. "I just want to say that you look beautiful today." His voice was low and husky. He looked exhausted but still adorable. "Thank you. I just kind of threw myself together in ten minutes this morning." I blushed, stopping at a red light.

When we got to the restaurant, we got seated right away in a booth by the window. I sat there for a little bit, playing with my fingers. I guess he noticed that I was nervous because he caught me staring out the window. "You're adorable when you're nervous." He assured me with a smile. I started blushing and I felt my phone buzz. "Give me a second. It might be my friend who is watching Eli." I pulled out my phone and saw that it was a text from Dan. I rolled my eyes and shoved my phone back into my bag.

"What was that?" Sid pried, looking at the menu. "It was my ex in the US. Been avoiding him." I replied, drinking some water. "Eli actually told me what happened. I'm really sorry." His voice was sincere and his face softened. "It's alright! I don't have to see him anymore." The waiter came over to take our food orders. When he left, Sid looked at my inked arms and studied them.

"I love them. I like the whole nature theme you have there." Sid looked at the tattoos of butterflies, flowers and succulents on my arms. "Thank you. I love them too, I have about 15 so far." I looked at my arm as well. I've always had an interest in tattoos and I got my first one when I was only 17. It was done in a small shop in NYC while I was out with Dan and a few friends. That was the night that me and Dan became official. We were together for two years before I got pregnant and he disappeared out of my life.

"My teammates always try to convince me to get one but I could never get myself to do it. It would have to be meaningful."
"I totally get that. I try to put as much thought into them as possible."
"I love that about you." We locked eyes for a second and then he blushed. "I'm sorry. I haven't been on a date in a while." He smirked while he adjusted his sweatshirt. "So you mean to tell me that you, the Sidney Crosby, hasn't been on a lot of dates?" I pried, taking off my cardigan. He laughed to himself and smiled. "Most of the girls that I come across are only in it for my money." He shrugged and ran his hands through his hair. "It's not easy and I can image how hard it is for you." He added.

"Oh yeah, it's the worst. Having a kid changes everything. He's my number 1 priority at all times." I admitted to him. I felt my nerves fading away as we chatted and got to know each other. It was going surprisingly well, actually.

When our food came, we sat in silence for a few minutes while we filled our empty stomachs. I occasionally would look up at him and we'd share a quick smile before taking another bite. After we finished eating, we sat in the booth and talked for a long time. I felt like I was talking with an old friend even though I've known Sidney for only a few days. It was Thursday and tomorrow was the last day of camp for Eli. I'd have to go back to work on Saturday -- I took the week off to be with Eli during his camp. I wouldn't be able to see Sid as much when I go back to work.

For the rest of the summer, I was working 12 hour shifts 4 days a week and hanging out with Eli. I would hopefully be spending time with Sidney as well.

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Sidney
Scarlet drove me back to the rink parking lot so I could get my car. I had training with Nathan tonight, so I had to go home and get ready. I would be moving back to Pittsburgh in August and I didn't want to think about it. I was excited about the upcoming season but leaving Scarlet made me upset.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Scar." I kissed her lips softly as I placed my hand on her cheek. "I had a great time today." She said in between kisses. "I'll give you a text when I get home." I smiled and opened the car door. "Sounds good." I got out of the car, closing the door. She waved to me and drove off. I smiled to myself and hopped in my car, driving home.

When I got home, I decided to call Geno again to let him know what happened. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed my best friend's number. After three rings, he picked up.

"Hey, Sid. How everything?"
"Great. I went out with her today and it went so good. She's so perfect." I heard silence for a minutes before I heard Geno sigh.
"But you leaving in August, Sid. She going to be so upset when you leave." I groaned as I heard my best friend telling me the one thing I most certainly didn't want to hear right now.
"I know but we'll see what happens. She's just so different than every other girl I've been with."
"Then make sure you don't mess up."

After a long conversation with Geno, I got ready to go to the gym to train. I was in need of an outlet so I could distract myself from how I was feeling. As soon as I got to the gym, Scarlet texted me.

To Sidney: hey, I know you're probably training but I wanted to say that I hope it goes well (:

From Sidney: Thank you! I just got to the gym. It's going to be intense. I'll talk to you afterwards

I put my phone in my bag and I didn't realize I was smiling until Nathan walked over and said, "What's new, lover boy?" I rolled my eyes and sat down on the ground to start stretching. "Nothing, she just texted me." I looked over at him and he started laughing. "How'd it go today?" He pried, stretching with me. "Pretty good actually. She's so easy to talk to."
"Well that's good. I'm glad the captain is finally gettin' some action." He stuck his tongue out at me and I shook my head.

After training, I headed home and quickly showered. I looked at the clock in my bathroom. 11:54 PM. I dragged my aching body into my bedroom and got dressed before collapsing on my bed. I pulled out of my phone and texted Scarlet.

From Sidney: Hey, that workout killed me. I'm exhausted but I wanted to wish you a good night. See you tomorrow.

I put my phone on my nightstand and closed my eyes. I got comfortable in bed and I passed out within minutes.