The Girl Next Door Chapter 41

In the next week, the Penguins had their wins and losses. They even had a shutout at the Islanders, courtesy of Sebastien Caron. Sidney was also nearing the 100-point mark, and all attention turned to that. On that Friday night when Caron had that shutout, Kate called Sidney after the game while the team was on their way to the airport, and told him about some of the hilarious rumors she had read online.
“Listen to this,” Kate began. “On this one site, they talk about how you were seen in Pittsburgh, taking two different girls at two different times, into the Marriott. And that you and Colby were sharing these girls. Oh, and they’re saying how you’ve moved out of Mario’s and into the hotel.”
Sidney laughed, and said, “That’s so incredibly ridiculous. Hold on a sec, let me tell that to Colby, he’s going to laugh.”
So, Kate held on while she heard Sidney tell Colby about this, and within seconds, she heard Colby and some of the other guys laughing at how utterly ridiculous the rumors were.
“These girls must have no time on their hands,” Sidney laughed. “If they only knew I wasn’t single, and that I haven’t been for quite some time now.”
“Yeah, if they only knew,” Kate agreed.
*****
Two days later, on a Sunday, the Penguins played the Devils at home, but they lost, 2-3, in overtime. Kate figured the team would get out quickly afterwards, but she waited a little bit, and then went down. She was surprised to see Sidney out in the room right away.
“What are you doing out here so early?” she asked him as she reached him. He was still in his breezers and undershirt.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” he told her, giving her a quick kiss.
“You’re gross,” she said, jokingly shoving him away.
“I had a couple of interviews to do, you know, one with Shawna, one with FSN, and I had to get out here quickly to take you to your surprise,” he explained. “But trust me, after this, you won’t care I’m all sweaty and gross.”
“What is it?” Kate asked, smiling. They walked out of the room, and started walking down the hall. He didn’t respond.
“Why are we going towards the visitor’s locker room?” she asked.
“Just hold on, you’ll see why in a second,” he said, smiling because he loved to surprise her.
Then, as they reached the entrance to the locker room, a player popped out, turned towards them, and smiled.
“Ohmigod,” Kate let out in a whisper.
They reached the player, and Sidney introduced them.
“Martin, this is my neighbor, Kate Hanson,” he began. “Kate, this is Martin Brodeur.”
“It’s nice to meet you Kate,” Martin said, reaching out and shaking her hand.
“It’s great to meet you,” Kate gushed, smiling from ear to ear.
“Surprise!” Sidney laughed.
All of them laughed.
“Sidney asked me at center ice during warm-ups today if he could introduce me to his friend, and of course I had to say yes,” Martin laughed.
“He’s a pretty nice guy,” Kate replied, jokingly elbowing Sidney in the ribs.
They chatted for another minute, and at this point, more of the players started to pour out of the locker room, and head towards the bus. As Martin said he had to leave, he shook their hands.
“Can I ask you for a favor?” Kate asked.
“Sure, what is it?” Martin asked.
“Can I get a picture with you?” she asked. “My brother will never believe I met you without proof.”
“Sure, not a problem,” he laughed.
Kate fished her camera out of her purse, and handed it to Sidney. Sidney took the picture of them together, and then Kate thanked him, and the both of them said good-bye to Martin.
“You know what?” Kate said. “I really don’t care you’re all sweaty right now. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said. He then made sure no one was around, and he gave her a kiss. He then ran into the locker room to change, and Kate stood around with the other girlfriends and wives, and talked to them while she waited for Sidney to come back out.