What do You do with Perfection?

Aberleigh-

“Listen, Abby, that's not the only reason I brought you down here...” I held my breath and tensed, waiting for his crushing blow. He didn't want to see me again. I'm sure of it. I knew he was too good to be true. Braeden's going to laugh so hard at this. He's always wanted to be right. “I was uh...” I could barely will myself to look at him. Just spit it out! Break my heart already! “Ok, I guess... I want to do thinks right by you... and I know it might seem soon but; I was wondering if we could make things official...?” I let go of the breath I was holding. Was he joking?

“Like... be your girlfriend?” I was.... um... lost. That was the last thing I expected to come out of his mouth. But it's a good thing. I thought as a smile slowly began to play on my lips. I caught his eye before nodding enthusiastically at him. I squealed in shock as he instantly dropped my hands and pulled me into an intensely passionate kiss.

“Aw! Flower's got a girlfriend!” My eyes snapped open as Max's voice destroyed my happy place. Oh God... He did not just hear that... I peeked around Marc who was staring at the entire team in shock. Oh God! “Sorry man, it was too perfect to pass up.” I felt Marc sigh as he looked down at me. I wanted to crawl under the nearest rock.

“Sorry, I didn't know-” He whispered, his eyes leaving mine again to look at the new figure that entered. “Mario?!” Shit! What else could go wrong today?!

“What I hate being out of the loop.” He chuckled as I buried my face into Marc's chest, wishing I could just disappear. This was not going to be good. “Alright guys, clear out... we've got a game to win. You too loverboy. Miss Michaels, I know there's some paper work I need you to finish. But if you'd like, feel free to bring it to the Owner's box; Marc seems to play better when you're watching.”

“Oh my God...” I moaned against him. This was not happening. My life was not happening right now. I looked up at Marc as he apologized, sort of... “It's fine, it's not your fault... I just wish- well, I wish that had been more private.” I sighed gently and tried to smile up at him which he returned, tightening his hold on me.

“When you're friends with Max, nothing's private. I have to get going but... I'll see you out there hopefully...” He glanced down at me with the anticipation of a five year old on his first day of school blazing in his eyes. I grinned and nodded, stealing one last kiss before turning back to my office.

Sitting in the Owner's box was much more productive to my work than sitting in the stands. However I still didn't feel comfortable. I glanced around me during a stoppage of play to see Mr and Mrs Lemieux off to one sigh, their heads bowed close to the other whispering softly. Every once in a while I could feel them look over at me, before turning back to the ice.

I sighed loudly moving words around, and changing sentences. Fixing errors and writing reports, that's my world. With the banquet coming up in less than three weeks it was imparative that all of this was done by the middle of next week. And there was a year's worth of work left.

“Good game, non?” I jumped as a deep, soft voice settled in next to me. I glanced to my left as saw Kris, out with a mild ankle sprain, take an empty seat.

“I'm not sure...” I answered honestly. “I've been a bit busy tonight...” We chuckled lightly as I motioned towards my binder.

“He's standing on his head for you tonight.” He motioned down towards the net as Marc turned his face towards the box, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

“I don't know what you're talking about, Kris.” I brushed off the comment as I went back to my papers. Papers are so much safer than feelings.

“He hasn't done that for anyone since juniors.” I finally closed my binder, if he wanted to talk Marc, I'd bite. He wasn't going to let me work anyways.

“And then he played for her...” I smiled awkwardly at him. “I get it Kris... I'm the other woman. It doesn't make it any easier...” He sighed and watched the game for a moment, in silence.

“No... You don't. The girls don't like you because they don't like new comers.”

“They like Dani.” I countered, as Kris raised his finger to stop me.

“They think Dani is temporary. Max doesn't tend to keep women long.” He shrugged lightly. “You're a good woman, Aberleigh. But they're not used to someone like you. Vero didn't work. She did things with the ladies association. That's it. It kept her busy... But what I'm saying is, they aren't used to having someone place their career above the game.” He nodded back down to Marc as he took a drink. “Besides... He likes you. Who cares?” I stared at the man beside me for a moment before enveloping him in a hug.

“You're a good man, Kris Letang.” I whispered to him. “Thank you.” He blushed softly before letting me go back to my mountains of work, watching the game in silence next to me.

I rushed down to the press room directly after the game; half to supervise, half to be near Marc. I stood in the corner of the room, studied a few pages in the dreaded binder I hoped to wrap up tonight, and glanced at the fifty others that needed to be started tonight. I glanced up at the table and caught Marc looking at me, not paying any attention to what was going on. That's when I heard the question.

“Marc-Andre, what are you crediting your great performance to tonight?” The blood rushed from my face as my brow furrowed in concern. Marc turned back shortly after with a quick 'what?' Ooh... I needed to talk to him about that... I grimaced and bit the inside of my cheek gently as the reporter repeated the question.

“Ummm... just having great people around me.” I blushed deeply as he turned back to me. Don't notice, don't notice! I breathed a sigh of relief as they turned their attention over to Sidney.

“So... home?” Marc questioned as he led me slowly down the hallway. Home? When did we jump to home? “I mean... my house...” He tried to cover the flub up easily. I smiled brightly and opened my mouth to agree before I was very rudely interrupted.

“Oh no!” Max's voice flooded my ear as he successfully broke Marc and I away from each by placing us on either side of him. “Out tonight buddy... We're going to Diesel. We're taking your car too... Hey Geno! Jordan! Let's go!” I laughed under my breath at Marc-Andre's soft grunt and spotted Dani a little further up. I stole away from Max and ran up to her quickly.

“Did you want to take my car, Dani? I know Max is looking for a DD and this way I can drive you home after as well.” I whispered trying to reason Max out to her. “Besides... I'm sure Kris would ride with you.” I watched over her shoulder as Kris approached slowly. “Need a ride, Kris? Danielle has an extra seat...” She glared at me before taking my keys and sliding into the driver's side. Kris smiled shyly before climbing into the other side.

“Playing matchmaker?” Marc-Andre's voice, combined with his breath on the back of my neck, caused me to involuntarily shiver. “Isn't she with Max?” I turned and looked at him with a raised brow. As if to say Ok, then why is Max in your car. “Okay okay... I give... Max is an ass.” He laughed escorting me back to the SUV.

I smiled gently to myself as we pulled up to Diesel just in time to see Kris lead Dani into the club. His hand protectively placed on the small of her back. Sweet success!

Marc wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked in together, Max literally bouncing behind us.

The club was packed, but that's often the best way, as we climbed the stairs to the VIP section. Marc pulled me to a couch before plopping down.

“Do you want a drink?” He spoke directly in my ear to be heard without yelling.

“Just a water,” I responded, smiling easily at him. Danielle and Kris came up and sat on the couch next to ours, drinks in hand.

“Aren't you starving?” She yelled over at me. I clenched my stomach to ensure no growl would escape. Of course I was hungry. I had an apple for lunch at two. But I was strong. It was a controlled feeling.

“Nah... I'm fine.” I grinned waving her worried look away as Marc came back with my water and his own beer. I sat comfortably under his arm as he spoke with Sidney and Kris about the game, and the up coming one against Philly on Friday. I never understood the rivalry that developed between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I mean... really? Is it that serious? I chuckled softly to myself and shook my head.

“What's funny?” Marc looked over at me.

“You boys... Hockey, hockey, hockey. Relax. Hockey isn't right here. Leave your jobs at the rink.” All three of them stared at me shocked. “I mean... Look at me. I have tonnes to do for the banquet but I purposely left the work in the car. Because a bar is a no work zone. Right, Danielle?” No work zones were certain areas Danielle came up with to make sure I put the red pen down at times.

“Yup,” She grinned as Kris turned to watch her. “Bars, spas, hair dressers, and restaurants.” We laughed with each other softly as All I See by Kylie Minogue started to ooze through the speakers. Danielle laughed out right, knowing my feelings to this song, as I turned to Marc-Andre slowly.

“Dance with me…” I whispered into his ear feeling him stiffen slightly, whether it was because of me or the fear of dancing, I didn’t care. I wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Please...?” I breathed at him as he nodded slowly. yes!

I jumped up off the couch and held out my hand which he reluctantly took and stood next to me. I danced down the stairs as we made our way to the crowded dance floor. Finally finding a good dance spot I began to dance against him slowly.

“Boy you knock me out…” I sung softly along with the song as I turned around in his arms to face him. “My baby. Doesn’t matter what’s going on or who’s around us all I see is you.” He grinned pulling me even closer to him, turning our dance into nothing more than a simple grind. But honestly… with this guy… I was ok with that.

I became lost in thoughts and time as he lowered his mouth to my own. No brain! Don’t shut down… I still… ah fuck it. I sighed giving in completely to the sensation of the kiss, giving up completely on dancing. Like always our kiss was rudely interrupted as Max danced a skanky blond woman up to us.

“Nice, Flower… way to make every single man in the room jealous.” I furrowed my brow at him as the blond giggled. Max raised her arm to allow her to spin under it, causing her shirt to rise. Was that… A Penguins’ logo? TATTOO?? Oh Max… I looked up at Marc to gage his reaction to Max and the blond. He blushed deeply, looking down at me.

“I guess I’m a pretty lucky guy…” He shrugged causing my own blush to creep onto my cheeks.

“What a pair!” Max guffawed as he twirled his girl away from us.

“Want to head back upstairs?” He whispered at me and I nodded mutely; my brain was barely functioning. I didn’t want to think about how much work it would take to form audible words. He took my hand gently and led me up the stairs, past the couch that Kris, Dani, and Sid took up and into our own private space. “I thought we could use a little privacy.” He smiled as I sat on the couch and pulled him down with me before pulling him into another kiss.

We spent pretty much the rest of the night there, together in our own little world. It was comfortable, quiet… perfect.

“Marc…” Sid’s voice broke into our reverie as we spoke softly to each other about everything… and nothing all at the same time. “We’re taking off. C’mon, man.”

“I should probably go home too. Make sure Danielle makes it home alive.” I smiled sadly as I glanced over at her as she giggled hysterically at something Kris had just said. Oh god… she was drunk.

“Will I get to see you tomorrow?” He asked nuzzling into my neck. I giggled softly.

“If you come and find me. I have to get this work done. I still have two or three hours tonight to do.” I shrugged slightly in apology, he nodded in understanding.

“I’ll bring lunch. Your office… one-ish?” I laughed as I glanced towards him. He looked so serious.

“One-ish it is.” We gathered everyone up and headed out of the bar. I helped Danielle to my car slowly so she wouldn’t go tumbling to the ground.

The next morning I sat comfortably at my desk going through the daily papers. Oh the joys of my jobs. Dirt searching... I opened one of the trashier locals and almost died as plastered on page two was a large picture of Marc and me “dancing” from last night.

“Flower's New Rose.” I read the headline out loud. Scared to start reading the article, I moved my attention to the picture. It was a great picture of Marc, his face tilted down towards mine, his eyes shining brightly as his arms, his gorgeous arms, held me tightly. I groaned at my picture. My hair was lying flat over my shoulders, my skin looked horrible and my goodness, I was huge! I took a quick look at the bagel I bought for breakfast and tossed it in the garbage. No more carbs.

I took a deep breath before starting to read the article.

Mere days since Penguins' goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury's long time girlfriend, Veronique Larosse, left he's been spotted around town with a new woman.
“Who knows what she's really after.” A source close to the Penguins stated. “We all know it's not Marc-Andre.”

Oh God... I was going to be sick. I... just... throw it out! I can't.... I have to respond to it. As a senior Public Relations representative I have to respond. I groaned unable, or unwilling, to continue reading. I quickly answered my cell phone as it began to ring. “Hello?”

“Second page ain't bad, Sis.” Braeden... great.

“Gee thanks, Brae. That was my whole plan. To get my face plastered all over the papers.”

“Well, it worked!” Ass. “Anyways, you should probably prepare him to meet Mum. She just called here. Thanksgiving's coming up soon.”

“Thanks...” I sighed, barely hanging up with him before it rang again. “Hi, Mum.”

“Aberleigh Kay Michaels.” My mother's voice flooded my head. “How could you not tell me?!”

“Mum, I haven't spoken to you since Easter. Besides, we officially started dating yesterday. And I'm swamped here. I haven't had time.” I sighed as she gave a watery moan like sound.

“Fine.” She cried. “I guess I'll just have to wait until November.” Uhoh... Here it comes. “You are bringing him to Thanksgiving aren't you?”

“Mum!” I whined. “Can I ask him first? Maybe the team's doing something.”

“Ask him, Aberleigh. But I expect you both there.” She stated her tone holding a certain amount of finality in it. I moved to assure her I would ask, but the line was dead. Crap.

I fretted around the office all morning. Getting little to nothing done. How was going to ask him to come home with me for Thanksgiving? I mean... we've been dating for one day. One day!

“Marc, my mother's not giving...” I sighed deeply. That won't work. “Marc, you don't have to say yes, but will you please save me from my family and come home with me for Thanksgiving?” I asked the window.

“What if I want to say yes?” I jumped as I heard his voice behind me. I spun around quickly to find him grinning at me from the doorway with a bag of take out in one hand and roses in the other. I quirked a quick eyebrow at him. “The last flowers didn't really work out. I thought I'd try again.” I smile crept across my lips as I quickly strode to him, kissing him gently. I swear, this guy is perfect!