**Sorry for the long wait, everyone! I have been very uninspired to write lately. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!**
Chapter 78
“Hey, my parents and Taylor are coming down for the game on Saturday. Do you think your family might want to come too?” Sidney asked Lauren as they sat on the couch a few days later, each with a bowl of cereal in their hands.
“Sure…I’m sure they’d love that. They haven’t been to a game in a while.”
“Yeah, I was thinking that too. It’ll be nice to have everyone together.”
“I was also thinking we could go furniture shopping tomorrow, since I have the day off. Apparently Vero already has a list of places that she ‘knows you’ll find something you’ll love,’ or at least that’s what she told Flower.” Sidney said, making air quotes with his fingers.
Lauren laughed. “Well, I’m glad someone has things figured out. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
The next morning, Sidney and Lauren stopped at Starbucks and ordered four steaming hot coffees on their way to pick up Marc and Vero. Marc pretended to sulk as Vero dragged him out of their house and led him to the backseat of Sidney’s car.
“Morning sunshine!” Lauren exclaimed cheerfully, handing Marc his coffee. “Are you excited for today?”
“Oh, I am overjoyed.” Marc answered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I think letting Sid take slap shots on me all day would be more fun.”
“Aww, Marc, that’s rough. I’m hurt that you’re not excited about spending the day with us.” Lauren said, pouting her lips.
“Oh, don’t even try that. You know I have a soft spot for you. It’s furniture shopping I’m not so fond of. Spending the day with you, and with V, of course, is always a special treat.” He said, squeezing Vero’s hand.
“Hey! What about me?” Sidney exclaimed.
“What about you?” Marc retorted.
“Aren’t you excited to see me?”
“Meh. What’s so special about you?” Marc replied nonchalantly, remembering Alexander Semin’s jab against Sidney several months earlier.
“Cute, Marc. Real cute.” Sidney said dryly while the giggles of the two women filled the car.
“I know I am but what are you?” Marc said in a sing-song voice.
“I have a feeling that this is going to be a long day.” Vero said, rolling her eyes as they all laughed.
“Pick out whatever you want, babe.” Sidney whispered in Lauren’s ear as he put an arm securely around her waist and leading her into the first furniture store.
Lauren looked up at him incredulously. “What?” he asked blankly.
“What do you mean by ‘whatever you want’?” she asked, imitating him.
Sidney chuckled. “I meant that we’re going to get whatever furniture your little heart desires.” He said, poking her gently on the chest for good measure.
Lauren looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well, aren’t you planning to live there with me?”
“Uhh, yeah. That’s kind of the point. Why?”
“Well, if you’re going to be living there too, then I want your input as well.”
“That’s easy – I want whatever you want. I’m not that picky.”
Lauren coughed. “Not that picky? Are you kidding?”
“What? I’m not.” Sidney protested.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night…or for exactly 93 minutes before every game.” She said, a grin playing on her lips.
Sidney’s face turned pale. “Wh-what are you talking about?” he stuttered.
“Sidney, please.” She said, rolling her eyes. “You lay down for a nap at exactly 2:01 every afternoon before a game. And I’ve seen you set your alarm to wake you up at 3:34. I can tell time, you know.”
“How long have you known all this? I didn’t think anyone knew about that. You never said anything.”
“I didn’t think it mattered. I just notice these things. Besides, you fascinate me. You and all your little quirks.”
“Quirks? I’m pretty sure you have a few of your own, dear.” Sidney replied pointedly.
Lauren laughed. “So I’m a little OCD sometimes. I guess that’s why we make a good pair.”
They spent the afternoon looking at furniture and picking out quite a bit. When Sidney and Marc-Andre started whining that they were hungry, they called it quits and had dinner at a steakhouse nearby.
“So, Lauren, have you decided if you’re going back to school next semester?” Marc asked between bites.
“Marc!” Vero hissed quietly, nudging him under the table.
“What?” he asked, confused.
“Well, umm…” Lauren began. She hadn’t discussed her recent decision with Sidney yet, so she wasn’t sure how he would handle hearing about it right now in front of their friends. She mouthed ‘sorry’ to him and he squeezed her hand and urged to continue. “Well, I have decided that I am going to go back to school next semester.” Sidney’s face fell, but his eyes remained on hers. “But I’m going to commute from here. Sidney’s face brightened again and he kissed her cheek.
“Really?” Sidney asked, excitement clear in his voice.
“Yeah. I need to be here with you, with all of you” she said, nodding towards Marc and Vero, who were wearing happy smiles on their own faces, “and close to home. I love my life here – I always hated being away from you so much.”
“I’m very glad to hear you’re staying here, Lauren. I need a partner-in-crime to defend myself against these two.” Vero said with a grin. Lauren was immediately even happier when she realized how much more often she would get to spend time with Vero.
“I’m glad you’re staying too. Hopefully this means Sid won’t pout so much like he did when you were away for long periods of time.”
“I do not pout!” Sidney exclaimed, sounding like a child.
“Yes, you do.” Lauren said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t worry – I pout too when you’re gone.”
After they had dropped Marc and Vero off at home, Lauren immediately turned to face Sidney. “I’m so sorry, babe.”
“Sorry about what?” he asked, turning to look at her.
“Sorry that you had to find out about me going back to school like that. I just decided the other day and I hadn’t gotten a chance to talk about it with you yet. That’s not how I planned on telling you.”
“Babe, it’s okay. You didn’t know he was going to ask about it. Besides, I’m selfishly thrilled that you’re going to stay here and commute.” He said, grinning widely at her. “Are you sure about this, though? I mean, quitting your job and all.” Sidney asked.
Lauren paused for a moment. “Yes.” She finally answered. “I mean, I love my job, and I love the people I work with, but my life is here and I didn’t like the constant juggling act I was doing. And I’ve been thinking about other opportunities lately anyway.”
“What do you mean?” Sid asked, rubbing the top of her hand with his thumb.
“Well, I mean, I’ve been thinking about how I would get to do charity and philanthropy events with the other girlfriends and wives and that got me thinking about maybe working with a non-profit organization. “
“I think that sounds like a great idea. You’d be really good at that. You’d be really good at anything you set your mind to.”
“Thanks, babe. Your support means a lot.” She replied, squeezing his hand.
“Well, I mean it. And I happen to know a few people who run non-profit organizations, just FYI.” He said with a wink.
“I bet you do, Mr. Crosby.” Lauren said with a smile.
