America's Sweetheart by Catherine Burke

Part 4

Chapter 10

Pellets of ices sprayed off the frozen surface as the pair of skates held the puck. Sticks locked in combat as the players battled for it against the board. Bobby tightened his shoulder anticipating the impact from his teammate. The scrimmage match was quickly escalating into an all out attack.

"Umph!" The deep moan came from the diaphragm as a body slammed against Bobby's chest. Again, his opponent stick slammed against his feet. From behind another player tried to gain control of the puck. His stick lowered to fend off the attacker's quest. When a stick was jammed into his ribs, he pushed hard against his opponent gaining the space needed to clear the puck. His foot kicked the puck out to a team mate.

Bobby shoved Denny Newsome hard against the boards. His teammate was going full throttle during scrimmage play. As if his league rival forgot Bobby was now a member of the Motors. Obviously, Denny was not thrilled to have him on the roster. Newsome was even less thrilled that his new bride was a huge fan of Bobby's. When she met the newest addition to the Motors, Mrs. Newsome gave him a huge bear hug upon introduction. As Bobby learned and became accustomed to the Motors' game plan and set plays, his time on the ice increased. By adapting to the teams game plan, he quickly moved from the defensive second line to first line replacing Newsome, another reason for his teammate to give him a cheap shot in the ribs. Bobby would hit back when the time was right. He was still trying to fit in with his new teammates and coaches.

"Fucker! Save it for the game." Bobby called after the retreating skater.

"Retire old man!" Denny shot back. The exchange of words was not missed by the coaching staff, the goal keeper nor the lone observer in the stands.

"He pulls this crap on everyone." Brady Sullivan the goalie commented as Bobby skated back into his position to the right front of the net. "Usually lasts about a month, but with you, it might be a little longer. Newsome's still pissed about getting throw in the box for the high stick penalty last year."

Bobby gave the goalie a half cocked grin as he remembered Denny screaming and swearing at him as they carted him off the ice to the box for the foul. He lifted his head to see Gwen move to a seat half way up the lower section of the area on his side of the ice. As soon as she entered the building, cat calls sounded from the back storage room to the ice. Special permission was granted to allow her into to see practice. Very few visitors were allowed to watch the team practice. Lessons learned from the organizations after wives and girlfriends of the same player showed up. Victor Eisenmann, the VP of Operations consented to Gwen attending the practice sessions on a couple of conditions: a meet and greet and photo session with his eleven year old daughter, accompanying Bob to a public relations visit to Weston Hospital Pediatrics ward tomorrow afternoon and attending dinner at the country club with the entire team and their spouses. Most of the staff was looking forward to meeting Gwen.

"Man you're one lucky son of a gun." Brady Sullivan whistled through his mask as Gwen waved to Bobby.

Skating past the goalie, Bobby smiled and said, "I know!" When the team got word that Gwen was coming to town to visit, they decorated the entire locker room with Gwen's photo. Pinning a life sized poster of Gwen in her "sweetheart" pose over Bobby's locker. An American flag was draped over his uniform as it hung in his locker. "You know I'm Canadian, but I still love America's Sweetheart." Bobby teased as he kissed the poster. The team laughed, except for Denny who just stared at him from across the room. Bobby's image of being a man's man was in tack. He knew rumors of being gay could kill his career. He needed to be seen with someone who would boost his appeal. Gwen was a great option. He was too close to retirement to have some women screw with his head and career. "Thank you." Bobby said with a smile as he rolled up the poster. Gwen's visit was just in time. He was going crazy. He knew a limited number of people in Detroit. Most were his teammates and he didn't trust them with the details of his life. So far Gwen's visit had been a drama. Her ex-girlfriend had her head all over the place. Gwen was feeling guilty because of the illness. What did the woman have? Leukemia?

"Sullivan, do you know what the chances of surviving leukemia are?" The goalie's father was a doctor at Cedar Sinai in Los Angles.

"Depends on a lot of things health, age, matching a donor." Goalie flipped his mask around on his fist. "The odds are better. A lot of research is being done. The actor with Parkinson's disease is fighting for stem cell transplants and research."

"Thanks." Bobby watched the action at the other end of the ice. The last time he saw Gwen was yesterday morning. She talked to him about meeting up with Keegan Sunday afternoon. He could see the excitement and worry she had about the reunion. When they opened the morning paper, they were surprised to find a picture of them on the front page of the Metro section. The photo was taken late Saturday night when Bobby got to her room, but he didn't know how these journalists were getting so close to them. He talked with her last night when she let him know she was staying the night at Keegan's. Bobby wished her luck and called her a dog. He didn't think the reunion went well since she was sitting in the stands with a worry line between her eyes. The line only reared its head in times of stress. He wondered what happen.

"Heads up!" Sullivan yelled as the action on the ice began to work its way back to their side.

Gwen spayed her fingers out and flexed them. The Motors management had "allowed" her into the practice session on a couple of stipulations. One had been an autograph picture. Easy, but when the daughter of one of the executives stood next to her father with her best friend in tow, Gwen realized an actual photo shoot was on the agenda and probably more than one autograph. The nightmare of a child, Emily Eisenmann was spoiled rotten. The meeting with the offspring started off badly and ended with Gwen wondering why anyone would want a child.

"What's your team's name?" Gwen asked the devil's spawn who was posing as an eleven year old with curly blonde hair and lip smacker smeared across her lips.

"The Monarch's, like the butterfly. Not like royalty like Prince Harry. He's so hot." Emily stood with her gum smacking against her lips, designer jeans that cost a small fortune covered her legs and a sweater Gwen had thought about purchasing until she saw the price. Emily handed Gwen photo after to photo to sign for her BFF's. Next to her stood a taller darker version of a growing young woman who happened to be the latest recruit on the Monarch's traveling team. This girl was a ringer if Gwen ever saw one. The young woman was ten according to the voice that spoke softly as Emily's rambling drowned out other details. Gwen had once been in this girl's shoes. Grown ups wanted you to play on their kid's team so the team would win and make the team look better.

"Last one." Gwen held up the photo. The anger in her voice was hidden well but the message was sent. The pouting lip Emily slung at her was just about as much as she could handle from the spawn. "What is your name again, I didn't quite hear? Someone else was talking." Emily went to answer but snapped her mouth closed.

"Nickie Kristovich." The lanky girl stated as she stuttered a little.

"Nice to meet you Nickie." Gwen held out her hand. "Do you want an autographed picture?" The girl nodded her head. Big blues eyes looked right at Gwen.

"How, how come you quit? Emily says it's because you're getting married."

"Ha…hardly." Gwen looked at the dejected eleven-year old who thought she knew everything. "I've been playing for a long time. Since I was your age or younger. I got hurt a couple of years ago and as time goes on, my body doesn't do what it used to do. I just thought it was better to go out with a good record than trying to keep playing when I know I can't keep up." She roughed up Nickie's hair. "Not to get married. And if I did get married, I would want someone who would let me still play a sport I loved. You don't have to quit something because you're getting married."

"So are you marrying Finch?" The spawn spoke again.

"No comment. Good luck next season ladies." Gwen said as she stood up her eyes never leaving the VP of Operations. Victor Eisenmann was going to have his hands full in a few years.

"Thank you Miss Lerner." The quiet man spoke as she exited the room and headed to the arena where she was going to meet with the Public Relations official for the Motors.

Settling back in her seat, she watched Denny slam Bobby up against the boards. It was little funny to see such a small statured man try to move Bobby. When the stick came down against his ribs, she knew Bobby would be pissed. The puck cleared out and she heard the pleasantries exchanged between players. She had a number of run-ins with the opposition but rarely had there been an exchange during practice with her teammates.

As the practice progressed, she saw a large black man enter the arena and head her direction. Taking the stairs two at time, he approached her. His hand extended in a gesture of greeting. "Ms. Lerner very nice to meet you, I'm Phil Novak, Public Relations officer for the Motors. I appreciate you making time during your visit to help out the community." Gwen took in the tall man dressed in a classic blue navy suit with a pink shirt under it.

"Mr. Novak, nice to meet you. I love the shirt." Gwen thought it odd that a man in this type of industry was brave enough to wear pink.

"I just flew in and when I wear a white shirt with this suit, everyone assumes I'm an airline employee. I learned the hard way to set precedence with the other travelers." Phil confessed, being asked to carry other passenger's bags one too many times. He saw the amused look in the professional soccer player's face. He followed her career. She was a great player, not too bad on the eyes either. But when the poster came out with her dressed only in a flag, he thought she was a sex goddess just right for the picking. Gorgeous seemed to fall below a standard she had set. "It's great to finally meet you. Your photos don't do you justice. You are much more stunning in person." The PR dragon was rearing its ugly head. Gwen smiled and responded accordingly.

"I doubt you'd say that if you saw me first thing in the morning." She got the typical glazed over male response to her innocent comment. As the unprofessional flash of her image registered in his gray matter, Phil shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"So tomorrow, we are asking you and Bob to visit the hospital. Go to the Peds unit see the kids, kiss a few babies, and shake a few hands with the employees. There are some sick kids that are big fans of Bob's and yours. It's good press to have you in a community setting. Sorry about the photo in the Herald. Not sure where they camped out to get that one." The PR rep stated confused as to when a photographer snapped the couple.

"Outside my hotel room, when Bob got back from Cleveland. Someone may have followed him." Gwen remembered seeing a man by the elevator when she hopped into Bobby's arms. She was happy to see him and the photo conveyed the message. Her limbs were wrapped around his neck and waist as he carried her into the hotel room.

"Again, my apologies if your privacy was invaded." Phil's eyes wandered to the ice. The team was having a great season. The move to add Finch to their roster was paying off. Ticket sales were up for the first time in five years, the team was finally gelling. Finch had finally found his rhythm with the Motors. It took a couple of games, but the veteran player was worth the money. To top it off, he was a fan favorite. His jersey was the top seller in the pro shop and with word on the street Gwen Lerner was in town to cheer on her boyfriend, Wednesday's game was sold out. For the first time in a regular season, the Motors sold out on a week night. "I heard you're in town until Thursday." Phil turned his attention back to Bob Finch's girlfriend. Gwen nodded as she watched the coaches gather all the players at the far side of the arena. "Any chance a move maybe in your future?"

"Nothing in stone, I live by the never say never rule."

"It's a great community. Great medical facilities, universities, close to Bob's parents. That could be a negative." The man chuckled as if his jab at the in-laws was funny. This was one of those times, she hated being politically correct, she wanted to say none of your fucking business, like Keegan told her.

"Bob will let you know if anything changes." Gwen gritted her teeth as she smiled. She felt like a beauty queen all she need now was to wave to the crowd and blow kisses.

"The organization thinks it's great that you support The Emerald Foundation." Phil put his PR hat back on. "I think the visit to the hospital will be great. It's a gesture of good will, our newest player and his fiancée visiting the children."

"Bob loves kids." Her statement was true. She liked them too, but after the monster she just met in the executive offices, Gwen was having second thoughts. Emily Eisenmann was a product of her environment, probably her mother more than likely. She thought about Keegan and the small child growing inside her. Keegan would place others in front of her own needs, unlike Connie who thought only of herself. Gwen knew her mother had concerns for her, yet she questioned her mother's motives. She recalled a tiny fist held tightly as the baby stretched its arms on the monitor. She knew what a good mom Keegan would be. She would sacrifice everything for her child. A genuine smile came over her as she thought about the baby.

"Wow!" Phil said breaking her thoughts. The smile on the woman's face lit up her face, her whole body conveyed the happiness she felt. This was the real smile, not the fake one she had learned over the years to give the media. "I wish my wife would smile like that at the mention of kids."

"I'm having a whole new view of them." Gwen replied, her professional pose back in place. Clasping her hands together, she looked at the ring on her finger. "Phil, I'm not sure if you can help. I really hate when people do this to me but, here it is. I have a few friends in the area and I was wondering if it would be possible to get some tickets to the game Wednesday."

"I can pretty much guarantee it. In fact you are invited into the owner's box. The VanKuren's are in Miami and won't be back until the weekend. Here is my card. Just call that number and let me know the names of your friends and we'll get them the VIP treatment."

"Thank you, I greatly appreciate it." When sprays of ice flew over the protective wall on the end lines, she shifted her attention back to the ice.

"Looks like they're calling it a day." Phil stood and extended his hand to Gwen. "Again lovely meeting you. I'll see you tomorrow at the hospital. The hospital liaison is Lilia Holiday. Just ask for her if you don't see me."

"See you tomorrow." Gwen stood up from her seat and tried to work the kink out of her back. She was used to running through a three to four hour practice session, not sitting through one. The rink gate opened as the twenty plus men on skates made their way towards the locker room and offices. The thin blades of metal under their feet sank into the protective mat covering the floor. Gwen could never figure out how such a small thin piece of metal could hold the weight of a man. She had a hard enough time walking in stilettos let alone putting blades on her feet and taking on the ice.

"Hey Sweetheart!" The cattle calls started again.

"American as apple pie, you know Finch is Canadian."

"Where's the flag! Finch you're a liar."

"Sure you can handle her old man."

"Zip it!" Bobby called out to his teammates as he skated to the side board and came over the wall. "Hey." He smiled at her. Sweat poured down his face and she could smell him from the parking lot. His helmet matted his hair as it stuck out in a hundred directions. When he went to kiss her, she back up a couple of rows.

"No way!" Putting her hands up to shield him away.

"Oh come here…" He took a step into the stands and grabbed her hand. He looked at her and back to the ice where Denny was talking with an assistant coach. "I'm kidding. Let me take a shower and get presentable. Sorry about the guys. They've been riding me pretty hard."

Gwen stepped closer and whispered in his ear. "And you want me to feel sorry for you? What's happened to you?" Bobby let a gut wrenching laugh out. He pointed his finger at her and headed to the locker room. Gwen laughed as his retreating figure, wondering if he could actually walk in stilettos. She'd have to bet him on it and find a pair of shoes big enough.

"So when's the wedding?" A voice called from behind her.

What was this the question of the day or the last four hours? A gapped toothed Denny Newsome stood on the ice next to the retaining wall. Gwen walked down the last two steps of the stands and came to stand next to Bobby's teammate. He was a good looking man if you got past the missing front tooth. Like most players, there was not always a full set of teeth left.

"Denny." Gwen greeted him. They had not been formally introduced but there was no secret to their identities. "Are you a reporter now?"

"Just curious." He glided along the board and turned back towards her circling like a shark on its prey.

"You and the rest of the country." Gwen quipped back at him.

"How's your visit going?"

"Good so far. No major disappointments. Of course the photo in yesterday's paper was a little unflattering."

"Are you looking for a more permanent residence here?" His circles on the ice were getting tighter and tighter.

"Again with the reporter questions. If I didn't know you were married, I'd think you were hitting on me."

"Maybe I am." Cool hazel eyes looked back at her then he skated to the far side of the rink. He looked comfortable on the ice as if it was part of him. Younger than Bobby by seven years, Denny was very young and new to the world of professional hockey. Drafted right out of high school, he started with the New England Schooners at seventeen. He bounced around the league trying to get his bearings. When he landed in San Jose, he met Bobby, who took the young player under his wing. They forged a bond until Denny took Detroit's offer. He signed the deal as a free agent and had been with the Motors for the past five seasons. On opposing teams, they were engaged in brawl after brawl on the ice. The fights between the two players were a spectator favorite.

Gwen watched Denny work on the other side of the rink with an assistant coach. Taking shot after shot on the goal, Denny hit the netting on most of the slaps. When all the pucks were gone, the player and coach gathered up the rubbery black discs and continued to practice shots on goal for the good part of an hour.

"He does that every day after practice." Bobby stood at the wall near Gwen watching his teammate take extra time to work on his shot. "Some of the guys say he's here a couple hours after we are all gone. Word is home life is not that homey. Is that even a word?"

"He came up to talk with me after you left. It was more or less a flirting session. Seeing if I'd take the bait." Gwen elbowed his ribs, forgetting about the stick he took. She regretted it instantly as he winched. "Sorry."

"Did you?"

"I gave him a little nibble then stole the worm off his hook."

"Good girl. Where are we heading?" Gwen had not spent a large amount of time at his new residence. "I figured home for a bit and maybe grab some food out."

"Sounds like a plan. I need to follow you to the condo."

"Shhh, it's a townhouse." Bobby helped her with her coat as they left the arena. "Just follow me that way you won't get lost. And please tell me you have your purse."

"Shit!" Gwen said as she ran back into the arena. Bobby's laugh haunting her.

Bobby's rented townhouse served its functional purpose. The design was basic. The kitchen was small, a nook, as some people could describe it. A small table with two place settings was positioned under the window. A microwave and coffee maker sat on the neutral Formica counter top. Cupboards with faux oak finished brass hardware knobs and molding were the most decorative items in the townhouse. The living room had a lumpy couch and loveseat along with a couple of book shelves that balanced each side of the fire place. A large television was placed in the corner of the room with a massive amount of movies piled to the side.

"Someone really likes beige." Gwen commented about the neutral colors through the entire living space. Wall to wall beige carpet ran from the front entrance to the sliding glass door that opened on to a wooden deck.

"It appears to be the case." Bobby took her bags and put them in the second bedroom. He had set up the room with a bed and a make shift office with his computer. "One of the guys on the team hooked me up with this real estate agent who specializes in short term rentals. Most of her clients are here for the big three. Car people usually visiting from Japan for an extended period of time." He moved her suitcase to the end of the bed and placed her garment bag in the empty closet. "Once the season's over, I'll see what options I have. Cost of living is a hell of a lot less than San Jose. I can see my folks. My brother and sister have brought the kids down to see some games. God, plus the travel time is so much less. We can get to Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Chicago in less then six hours. Hell, it was more than that to get to LA."

"Are you trying to get me to move? I swear I was asked that question a hundred times today." Gwen touched the southwestern style comforter on the bed. "She's pregnant." She said as she sat on the bed. She thought about her reaction to Keegan's expecting. She knew Keegan wanted children when the time was right. Gwen never thought much about having children. Connie treated her as if she was an inconvenience for most of her life. Until she was rich and famous.

"Who's pregnant?" Bobby looked a bit confused. After a moment he realized who Gwen was talking about. "No way. I thought she was a lesbian."

"She is." Gwen ran her fingers along the pattern on the covering. "I went with her this morning to the hospital. She had a sonogram scheduled and asked me to go." Gwen flushed a little when she remembered the feeling of Keegan holding her hand and leaning against her as the baby came to life on the monitor.

"Fill me in on this dirt. I so love drama that's not mine." Bobby plopped down on the bed like a teenage girl listening for the latest gossip. "I thought she was sick."

"She is…was. Last night was awful. Keegan was running a fever. She was fighting with her sister and her OBGYN, who was at the house. I think they're dating."

"She's dating her OBGYN? That's like me dating an urologist. Ewwh."

"I'm not sure. Keegan's very vague about some details. Her love life was none of my business as she reminded me a number of times." Gwen continued to fill him in on the details of Sunday and Monday's events. "If she is dating the doctor, Keegan's taste has gone down hill. She was such a bitch to me. We saw her at lunch and she actually threatened to tell you I was a lesbian. Ha! Shocker!" Gwen rolled on to her stomach and faced Bobby. His green eyes were wide and playful. "You missed me?" She tapped his nose.

"Yes, you heartless B! Who won't tell me if she is moving here or not? So go on with the Baby Momma Drama! What about this B doctor? Is she good looking? Maybe she feels threatened by you. You do put women on the defense." Bobby rubbed his hand along her back. "Gwen, you don't realize that people, men and women find you attractive and their mates get defensive."

"I'm not into breaking up relationships."

"Some people are. I know you honey, you're a nice friendly person. Some times that quality is taken as flirting."

"I don't flirt with just anyone."

"Did you flirt with Keegan?"

"Maybe a little, but she's cute. I'm still attracted to her." She smiled at the shocked face Bobby was faking. "Guess who the father is?"

"George W. Bush!" He chuckled and the bed shook. Gwen hit him in the arm.

"Tony Best from the MudMen. I met him this morning."

"I thought he was dead, drug over dose. Man what was that song they used to sing?"

"No, that was the other guy, the lead singer. He's the drummer. When It's Right was the name of the song." Gwen filled in the missing information. Her cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. She was happy. Just being able to talk with Keegan was an ultimate high. She looked forward to building a relationship with her former girl friend.

"So let me see if I have this down." Bobby sat up, resting his head against the wall. "Your former girlfriend, who kicked you out of her sister's house, almost died. Now is now pregnant by a grunge musician and possibly dating her OBGYN. You're smiling like a fool because she left your ass at a restaurant?"

"No, you make it sound…so"

"Fucked up." Bobby voiced his thoughts. Gwen slapped at him. "Oh honey it is! Run away and do it fast!" Bobby jumped on top of her and started to playfully knocking her head into the mattress.

"She left me a message apologizing about leaving the restaurant. She said she got freaked with all the people." Gwen hugged a pillow, a smile plastered across her face.

"You're hooked aren't you?"

"I don't know. We just click. Even though I haven't seen her in years its like bam…we are back at that place."

"What about SSN?"

"What does SSN have anything to do with Keegan and I being friends?" Gwen asked.

"You don't hide your feelings well. SSN is in Atlanta, the bible belt owned by a conservative group. Hell, Kirk Lane is the biggest homophobic man in the country." Bobby's comment made her smile falter. She was interviewing and hashing out a deal with SSN. She was signed to be a correspondent for a handful of soccer games. Hannah was working with her attorney, Michelle Patton, negotiating a possible on air position with SSN. There were a few more details to work out, including an in-person interview with Kirk Lane. Gwen received a note from Dale McKnight, senior desk anchor at SSN. Over the years she and Dale developed a special relationship. Their on air relationship came across as a good clean fun and was enjoyed by fans of all ages. During the promotion for the NWSL, she teased the anchor endlessly until he challenged her to an impromptu soccer game. Gwen's skills had McKnight huffing and puffing during the segment. The anchor barely touched the ball. When the superstar kicked the soccer ball through the anchor's legs and into the goal, the reporter conceded. The segment was SNN's top spot for that year. After the interview, executives at SNN began to court Gwen into joining the network as a correspondent. She backed away, stating she wasn't ready to give up her day job. She was ready now and gave up her day job, but wanted to make sure her second career would be lucrative and successful. Hannah had a number of offers on the table, but Gwen wanted to make sure the one she selected was the best option for her. Many retired sports figures were successful in making the transition from the field to the broadcast booth. Gwen's career plan was to join their ranks.

"There are no gay commentators on the air." Bobby reminded her.

"There are no "out" gay commentators on the air. Hell, we both know that there are a few media personnel who ride the fence."

"No comment. I'm not outing anyone." Bobby held up his hands. "You need to be careful of how you handle this. There are mortality clauses in most contracts. If you are serious about making a career at SSN, you need to watch your personal life."

"You're my personal life."

"Not forever. We both know that. Gwen, you need to make yourself happy, not rely on a game or person."

"You're one to talk. Are you happy?"

"I'm happy with my job, but I know where I'm going after the EHL. Then I hope to find someone who I love and love's me back. I haven't had that in a long time." He touched her face. "You know what it is like to be in love."

"Yes, it's great and it sucks in the same breath." Gwen covered her head with her hands. She thought about what a great day she spent with Keegan.

"I'm jealous." Bobby confessed. Gwen lifted her head to look at her friend. "You're look like you're in love."

"I wouldn't say love."

"You don't have to say anything. It's written all over your face." Bobby waggled his eye brows at her. "Come on, let's get food. I'm starved."

"Let me jump in the shower." Gwen got off the bed and grabbed her things. "I know just the place we can go to. If you behave, maybe I'll take you to met Keegan." Gwen said as she flipped a towel over her shoulder and closed the bathroom door.

"She's so whipped." Bobby chuckled and went into the living room. He had a game tape to study.

Chapter 11

"Oh my God, I feel like a tick!" Gwen patted her stomach. Bobby inhaled his lasagna and asked for a second piece. Mamma Rosa's, a small Italian restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, the suburb Keegan lived near. In this part of town, Italian immigrants would run bad restaurants out of business on sheer principle. Although Rosa has passed away years ago, her family still ran the restaurant. Tonight, her cousin Sophia was running the front of the house. When they walked through the front door the immediate odor of garlic and spices pleasantly teased their senses. The older hostess gave them a quiet booth in the back near a window. Their table was out of the way and the other patrons seemed not to notice the striking couple enter the dinning area. In fact, no one approached their table or bothered them as they enjoyed their meal and conversation. "How did you know about this place?" Bobby said as he folded his napkin next to his plate. He liked the atmosphere. Throughout the restaurant there was framed artwork of vineyards and country sides. He felt as if he had been transported to a small village in northern Italy. A large bar stood near the front with bottles and bottles of wine ready for the restaurants needs, the dark wood wine racks and glass holders gave a historical feel to the restaurant.

The members of the family were perched near at the bar speaking fluent Italian, their conversation wavered from the upcoming confirmation of one of the younger family members to the Motors making the playoffs. "Keegan, she and I came here a lot. I used to make her bring me her when we in town." Gwen and Keegan had frequented the restaurant. They never had a bad meal. Gwen swore she gained ten pounds every time they came to visit. "We're taking her dessert." Gwen had that little twinkle in her eye. "I want you to meet her and not at a game or event. No show, no flashes, no boyfriend crap." Gwen huffed out.

Bobby rested his elbows on the table. He understood her reasons too well. He was caught in the same Catch 22 she was. His career was based on his ability to play a game and his popularity with the fans. Like Gwen, his public and private lives were completely different. He was able to be himself with Gwen. They shared secrets. His plight was a little different than hers. She found someone and was trying to reconnect with her ex-girlfriend without exposing the relationship to public scrutiny. "Does she live close?" He finally conceded.

"A couple of minutes from here, she bought her parents house when they moved to Florida." Gwen smiled, thinking in a few minutes she would see Keegan again. The excitement she felt was bubbling over. She had just seen Keegan yet, she wanted to see her again and again. It had been a long time since she felt this way about someone.

"Does she have any idea we are showing up at her door step?"

"Nope, I only have until Thursday. I want to get to know her again. I wasted enough time."

"Don't push her Gwen. You could do more harm than good."

"Are we all set here?" A portly older woman with grayish black hair approached their table. She smiled sweetly at the couple.

"Can we get some cannoli to go?" Gwen's voice was almost gleeful. She was happy. Bobby rarely saw this side of Gwen. Usually, she looked as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Between Connie, his relocation, and the deal with SNN, Gwen had been pretty down. Keegan must be very special to have her flashing an easy bright natural smile. The waitress came back with a small box tied up with white butcher's string. She put the bill in Bobby's outstretched hand. Gwen tried to fight him for the bill.

"Ease down there. I haven't seen you and I want to treat. I'm not stepping on your toes or bringing you down. You can get another night, because I'm sure as shit not cooking in that kitchen."

"Home sweet home, huh!" Gwen teased him knowing his living arrangements were driving him crazy. Getting to her feet and grabbing her coat off the rack the pasta she ate rolled in her tummy. She wondered if Keegan felt like this with the baby. She slipped her arms into her coat and caught Bobby looking at her.

"Stop it. You're making me sick."

"What?" Gwen got defensive immediately. When Bobby plastered a smile on his face so big his dimples showed. For emphasis he place his index finger under each one pointing them out with his little kid motions. "I'm not that bad."

"Want to bet?" Bobby handed the waitress the bill with cash and a hefty tip.

"Have a wonderful night, Mr. Finch, Ms. Lerner." Sophia beamed with pride that such famous people would patron her family's restaurant.

"We'll be back." Bobby gave her a hug in appreciation of enjoying a quiet dinner without interruption. Gwen held on to the small box of pastries as she watched Bobby hug the older woman.

"We watch on the TV Wednesday. Good to have with us! You come again, yes?" Sophia's face was flushed and her broken English made Bobby's dimples show.

"Come on Prince Charming. We have an errand to run." Gwen tucked her arm in his as they left the restaurant. "That was nice. They knew who we were yet treated us like regular customers. Want me to drive or do I give you directions."

"Directions, do you have your purse?"

"Shit!" Gwen spun on her heel heading back to the restaurant. Before she could get across the parking lot, Sophia came out of the restaurant without a coat on holding Gwen's purse over her head.

"Miss Gwen." She called out as Gwen caught up with her quickly. A quick thank you and Sophie hurried back inside.

"I'm gonna staple that to your arm." Pointing to the Dolce and Gabbana bag he bought her last Christmas. "Thank you Sophia." Bobby mumbled. His experience with Gwen and her misplaced items was long and expensive. Connie always seemed to have a hand in the matter when things disappeared. He never voiced his suspicions to Gwen. Gwen could get frustrated with her mother, but she would never accuse her of stealing from her.

Bobby navigated his BMW through the streets of Troy. They laughed at the billboard close to the highway with Bobby's mug on it. As he drove, Gwen began to recognize the neighborhood. When he turned down the familiar street, she pointed the house at the end of the cul de sac. Keegan's yard butted up against Firefighter's park. They had walked through the woods a few times, even going to watch a soccer match. Gwen reached over and gripped Bobby's arm.

"Stop."

"Jesus, what's wrong?" Bobby said as he pulled the car over.

"I'm scared." She finally said. She couldn't catch her breath. Her heart pounded against her chest. The sound of her labored breathing filled the car. Did she really want to do this? There were a lot of things going on in Keegan's life. Maybe just stopping by was not the best idea. "I'm having second thoughts. What if her girlfriend is there?"

"Gwen, do you really want to try to have this relationship back?"

"Yes, we were friends before anything else. I miss her."

"Then tell her." Bobby eased his BMW sedan from the curb. He pulled in the driveway and got out of the car walked around to Gwen's side. "Come on chicken." He pulled open the door and pointed to the door. He took the box of pastries from her afraid she would mash the sweet dessert before she got to the door. Bobby leaned on the sidelight and waited for her to ring the bell. When she didn't he leaned over and rang it twice quickly.

"Stop it!" Gwen hit at him. She could hear footfalls on the other side of the doorway as the small curtain was pulled back just a little and quickly replaced.

Shit!! Keegan stood in her foyer wiping her wet hands on the thighs of her jeans. She was busy cleaning the kitchen and just finished a minute ago. She was antsy. Her mind running a hundred miles an hour as thoughts of Gwen filled her head. She attempted to settle her thoughts by pulling out her grandmother's china and washing the delicate pieces by hand. She finished putting the dishes back in the hutch. Her brain calmer and all thoughts of Gwen disappeared. That was until the doorbell rang. Gwen stood at her front door. Keegan called Gwen's phone to apologize about the crowd and freaking out at lunch. Checking her hair in the entrance mirror, she posed herself calmly and opened the door.

"Hi." Keegan greeted her guests. Not sure what to do from this point on she stood paralyzed. She stared into brown eyes waiting. She didn't want to blink in case her mind was playing tricks on her.

"Hi. Umm, I'm, I don't mean to barge in on you, but we were in the area and we brought..." Gwen looked for the small box Sophia had given her. When the box appeared between the two of them, it was dangling from a pair of large fingers.

"We brought cannoli." Bobby said as the woman on the inside of the house realized who she was looking at. "Are you Keegan?" Neither woman said anything they continued to stare from each other to the man.

"Yes…" Keegan snapped out of her trance. Bob Finch was standing on her front stoop. "Jesus. Where are my manners? Come in. And if that is from Momma Rosa's I'll do anything you want!"

"Sure about that?" Bobby said as he opened the door and ushered Gwen inside. Bobby took in the home owner noting the small bulge at her mid section. If he didn't know, he would never guess she was pregnant. "I'm Bobby. It's nice to finally put a name to a face. I've seen your picture but some how you don't look the same."

"I guess that's what cancer does to you?" Keegan turned and hit the heel of her hand to her forehead. Why did she say that? Gwen probably thought she was making fun of her. "I was just about to make some tea. Would you like some or coffee?" She tried to casually call over her shoulder. Stopping she turned around to her newly arrived guests. "I'm Keegan. It's nice to meet you Bob. Bobby." The name felt weird as it rolled off her tongue. "Gwen's got me up against the ropes here. I'm a little shocked. It's typical Gwen to jump in with both feet when she's set her mind to it."

"My friends call me Bobby. Bob is for the ice or media." Bobby turned to look at the very pale Gwen. "What's wrong?"

"I just envisioned this meeting so differently in my head." Gwen squeaked as she walked a few steps behind Keegan into the kitchen. She was suddenly hit with the feeling of déjà vu she had with Keegan and Tony in the same location hours earlier, funny how the tides had turned in her favor. Keegan was probably wondering what was going on.

"I hope we didn't interrupt any plans you had tonight." Gwen inquired as she moved to Keegan's side noticing how jumpy the brunette was. "I'm sorry about this afternoon."

"No, it's my fault I just freaked out a little. The past couple of days have been over whelming."

"Just a little." When Keegan lifted a hand to her brow, Gwen mimicked her movement. Gwen touched Keegan's forehead to make certain there was no fever. Her fingers brushed against Keegan's skin, her fingers warmed but not from a fever. Just touching her sent off sparks of attraction.

"I'm feeling fine. I think I got a little bit of a bug from Andy." Keegan's face flushed. Gwen lowered her hand slowly, knowing she felt the heat.

"Let me help you." Gwen made an excuse to focus her attention on something else. "Where's the coffee? Bobby you want coffee right?" Keegan turned towards Gwen as Gwen turned towards her. Arms and legs got a bit tangled as they both started to laugh. As they got caught up in each other, they looked into each others eyes. Gwen felt the hole in her heart being filled. "God, I missed you so much." Gwen said as she wrapped her arms around Keegan and held her tight. When the small brunette held fast to her, Gwen's world righted itself. Pulling back a little, she held Keegan at arms length. "Since it's none of my business who you're dating, I want you to know whatever this leads to, if it's friendship or at least speaking terms, I just want you back in my life. I've wasted enough time without you." Bringing her close again, she pressed her face against Keegans' hair. Feeling the light brush of Keegan's hot breath against her neck gave her heart a small leap for joy.

"What about Bob?" A confused Keegan lifted her eyes to the twinkling green ones of Bobby Finch.

"Bob is more than happy." He moved through the kitchen. "Where is the coffee? You guys seem dangerous in the kitchen at this point." Keegan pointed to the cupboard far out of her reach above the refrigerator. "How?"

"Tony thinks he's funny. It's his private stash." Bobby raised an eyebrow towards her. "For you, he'll allow it. I guarantee it." Keegan gave her permission as she felt Gwen reach for her hand. Their fingers intertwined as each held on tight. Confused for the moment about the couple's relationship, Keegan tried not to over think. She held fast to Gwen's hand. Thinking they fit perfectly together.

"Okay, both of you sit." Bobby ordered. The woman took seats at the oval kitchen table next to each other. "I can boil water and make coffee on my own." Bobby moved around the kitchen with ease. "Keegan, you're home is very pleasant. It's got a good vibe."

"Thank you." Keegan watched the hockey player work his way around her kitchen. He was very at home in the kitchen. She unsure about the nature of the relationship between Gwen and the hockey player, but she could tell they were very close. They looked good together. Photographs of the couple appeared often in magazines. The photographers snapping photos of the happy couple embraced or touching, but never full blown make out session. Keegan had photos of them embracing or a kiss on the cheek, never a full on lip locking kiss between the couple. Sunday's paper was proof of the press' interest with the couple. "So are you still engaged?"

"No, it's a media thing. Our relationship depends on the playoffs." Bobby asked Gwen, as if they had a secret between them.

"If the Motors make the playoffs, we break up."

"So until the end of April or early May, we are still together." Bobby started to explain as he made the coffee and tea. "You see if Gwen breaks up with me, the opposing team thinks my heads not in the game and tries to use that against me. So your answer is we are still together. Not engaged."

"By the way he has never asked me to marry him and this is a loaner." Gwen held up her hand with a two caret diamond ring on her left finger. "We have an understanding."

"Do you trust her?"

"I do." Gwen answered softly as she shifted her gaze from Bobby to Keegan. She lifted her eyes to meet Keegan. Although she hadn't seen Keegan in almost five years, she knew Keegan would never hurt anyone. Her brown eyes went from Keegan's bright blues then back to Bobby. As he nodded, Gwen felt her heart surge with love for him. She would always love him no matter what. "Bobby and I are what you would call an arranged couple. My preference is not viewed by the sporting industry as a wise career move. We have an agreement, and so far neither of us has any reason to break up our relationship." Gwen smiled as Bobby began to snicker. Until now. She thought.

"Keegan, can you imagine what would happen if I announced I was gay?" Bobby held her eyes with his. His most powerful secret was now out to this perfect stranger who Gwen trusted and loved. She did love this small dark haired woman, even if she didn't admit it. He could see it in her eyes and feel it in his heart.

"You're gay?" Keegan turned in her chair to view the handsome man looking over her selection of tea. This was not expected. The man who every woman drooled over was not even interested in female companionship. "You've been seen with models and actresses."

"Yep." He confessed as he placed the water on to boil.

"Oh, you should have seen him at the restaurant charming Sophia." Gwen saw the realization cross over Keegan's face.

"So this whole time, you knew about each other and it doesn't bother you to hide in the closet?"

"It bothers me when he picks up twink and isn't as careful as he should be. The relationship works for us." Gwen explained. "We met through our agent a few years ago. I was getting some heat when those pictures came out in the tabloids." Gwen felt the guilt from her thoughts towards Keegan at that time. "Of us in P'town." Gwen eyes pooled for a moment as she remembered the ugly accusations she threw out about Keegan. "I'm sorry. I accused you of selling the photos."

"I know, Tara told me." Keegan felt the heavy silence fill the air. After pulling Gwen's hand, she got her attention and looked into the sad brown eyes. "I did enjoy watching you get your ass kicked that game." When Tara called Keegan after the game, her best friend let her know about the confrontation in the middle of the Atlanta Rhythm soccer field. Keegan was watching the game at home but didn't realize the confrontation in the center circle was about her.

Pre-game warm ups were usually a time she enjoyed as she went through drills with her team. Today was different as she walked towards the tall slim African American woman in goalie attire.

"I heard you wanted to talk to me." Washington pulled her goalie gloves off shoving them under her arm as she entered the center circle of the soccer field. Her brown eyes met the dark look Gwen was throwing her way.

"Did she do it?" Gwen demanded. "Since she broke up with me and won't talk to me and you're her best friend. I need to know." Gwen was still trying to come to grips with the way their relationship ended. She silently praised her wisdom not to offer Keegan the ring.

"Listen Lerner, I don't know what number Clarion product you've been using but it's affecting your ability to communicate." Tara glanced towards the Atlanta Rhythm bench. With the formation of NWSL, the popularity of women's soccer was at an all time high mainly because of the woman standing across from her. Gwen had little girls excited about playing. Her sex appeal skyrocketed with the release of the flag poster. Yet, the hottest player in the league stood in the middle of the field worried about her image.

"Don't play games with me Tara. You and I both know who's in the photo." Gwen ran her hands over her face.

"What? You think Keegan sold them?" The goalie took an intimidating step towards the league superstar. The accusations the blonde was throwing out about her best friend were pissing her off. Tara lifted her head and looked Gwen firmly in the eyes and said "Keegan has much more important things on her plate than outing you as a lesbian." Tara looked at the bench and then to the clear blue sky above. "I don't get you. Keegan was dealing with some hard stuff. Not only was she not able to play in the Olympics, her girlfriend waits a whole month before having an all out orgy. You know one of them took a picture with your phone and sent it to her. Maybe you should be checking with them on who gave the rags the photos."

Gwen never gave the other women a second thought. She just wanted to get out of that room and on safer ground. "I didn't." She never knew the camera on her phone was used that night. She was trying to forget about Keegan.

"You don't deserve her. You never did. For once, this isn't about the almighty Gwen Lerner, soccer great! She'd never do anything to hurt you. For you to accuse her, makes me think she's did the right thing." With that the goalie began to walk towards her team's bench. Stopping abruptly she looked over at the woman placing blame on Keegan. "You know I never agreed with what she's done, but after this conversation, she was right to block you out of her life. You never knew what you had." Tara turned and continued her trek to her bench and spoke to her teammates.

"I knew what I had and it was crap!" Gwen shouted at the retreating form. "Son of a bitch!" She muttered under her breath. She thought for sure Keegan was trying to make a fast buck off her growing popularity. Instead of getting the answer she wanted, she had just pissed off the only connection she had to Keegan. She watched as defiance set in Tara's shoulders as she spoke to her teammates. Her arm lifted and she pointed at Gwen, who still stood in the center of the circle. A release of moans and groans from the Atlanta team let Gwen know it was going to be ninety minutes of hell on the field. Gwen shook her head and went to the San Jose bench. Designated as the captain of the team, she took a long hard look at Coach Curtis as she approached the side line. She was tired of not knowing what happened. Curtis and Tara knew what was going on with Keegan. The only one out of the loop was Gwen.

Coach Curtis watched the argument at center field unfold. He paced the sidelines, his arms akimbo, debating whether or not to go out there. Lerner and Washington in a heated discussion before the game was not a good sign. When Lerner stomped across the grass to sit on the bench, he confronted her.

"Want to explain why you just pissed off one of the best goalies in the league?" Washington could be seen at the bench her arms in motion, her head bobbing up and down as a loud rumble slowly moved through the team and the entire team was staring at Gwen.

"I asked her a question about a mutual friend and some pictures in the press."

"Tell me you didn't think Keegan did that?" When she lowered her head, Curtis ran his fingers over his thick salt and pepper full mustache. "Wow Lerner you take the cake. How about you try to keep your pants on? You wouldn't have to worry about your picture showing up in the paper."

"Fuck off Curtis!" Gwen was on her feet ready to go toe to toe with the coach. What he had said was hitting too close to home.

"You're walking a fine line Gwen. I don't give a shit whose sweetheart you are. Got me. You walk around like you did nothing wrong."

"She broke up with me!" Gwen shot back. If the press was filming this, they would have some good footage for the highlights tonight. Curtis could feel his anger rising. There was so much blame he could put on Keegan but he knew her reason. Lerner was just pissed.

"You're right, she did." He slapped the clip board against his thigh. "Do you ever wonder why she did what she did?" Curtis let his words sink in. The blonde cocked her head to one side and focused on what he was telling her. "The night the pressure is over, you get a call from the one person who has never let you down. The one person who has been more family to you than those idiots you call blood relatives. And you let her down. Don't blame Keegan for your mess. Blame yourself because you created it." Curtis turned away because he knew he would crack and tell the blonde about Keegan. Gathering his composure, he turned back to his captain. "You'll play today. Tomorrow you're doing every press junket we have for the next six weeks. Every single one of them and I don't care what time they are scheduled. And you're suspended for the Chicago game. I'd suspend you for this game, but I am going to enjoy watching the Rhythm kick your ass all over this field. Don't expect to score." He gestured towards Washington who was blocking shot after shot during pre-game warm ups.

The argument died on Gwen's lips. In the years she had played for the short stocky Italian man, he had never suspended a player for pre game antics. Of course none of his players had ever told him to fuck off. His words hit deep. She did blame Keegan for their relationship ending.

"Are you okay here?" Keegan asked Bobby as the distressing look came over Gwen's face. When he nodded, she looked at Gwen saying. "Come with me." Keegan stood up and held a hand out for Gwen. Keegan led her into the den where pictures of the important people in her life her covered every wall. "This is my room." Her blue eyes searched the walls, taking in her life and those who she cared deeply for. "If I feel sad or down, I come in here and think about the great things in my life."

"I know." Gwen had felt Keegan's decorative touch in the room. "I mean, I could tell. I came in here last night when you were sleeping." Gwen took the framed photo of them off the mantle and held on to it. "You still have this out like we are still together." Gwen wiped a tear away. "I'm so sorry for what happened. I was angry. I wanted to stop hurting and stop thinking about you. Instead I fucked up everything."

"I want happy memories around me Gwen. You are a happy memory." Keegan ran her finger over a photo of her and Meghan in the hospital. Her hair was gone and her face blotted from the chemo. Meghan had a book in her hand. Reading aloud became habit the family started when Keegan was going through pain. Meghan's voice reading sonnets and poems were like a security blanket, a feeling of warmth would fill her body when her youngest sister's rich timbred voice would fill her head with Dickenson, Emerson and Keats.

"There was more than one occasion I was completely out of it and I would talk to you as if you were sitting in the room. This morning, I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or if you were real." Keegan became a little melancholy, walking towards the mantle as she wrapped her arms around her waist. "When I got really bad, I'd jabber away. It drove everyone crazy. They weren't sure who I was talking to. I knew it was you. I talked to you all the time." The room seemed to shrink as Gwen moved closer. Not sure what to do, she wanted to reach out and hold Keegan in her arms. Yet a part of her didn't want to scare her. "I tried to hate you, but when you're not sure if you have another day left, there is no room for hate in your heart." Keegan turned placing a hand on Gwen's cheek wiping away the rolling tear. "I forgave you a long time ago."

"Why didn't you call me?" The pain Gwen felt left her voice trembling.

"I did once. It was late and it was after the donor drive in Atlanta. I left you a message after I talked with Shannon."

"I never got a message. Shannon? Shannon knew this entire time?" Gwen felt the surge of anger towards her best friend.

"I asked her not to say anything unless….unless I wasn't going to make it." Keegan felt the large tear fall as she sniffed and gathered her composure. "But I'm here and you're here so that's what counts."

"When did she find out?"

"The NWSL did a bone marrow donor drive. Carol matched the mother in Texas. Shannon was there along with most of the team."

"I had a press conference I couldn't get out of." Gwen recalled.

"Yeah, Curtis arranged to have that on the same day to get you out of the picture." Gwen went to argue her side. "I didn't want you to know. I didn't want you to feel sorry for me because I was sick."

"How could you think that?" Gwen was taken back by the fact Keegan thought so little of her. "Keegan, I would never look at you with pity. I wish I could have been with you to support you. Hold your hand, make you laugh or smile. I thought we were friends. God knows I tried not to get involved with you."

"Involved? Is that how you referred to our relationship?" Keegan laughed.

"Don't laugh. I blame it all on you. Do remember how crazy I drove myself because I didn't want to date you because you were on the team? I was the captain. I didn't want to like you. I wanted to keep our relationship strictly plutonic. And what did you do?" Gwen teased.

"Dated every woman you hated until you cracked." Keegan raised her eyebrow as she confessed. "I had to do something. It was stupid. Your self imposed rule about keeping work and personal separate."

"I resigned as captain."

"And the entire team reinstated you regardless of the relationship between us. Besides you were fooling anyone about how you felt. I felt bad for Abbott who had to deal with all your tyrants." They both were flooded with memories of their first season together on the National team. "I didn't think you wanted to know."

"Why did you think that?"

"No one could talk to you about me. I was scared, scared that you hated me."

"Angry, yes. Hate, no." Gwen stepped closer and pulled Keegan in her arms.

Gwen dipped her head to place a soft promising kiss on Keegan's forehead. Arms fell into the familiar position as Keegan held tighter to the blonde. Gwen's hands held tight on Keegan's waist, not wanting to waste a moment of contact. She breathed in Keegan's scent, getting lost in the memories they shared. She knew she would have to take things slow. Bobby was right, if she pushed Keegan would back away scared. This was about reconnecting with a very good friend. Gwen pulled back slightly, not wanting to over step her bounds. Still small touches passed between them as they held each other. She would have to tell Keegan a few things about her life before they could move forward.

"If you don't get back out here, I will not be responsible for the number of cannoli I eat." Bobby's booming voice carried across the house.

"Oh no you don't!!" Gwen shouted as she held on to Keegan's hand and led her back to the kitchen. The threesome sat at the kitchen table. Bobby spoke about his family coming down from Ontario to watch the games. Keegan laughed as Bobby told the story of his nephew selling his autograph at school, knowing Andy would be just as big a handful when he reached his teen years. When Keegan yawned, the couple began to get going. Gwen stood up first.

"We should let you get to bed. I'm still on west coast time so it's still early for me." Gwen placed her hand on Bobby's back. "Come on mister." She gave him a push. Bobby got the hint and stood. He towered over Keegan for a second then wrapped the smaller woman in a hug.

"It was great to meet you." Bobby said.

"I'm glad you stopped by. My dad is going to be so jealous." Keegan hugged him back. "It was great to meet you. If you need a tour guide, let me know." Keegan said as she stepped away.

"I will probably take you up on that. Gwen, let me go warm up the car." Bobby put on his coat and headed out the door.

"Okay. Umm, thanks for the coffee. Tomorrow, we are visiting the pediatric ward at Weston. Would it be alright if I stopped by and saw you at work?"

"Sure. I'm booked most of the day so I should be there." Keegan said as she walked with Gwen to front door.

"Good. Also, I think I may have some tickets to the game on Wednesday night. If Ashley and Danny want to come I'm sure I'll have a few tickets. At least I had to work for them earlier tonight."

"Devil child?"

"Exactly." Gwen hesitated for a moment. "Thanks for letting us barge in on you."

"You didn't do that besides, I'm a big fan. He's a great guy. It's good to know you have a close friend like that."

"He's a special guy." Gwen wasn't sure what to do as they stood at the front door. Bobby had brushed the snow of the Beamer. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes. Stop by." Keegan smiled. "Give me a hug." Keegan pulled Gwen close wrapping her arms around Gwen's shoulders. They held tight to each other neither wanting to let go.

"Keegan." Gwen voice was soft and close to her ear. Keegan felt the chill tingle from her ear through her entire body. She quickly stepped away.

"Good night Gwen. I'll see you tomorrow." Keegan rubbed her hands along her forearms as she stood next to the door.

"Good night." Gwen nodded and stepped into the March evening. The air got colder and the wind bitterly bit at her cheeks. She settled into the car.

"Things go okay?" Bobby asked.

"Better than I ever expected." Gwen snuggled in the warmth of the car seat.

"And it feels great."

Chapter 12

The activity in the therapy room was at a morning high. Most of the patients were getting a session in just before the lunch hour. The Weston Physical Therapist group worked Monday through Friday, twelve hours a day. Keegan worked the split shift, some days she would open and others she would close. She started working at the PT lab during college and continued when the National team was off for the season. She tried to work some while battling with leukemia, but only wrote reports and advised interns.

Sitting at her workstation, Keegan held a pen against her cheek and stared blindly at the screen, her thoughts a thousand miles from work and the patient's chart she was reviewing. Tuesday was the start of her four ten-hour days and she knew it was going to be a long week. The snowstorm on Friday created a cause and effect on the patient load. A new crop of slips and falls, sprains and strains and the classic broken limb let's learn to use crutches to the patient log. Of course, she had her regulars, which she did like. Tony had been a regular until their friendship grew outside the lab walls.

"All the big wigs are heading towards the Peds Unit." Maurice said as he wheeled his office chair next to Keegan, peering over her shoulder at her monitor. He noticed her mouse hadn't moved in the last five minutes and the pen was forming a slight indentation on her cheek.

"What?" She responded, rubbing the area of her face where the blue ink dotted her skin.

"I said all the big wigs are heading to the Peds Unit. Word has it Bob Finch is here visiting the kids." He waited to see if he got her attention. "You do know who he is right?"

"Yes, hockey player, Motors." And by the way Maurice he was at my house last night drinking coffee and told me he was gay. Placing a hand on her forehead, Keegan closed out the screen she was viewing. There were no new exercises she wanted Mrs. Farmer to do at this time. The elderly woman was having a hard enough time adjusting to the walker. Breaking her hip at Christmas time had slowed her down for awhile. She started seeing Keegan the first week in February and they were progressing.

"That's right. You know about sports. How about Gwen Lerner, did you ever play against her during your day?"

"It's been a number of years, but yes I played on the same field with her a few times." And a few times off the field. At one time, Keegan had been a big name in the soccer arena, but she was rarely recognized outside of Weston. No one remembers the non-participant on the Olympic team, or who ran the third leg of a relay. They remember the big names that continue on. The Gwen Lerners, Lisa Fernandezs of their sport. Shannon Abbott played on three Olympic teams just like Gwen, but she wasn't mobbed at the grocery store or in the airport. Funny how the public forgets the supporting staff but not the stars.

"Is she pretty?" Maurice's big expressive brown eyes looked at his co-worker. She had been distracted all morning. Something happened to her over the weekend and he wanted to know.

"God yes….she's absolutely beautiful." Keegan spewed out before she could check herself. Maurice's full belly laugh had her shaking her head with embarrassment.

"Tell me how you really feel!" He squeezed her shoulder and rolled back to his station his shoulders still shaking with laugher. "How did the ultra sound go?" Maurice glanced at her. He hoped Dr. Get-a-clue didn't crash the appointment. He worked with Dr. Micah a couple of times and she had always been very professional. It was something about Keegan that had the doctor forgetting her Hippocratic Oath.

Co-workers for the better part of three years, Maurice knew Keegan's sexual preference on her first day, she never hid it. When Brian, another therapist hit on her, she held nothing back. There were always patients who tried their best to get the pretty dark haired woman to accept their offers. Mothers and Grandmothers wanted to set her up with their offspring, claiming they were such a nice boy. Keegan snickered, a few times asking about any single female family members. Most accepted her preference, but there was always the one moron in the world, who wanted to change her mind because she hadn't been with the right man yet. She hadn't been with any man and she didn't care if she was missing anything.

Tony tried to ask her out, but she shot him down like a clay pigeon. From that day, they just seemed to bond. Keegan kept to herself most the time. Tony was the closest thing she had to a boy friend since her friend Michael in junior high school. She needed someone outside her family to be friends with.

"Do you still talk to her?"

"Who?"

"Gwen Lerner."

"A little. Why?" Keegan didn't want to give up to much information regarding Gwen. She wasn't even sure what last night meant. Were they going back down the road of a relationship or friendship? The whirlwind of Gwen and Bobby stopping at her house last night still had her heart pounding and her head spinning. Did she want to start a relationship with Gwen if she lived on the West Coast? They had tried that once and it was extremely difficult. If she were to break up with Bobby just before the playoffs, would she still move to Detroit? There was no way Keegan was pulling up roots to live in San Jose. The climate and ocean were the most appealing memories she had of living there. She missed her family. In Detroit, there was always someone close. Maybe too close as far as Ashley was concern.

"Keegan?"

"What?" Her annoyance with all of his questions showed in her voice. Maurice had been chattering about Gwen and Bobby but Keegan wasn't really paying attention.

"She just walked into the lab." Maurice stood so he could get a better look at the woman whose poster hung on the back of his son's bedroom door. Keegan was right. The woman was drop dead gorgeous. "And you're right."

"Jesus." Standing next to Maurice, they watched as Gwen talked with Kay the appointment scheduler at the front desk. The matronly woman gestured excitedly with her hands and pointed towards the back room that served as workstations for all the therapists. The large glass window ran the length of the room so the therapists could observe the patients working out on the floor. The open floor plan was normally loud and noisy but today, when Gwen walked into the open area, all activity stopped. The professional smile in place, she gave a few patients a polite wave and made her way to the office. Wearing a royal purple blouse opened to the swell of her breasts with a soft fawn colored jacket over it, the bottom of the jacket came to the top of the snug hip hugging matching slacks Brown leather heeled boots encased her feet making the size eights appear slender. Keegan looked over to Maurice's open-mouthed expression. "Are you trying to catch flies?" He immediately snapped his mouth closed.

"Hello." Gwen approached to office greeting the two occupants. "Am I interrupting?"

"Hi! No. We were… I was doing some research on options for strengthening a patient's hip area. It's for an older patient and some times the ones we usually use don't work well." Keegan felt as if she was rambling on. "I didn't think you'd stop by." Keegan got the same tingling in the swell of her stomach. It was either butterflies or the baby moving. She used to get this feeling when Gwen was around, before they started dating. She was in awe of the professional player and could never quite comprehend she was on the same team. Her heart was hammering against her chest and she felt a little lightheaded. Last night in the den, when Gwen pulled her into her arms and kissed her forehead, she felt as if she was twenty again and it was the first time they touched. They had shared hundreds of kisses, but last night was the first time in five years their physical bond had been rekindled. Slowly, her hand floated upwards and touched her forehead as if she tried to see if there was some brand or mark Gwen left behind.

"I said I would. Hi Gwen Lerner." She extended her hand to Keegan's co-worker.

"Sorry, Maurice Rice. Maurice and I were just talking about you."

"Something good I hope." Gwen gave Keegan a quick wink and turned back towards the open floor and the patients. "What goes on out there?"

"This is where we have the patients go through the exercises. Each area has a station and with the therapist, they monitor progress. Either strength, flexibility or range of motion, depending on the injury." Maurice moved to Gwen side as he pointed to a patient and explained the exercise. "Weren't you hurt a few years ago?"

"Yes my knee, but I did rehab at the training center in San Diego by myself with a PT. This seems more like a gym atmosphere."

"We try to make it fun so that the patients are comfortable instead of worried." Keegan chimed in. She stood close enough to Gwen to smell the jasmine scented perfume she wore and fragrance of flowers from her shampoo.

"Can I borrow you for a little bit?" She looked at the watch on her wrist. "I need to be at the Pediatric Unit in about twenty minutes if you have the time?"

"My next session starts in a half hour. So I can be borrowed." Keegan grabbed the white cardigan sweater off the back of her office chair and swung it over the maroon scrubs she was wearing. "Page me if you need anything Maurice." Keegan fell into to step next to Gwen. Their arms brushed lightly as they went through the waiting area through the large glass doors and into the hallway.

"Now that I got you out of class, I don't know what to do with you?" Gwen confessed. She wanted to walk into Keegan's office shut the door and plant a passionate kiss on her luscious mouth. "This has been driving me crazy all night so I need to ask." Gwen surveyed her surroundings and slipped into the chapel. Taking Keegan by the hand, Gwen led her to a bench in the far corner of the place of worship. Sitting close enough that their body's touched from hip to knee, and shoulder to the hands that held each other. "What did we agree upon last night?"

"I'm not sure. I do know that we agreed to have a relationship, friendship." Her mood plummeted at the thought. Did she really want to just be friends with Gwen? She felt Gwen's fingers tighten on her hand.

"I think before we go any farther, you need to hear some information from me. Not the tabloids. I want a clean the slate with you. If you need to make a decision, I want you to know everything."

"Gwen, do you really have the time to do this?" Keegan tried to pull her hand away. "Is this the place?" Keegan looked at the empty chapel with lit candles.

"Yes, where else should I confess my sins that would be more appropriate?" Gwen gazed over towards the chapel's altar. Rows of blue and red candles sat burning in answer to someone's prayers. Never one to go to church or have a religious upbringing, Gwen found the chapel soothing. She felt at peace for the moment. Lacing her fingers with Keegan's she smiled at the strength she felt there. Small but mighty a reported dubbed her when she played for the National team. There were so many questions answered with the fact Keegan's illness prevented her from playing.

"We have time to talk." Keegan thought about how quickly the time they had was passing by. Soon, Gwen would be back on a plane and heading home.

"No, we don't. And I want to do this in person. Tonight I have this dinner at the country club with all the Motors staff. Wednesday I'm going to be in a VIP suite watching my "boyfriend" play hockey in front a large crowd." There was sadness in her voice that conveyed the frustration of being closeted. "I can get you tickets if you and some friends want to go."

"You're leaving at what time on Thursday?"

"Seven am." Gwen could feel the withdrawal from Keegan just like she felt in Miami. She knew the woman next to her was going to separate quickly.

"Oh." This was the reality. Gwen came back into her life like a flash in the pan quick, hot and bright. There would be no time tonight or tomorrow. "I guess you have your life to get back to." Keegan opened her hand and scooted away from Gwen.

"Keegan…" Gwen bit her bottom lip. "I have some events lined up. I'm heading to San Diego, New York, Boston and Atlanta. I may be back around Mother's Day."

"We're heading to Florida for Mother's Day. Mom and Dad are buying Ashley's mini van. Dr. Dev doesn't want me to fly. So we are driving down."

"You can't fly?" Gwen suddenly felt as if the invitation she was about to extend to Keegan was for naught. If Keegan couldn't fly to visit her parents, there was no way she would be able to fly to California.

"Umm, it's just a precaution. I just prefer not to." There were too many details and too little time to tell Gwen the entire story of her journey to be pregnant.

"Kee, I need to say some things, clear the air. First and I didn't know at the time, but I propositioned Meghan when I was in DC. It was a few years ago and she may have told you. At the time she was not very fond of me and let me know it." The need to be honest with Keegan was her number one priority. "There is also talk about Bobby and I having an open relationship. It's true to a point. He'd start to see someone and I'd start to see someone, it was easier if these people were viewed as a couple and we could be seen double dating. I know it's a lame excuse, but there was never anyone that I really wanted to get involved with." She looked into the wide sky blue eyes staring expressively at her. This next one would leave her wondering if she should confess or not. It was a physical need that she wanted and a way to stay safe and out of the public. "On occasion, I've used services which specialize in being discreet. Do you understand what I'm saying? I'm not proud, but I'm not going to deny it."

"Like an escort service?" Keegan voice whispered out. How could Gwen need an escort service? She could have her choice of women and men if she wanted.

"Yes. I needed to protect myself. Sometimes cash goes a long way to the right people."

"And when was the last time you utilized this option?"

"Just before I left." Gwen hung her head. She wasn't proud but she didn't want to randomly pick a woman and take her home.

"How can you live your life like this? You're a fraud. You flaunt this perfect relationship with Bobby but its fake. Don't you understand that little girls look up to you as a role model? They want to be just like you. What about the kids who have different choices, you are saying it bad, hide how you feel because it's not accepted by main stream America."

"It's a financial issue."

"Anything else?" Keegan questioned still upset about Gwen's reason for being in the closet. She was in shock and having a hard time understanding why Gwen would hide her sexual preference. As Gwen rolled her shoulders and flexed her fingers, Keegan knew. She knew it had been recent. "Tell me Gwen."

"When the photos hit the tabloids, I had you and your family investigated."

"What? Why?" The words hissed out of Keegan's lips and she jerked her hand free from Gwen's.

"I thought you sold them. There was no proof. The investigator didn't find any connection." Gwen felt a bead of sweat run down her back between her shoulder blades. Connie suggested Keegan be investigated. Who else would have access to the photos? She even gave Gwen a name the investigator. "Nothing ever came of it."

"As if anything would, Jesus Gwen, why would you think I would do that?' Keegan sat back on the bench. She crossed her arms over her stomach. She felt as if she had just been punched in the gut.

"It was hard to understand. The photos were a few years old. I thought you may want to make some easy money. Connie thought the same thing."

"Your mother hated me. She never thought I was good enough for you."

"Bullshit, you were great for me." Gwen felt the anger. "Connie's just hard to accept things." Gwen reached for Keegan's hand. "I'm sorry. I am, really, really sorry."

"So if you have this guy investigating me, why didn't he let you know I was sick?" Keegan let Gwen hold on to her hand. When brown eyes shot up at her question, Keegan knew Gwen didn't get all the information she paid the investigator to find out.

"That's a very good question." Gwen agreed. "Maybe I should look into that." They sat lightly holding hands. Gwen wasn't sure what would come from the conversation, but she had to lay her cards out on the table. She was about to ask, when the pager at Keegan's hip vibrated. The PT looked at the read out and got her feet.

"I've got to go." Keegan whispered.

"Are you okay?" Gwen asked wanting to know what Keegan was thinking. The brunette's expression gave nothing away. When Keegan didn't answer her right away, Gwen stood up and lightly touched her arm. "Don't leave things like this Kee. Don't run from me again?" The comment got the fire burning in those blue eyes.

"I'm not running Gwen. I have to go back to work and I need to think about this conversation." Keegan stepped away and started out the chapel doors.

"Are you going to the game tomorrow?" When Keegan didn't answer and stepped into the hallway, Gwen followed. "Can you let me know if you are so I can get the tickets?" Gwen watched the small figure walking away. Suddenly, Keegan turned around and nodded.

Dazed from the conversation that had taken place in the chapel, Gwen made her way across the hospital campus to the office of Lilia Holiday. Ignoring the noticeable stares and looks she got as she followed the colored lines on the floor that mapped the direction to the Pediatric Wing of the hospital.

As she approached the office of the Public Relations representative, Bobby and Phil stepped into the corridor. With them was a thin unhealthy looking woman with her raven hair pulled tightly into a bun on the back of her head. A navy scarf tied tightly around her neck and hung tactfully over her shoulder. The cream colored suit and navy blouse hung loosely as the haughty anorexic figure turned on her three inch high heels to take in the Gwen as she approached.

A challenge gleamed in her lifeless brown eyes. Gwen felt an odd sense of fear course over her as the slender spokesperson shifted her dark gaze back to Bobby. She didn't know this woman from Eve but like a number of females she met over the years, they were ready to challenge her when Bobby came into the picture. They all thought they should be on his arm when the cameras were flashing. Connie was a pro in the act of stealing men away from other women. Miss Holiday wasn't even in the same league as her mother. After four years with Bobby she knew there were "want to be's" at every event. They all wanted to be on Bob Finch's arm. Once the playoffs came, they could be.

Keegan words rang true. She was a fraud. Hiding who she was because of the financial impact. Ellen came out, she was doing well or better. Rosie came out but seemed to cause most of her own negative press. Would it be career damaging or would it be beneficial. Greg Louganis wrote a book and came out on Oprah. She didn't need the announcement of who she was. She needed to make things right with the fiery woman who made her heart soar and her brain melt.

"Sorry I was running a little late." Gwen leaned on tippy toes to give Bobby a kiss on the lips. He eyed her sharply, knowing she had gone to see Keegan in the PT department. He knew the kiss and lean in was for effect and had grown used to it over the years. She didn't need to tippy toe in her heels but she did as she placed a possessive hand on his lapel. Something was wrong and the deep wounded look in her eyes told him all he needed to know at this time.

"Miss Lerner, this is Lilia Holiday." Phil's light touch on her arm brought her turning to study the hospital staff member. Yes, there was that look of dismissal Connie often gave her competitors. This woman was just like her mother.

"Please call me Gwen." She reminded Phil. "Ms. Holiday, what a wonderful opportunity for us to visit the children. Isn't that right, honey?" Bobby confirmed with a nod as she tucked her arm in the crook of his arm.

"They are looking forward to it. It is an honor to have a professional athlete such as Mr. Finch." The hospital representative gestured towards the elevator and the foursome shuffled towards the lift.

"Gwen is a pro athlete too, Ms. Holiday. In fact her two gold and silver medals outshine my silver any day of the week." A small smile turned upward at the corners of his mouth as the representative stiffened a bit.

"Why I forgot about that especially with all that, business with the poster." There it was, a jab to the ribcage. This woman was trying to focus negatively on Gwen. The woman squeezing the life out of his arm did not miss the silent chuckle that coursed through his body.

The decorative stainless steel doors of the elevator slid open as Gwen and Bobby entered. As arranged by the Motors and approved by Hannah, Detroit's newest hot couple were at Weston Memorial Hospital to visit the pediatric unit. The hospital spokesperson smiled politely at Bobby, who graciously let the women enter the six-foot by ten-foot cubby first. Pressing the button for the eighth floor, Lilia turned towards them after the number lit up. A smile plastered on her tight gaunt face, her lips covered in ruby red lipstick created a striking contrast against the pale skin of her face.

"The 8th Floor specializes in Children's Cancer treatment and research. Although we have a separate Pediatric Unit, the Oncology Pediatric Unit is laid out close to the main treatment center. We can't thank you enough for coming and visiting. Especially the children, we have a couple of big hockey fans." Lilia was thrilled at meeting Bob Finch, the Motors defensive player. The professional hockey player was handsome with his chiseled features and a soft twinkle in his green eyes. A day's growth of beard showed on his face and she couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like against her skin. As to his choice in women, she could care less for Gwen Lerner, who in her opinion was the Brittney Spears of women's soccer. America's Sweetheart…what a load of bullshit, some publicist was behind that poster. Some publicist made a career off that one deal… Hey, I'm the sick bastard that wrapped the soccer player up in a flag and you suckers fell for it.

Her rant after the photos of her with another woman appeared in the tabloids was sickening. The woman was a publicity hungry want to be who was trying her best to move to the broadcasting arena. Her retirement from the National Team was announced just before Bob was traded to Detroit. The lengths this woman would go to in order to hang on to her man. God only knows how she got her hooks into Bob Finch. Lilia set her brown eyes against the fawn colored outfit Gwen was wearing. She just couldn't understand what Bob Finch saw in this woman.

Lilia's gazed moved between the couple. Bobby's arm wrapped loosely around Gwen waist as she leaned in and whispered in his ear. "This chick gives me the creeps."

"Totally agree." He tugged on her waist for a second letting his hand drop protectively to the small of her back.

The noise level on the Peds ward was deafening. There were groups of children lined along the hallway. Some had IV's in their arms attached to a wheel base bag holder. Gwen felt her heart breaking as she looked at the wide-eyed innocent children who were in the hospital for various reasons. Bobby, Phil and Lilia moved along the ward talking to child after child. Gwen hung back, looking into the rooms where curious children lifted their heads towards the doorway in hopes a visitor would stop by. When a nurse turned to find Gwen sticking her head into the room she was just finishing up in, she didn't know what to say.

"Hi. I'm Gwen Ler…"

"I know who you are Ms. Lerner the kids are all excited today for your visit and Mr. Finch. Not all of them can get out of bed."

"Miss Evans." Gwen began reading the gold plated name tag over the woman's right breast. "Is it okay to say hello?"

"Sure, Lee Ann just had a chemo drip and is a little out of it. She's been excited all week to meet you. She's a soccer player." With a nod, Gwen understood that some of these children were battling for their lives. At such a young age, she couldn't imagine what it was like to think about dying.

Making her way farther into the room, Gwen noticed the numerous drawings and homemade cards lining Lee Ann's bed and wardrobe. Classmates and teammates had made cards wishing the young girl well. A great big sun shined down on two small girls bouncing a soccer ball between them. A banner above them hailed the Mustangs. Must be her team.

"Hi." Gwen said as she slipped into the hard plastic chair next to the bed. Sweet silver eyes studied her for a moment. "I just wanted to stop and say hello. If you are tired, I can let you rest." Eyes blinked a few times as the girl tried to chase a dream away.

"I play you." A soft voice filled the room. Turning her head in interest towards the girl she leaned closer to hear her comments. "When I'm on the field, I pretend I'm you shooting the winning goal against China."

"Really, that's good to hear. Do you make it?" Gwen often wondered if she would be where she was at if she missed the goal.

"Sometimes….not every time." Eyes fluttered shut as the young girl fought to stay awake. A smile was on her face but a light sheen of perspiration covered her forehead. Gwen wondered if it was from the treatment she just received. The nurse stepped back into the room and approached the sleeping patient.

"Will she remember I was here?"

"Hard to tell. Sometimes, the treatments make them forget what is happening. I've heard patients say they go to a different place where there is no pain." The nurse pulled up the girls blanket and touched her forehead. "She's a little warm."

"Can I leave her this?" Gwen dug in her bag to retrieve a photo from the day with the spawn child. She wanted for this little girl to know she had been at her side. Scribbling a quick note, Gwen set the photo on the table.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate it." The nurse looked at the small note and smile.

Lee Ann,

I hope you and the Mustangs have a great season. Look forward to you playing China.

Best Wishes,

Gwen Lerner

Gwen walked out of the room thinking about Keegan and what she had gone through. She wished she had known. She would have been at her side, supporting her, loving her. She quietly rubbed her eye as tears threatened to spill. She was tired of crying. She wanted to turn the clock back five years so she could be there for Keegan. Seeing Bobby ahead surrounded by a group of small children, she realized there was nothing she could change. She couldn't go back in time and change a thing. Even if she could, would she and Keegan make it as a couple? They were young and in love. That did not always translate into a solid relationship. She needed to fix the gap between them first. After that, she would see where they would land. Even if it meant friendship, she just wanted to have Keegan back in her life.

(Continued)