Leaping for Your Dreams

***Mari’s POV***

I was moving to Pittsburgh. How did I celebrate this? I grabbed the Penguin in front of me and locked lips with him. It didn’t hurt that said player was someone I’d had a crush on, oh hell I was in love with him if I was completely honest.

At first I didn’t hear the taunting, when I did hear it I buried my head against Geno’s chest. Once we got into my room, it didn’t take long before no more words were needed.

When I woke up again I was all snuggly and warm. I felt some of my hair moved off my face, I didn’t move. Thanks to my best friend I understood what I heard being whispered. “Прекрасный и темно. Алекс может убить меня, если я тебе больно. Меня не волнует, хотя. Тепло, красиво, и уже нравится моей семье. Я хочу сделать эту работу. (Beautiful and dark. Alex might kill me if I hurt you. I do not care though. Warm, beautiful, and is liked my family. I want to make this work.)”

I couldn’t help it; that made me smile. I opened my eyes. “I’d like that.” I saw Geno’s eyes widen and then he smiled.

“You understand me?” He said wondrously, as if he didn’t quite believe me.

“Aleks has been my best friend since we were 4. Our families are close as well.” I sat up as he did. It didn’t bother me to be naked in front of him. Playing as much hockey as I had, I have no body image issues. “We’re so close that we exchanged our families native tongues as well.”

He smiled lopsidedly. “Though I not love her more, I wrong.” I knew what he meant; Aleks was more of a sister to me than just a BFF. Geno sighed heavily. “I no want to leave, but…”

I kissed his temple. “I understand. I’ll be at Media Day, shepherding you guys. I’ve got,” I looked at the clock. “45 Minutes until this mornings’ meeting. I need to tell them that this is my last event, which won’t go over well.” Geno had gotten up, put on his boxers and was now collecting the rest of his discarded clothes while listening.

He stopped and looked at me. “Maybe they be happy. Have good job, no travel.” He leaned over the edge of the bed. “Good boyfriend not hurt either.”

I chuckled, already he was making choices for me but I liked this one. “No, a good boyfriend doesn’t hurt at all.” We kissed lightly. “We need to get moving.” I climbed out of bed and went looking for today’s outfit. I’d already been here most of the week so I had all my hangables in the closet. I was mulling over my choices when I felt a hand skim across my abdomen.

“I like green.” Geno tucked his head next to mine. “That pretty.” He touched the green silk top I had brought with me.

Bringing it out I thought for a second. “Pants or skirt?” I already knew what shoes I’d wear and what simple jewelry too.

I felt him shrug. “Don’t know, surprise me.” He kissed my shoulder. “Have to go, need food and to find out what else is going on.” He had his shirt on but slightly open. Not that it mattered really; he was just down the hall.

“Ok, see you later.” After he left I hopped into the shower quickly before going to my meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked into the conference room feeling wonderful. This was my last NHL event; I had a job waiting in my favorite city with my favorite team, not to mention I was high on loves’ beginning. I was the first one in the room, but I wasn’t alone long. Ray Shero came in with a smile. “I hear we’re going to be very lucky in the ‘Burgh.”

I smiled. “What can I say? It’s an offer I can’t refuse.” I moved closer to Ray. I might as well be up front with him. “There is something you need to know though.”

He floored me by how casual he seemed as he spoke. “You mean about you and Geno. When you get to Pittsburgh I’ll have you sign the paperwork. As long as you think you can work in the same building, things should be fine. I’m more worried and Aleks and Sid next year.”

I laughed. “Nah, they’ll be fine. If anyone knows how to keep a personal life _out_ of a locker room its Aleks.” In walked my current boss, Zachary Amarra. He took a look at who was with me and smiled.

“Well if I have to lose you, at least I know you’ll be cared for by the team getting you.” He came up and hugged me. “You’re the best right hand I’ve had. You can do this.”

I laughed. “I’m the head of a Hospitality Suite not working with God himself.” I didn’t know which suite I’d be working in yet; I was about to find out.

Ray chuckled at that. “Mario is seen as a God in Pittsburgh and there’s _only_ _one_ suite he has a personal interest in who runs it, Suite 66. Now, you may have to help when we have a Make-A-Wish Suite but you’re _the_ Head of Suite 66.” I lost the ability to speak. I’d toured Suite 66 once and fell in love with it. The idea of it being mine to make a success; it made my head spin and heart race.

Zach just laughed at my agape mouth. “Well you made her speechless. Congrat Ray, that doesn’t happen often.” He went over to what would be his place during the meeting. “I think she didn’t know that Suite 66 was hers. Something tells me Mario pulled a fast one.”

Ray kissed my cheek and got up. “He’s good at that. She’ll shine though and make it even more in demand than the previous Head has.”

That got me out of my stupor. “What happened to my predecessor?” I normally wouldn’t care, but with what I’d heard I was curious.

Ray sighed. “I’ll go into detail about that when you get to Pittsburgh. I can say this now though. He wasn’t a hockey person and didn’t think all of the personal history was as important as it really is.”

I nodded. I _was_ a hockey person and knew how important everything in that suite really was. “I’d heard rumors of problems with loss of control of people in the Suite as well. I may have to make a few changes when I get there to make things completely clear. I’ll know more once I get there for sure.”

Ray smiled at that. That told me he knew about my personal history as well. “Sounds fine Michaela. I’m glad to have someone who understands how important their job really is. Have a good rest of the weekend and if you need anything from me, let me know.” He left the room then and I let out a huge sigh.

Zach laughed at me. “You’ll do fine Mari. You’re the best candidate they had.” We stopped our side conversation as the rest of the team began to trickle in.

We went through the day’s meeting with various notes for everyone. At the end Zach stood up. “I have some news of a more personal note as well. I was asked if I could live without my right hand.” He gestured at me. “I knew that this day would come, I just didn’t expect _who_ would ask.” People murmured around the table as he then continued. “When Mario Lemieux asks for your right hand for a job you _know_ she’ll be incredible at, you say yes.” Zach smiled. “This All Star Game will be Michaela’s last League event as she will be starting her new job as the Head of Suite 66 for the Penguins in mid-February.” I couldn’t believe the loud gasp I heard coming from my co-workers. A few of them threw me dirty looks, which I ignored.

I spoke up as Zach prompted me too. “Thanks Zach, I’m floored to be working for the Pens and will miss working with most of you.” Applause broke out when I was done. That was it for our meeting, and it was official - I was going after my dream.