Leaping for Your Dreams

If you thought planning a normal wedding was difficult, trying planning one for your best friend/sister of your heart without insulting either set of parents. Without even realizing it I had insulted Trina, Sid’s mom. Aleks had a great idea of having a place for the kids who we thought couldn’t make it through the reception without making a fuss, a babysitter area so that all the parents could enjoy themselves without worrying too much. Both Sid and I had agreed that it was a great idea, including them in this special day in their own way. Unfortunately this flew in the face of how Trina thought their wedding should go.

“I don’t know what to tell her Mari, I mean I know she means well but this is _our_ wedding not hers. We want _our friends to know how welcome they _all_ are, even the kids.” He said sitting in my office while we worked on the planning.

“You need to tell her that this is a celebration and that you _both feel your _entire_ family be welcome, even the kids of your teammates. They _are_ a part of the family and should feel like it.” I fully supported him standing up to their parents on this issue. It _was_ their wedding, and how _they_ wanted it was important.

There was a knock at my door, I turned and loudly said. “Come!” It opened to reveal Stace my erstwhile secretary. “Hey Stace what’s up?” She came in, not even concerned anymore about who was in my office. What a difference a few months made.

“The reception place just called, they need a deposit within the business day to hold the room you booked.” She sat in the chair opposite Sid without a care.

“Crap, I forgot about that. Thanks.” She handed over the fax they had apparently sent as well. I took a look and handed it to Sidney.

“Who knew there’d be so much paperwork.” He said kind of amazed that I didn’t even bat an eyelash at what they were asking for.

I laughed. “Planning this is just a bit more paperwork than an event in any suite here. It’s all in the details which fortunately I’m good at.” Stace giggled and I smiled at the sound.

Moka poked his head in. “I wondered where Stace was.” She grinned, took the page from Sid who had added his credit card information to it and stood up.

“I swear Mari, the more I work here with you, the more I know about running events. Keep this up and I might ask for a raise.” She teased as she left the room.

I waved Moka in and to close the door. “Don’t tell her anything but I’m about to set up some interviews for a new super secretary.” He looked shocked. “Oh stop, I’ve talked with Ray and he and I agree that with how my life has changed that I can add one more person to the team, I decided make her an Event Executive and hire a new secretary. Doing the math that would give each of us 14 home games we’d have to work before the playoffs. It sure would take a load off of me.”

He grinned. “Now _that’s_ the best idea I’ve heard in months!”

Sid nodded. “She doesn’t even jump when any of us come in anymore, _so_ different than before. I actually feel welcome up here now.” He was perusing a catalog on his lap of flower arraignments. “Can I delegate this? I know nothing about flowers.” He said a bit dejectedly.

Moka leaned over and looked. “What are the colors and theme?”

“Light purple or Lavender and Family Friendly.” I said while reading an email Aleks had sent to me. “Looks like we have a guest list too.” I added with a grin. Then I did some mental math. “Sid, there’s room for your folks to invite 10 people total to this. Same for Aleks.” My phone rang, without looking I picked it up and answered. “This is Michaela, how can I help you?”

“You can _not_ kill me for being the messenger. When my boss found out that we were going to be hosting Aleks’ wedding he insisted that we bump her to a bigger room. You’re now going to be in The Hermes Room which seats 125 instead of the 80 you were expecting.” Lils said with trepidation.

I laughed. “Are you kidding me that _solves_ a problem I was having! Do you know of any reputable babysitting companies in the area? We’re going to have a kid’s area at the reception, catered separately for your ease, it was Mal’s idea. This way the parents don’t have to worry about it, they can just drop the kids off and enjoy themselves.”

Lils laughed. “Trust Mal to think of that. Yeah I know a few, give me a head count and I can make some calls. Do you have a guest list yet?” We’d been laughing about that yesterday. Aleks had been so busy that she was trying but between practice, games and the media all wanting her she was pressed for time.

“Yeah I got her list this morning finally. I can’t believe how the media is covering her, so pushy.” Sid snickered and I threw him a glare, it didn’t stop him though.

“She’s being her graceful self too. It’s got to bug her that they want so much. I about did a spit take when that one reporter asked her about their sex life.”

“I loved how she dealt with that one. ‘I’m sorry I’m not discussing my private life with anyone who isn’t in it.’ Completely Classy.” Sid was giving me an odd look. “Lils I’ve gotta go. Thanks for the info about the new room. It really does solve a problem I was worried about.” We hung up and I turned to Sid. “Someone asked her about your sex life, that was her answer.” He just shook his head and sighed.

Soon it was lunchtime and that meant my daily visit from my little family. Sid excused himself so I could have some time just us. That was so sweet of him, even if it wasn’t needed. Anna came in with a big bright smile. “Mama put down the work it’s time for lunch!” I finished was I was doing and turned to her. “I’m all yours, what are we having today Chef Anna?”

“A Pic… Pic a nic!” She beamed. She had some odd affectations, probably from having to pretend to be younger for so long. We had looked into getting her some special help before the school year. It wasn’t that she wasn’t bright, just a bit different from how she’d been treated. We did our best not to treat her like she was younger, but it was difficult at times.

“A picnic. That sounds great!” I got up and lifted her into the air. “And _where are we having this picnic?”

Geno came in and grinned as he took a look at us. “Where do you want it?” We quickly agreed that _out_ of my office would be best. Anna asked if we could go outside, as it was a nice day. We agreed and went to have lunch.

As I came back in from my lunch break, refreshed and reenergized, Ray was waiting for me. “Hi Ray, how can I help you?” I ushered him into my office and as we sat down he sighed.

“I know that you _were_ planning The Draft here, do you have any clue as to what we need to be prepared for?” Ah, so that’s what was bothering him.

I shook my head. “No I’m not doing any of that. Aren’t they coordinating with the normal event planners for the CEC? That would be what the League normally does.” I found my rolodex and looked up the number for my old boss, Zachary Amarra. I had his personal line so I called it. After he answered I grinned. “Zach! How’s life treating you?”

“Mari? Oh wow, how’s Pittsburgh? Life is ok, Julia has been let go so that’s a bit of a strain. With the Awards and the Draft so close together I’m about ready to pull my hair out.” He sounded stressed, which wasn’t normal as I knew it.

“The Burgh is great! I’ve gone through a few things lately personally that have been stressful but overall I couldn’t and wouldn’t change my life. They are really close this year. I was calling about The Draft, who’s handling that and do you need help on this end for anything?” I couldn’t hide my concern for him.

He sighed. “Actually I need to light a fire under someone about that. We should be a lot farther on that than we are. There’s barely been any progress for the last week or so, which is unacceptable. I think Helen is a bit overwhelmed with the scale. Pains me to admit this, but I wish I’d been selfish and said no.”

I laughed. “Oh Zach you guys can handle it. Julia was a pain who refused to bend even a little bit. Helen might just need a guiding hand; I’m guessing she’d new. As for not getting anything done, let me give you the number for the normal event coordinator here. I know for a fact that people here are worried that we haven’t heard anything.” I pulled up the number for the other Event planners and rattled off the number for Zach. I also fired off an email letting them know to expect a call.

“You’re an angel!” Zach exclaimed as I saw Ray smiled and let himself out. He’d found out what he needed to know and felt he could leave now. “Seriously for a minute, you said you’ve gone through some stuff. Mari that doesn’t sound good.”

I sighed. “I didn’t expect nearly 4 months after leaving you guys that I’d be married and an adoptive mother. My brother had a daughter no one knew about.” I sighed at the wonder of it all.

Zach gasped. “Married and a new mom and you’re still at work?” He sounded amazed.

I smiled into the phone. “Yeah Geno and I got married in early April, after one of the playoff games, my brother was leaving on a deployment soon and I _had_ to have him there. We found out his plane was shot down with no survivors about a week later. Geno and I, with Nik’s blessing beforehand, adopted his daughter Anna.”

“Sounds like your life has gotten much more hectic but that you wouldn’t trade it for anything. How’s your staff?”

“They are great, in fact I’ve got permission to take the secretary and promote her to an Event Executive. She was so skittish when I first got here but she’s blossomed into a great person. She was really shy to the point of pain. Moka, my right hand I swear is my Gay Best Friend. We are _so alike in how we want things done that if I have to be away I don’t worry about the office at all. We’re a well oiled machine now.” There was a knock on my open door and I turned. It was Moka. “Speaking of, my GBFF just walked in. I hope that the other guys can help you. I did warn them I was giving you their number.”

“You’re a blessing to that organization Mari, I hope they realize how incredible you are. Have a great day, tell that man of yours he’s a lucky dog.” Zach hung up laughing.

“Your GBFF? That’s so sweet Mari; I’m honored. You need to tell Stace about her promotion before we start interviewing people so she doesn’t think she’s being replaced for a bad reason.” I sighed. He was right of course.

“Yeah not to mention figure out what we all want in a new person.” I pushed the button for her desk. “Stace can we chat with you please.”

She came in and sat down. “Is something wrong?” She looked worried.

“Well, yes frankly.” She paled. “I don’t believe my Event Executives should be answering phones and such. They should be handling other things so that this office runs even more smoothly.” Stace was gaping at me. “Come with me please.” I got up and went to the other office across the hall from mine. I’d had it stocked with everything she’d need, including some personal effects thanks to her boyfriend.

I unlocked it and turned on the lights. There was a banner hung that said Congratulations Stacey! She whimpered a bit and began crying. “I thought…” She smacked me. “I thought I was going to be fired. You evil woman.” She walked into the office and began looking around a bit. “I wondered what Paul was doing. Wait, we still will need a secretary.”

I smiled as it finally sunk in. “Yes we will and we’re all going to put our heads together and come up with what we want in a super secretary right now.” We went back into my office and I grabbed a pen for the white board. “I don’t care if the person is a man or a woman or things like that. I want someone who will make this place even more welcoming.” I wrote that on the board.

“Not timid little mouse either. We need someone who can occasionally take charge if things get bad.” Stace piped up. Good she was thinking about her shortcomings.

Moka sat back and though for a moment. “I think I might have someone who might be perfect for the chaos this place can bring. He’s a man who has no problems with having women in charge of him, no it’s not Angel. He’s a hockey fan himself so there’s little learning who is and is not allowed in here. He’s recently lost his job so he’s available right away.” I was motioning with my hand telling him to get to the point. “His name is Stefan, he’s a friend of mine. Yes he’s also gay but he doesn’t look or act like it when he’s in a professional setting.”

Stace giggled. “Professional setting? Is that what we’re supposed to have here?” She was right we did have a lot of fun, often including other offices within the organization.

Moka sighed. “He _really needs a job Mari, I can get him in here lickety split if you’re willing to talk to him.”

I looked at Stace. She shrugged and I smiled. “If you can get him down here before 3 I’ll talk to him. Even if it means you have to go get him yourself.” The relief on his face was clear. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

“Stefan, yeah. You’re in luck. My boss says she’s willing to talk to you.”

I halted him. “Does he have any experience in Event planning?” I asked and watched as Moka nodded furiously.

“Sorry she asked me a question. Sooner you’re here the sooner you know for sure. Of course. No she looks cute today. Green tunic top with grey leggings, which do wonders for her ass. Oh and she _loves butterflies. No I don’t think she’ll care, just get your butt down here pronto.” He hung up. “Don’t be surprised if he’s not spit and polished today, apparently he was doing laundry.”

Both Stace and I giggled. “As long as he’s covered I won’t judge. I guess we won’t be needing this meeting then. Stace move what you’re going to want or need into your office and then come get your key.”

About 20 minutes later someone I didn’t know knocked on my door. “’Come in.” I said, in the middle of making the invitations perfect.

“Mrs. Malkin?” It was kind of tentative. I looked up and felt like I’d been smacked. I swear it was Farbor (Uncle) Nick, just younger. “Oh I’m sorry do I have the wrong office?”

I shook myself. “No, not at all. You must be Stefan, please come in.” I ushered him to a chair and sat down.

“You seemed a little shocked, did I do something wrong already?” He said sitting down and handing me his resume.

“No, you… You just look _a_ _lot_ like my Uncle Tomas when he was younger.” I started reading over his resume. It was quite the piece of work, some impressive names on here; including references. Stefan Holmstrom. Well that pretty much clinched that he was at least Swedish by heritage. I had to do it and ask. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Tomas Holmstrom would you?”

He chuckled. “Actually yeah I am. He’s my uncle. How do you know him though?”

“Did he ever talk about Mari and Mal?” Stefan nodded. “I’m Mari.” The light dawned in his eyes. “Ok so I know that you play the game and that you have a good work ethic. I can see that by your resume. Tell me about you though.” Having Tomas as an icebreaker helped a lot. I’d have to call and thank him, not to mention let him know his nephew was probably going to be hired.

We chatted for a while and the more I got to know Stefan the more I _knew_ he was the piece we hadn’t known we were missing. I had a gut feeling he’d be perfect.

“Moka says that you are in need of a job. I’m willing to give you that, but I’d like to know why you’re so desperate first.”

He hung his head. “In all honesty my visa is about to expire and without a job they won’t let me renew it. As much as Sweden is home, I love it here.” His eyes were watery.

“I know the feeling, welcome aboard. You don’t have a nickname do you? Cause that would be great, I’m not too formal.” I got up to start doing the paperwork for my new employee.

He chuckled. “At home I was called Iller, in English it means Ferret so that’s what I’ve stuck with. Do I need to do anything today or when am I starting?”

I turned. “You’ll start tomorrow if that’s good with you. You’ll need your visa and that kind of paperwork so we can get you through HR. We start work at 8 and go until 4, later on game days. I hate traffic so I do what I can to avoid rush hours. My husband and our daughter come in at lunch to pull me away from my desk so don’t be surprised when Geno comes in with a kid. Either Moka or myself can get you up to speed with the arena and everything tomorrow.”

He was beaming. “Do you think I could get some help with my visa?” I nodded. He exhaled. “I’ll bring that with me tomorrow as well.” I went around my desk and emailed Legal about it.

He left soon after that and I felt great. So great I called Tomas. “Farbor Tomas. You’ll never guess who I just hired here to be my office’s receptionist. Yep, he starts in the morning. No we’ll get that sorted out. Yes I know he’s gay, no I don’t care. He’s also playing in a men’s league here in Pittsburgh.” We chatted for a while. I’d always been closer to Homer than Nick. Probably cause growing up I saw _his ass a lot more than Nick’s. Soon enough it was time to go home to my lovely family. I went home with a lighter heart and less to do with the wedding. Oh did I tell you Moka came up with a great centerpiece idea, candles and wine. It fits the two of them perfectly.