“Get back to me when women players earn much as their male counterparts. Did you know the average Women’s Hockey League salary is under fifty thousand a year? The Ladies Hockey League of Canada pays their roster even less when converted to US dollars.”
Troy nodded. “One reason Glenn wanted you in the AHC. Sure, my original idea was to have you scouted for the WHL and thought his idea of you playing in a men’s league was bizarre, but once he explained how even the best women pro players get screwed salary wise, everything made sense.”
Alex was taken aback by his response. “You agree we should receive the same pay as men?”
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“I think all women athletes should have salaries equal to ours. Do I look like a Jax Ivanka type to you?”
Alex wrinkled her nose. “Ugh, that sexist asshole.”
“Is he bothering you?”
“If you call his nonstop comments about me being on the team when I should be home ‘doing my proper duties’ in the kitchen and bedroom, then yeah.”
“He and I should have another talk.”
“I may need some input on a car, Troy, but you don’t have to fight my battles.”
“It’s part of my job as captain, Al. You always give me a hard time. Why take Ivanka’s shit just because he’s some big time legend?”
“Isn’t Jax like a hundred years old? That could explain his whole misogynistic attitude.”
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“He’s forty, but an outstanding player if one overlooks him being a dick about certain things. Now, let’s get dressed and have some breakfast before finding you a nice car with doors that actually lock.”
Alex prepared to bolt from the room. “Last one downstairs cooks!”
“In that case, first person loads and runs the dishwasher, so don’t try anything funny.”
***
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Chapter 37
“Remind me to never again take along women when buying a car,” Troy groaned over the phone later that day.
“Why, what happened?” Pierre asked. “I thought you wanted to replace the disaster on wheels Alex drives.”
“We must’ve gone to ten different dealerships but felt like two hundred because every trip ended with an argument.”
“Seems you two are always squabbling. My wife and I don’t fight much as you and Alex do.”
“Want to trade women?” Troy jokingly asked.
“I don’t think so, man. I love Alex like a sister, but wouldn’t give up Patti for the world. I guess you came home empty-handed?”
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“No, we finally agreed on a white pre-owned Tesla Model S. She’s so thrilled with the car that I’m her biggest hero.”
“You influenced her to pick something environmentally friendly, eh?”
“She used mine while I was in Nova Scotia. I didn’t want Al driving her old beater following the packing peanuts incident. A new Tesla was impossible for her budget, so we settled on a used model. I still have a headache from all the back and forth bitching.”
“Oh yeah, the packing peanuts were Walton’s bright idea after he spied the broken passenger side door lock. His cronies Beaumont and O’Freel also participated.”
“I figured as much. Most locker room pranks usually have Lenny Walton written on them. I still have no idea why the hell Jon and Roy appointed him second alternate captain. Did he or anyone else pull more shit while I was gone?”
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“Not to my knowledge, but Jax said some derogatory things to and about her.”
“Al told me earlier about him. I promised to have a talk on Monday.”
“You’ll waste your breath, Troy. Old timers can be stubborn.”
“Ivanka needs reminded that harassing females isn’t cool. He’s resided in the States more than long enough to know that American women are far different from Czechs.”
“Good luck convincing the ass clown. Are you still taking Alex to the Vancouver Venus premiere tonight?”
“Of course; you know I don’t make promises I can’t keep, Pierre.”
“You may see Reggie and Davy. They mentioned something about going since Alex told them about her part in the movie.”
“Nice, but I plan to spend quality time with her tonight, something I haven’t done since the draft.”
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“Think you two can go without an argument the entire evening?” Pierre teased.
“I’ll make an effort, but Al’s rather strong willed.”
“You’re not much better.”
“Maybe that’s why she and I clash often; we’re too much alike.”
“Oh, I think your feelings go much deeper, my friend.”
“What are you indicating?”
“Don’t play dumb, Troy. I heard about you raising hell when Caldwell brought Alex home one night and how you kept giving guys the stink eye on Draft Day because they talked to her.”
“Yeah, because members of known rival teams shouldn’t fraternize with each other and almost every other fan has stalker potential. Al needs to exercise more caution.”
“Fess up; I’ve seen how you look at Alex when you think no one’s paying attention. You grin like a fool when her name’s mentioned and your voice cracks like a kid going through puberty when someone makes comments about her you don’t like. Should I say more?”
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“All right, Pierre. I didn’t realize I’m committing a heinous crime by caring about her.”
“I haven’t seen you smile so much since Team Canada won its third gold medal at Internationals.”
“Hey, it warms me to see Al well-received by the media and fans.”
“She’s got mad skills and is probably your best discovery to date.”
“Troy!” Alex called from upstairs. “What time are we leaving for the premiere?”
“Six-thirty,” he answered.
“Who’s on the phone? I heard your goofy laugh.”
“Pierre.”
“Tell him I said hi!”
“I will, now go find something nice to wear.”
Alex giggled. “Oh I have a surprise waiting for you, big boy.”
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“Let me say goodbye to Pierre and then I need a shower. Are you done in the washroom?”
“Yes, it’s all yours.”
He resumed talking to Pierre. “Al says hello. I don’t know what she has up her sleeve, but I’m betting it’s something good.”
“No better time to find out, man. Have fun at the premiere and I look forward to seeing both of you Monday morning.”
***
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Chapter 38
Alex strode downstairs in a sleeveless, short gold-threaded black dress and coordinating black flats, carrying a small gold handbag. She spotted Troy sitting on the sofa wearing a dark suit and necktie with a white shirt.
“Hey goober!” she called. “Here’s your surprise.”
His mouth dropped open, astonished by her appearance.
Alex laughed at his reaction. “Stop staring like you’re seeing a woman for the first time.”
“I didn’t expect you to…”
“Put on a dress without your urging? I spent some time at Macy’s.” She turned. “Do you like?”
“Absolutely stunning, and wearing your hair down too.”
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“Whose car are we taking?”
Troy pulled something from his pocket. “We can flip this quarter or try rock-paper-scissors.”
“Only Troy Talmadge would make a decision using old time games or loose change. Okay, let’s do the quarter.”
“Heads we use my car; tails, yours.” He tossed the quarter and both watched it land on the floor.
“Yes, tails!” Alex cried. “I’ll get my key fob.”
“I’m driving,” Troy firmly replied.
“Uh, uh, mister; it’s my car, remember?”
“On which I made the down payment and co-signed for the loan because your credit is shit. I’d like us to arrive in one piec
e; just because your Tesla’s a sports car doesn’t give an automatic excuse to drive like the hounds of hell are chasing you.”
She surrendered the key fob without debate. “Count your blessings I’m in no mood to spat tonight.”
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“That’s my girl.”
“Come on, goober, let’s go. They’re supposed to show the movie around seven-thirty. Have you ever gone to a premiere?”
“I went to a couple with Louise.” He opened the passenger door. “After you, my dear.”
“Thanks. Is your sister a backup date or something?” Alex asked with a smile.
“Probably the most reliable one until I met you.”
“Don’t tell me you took her to your prom.”
“Uh…not quite; one, she was too young, and second, I was too busy with studying and hockey to attend school socials.”
“I didn’t go to any dances or proms either.”
“Why?”
“I wasn’t the type most guys in my class asked for dates.”
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“Why do I find that hard to believe?”
“You’ve seen me at my worst; now imagine me looking like that and twenty pounds heavier during my entire adolescence.”
Troy chuckled. “I guess both of us had to grow into our looks.”
“Oh come on; I’ve seen some of your childhood pictures online. You were a cutie.”
“Remind me to show you my high school sophomore picture. Early adolescence was not one of my better moments.”
“I’ve driven you crazy more times than either of us can count, but it’s refreshing to know someone who’s gorgeous, talented, athletic, and successful, yet didn’t let anything go to their head. You’re a diamond among cubic zirconia.”
He squirmed a little, yet was secretly flattered by her words. “Uh…thanks?”
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“It’s okay to ruffle your feathers now and then, Troy. You don’t have to be so humble all the time.”
“Having a big head doesn’t suit me.” He scanned a nearby lot. “Are there ever any decent parking places in this city?”
Alex pointed to a car slowly backing out. “Look, someone’s leaving. Grab the spot while you can!”
“Nice sighting; I’ll beat the shit out of anyone who tries sneaking in ahead of us.”
They patiently waited for the vehicle in front of them to move before Troy parked with little effort.
“God, I envy you,” she said.
He looked befuddled. “What did I do? Five minutes ago you admired me.”
“Sorry, I should’ve said I envy people with flawless parallel parking skills.”
“Now aren’t you glad I drove?”
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“Yes, but if there’s one ding on this car by end of the night, I’ll scratch your ass in a not-so-good way.”
“I’ll keep that in mind as the loan’s co-signer.”
Troy got out, walked to the passenger side, and opened Alex’s door. They silently walked for a few minutes before he noticed groups of photographers, reporters, and fans near the theater’s red carpet entrance.
“Oh shit,” he muttered.
“What’s wrong?”
“We’ve been spotted by the wolves.”
“Shouldn’t you be used to this after ten years?”
“No one ‘gets used’ to strangers ambushing them, Al.” He grabbed her hand. “Stick with me.”
“Curb the paranoia and let go of my hand, Troy. I’m not a child.”
“Yeah, but you’re fairly new to things like this. Remember, let people approach you first.”
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“I see Troy Talmadge with a girl coming our way!” someone shouted.
“Wow, no blue-eyed blonde ‘model’?”
“Hey, that’s Alexandra Galloway, First Lady of the AHC!!”
She stood by quietly, observing him sign autographs, posed with fans for pictures, and answered questions, all with class and grace. I’ll never understand why some people despise Troy. He’s the kindest man in my life since Papa, always makes time for fans, and never snubs anyone. He loves kids; a dedicated hard worker, projects an admirable clean image; the epitome of an athlete. He doesn’t get drunk or act obnoxious in nightclubs. People should celebrate this beautiful soul, not deride every aspect of his lifestyle and career.
“Miss Galloway,” a journalist addressed her. “Is it true you appear in Vancouver Venus?”
She nodded and smiled. “I’m the one scoring a winning goal and in a couple other scenes. I’d also like to thank assistant director Andy Byers for introducing me to Troy.”
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“You were an actress before turning professional hockey player?” a TV reporter asked.
“Yes, but nothing major. Little did I know at the time my small part in Vancouver Venus would open up a whole new career opportunity.”
“Now that you’re part of the Rebels’ official roster, are you looking forward to the upcoming season?”
“Absolutely; I’ve already met some of the sport’s greatest fans and most of my teammates are outstanding people.”
“Sorry, everyone,” Troy interjected, “but we need to get inside. Thanks for coming out this evening.”
“You handled everything well,” he said as they entered the theater.
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Alex basked in his compliment. “I learned from the best.”
“You give me too much credit, shorty. Now let’s see what you look like on film.”
***
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Chapter 39
People talking among themselves and playing with their phones during the film screening annoyed Alex, but she made efforts not to show her true feelings. Granted tonight isn’t anything like a Hollywood premiere, but why would people waste money and time if they aren’t interested in seeing the movie?
Spotting several familiar on-screen moments brought smiles; her one-line scene with Lily Stahl, catching glimpses of Phyllis during game sequences, and finally seeing herself as Natalie shooting the Venus’ championship-winning goal.
Something brushing her brought Alex back to reality. She looked down and saw Troy’s hand clutching hers while he continued staring at the screen.
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She smiled slightly and pretended not to notice. For a man who avoids physical contact at all costs, he’s not shy about holding my hand. Oh Troy, you may be a lot of things, but slick isn’t one.
They received an invitation to the premiere after party, but Troy politely declined in favor of a quiet dinner with Alex. She expected such a response; he wasn’t a party person unless they were charity benefits, another trait of his she appreciated.
“Or we can go home and vegetate rest of the weekend,” Alex said.
“Sounds great, but I already made reservations.”
She punched his arm. “Damn it, Troy; at least keep us on the same page once in a while!”
“Ouch! Will you quit? I don’t need the task of explaining odd bruises before Monday’s practice.”
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“Where and when did you make reservations?”
“Last week at a nice place downtown I happen to like. You’re not going to die from staying dressed another couple hours.”
“Says a guy who likes to roam the house in old shorts, ball caps, no shirt, and leaves his shoes everywhere for me to trip on them. At least let me split the check.”
Power Play Page 12
