“No way, shorty. Tonight’s on me.”
“I know you’re a generous soul, but this is ridiculous. First getting me into pro hockey, helping with the move from New York, co-signing for this car, and now dinner at some tony restaurant? You know how to treat women. I can’t fathom why you don’t have a significant other like some of the other guys.”
“Hockey’s my present steady love, Al; I’m too busy for commitment or dating more often.” He chuckled. “I don’t think I’d know what to do on a real date.”
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Explain holding my hand during the movie, she wanted to say. “At least you won’t lack volunteers when the time is right.”
“You’re hilarious.” He pulled into a valet entrance. “At least here I won’t have to worry about finding a parking space.”
“Wow, I didn’t know this place existed.”
“See? We aren’t living in a total stink town after all.”
“I’m starting to like Pittsburgh. Friendly people, bike trails, art museums, theaters, bridges, different food, good colleges, and of course the sports teams.”
“Be warned; fans here take their sports seriously.” He handed a valet the key fob and proper tip. “Some never forgot losses far as thirty years ago.”
“Thanks for the warning,” she said as they approached the maitre d'. “Make sure you show me some quick exits at the arena in case we have any losses bad enough for the fans to commit murder.”
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“I doubt you’ll need to be concerned; Pierre and I are hatemonger targets most of the time.”
“Your share of critics is common knowledge, but why Pierre? He’s so sweet and wicked talented.”
Troy scanned the menu. “Goalies get a lot of blame for losses.”
“None should get hate, especially Pierre. He poured his heart into games and clearly devastated when you guys got eliminated from the playoffs.”
“Yeah, he and Boris took losses hard, and I wasn’t much better behind the cameras. When the opportunity arose to play at Internationals, I accepted without a second thought.”
“At least you somewhat compensated by winning gold with Team Canada. I can’t believe they went undefeated the entire two weeks!”
“We had a strong front line,” Troy said. “I admit it was strange seeing guys who hate each other on AHC teams come together with one goal in mind: taking home that gold medal even if I felt bad when we defeated Boris’ team.”
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“Including Claude Caldwell?” Alex asked in a teasing manner.
Troy gave her a dirty look. “Don’t ruin my appetite by mentioning that scum bag.”
“Lighten up; I’m messing with you.”
A waiter appeared at their table. “Êtes-vous prêt à commander, Mr. Talmadge?”
“Oui,” he answered and conversed with the waiter in French.
Alex viewed their exchange as rude, pursed her lips, and stared at Troy.
He became uncomfortable and addressed the waiter. “La dame souhaite commander.”
“My apologies miss. What do you wish to order?”
She smiled and replied in perfect French. Both men exchanged perplexed glances before the waiter departed.
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Alex smirked at Troy. “Before you start, I understood every word of your conversation.”
“Can’t you take a compliment? I’m not the only one who thinks you look great.”
“Are you trying to set me up on dates with the help?”
“Not in a hundred years, shorty.”
Something caught Alex’s attention and amused her. “Be warned; people two tables over are staring a hole in us.”
Troy was equally entertained. “So what else is new? God forbid I have a night out with friends or teammates.”
“I’m getting the evil eye from a couple women. Are you sure there’s no secret girlfriend stashed somewhere?”
Troy shook his head as they shared a quiet laugh.
“We should go out more often before start of the regular season,” Alex said when their meals arrived. “You’re a lot of fun when not a rigid perfectionist.”
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“Maintaining a regular routine keeps me on top of my game.” He glanced at their entrees. “We’ll have to spend extra time in the weight room Monday to stave off effects of this dinner.”
“No offense, but everything except your butt is starting to look bony. You could gain a few pounds.”
“I tend to be strict with my diet during offseason. Fine dining like tonight and occasional junk food binges help keep me sane, but we have to make small sacrifices as athletes. That includes you cutting down on peanut M&M’s and your beloved caffeinated beverages. More time in the team weight room won’t kill either of us.”
“Maybe not you, but I’ll probably collapse from cardiac arrest.”
“You’ll get used to our routine.”
“Well let’s hope I also live up to the media hype. I wouldn’t want to let down anyone.”
Troy smiled. “I have a strong feeling this season will be one fans remember for a long time.”
***
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Chapter 40
“Did you do it?” Lenny asked with a snicker.
Jax nodded and gave him a wicked grin. “I bought the biggest fucker that joke shop carried and hung it in Galloway’s locker behind the jersey. Now we wait for her to break through the door hysterically screaming.”
“Let’s hope for the desired result,” Marty said. “Last thing anyone needs is another roller coaster season because our illustrious captain talked management into letting some bitch on the team.”
“Don’t you mean a second bitch?” Vince asked. “How much do you three want to bet she and Talmadge are fuck buddies?”
Lenny raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure he’s even into chicks? That last model he dated seemed more into Talmadge than he was her.”
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“Kristen Dawson’s sexy as hell,” Vince said. “If Talmadge expressed little interest in a babe like her, he sure won’t fall for that dumpster fire Galloway.”
“Hey come on,” Jax interjected. “Don’t insult the girl. She’s not model perfect, but I wouldn’t go far as say she’s ugly. Galloway’s the short cute girl men keep on a string in case things don’t work out with hotter women.”
“Since when did you become a fan, Ivanka?”
“I said Galloway’s short and cute. How I feel having her on the team still stands.”
“I think Talmadge either drives on both sides of the highway or full-on into the sausage if you get my drift," Marty said. “There was a story going around not long ago he had a long term dude on the down low. Mr. Down Low had a job and house near where Talmadge lives in case they were ever spotted together.”
Lenny let go a long whistle. “No shit! I had no idea Talmadge swung that way.”
“Yeah, me neither. Mr. Down Low soon got tired of being forced into the background and was ready to leave town. Talmadge promised to marry him last summer, which is why Mr. Down Low stuck around longer than expected.”
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“What happened to the so-called boyfriend?”
“Someone noticed them at a softball game being a bit closer and affectionate than two friends normally are, but the witness didn’t have creds to out Talmadge and Mr. Down Low without it appearing like nasty rumors spread by a rival. Our fine PR team created covers by putting Kristen Dawson with him and a few payoffs made to prevent anyone from blabbing to the media, but Talmadge spazzed anyway. Mr. Down Low soon realized there would be no forthcoming wedding, cut his losses, and took off for greener pastures.”
“That explains some of Talmadge’s strange moods last season,” Lenny said.
“I should’ve guessed he had more on his mind than dumb losses the way he bitched at everybody.”
“Hey, Marty, do you have any good dirt on him and Galloway?” Vince asked.
“No, but I overheard St. Cloud and Hebert mention se
eing them holding hands Saturday night at the Vancouver Venus premiere and Talmadge co-signing a loan for her new car.”
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“Looks like Galloway’s either a rebound piece or our illustrious captain quickly got over Mr. Down Low,” Lenny said. “I thought Team Canada winning gold at Internationals restored his good nature, but maybe there’s more happening than we’re seeing.”
“Captain better enjoy the little plaything while he can,” Jax replied, “because once Galloway sees a giant snake in her locker, she won’t be back.”
Marty patted his shoulder. “Let’s hope so, bro.”
***
229
Byron knocked on Alex’s dressing room door. “Brian and I want to know if you’re decent.”
“Come on in, guys!” she cheerfully called. “I haven’t started to dress yet.”
Byron placed a large Styrofoam cup beside her. “I stopped for coffee and brought you some before the captain arrived.”
“Amid my protests I should add,” Brian replied.
She smiled and opened the cup’s lid. “I could use some caffeine offerings blessed by a minister today.”
“By the way, thanks again for the sign language lessons,” Brian said.
“You’re welcome. Have you tried your new skills on anyone?”
“A few people including my wife. Hannah also sends her gratitude.”
“Are you excited about your preseason debut?” Byron asked.
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“Troy prepared me, but I’m still a little nervous.”
“We’d be concerned if you weren’t,” Brian said.
“You’re experiencing perfectly normal feelings,” Byron reassured her. “Even the most seasoned veterans are nervous before games, whether preseason or the Princeton Trophy finals.” He sat beside Alex. “You can talk to us anytime something’s bothering you without judgment or lectures.”
Brian nodded. “Contrary to popular belief, I’m good a listener as fighter.”
Byron chuckled. “Too bad you don’t find Jesus and fight less.”
“Hey, I thought you were a no-judgment zone, Preacher.”
“Sure, but offering the right advice seldom hurts anyone.” Byron rose. “The captain should arrive soon, so we better let this lady get dressed.”
“Kick some ass out there tonight, Alex!” Brian said before they departed. “I have your back.”
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“Thanks again, guys. I’m looking forward to playing with you.”
***
Male banter, chatter, and laughter filled the Rebels’ locker room before a piercing screech emerged from Alex’s dressing area.
“Did any of you hear someone scream?” Davy asked.
Troy immediately stopped in his tracks. “Yeah, what the hell happened?”
“I’ll check on Alex and make sure she’s okay.”
“Brian and I will go with you.”
“Thanks. Sounds like she’s in trouble.”
Vince barely contained his laughter as he, Marty, Lenny and Jax watched them bolt from the room.
“Pipe down, morons,” Marty shouted after them. “She probably broke a nail.”
More laughter filled the room.
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“Not the time for stupid jokes, O’Freel,” Brian replied.
“Is everything okay, love?” Davy asked through the closed door to Alex’s dressing room.
She whimpered in response.
Troy pounded on the door. “Al, open up!”
“It’s…it’s not locked,” she replied in a feeble voice.
The three men entered to a pale-faced Alex dressed in full gear with exception of her jersey.
“What’s wrong?” Brian softly asked.
She whined a second time and pointed towards the jersey.
He carefully lifted the garment. “Someone’s getting the shit beaten out of them when I go back to our side of the room!”
“What…why, mate?”
“Look.”
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Davy jumped. “Bloody hell!”
Troy leaned in for a closer view and removed a large rubber snake. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
Alex became hysterical. “Troy, you’ll get bit!”
“This snake isn’t real. Someone hid it behind your jersey as a prank,” Brian said.
Troy’s face contorted in anger as he tossed the offending object to Brian. “I have an idea which person is behind the whole thing…or should I say people? Either way, I’m kicking their asses!”
Pierre tapped on the door. “Is everything okay?”
“We have it under control, man,” Troy replied as he held and comforted Alex.
“Apparently someone thought putting a big rubber snake in Alex’s locker was funny,” Brian added. “The thing looked real and almost scared the life out of her.”
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“Hmmm,” Pierre said thoughtfully. “Greise told me and Preacher he saw Jax wander in here before morning practice.”
“What was he doing?” Davy asked.
“Greise asked the same question. Jax used some weak excuse of being low on tape and borrowing some of Alex’s.”
Brian looked dubious. “That makes no damn sense. Why didn’t he ask a trainer or one of us?”
“None of my tape rolls is missing,” Alex said.
“Pierre, could you let Coach know he and I need to talk for a few minutes?” Troy asked.
“Sure, no problem. Alex, are you okay to play?”
She disentangled herself from Troy’s grasp. “Damn right I am. It’s going to take a lot more than some rubber snake for me to miss games.”
Pierre grinned at Troy. “You’ve taught her well, my friend.”
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“I think a few people underestimate how tough Al really is. Come on, boys; let’s finish getting ready.”
“We have a few idiots to set straight too,” Brian replied.
“Save that for intermission, Donahue.”
“Thanks, everyone,” Alex said. “Sorry for my dramatic outburst.”
“That’s what are mates are for, love,” Davy said with a smile. “You just go out on the ice and show them what a future superstar looks like.”
***
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Chapter 41
Alex got off to a strong start with a power play goal against the Miami Sun Devils, further increasing her chances of landing a permanent spot on the Rebels’ main roster. From the initial puck drop, Number 33 captured and held fans’ attention, making the surrounding atmosphere more like a championship game than preseason.
Her earlier fright from the rubber snake prank turned to fury once she learned Jax Ivanka was an instigator. She’d imagined the puck as his head which may have accounted for her scoring prowess.
Alex spotted him nearby with two trainers engaged in laughter. Some old Czech is about to get a few pieces of my mind.
“Ivanka!” she shrieked.
He turned and faced her. “What do you want, Galloway?”
She straightened to her full height of five feet. “We need to talk.”
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“Can it wait until after the game?”
She grabbed the six foot three, 230-pound right winger’s ear and dragged him toward the locker room. “Oh hell no; you and I are talking now.”
"Pusť, ty děvko!" he boomed.
"Ne, já jsem unavená z vašeho kecy.”
“Shit, I forgot you understood Czech.”
Power Play Page 13
