“You’re experiencing another concussion symptom.”
“How long do you think it will take for me to get better?”
“I’m not a doctor, but recovery varies from person to person.”
“I hope I’m at least half functioning by Friday night; I didn’t spend money on a formal dress to have it hang in the closet.”
“You should be fine long as you don’t exert yourself.”
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“How’s your new blonde girlfriend?” Alex razzed him.
“Kelly isn’t my girlfriend, Al. I’m taking her to Center Ice as a professional courtesy.”
“I know; Brian told me everything. I’m teasing you to lighten my mood.”
“Did he also mention how I feel about you going with Ivanka?”
She nodded. “Jax asked me and since you have the supermodel, Johann’s underage, and Davy’s not due back from England until Sunday–”
He put up his spare hand to stop her. “You don’t want to show up alone. Al, why didn’t you say you were mad about me taking Kelly?”
“I’m more annoyed than mad.”
“You could’ve given me an honest opinion.”
“What good would it have done? She’s better suited for you than I’ll ever–”
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“Don’t say anything else, Al. Yeah, Kelly’s a hot supermodel, but she couldn’t even begin to tie your skates.”
His statement baffled Alex. “Either I’m having another concussion symptom or you’ve completely lost me.”
“While I’m grateful for her help in getting me that Montreal ad job, she’s not only high maintenance and bit of a dullard, but also not the most ambitious person in the world aside from modeling, partying, being seen with the ‘right’ people, and going to clubs. You’re intelligent, talented, athletic, naturally pretty, spirited, independent, and know what you want in life.”
“From the way you’ve treated me like some fragile object, I never pictured you as the type that liked strong women.”
“You’d known if we talked sooner. You’re also the first female aside from my mother and Louise who never tried to change me. I don’t recall one time you complained about us not going out on the town all the time.”
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“I never was much of a party animal even in New York. You’re one of the most down to earth and kindest men I know; you have a silly goosey laugh, I can’t help but giggle when you wear those ugly Pepto-Bismol pink Crocs. You’re not a douche bag with one thing on his mind like a lot of athletes. I can think of a lot more good things, but my list would take rest of the decade to recite.”
“That’s it; you get me. Few people outside my family do.”
“I can’t help but like your quirkiness and how you kept shit under control during times we drove each other nuts. I’m not crazy about your nagging, but since talking to Brian and Byron, I now understand you only do it for my benefit.”
“I care about you, Al. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I care about you too.”
“This may not be the appropriate time to ask, but what’s going on between you and Ivanka?”
“He and I became close friends. You’re not the only one I’ve tried to understand.”
“What about all the flirting and kissing?”
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“As I told Brian, Jax and I only had two short kisses and our flirting is nothing more than harmless fun. I don’t know what you and Brian heard from Lenny, Marty, or any of their jersey chasers, but I never slept with Jax.”
“Never? Many girls your age would–”
“Jax is an attractive man, but I don’t have daddy issues.”
Troy started laughing. “I have a feeling if you’re well enough Friday night, things could get a little strange.”
“I already know there’s no love lost between you and Jax.”
“Yeah, but we’re teammates so I’ll deal.”
“Troy, may I ask a question?”
“Anything you like, shorty.”
“We’ve spent so much time together, but why haven’t you taken me to any Rebels-sponsored events since I joined the team?”
Her inquiry unnerved him. “I…you mean…I thought you wouldn’t want…to uh…”
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“You were always too shy to ask! You’re such an adorable dork.” She put a hand to her forehead. “Wow…room moving.”
“Lay back, Al. You moved too fast and got dizzy.”
“This concussion thing does not suit me at all.”
“I know; I had to miss twenty games while recovering from mine.”
“Twenty? I’ll probably go crazy not playing for a week.”
“You’d be surprised what one can do with unexpected free time.”
“I’m not used to being idle and may need some ideas on occupying myself.”
“I’m here to help.” Troy held both of her hands. “Al, I want you to know from here onward…whatever it takes, we’ll walk together. You can always count on me. Whatever it takes…we’ll walk together.”
***
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Alex left the hospital after three days with orders to rest and avoiding strenuous activity. Bored, she often accompanied Troy to practices and looked forward to the Center Ice benefit dinner.
She sat near the glass one morning practice and waved to various teammates skating by her. Troy often checked Alex to the point his over attentiveness almost irked her, but she reminded herself it was part of his warm and caring nature.
Johann stopped before her. “Alex, good to see you!”
“Hi, Jo, how are your studies? I hear you have a new tutor.”
“I’m doing much better with Mr. Wagner. Man, you really scared everyone Sunday night. Are you okay?”
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“The doctors didn’t find anything aside from my concussion. No one knows for sure when I’ll return to playing.”
“But you’re coming back soon, right?”
“I’m not the one who can answer that, Jo. The powers-that-be are taking things one day at a time. I don’t remember what happened, but a few of the guys said I hit the boards hard.”
“Yeah, you didn’t move for a long time afterward and Jax had to carry you to the back. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but Troy looked like he was ready to cry the whole time and totally embarrassed later.”
“Why? He’s a caring and sensitive person; concern for a teammate is no reason to be embarrassed.”
“Maybe he didn’t want the other guys making fun or whatever.” Johann lowered his voice. “I think Troy likes you.”
“Of course he does; he’s practically driven me up the wall since I came home.”
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“No, I mean he really likes you.”
“I think you’re reading too much into things, Jo.”
“Hey Baby Finn!” Marty called from the rink’s other side. “Are you taking part with the rest of us or standing around bullshitting all morning?”
Johann rolled his eyes. “O’Freel is such a douche.”
“Go back to practice. I don’t want you in trouble on my account.”
“Nah, I’m good. Talk to you later, Alex.”
She sat back on her chair, dividing attention between checking social media accounts and stories about her concussion on a tablet and watching teammates during practice.
One particular interaction caught Alex’s attention when she again looked up from her tablet and spotted Troy and Jax in a lengthy conversation.
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What are they doing? Please, God, don’t let Troy and Jax get into another verbal battle. I’ve had enough of a stressful week without any more craziness.
***
Troy skated to where Jax stood during practice break. “Ivanka, may I have a word with you?”
“Christ, Talmadge, what are you going to gripe about this time?”
“What I have to say has nothing to do with game practice. I want to discuss Al.”
“I already know you’re not happy with her being my Center Ice date, so save your breath.”
“I’ve already come to terms with you taking her. Listen, you don’t like me and I despise you, but I think it’s time we got on the same page far as she’s concerned.”
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Jax gave him a cynical stare. “Are you on drugs or did you again hit your head?”
“Hilarious, Ivanka. I noticed you and Al becoming closer in the last few months and it’s clear you care about her much as I do.”
“Why do I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming?”
“No buts; I wanted to ask a favor.”
“A favor from me? Okay, Talmadge, what kind of shit are you trying to pull?”
“Nothing; as you already know, Pierre, Boris and I are playing in the AHC All-Star Game. Al was supposed to go, but Davy’s taking her place.”
“So?”
“I wondered if you could look after her while we’re in Anaheim.”
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“Are you shitting me?”
“I’m not comfortable leaving Al alone the entire week. I know firsthand how tough it is recovering from post-concussion syndrome and would feel better knowing another person’s nearby in case something goes wrong.”
“Umm…yeah. Sure, whatever you need.”
“Thanks. Take care of Al, okay?”
Jax winked and smiled. “I certainly will.”
Troy returned the wink and started to leave.
“Hey Talmadge!”
He whirled back with a quizzical expression. “Yeah?”
Jax offered his hand. “I think it’s also time we put aside our differences for Alex’s sake.”
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They shook hands. “I have to agree, Old Man. After all, we’re stuck playing together for at least another year or two.”
“You can say that again, kid!”
A bemused Alex watched them from her spot behind the glass. Why are Troy and Jax shaking hands and laughing? They hate each other! Something’s definitely amiss…but what?
***
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“Troy,” Alex asked during lunch, “what’s going on with you and Jax? I saw you talking at practice this morning.”
“You could say we’ve decided to be more civil with one another.”
“Really? Whose idea was that?”
“Jax’s, believe it or not. I’m going to be straight with you. I needed to ask him a favor.”
“What was the favor?”
“He agreed to keep tabs on you while I’m at the All-Star Game.”
“I don’t need a guard dog, Troy. I’ve felt fine since leaving the hospital.”
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“Al, post-concussion syndrome isn’t something you should take lightly.”
“Can I do anything without someone breathing down my neck?”
“Jax agreed to visit or call at least once a day.”
“Oh…well I still don’t understand why you’re suddenly on the same page.”
Troy smiled. “Turns out we have another common link besides hockey.”
“What?”
“We both have your best interests in mind.”
Alex narrowed her eyes. “Troy Talmadge, what kind of mischief is cooking in that head of yours?”
“I only want to make sure you’re in good hands while I’m gone.”
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“Why not ask Reggie, Byron, or even Brian if you’re eager to have someone check on me?”
“Jax lives closer and taking you to the dinner Friday night. I would’ve asked Davy, but he’s replacing you at the All-Star Game. Don’t forget your doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”
“I have post-concussion syndrome, Troy, not completely gone senile. I put everything important into my phone.”
“Just thought I’d give you a friendly reminder anyway. Oh, I almost forgot; Reggie’s sister’s visiting.”
“I know. He mentioned something about her being in town for work and they’re attending Center Ice together.”
“Yeah, but we failed to mention why Donna’s job brought her to town. She’s making a documentary about you.”
Alex gasped. “Me? Why?”
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“A considerable amount of people are fascinated with you playing in a men’s league. Not only have Rebels merchandise sales increased – not that they’ve slowed down in recent years to begin with – but there’s also renewed general interest in women’s hockey. Lots of girls and young women see you as a role model, and don’t get me started on how many teenage boys probably have you as their phone and tablet wallpapers if not their bedroom walls decorated with your poster. Donna wants to have your story told on film, perhaps shown in Cannes next spring.”
“What exactly is involved?”
“From what Reggie said, Donna wants to talk to several people in the Rebels organization. Jon and Roy have already given her the go-ahead to be interviewed and use some footage from games you’ve played; Reggie, Byron, and I agreed to be interviewed, other players will be asked to participate, and of course Donna wants to spend time with you while she’s in town.”
“Wow… I’m flattered. I’d love to help with whatever she needs.” Alex flashed a teasing smile. “Maybe you can ask your new Czech friend if he wants to be part of the project.”
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Troy laughed. “I’ll have Reggie tell Donna to get in touch with both of you.” He kissed her cheek. “I need to pick up my tux for Friday night. Think you can behave until I return and take you to the game?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Good girl. I should be back in about half an hour.”
***
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Alex spent the afternoon talking to Donna Hebert about the planned documentary. She supplied Donna with several old photographs, her Scottish lineage from a reputable ancestor tracing web site, elaborated on her childhood in West Virginia, four years as a struggling actress in New York, her fateful meeting with Troy on the Vancouver Venus set, and being drafted to the Rebels.
“Did you experience any difficulties being the American Hockey Conference’s first female player to make it past exhibition season?” Donna asked.
“I was hazed a lot in the beginning,” Alex said. “There were a few guys who got kicks out of pranking me almost every day; Jax Ivanka putting a gigantic rubber snake in my locker the worst. I despise snakes! He got quite an earful from me about his prank, and we became friends afterwards.”
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“What do you like to do in your spare time?”
“At the moment I have plenty of spare time!” Alex replied with a laugh. “I’ve not only been exploring my Scottish roots since being inactive with my concussion, but also researched Troy’s Atlantic Canadian heritage. Atlantic Canadians are also known as Maritimers. He took a World War II course and now has me doing the same. I’m fluent in four other languages in addition to English: Czech, German, French, and American Sign Language, and collect British artifacts Davy sends or brings home when he visits London.”
“What’s your greatest dream with the Rebels?”
“To help win another Princeton Trophy for our team, of course!”
“You successfully broke the American Hockey Conference’s gender barrier. What advice do you have for women hockey players to follow in your footsteps?”
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