Power Play

by L. Anne Carrington

  “Why you want hide feelings from Alex?” Boris asked.

  “I don’t, Boris; it’s just that…”

  “She might reject you?” Davy guessed.

  Troy drew in a deep breath. “That’s one reason.”

  “I’ve seen how you act around each other between rows. Have you noticed how Alex lights up when you’re in a room? She may do a lot of things, Troy, but I can say taking the piss on you doesn’t top her list.”

  “She like you much,” Boris said. “That’s why I say talk before too late.”

  440

  Troy smiled at his friends. “Thanks, guys. I needed to have some kind of discussion today with all the shit on my mind.”

  “Always here for you. You come talk anytime, okay?”

  “I will. Right now we need to get to morning practice before all of us end up in more trouble.”

  ***

  441

  Chapter 71

  Several more weeks passed since Alex’s concussion. She and Troy had many long talks, but he still couldn’t get up nerve to reveal true feelings for her. Just as well; she and Jax appeared to become closer to one another than Troy imagined.

  He now sat in a neurologist’s waiting room lost in thought and tinkered with his smartphone while Alex consulted with her doctor. Prior visits ended with disappointments for both her and Troy, and she expected nothing different today.

  She rushed to where he sat with papers in hand and a broad smile. “Troy! Guess what?”

  He looked up from his phone. “Hmmm?”

  “Can you bother paying attention for a few minutes? You’ve been in another world and fooling with that stupid phone all morning.”

  442

  “Forgive me; I just wrapped up some business with Roy. What did Dr. Connors say?”

  She excitedly waved the papers. “I’m cleared for contact. I can play!”

  Troy sprang from his chair and grabbed her in a bear hug. “That’s the best news I’ve heard today! Everyone keeps asking when you’re coming back.”

  “Hey, ease up a little. Breathing is an important part of my existence.”

  He loosened his grasp. “Sorry, Al. I didn’t prepare to hear anything but another delay.”

  “I don’t have an exact active date; I’ll need to talk with management and Coach Barry.” She laughed. “My uniform is probably collecting dust!”

  “I’m sure the equipment managers took care of everything in your absence. Arranging a return for one of the upcoming home games would be great.”

  “I’d love for that to happen.”

  “Well, your good news calls for an impromptu celebration lunch.”

  443

  “I’m not dressed for any fancy spots, Troy.”

  “Neither am I, so how about a more casual place, say Eat n’ Park?”

  “Only if I can have a piece of strawberry pie for dessert.”

  “Hell, with the way today’s coming together, you can have the whole pie and a box of smiley cookies for all I care.”

  Alex stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Have I mentioned how adorable you are?”

  “Many times, but I’ll never get tired of hearing you say it.” He opened the passenger door. “Your ride awaits, shorty.”

  ***

  444

  Stares and whispers from other customers spread through the dining room as Troy and Alex were led to a back corner booth.

  “We could go somewhere else if you’re uncomfortable,” she offered.

  “I’m fine, Al. If I’m not used to stares and interrupted meals by now, shame on me.”

  She pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and studied a menu. “I know what you mean.”

  His eyes fell on Alex’s exposed forearms and spotted a shiny object. He grabbed her arm for a closer look.

  “What’s this?”

  “A white gold hockey stick wrap bracelet Jax bought for me. Isn’t it cute?”

  Feelings of resentment niggled at Troy, but he kept them hidden. “Where’s the crystal one I gave you?”

  “Locked up in a safe place and worn only on special occasions. Oh, I heard about the Rebels hosting an upcoming Casino Night fundraiser. Davy mentioned something at the outdoor ice rink last week.”

  445

  “We’re going to raise money for Jon’s foundation. He and Corinne want to start a summer camp for sick and disadvantaged kids next year.”

  “Did he consider other options? We just had a formal event not long ago and casino-themed benefits have been done to death.”

  “I know, but the Rebels never held one and the idea sounded fun to a lot of us.”

  “I never had you pegged as the gambler type.”

  “No gambling involved on our parts; some will work tables. I’m learning how to deal blackjack, Boris is sharpening his poker dealing skills, Davy volunteered for craps, Reggie’s covering the roulette table, Brian another dice game, and Pierre’s doing mahjong. Vince is putting his accounting degree to use by being in charge of money. The rest will basically wander the floor, keep an eye on slot machines, serve drinks, and greet people.”

  “Let me guess, I get to play cocktail waitress. No way am I putting on some form-fitting sexy costume, wearing high heels, and dealing with drunken card players pinching my ass.”

  446

  “Jon and Roy think you’d be better suited as door hostess. Hmmm, what did Jon say? ‘We need a pretty lady at the door and Alexandra would nicely fit the bill’.”

  She heartily laughed. “Get out of here!”

  “The boss’ words, not mine. As for costumes, don’t worry about being stuck with something too revealing for your taste. You’ll wear a nice dress and we guys something formal, but the greatest thing about Casino Night is it being Baby Finn’s first adult event.”

  “That’s right; Johann turns eighteen in a few days! I’m so happy. I think he feels left out of lots of things since he’s our youngest player.”

  “I understand; I was seventeen once too. You must’ve made some impression on the kid because he misses you like crazy.”

  “I tried to keep up his spirits outside the arena,” Alex said. “He’ll feel a little more secure once he’s legal age and can join us in more activities.”

  “Obviously Baby Finn can’t be anywhere around alcohol since he’s under twenty-one, but Jon may place him at the door with you.”

  She smiled. “I’d welcome the company.”

  447

  Troy raised an eyebrow. “Think your fuck buddy would be okay with that arrangement?”

  “Shhh, be quiet! The world doesn’t need to know my personal business. Jax and I aren’t having sex twenty-four hours a day; we also spend time doing other things. How else did you think I’ve progressed so well in my workouts?”

  “I’m teasing you, Al.”

  “I’m sure you are.” A smirk appeared on her face. “Davy filled me in a couple months ago on your little ménage à trois in Anaheim.”

  “That little English shit! He and Boris promised to keep everything under wraps.”

  “Davy and I keep almost no secrets from each other, just like you and I shouldn’t. I’m not mad anymore, Troy. You have needs like any other man in his twenties and it’s not like we’re a couple.”

  “In other words you won’t cut off my balls and put them up for auction?”

  “No, but I’d have no problem castrating Jax if he ever said anything in the locker room about what we do in bed…” She paused. “…and other places.”

  448

  “Other places? You little wild woman; so that’s how you manage to keep Ivanka wrapped around your pinky finger.”

  “I have more tricks too,” she coyly replied before they tackled their lunch orders.

  He cleared his throat and gulped some water. “I’m not bothering to ask.”

  “Good, because I would never tell you anyway.”

  “I thought you wanted few secrets between us,” he kidded.

  “There are ce
rtain things better off not shared. I don’t need to know gory details of what you do with girls in bed any more than you and Davy need to hear about my sex life with Jax.”

  “You’re right; I’ve already been subjected to seeing Ivanka naked in the locker room more times than I care to count.”

  “You’d love to be in the same great shape at forty years old. Admit it.”

  449

  “Who wouldn’t? Speaking of which, you look fantastic enough to play tomorrow night.”

  “Let’s not go nuts, Troy. I probably won’t be activated before middle of next week.”

  “I know, but could you imagine the crowd reaction?”

  “Things will be lively enough my first official night back in the lineup.”

  “I can hardly wait.”

  “You always were my biggest fan.”

  “To say the least.”

  A small voice interrupted them. “Hi.”

  Alex looked down and smiled at a dark-eyed boy about six years old. “Hi!”

  “Are you really Alex Galloway and Troy Talmadge?”

  “Last time we checked, little man,” Troy replied with a chuckle.

  450

  “Can you sign something for me?”

  “I’d love to,” Alex said. “What do you have?”

  The child pushed a napkin across the table. “This.”

  “Anthony!” his mother cried. “Don’t bother people while they’re eating.”

  “Not a problem,” Troy assured her while autographing the napkin. “Fans play a big part in us loving what we do.”

  The mother pulled out a smartphone. “I don’t want to appear rude but…could my son have a photo with you?”

  “You’re not rude at all,” Alex assured her. “What do you think about a picture with our new friend, Troy?”

  “I’m game if you are, Al.”

  Both stood and squatted beside Anthony while his mother took the photo.

  “Now what do you say to these nice people?” she asked when they finished.

  “Thank you!” Anthony cheerfully replied before he scampered off.

  451

  “Another thing I missed while on injured reserve,” Alex said as she watched them leave.

  “Interacting with the younger fans?” Troy asked. “Nothing’s a bigger perk in this sport than seeing kids happy.”

  “I can’t wait until I have my own.”

  “I’d love to get married someday and have a bunch of kids.”

  “I never heard anyone your age wanting a large family,” Alex said. “Are you planning to create your own hockey team or something?”

  “No, but my mom’s the youngest of six kids and huge family gatherings are always a fun time for me. I also see some of the other guys’ kids everywhere, but they all play together and well-behaved most of the time. How many do you want?”

  “Probably three or four; growing up an only child sucked even if I had a wonderful father.”

  “Yeah, know what you mean. I was also one for ten years before Louise was born.”

  452

  “Didn’t you resent sharing your parents with her after being the sole child all those years?”

  “Not in the least; Louise and I have been close since day one.”

  “She’s a lucky girl.”

  “Thanks. So are you ready for that strawberry pie?”

  “Yes,” Alex replied with a smile, “but let’s have one slice with two forks.”

  ***

  453

  Chapter 72

  The ride home was mostly quiet; Alex began to doze not long after she and Troy left the restaurant’s parking lot. He smiled at her sleeping figure when her head plopped on his shoulder, elated they would soon again skate on the ice together before thousands of fans.

  She jolted awake when he slammed the brakes and yelled “Pick a lane, asshole!”

  “Calm down, Troy. We’ll make it home soon enough.”

  “Sure, but I’d like us to get there alive. Damn Pittsburgh drivers.”

  “If you think people in traffic here are bad, try negotiating New York’s for about a week.”

  “No thanks; I deal with enough crazies as it is.”

  “Including me?” she teased.

  454

  Troy laughed and mussed her hair. “You’ve had moments of being a total pain in my ass, but I don’t mind the other ninety-nine percent of the time.”

  Alex stifled a yawn. “I could say the same about you.”

  “Are you tired? We can find a shortcut home.”

  “I didn’t sleep well last night and had a long morning but you don’t need to take any shortcuts. I’ll have rest of the day to take a nap.”

  “Relax much as you can now, shorty, because the other guys and I will start working you hard in the near future.”

  “After sixteen missed games, several intense practices and workouts sound like heaven.”

  “I knew I liked most of your attitude for some reason.”

  “You have a strange way of showing it at times.”

  “Someone has to keep you in line. Jax spoiled you.”

  Alex snorted. “What’s he done – besides the obvious – that you haven’t?”

  455

  “Hmmm, let’s see; your newest piece of jewelry, rich meals and junk food indulgences, letting you drink while healing from a concussion–”

  “I haven’t had any alcohol since my first night at Jax’s place.”

  “Good for you, shorty. You’ll need more discipline once back on active status.”

  “No kidding, Captain Obvious,” she kidded. “Are you going to crack me with a whip?”

  “I may be tempted,” he joked in response. “Don’t tell me Jax is into that kind of shit.”

  “No, just whispering naughty Czech words into my ear, tying me up with scarves, biting, and light spanking. He’s quite creative.”

  “Sounds more like a freak.”

  “The wholesome good Canadian boy act may deceive many people, Troy, but I’ve seen sides of you they haven’t. Someone on a puck bunny message board once said a certain person in my presence is kind of rough in bed and enjoys pulling hair and dirty talk. Sound familiar?”

  456

  His face and ears turned crimson. “Do you believe everything you read?”

  “So it is true.”

  “Who said anything was?”

  “I’ll take you blushing as a yes. Busted.”

  “Let’s change the subject. My friend Jay is getting married Saturday. Do you have any plans?”

  She gave him a perplexed look. “You can’t find any volunteers to go as your date?”

  “I’d prefer you.”

  “Sure, I’ll dig up something decent to wear when I get home.”

  “Do you still have that dress from the Vancouver Venus premiere? You looked hot in it.”

  “Troy Talmadge, are you trying to flirt with me?”

  He blushed a second time. “No, only making a suggestion.”

  457

  “I’m sure taking out that dress from its dry cleaner bag for a second wearing won’t hurt since you obviously liked seeing me in it. Don’t count on me wearing high heels, especially in the middle of winter.”

  “Oh yeah, remind me to check the weekend weather forecast,” Troy replied. “I’m not driving anywhere if the city’s ass deep in snow.”