“Yeah. We talked for over an hour.”
“How is she?”
“Bored out of her mind between the whole AHC lockdown mess and being pregnant, not to mention Jax is driving her insane.”
“Yeah, the big day is drawing closer for her.”
“Did I mention Al’s having a girl?”
Byron chuckled. “Poor Jax; he always wanted a son.”
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“Right, as if one of him on earth wasn’t bad enough,” Troy joked. “On a serious note, Al said he doesn’t mind long as everything’s okay.”
“If it was up to Jax, the baby would be born with tiny hockey skates on her feet.”
“I wouldn’t blame him,” Troy cracked.
Byron laughed heartily. “You are in great spirits. Babs wondered about your lousy singing.”
“Coming to North Carolina with you and then talking to Al helped a great deal. Rumor also says lockdown should end within a few weeks. I don’t know about you, Preacher, but I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
“I wonder how officials will handle the playoff situation with an abundance of games canceled during lockdown?”
“My best guess is calculating already recorded wins and losses. I sure wouldn’t want their jobs right now.”
“I suppose the bosses will bring everyone up to date once we get back to Pittsburgh.”
“Yeah.”
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“So what else did you and Alexandra discuss?”
“Let’s see,” Troy reflected. “She blew through a whole pizza and hid the box in her neighbor’s trash can so not to hear Jax complain again about how much she’s eating, Davy and Jennifer’s upcoming wedding, and she said Greise seems to be doing well in New York.”
“He and Brenda got married.”
“You already knew?”
“Pierre went to the wedding and Patti told Babs. You know how close Pierre and Greise were.”
“Did the Rebels ever sign a backup replacement? Pierre was flying solo before the lockdown.”
Byron shook his head. “Roy wants to bring another guy from Scranton in order to stay under salary cap. There would’ve been more money open if Marty signed with another team, but that didn’t happen.”
“Yeah, O’Freel’s still our problem Irish Warrior.”
“Marty’s crude at times but he’s a good defenseman. Guys with his skills are high in demand. I’m surprised he decided to stay with the Rebels another year.”
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“Considering deals O’Freel was offered from a few other teams, I’m shocked too. You know, more money would also be freed up if Jax’s ass retired.”
“I don’t think that’s happening soon, Troy. Jax Ivanka’s undoubtedly one of the most talented guys the Rebels has. Everything he’s done in his career to this point was for himself. Sure, he’s a team player and has the skills and vision to back up his confidence, but isn’t afraid of ruffling a few feathers. The tough old Czech never showed any weakness. He’s quick-witted, intelligent, and still has soaring ambition at his age. He plays to win and worked hard to earn respect from the league. With fatherhood approaching, he’s got another reason to remain in the game.”
“I guess he isn’t the first old dude to stay active in the AHC.”
“Likely not the last either. He’s only one of a few players that paved the way for other talents delaying hanging up the skates.”
“Including you when the time comes?” Troy asked.
“I could still go in my forties long as my health remains intact. Look at Jon; he was in his late thirties when he briefly returned to playing in the early 2000’s.”
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“The Rebels were spilling red ink around the same time. If Jon hadn’t taken over, the team would either cease to exist or ended up playing in bum fuck nowhere instead of Pittsburgh. Speaking of which, have you or anyone else heard more about Jon possibly selling his share of the team?”
“Someone mentioned a big shareholder company making offers, but no one heard additional details before the Legionnaire’s disease outbreak.”
Troy knitted his eyebrows and thought for a moment. “Hmmm, interesting.”
“Why are you fascinated with a potential sale?”
“Al and I discussed it in passing a couple months ago.”
“Wait a minute!” Byron exclaimed. “You’re interested in buying Jon’s part of the Rebels?”
“Al and I might look further into things depending on what her lawyer advises. She and Jax have part ownership of a team in Prague, and she may sell her portion to him if and when the Rebels go on the market.”
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Byron was impressed. “Already thinking about the next chapter of your career?”
“You could say that, but Jon could change his mind at some point.”
“Former players transitioning to management roles aren’t uncommon, Troy. I suggest you make a move if an official announcement is ever made.”
“I’m still thinking over things. Owning a team – even if it’s a percentage – has its pros and cons like anything else. Al and I want to check out all our options in order to make an informed decision.”
“That’s a smart idea. What does Jax think of Alexandra contemplating part ownership of our team?”
“She didn’t mention anything to him since we haven’t made up our minds how to proceed.”
“I hope she doesn’t step on a virtual land mine.”
“Who knows; he might encourage Al to take advantage of the opportunity.”
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“I assume she’s delaying additional plans until the baby’s born.”
Troy nodded. “We both are. I don’t want to put more pressure on Al than she’s already dealing with.”
“I should point out that Babs doesn’t want to hear any hockey talk while we’re in California.”
“No problem. Your kids will probably drag me everywhere anyway. Let’s hope I don’t get the rest grounded like Britt and Junior.”
“Don’t worry, all groundings are temporarily lifted and Babs doesn’t blame you. I’ll leave you to finish packing and get some sleep. We have an early flight tomorrow.”
***
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Chapter 106
Alex opened an email from Troy and read about his week-long California adventures. He described perfect weather, playing beach volleyball, water balloon fights, Byron’s poor yet amusing efforts to surf, taking the kids to Disneyland, and the aesthetics of Babs wearing a bikini. He attached a photo to the email and reassured her not to worry. “I’m having a great time!”
She opened the attachment and was taken aback by Troy posing shirtless and damp on a beach with mild sunburn, baseball cap worn backwards, and pale blue board shorts hanging slightly below his hips. Her eyes fixated on the strategic placement of strong hands near his hip dents, his torso’s length, muscular cut of his forearms, and what marked the beginning of a mischievous smile.
Alex wondered about Troy’s motive in sending the picture. Was he trying to further convince her of the joyous time spent with Byron’s family or - aware that Jax’s amorous attention all but dwindled since the baby began showing - making underlying attempts to arouse her?
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The latter had its effect on Alex. Oh Troy, you big tease.
She squirmed and hid the picture in a “Baby Things to Do List” file where Jax would never look if he ever needed to use her laptop. She leaned back on the deck chair, the image of Troy’s perfect physique still branded in her mind.
What’s wrong with you, Alex? You’ve seen the man without a shirt dozens of times; what makes this one any different? Sure, it’s been ages since you and Jax made love, but put aside other feelings for Troy. He’s a mentor and close friend. Get your mind together!
Her inbox contained another message following dinner. She waited until Jax left for the gym and read the second email. Alex knew Troy had his eccentricities - which meant to most people he was a little bat shit crazy - bu
t she could no longer deny her love for him.
The phone’s ring jarred Alex from her thoughts. She glimpsed at the Caller ID window, saw Jon Halloran’s home number, and wondered why he was calling her.
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“Good evening, Alexandra.”
“What can I do for you, Mr. Halloran?”
“I’ve tried contacting Jax and Troy to inform them the AHC lockdown ends Monday. Both didn’t answer their phones and I’m not sure my voice messages went through. Could you update them for me?”
Why would Jax be hard to contact all the sudden? His phone’s usually glued to his pocket or ear. “I’ll let Jax know. Troy’s in California with the Brady family so you may be able to get hold of him through Byron.”
“Thanks for the tip. How are you feeling?”
“Not bad considering the baby’s arrival is drawing closer.”
“Do you need anything in the meantime?”
“No, Jax and I are all set.”
“Alexandra, there’s something else we should discuss.”
“What?”
“Is everything okay with you and Troy? I sensed some tensions before the lockdown went into effect.”
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“He didn’t take my marriage to Jax well in the beginning but we’ve since talked through email and phone calls. I think the visit with Byron’s family benefitted him in many ways.”
“Oh, I doubt either of us would be surprised if Troy sneaked a few training sessions during his so-called ‘down time.’ His obsessions often reflect his competitiveness. He’s on the ice forty-five minutes before practice, the first to come and last to leave, and puts in about ninety minutes at the gym five days a week. He doesn’t smoke, rarely drinks, doesn’t stay out late, and I never noticed any long term interests in specific women before he met you.”
“We females may throw off his routine,” Alex replied with a laugh.
“Troy’s superstitious nature is hardly a secret.”
“Yes, and people always complain about things pertaining to him. ‘He’s only won one Princeton Trophy and wasn’t even MVP that year,’ ‘he whines,’ ‘he's gay,’ ‘he's weird,’ ‘he’s a bitch,’ or ‘he’s awkward.’ Troy’s really a sweet-natured man despite his success and doesn’t deserve such hate.”
“We all can’t be loved by everyone and I’ve had my own share of critics over the years. Meanwhile he’ll keep racking up awards while being one of the world’s best players and become the current generation’s Jax Ivanka.”
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“Minus the Czechoslovakian temper and a few outdated attitudes,” Alex replied.
“Is Jax hurting you?” Jon asked with a touch of concern. “I wanted to advise you against marrying him, but–”
“No, no, no! Well…I doubt he’ll ever hit me but is always cracking jokes about my weight and calls me his little fat girl. He’s worse in front of his friends. They’ll waddle behind me or make comments like ‘Hey whale, the ocean’s that way!’ Jax and I haven’t….haven’t…been intimate since the baby first showed. At the same time, he loses his shit if another man much as smiles at me. I don’t dare tell him Troy and I have been in touch.”
“That sounds terribly cruel, Alexandra. Roy and I will recommend he attend sensitivity training once lockdown ends.”
“Mr. Halloran, that really isn’t necessary. I’m sure Jax is only teasing and will go back to being the man I married when our daughter’s born.”
“I insist. He needs to start acting like a responsible husband and father, not an overage teenager.”
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Wonder what Mr. Halloran would think if he knew Troy sent me that sexy beach picture and racy emails? “Okay, but I doubt the entire world’s sensitivity training will affect Jax. He’s more than set in his ways.”
“Jax will listen to us if no one else, especially if he values his job.”
“Thank you, Mr. Halloran. I’ll see everyone on Monday.”
***
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Chapter 107
“What a bunch of bullshit,” Marty griped. “First day back since the lockdown ended and we’re having some damn team meeting in an hour.”
“We were inactive for a couple months,” Brian replied. “A short meeting won’t kill anyone.”
“Talmadge beat the rest of us here this morning. I just saw him on the ice shooting pucks. Talk about someone eager to resume work.”
“You’re surprised? He was probably ready to climb walls during lockdown.”
“Didn’t dude start losing his marbles not long after Galloway married Ivanka?” Lenny asked. “Has anyone seen the lovebirds?”
“Ivanka’s working out and I saw wifey bullshitting with Talmadge rinkside,” Vince said. “She’s getting faaaaaaaaaaaatttttt!”
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“Ivanka probably has to roll her in flour to find the wet spot if he isn’t already fucking someone else,” Marty said. “Jesus, could you imagine going to bed with that land whale of a wife every night? I’d look for some side ass too.”
“Come on you blokes,” Davy scolded them. “Alex is getting close to having the little tyke.”
“Yeah, but she has to weigh what, two hundred pounds?” Marty asked.
Davy glared at him. “One eighty-six but at least she has a legit excuse, unlike present company’s ale gut.”
Brian playfully poked Marty’s stomach. “Looks like you overindulged in beer and junk food during lockdown, O’Freel. You should join Ivanka in the performance center.”
“Fuck both of you.”
Brian started laughing. “We may have to roll you in flour first to find the right entry.”
“I’ll pass,” Davy replied. “I’m about to become a happily married chap and you have a lovely wife at home.”
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“Oh yeah, I heard you got engaged. Congratulations, St. Cloud; you finally found a woman dumb enough to deal with your shit.”
“Seems I wasn’t the only chap busy during our unexpected break,” Davy said with a knowing grin. “I hear there are other Donahue and Germaine tots debuting in the near future.”
“We’re hoping for a girl this time,” Brian proudly replied.
Pierre looked up from what he was doing with a gleam in his eye. “Did you honestly think Patti would leave me alone the entire time we were back in Quebec?”
“Trying for a young lad, Pierre?” Davy asked.
“Let’s hope second time’s a charm, friend.”
“Hey, look who decided to grace us with their presences!” Marty greeted Jax and Byron. “Preacher and Old Man. Welcome back to the fast lane, gentlemen.”
Jax plopped on a bench in front of his locker. “Good to be here.” He gave Marty’s ass a loud slap. “Looks like my wife isn’t the only one with an expanding middle. When are you due, O’Freel?”
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Marty rubbed the sore spot. “You suck, Ivanka.”
“Serves you right for running your smart mouth.”
“Galloway didn’t exactly swallow watermelon seeds to get that big belly,” Lenny cracked.
“Shut it, Walton,” Jax growled. “Wouldn’t surprise me if you had several love children all over the world.”
“Maybe not; I have yet to learn of any Lenny Juniors.”
“Doesn’t mean some may not exist,” Marty said.
“Bite me, O’Freel.”
Byron put down his bag and gave the other men a quizzical stare. “I see some things didn’t change during lockdown. Y’all still need Jesus.”
“How are your youngsters, Preacher?” Pierre asked.
“Doing well, thank you. Babs and I took them to California and invited Troy. Our trip was cut short with lockdown ending, but I’m nevertheless looking forward to getting back to work.”
Power Play Page 38
