Power Play (11 page)

122

“Shit, I’m stuck here for the draft or I’d planned a side trip to see you guys’ show. On the positive side, I’ll see all the hot new draft picks up close and personal.”

“You may even be among them.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like Troy.”

“Alex, I doubt he’d put forth the effort if you didn’t have some kind of potential. Hell, I saw with my own eyes what you could do when we were shooting
Vancouver Venus.
Even Old Man Francis thought you had the goods.”

“We’ll see who agrees with you by end of this week,” Alex said. “Hey, talking about Francis, Jen told me she got the part of Veronica in
Office Girls 2.”

“Yes, and everyone’s so excited! She starts filming in a few weeks. Why not see if you can get on the set to watch? I’m sure Old Man Francis won’t have problems with you visiting.”

123

“I’ll have to check my financial standing and schedule after Draft Day. Troy and Glenn are hell bent on getting me signed to a team, so Lord knows what can happen between now and next week.”

“Well, good luck! Mondays are ‘dark’ on Broadway, so that will be the next time I’ll check in with you. You and Troy behave yourselves in the meantime.”

“I can’t speak for him, but I’ll certainly try.”

***

124

Chapter 25

Troy seethed as he looked at the clock and noticed it was almost one-thirty a.m.
I cut Alex a little slack the night before Draft Day, and she repays me by staying out past ten?

He phoned several neighbors, inquiring if they’d seen her and was about to contact yet another when he heard a car door slam, Alex shout “Thanks again, Claude! Nice to meet you,” followed by giggles.

She spotted Troy in his usual chair after coming inside. “Oh…you’re still awake?”

“Damn right I am,” he growled. “Where the hell have you been and what were you doing with Claude Caldwell?”

“He’s in town with friends for the draft and we started talking. Funny thing; he’s also Canadian. Claude said he had to play nice during Internationals but really can’t stand the sight of you.”

125

“The feeling’s mutual.”

“Gee, what did he do, piss in your lucky skates or something?”

“Never mind my past history with Caldwell. Al, tomorrow’s an important day. The last thing Glenn and I need is you hanging with anyone from the Philadelphia Liberty until one-thirty in the morning, especially Caldwell. The Liberty’s one of our biggest rivals.”

“Damn, excuse me for being polite to out of towners. The guy bought a few drinks; I couldn’t exactly ignore him.”

“He’s married, Al.”

“I figured that much when he forgot to take off his wedding ring before hitting on me.”

Troy raised his voice, causing it to crack. “You’re bitching because Caldwell came on to you yet still accepted a ride home from him? Jesus!”

Alex started to laugh. “Now who’s acting like a jealous spouse?”

126

“It’s not funny! He could’ve slipped a roofie in your drink, and then raped you or worse!”

“That wasn’t why I laughed. Did your voice just crack or are you going through puberty again?”

“You know what? I’m tired of you. Go your own way and do whatever the hell you want, but don’t come bitching to me because no respectable team will sign you.”

“Claude was right about one thing; you can't back up that mouth of yours. You throw tantrums when someone doesn’t bend to your bullshit and a pussy that can’t fight. I’m tired of you too! Good night!”

Alex began storming out of the room when Troy caught her arm. “Get your ass back here!”

“Let me go, you Canadian bastard,” she said through clenched teeth.

“I’m not done talking.”

“You were tired of me, remember?”

127

"You really are an uptight bitch.”

Alex responded by knocking Troy on the floor, stunned by her sudden ability to overpower a man nearly sixty pounds heavier and almost a foot taller than she. He rose on all fours before she took him down with one knee, and positioned her right arm over his back. Troy howled when she began twisting his loose arm.

"Don't you
ever
again
call me uptight!”

“Okay, okay! Let go of my damn arm!”

“Pussy,” she taunted. “You got beat by a girl.”

“Who said we were finished?” Troy replied before he spun around and landed on top of her, sending Alex’s face into the carpet. He pressed one knee on her shoulders while his arms held down her legs, applying enough pressure to restrain Alex but not hurt her.

She attempted to fight back, but couldn’t get an advantage over him.

“You’re in a world of trouble when I get loose, buffalo butt!” she spat.

126

“You’re a strong little shit, you know that?”

“Get off me, Troy!”

“Say please.”

“Fuck you!”

An idea came to Alex’s mind. She wickedly grinned, managed enough strength to flip over, and yanked Troy’s shorts to his knees.

“Hey! What the hell?”

She began to laugh and pinched his ass.

“Ow!
God damn it, Al!”

“Holy shit, your badonkadonk is even bigger up close.”

The impromptu depantsing didn’t stop Troy. “Oh you are in for it now, you little bitch!”

He managed to move with knees stuck together by his shorts, playfully spanked Alex, and pinned her.

127

"Think you're funny now, shorty?”

“No, but you have the dorkiest giggle-honk laugh on Earth. You almost sound like a Canadian goose.”

They laughed together for several minutes he turned her over and they stared into one another’s eyes. Troy inched his face closer to hers for a moment, but quickly regained his composure.

He cleared his throat and released Alex. “Looks like you’re more prepared than I thought.”

“Does this mean I’m forgiven?”

“Sure, but don’t get into the habit of staying out late nights before something important, and for Christ’s sake, avoid guys like Caldwell at all costs.”

“Okay, you win…this time.”

He stood and pulled up his shorts. “Good, now let’s get you to bed.”

Alex was then caught off guard when Troy picked her up and placed her over his shoulder, his giggle-snort-honk laughter filling the house.

128

She squealed in amusement and repeatedly smacked him. “Put me down, Troy Parker Talmadge!”

“Not until I make sure you’re in bed.”

“You’re such a nerd, but I like you.”

“You could’ve fooled both of us earlier with all the nasty names you called me.”

“People always say stupid stuff when they’re mad. I’m sorry for coming in late and worrying you.”

“You’re forgiven, shorty.” He gently put her down on the bed. “Now change into pajamas and get some sleep. We need to be fresh and alive by eight in the morning.”

***

129

Chapter 26

“Al, come on, we’re going to be late!” Troy shouted upstairs the following morning.

Alex appeared several minutes later carrying a pair of shoes. “Okay, okay, geez. Where’s the fire?”

“We’re supposed to meet Glenn at nine-thirty.” He gave her an appreciative smile. “You look great.”

“You’re really rocking the suit, goober. Are you sure
I’m
the one who’s a draft prospect?”

Troy laughed. “I would’ve asked the same question ten years ago, but today I’m absolutely positive.”

She pointed to the back of her dress. “Since it was your wild idea for me to wear this thing, may I have a little help with the zipper?”

“Oh yeah, sure; be glad to assist.”  He pulled up the zipper and patted her shoulder. “There.”

130

Alex fluffed her hair. “Thanks; I don’t need anything hanging open should TV cameras point our way.”

“I think we’re going to have a productive day,” Troy replied before he spotted the flats on her feet. “Where are the shoes I bought?”

“Upstairs.”

“Go change into them.”

“Do I have to? Heels hurt my feet and make me look like I’m walking with a pile of shit in my pants.”

He sighed. “Fine, but curb the language when we get to the arena. A lot of heavy hitters will be present.”

“No kidding, Captain Obvious.”

“Cut down on the unflattering smart ass attitude too.”

“Anything else, bossy butt?”

131

“Stay here while I get the car.”

“Are you ashamed to be seen with me or something? Most of your neighbors already know I’m staying here and the media’s on to you training someone if those are your main concerns.”

“No, but since today’s Draft Day, I want to avoid a media circus until the right moment.”

“Why do I have a feeling you know more than you’re telling me?”

“Just wait a few more minutes, Al,” Troy said before he walked out the door. “I’ll be right back.”

***

132

“My God, what have you done to Alexandra?” Glenn asked upon spotting her and Troy at their section. “I barely recognized her!”

“Made her appear more ladylike,” Troy answered with a smile.

“More like drove me crazy in the last month,” Alex countered.

“You’ll thank both of us by end of today,” Glenn reassured her. “By the way, Troy, I just saw your friend Caldwell.”

“Thanks for getting my day off to a craptastic start, Glenn.”

“Now it won’t kill you to be nice for a few hours.”

“Forget it; I barely tolerated the loser during Internationals and that was because we both played for Team Canada. Talk about two weeks of torture. He can stay on his side of the room and I’ll remain right where I am.”