Power Play (18 page)

210

“That’s my girl.”

“Come on, goober, let’s go. They’re supposed to show the movie around seven-thirty. Have you ever gone to a premiere?”

“I went to a couple with Louise.” He opened the passenger door. “After you, my dear.”

“Thanks. Is your sister a backup date or something?” Alex asked with a smile.

“Probably the most reliable one until I met you.”

“Don’t tell me you took her to your prom.”

“Uh…not quite; one, she was too young, and second, I was too busy with studying and hockey to attend school socials.”

“I didn’t go to any dances or proms either.”

“Why?”

“I wasn’t the type most guys in my class asked for dates.”

211

“Why do I find that hard to believe?”

“You’ve seen me at my worst; now imagine me looking like that and twenty pounds heavier during my entire adolescence.”

Troy chuckled. “I guess both of us had to grow into our looks.”

“Oh come on; I’ve seen some of your childhood pictures online. You were a cutie.”

“Remind me to show you my high school sophomore picture. Early adolescence was not one of my better moments.”

“I’ve driven you crazy more times than either of us can count, but it’s refreshing to know someone who’s gorgeous, talented, athletic, and successful, yet didn’t let anything go to their head. You’re a diamond among cubic zirconia.”

He squirmed a little, yet was secretly flattered by her words. “Uh…thanks?”

212

“It’s okay to ruffle your feathers now and then, Troy. You don’t have to be so humble all the time.”

“Having a big head doesn’t suit me.” He scanned a nearby lot. “Are there ever any decent parking places in this city?”

Alex pointed to a car slowly backing out. “Look, someone’s leaving. Grab the spot while you can!”

“Nice sighting; I’ll beat the shit out of anyone who tries sneaking in ahead of us.”

They patiently waited for the vehicle in front of them to move before Troy parked with little effort.

“God, I envy you,” she said.

He looked befuddled. “What did I do? Five minutes ago you admired me.”

“Sorry, I should’ve said I envy people with flawless parallel parking skills.”

“Now aren’t you glad I drove?”

213

“Yes, but if there’s one ding on this car by end of the night, I’ll scratch your ass in a not-so-good way.”

“I’ll keep that in mind as the loan’s co-signer.” 

Troy got out, walked to the passenger side, and opened Alex’s door. They silently walked for a few minutes before he noticed groups of photographers, reporters, and fans near the theater’s red carpet entrance.

“Oh shit,” he muttered.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’ve been spotted by the wolves.”

“Shouldn’t you be used to this after ten years?”

“No one ‘gets used’ to strangers ambushing them, Al.” He grabbed her hand. “Stick with me.”

“Curb the paranoia and let go of my hand, Troy. I’m not a child.”

“Yeah, but you’re fairly new to things like this. Remember, let people approach you first.”

214

“I see Troy Talmadge with a girl coming our way!” someone shouted. 

“Wow, no blue-eyed blonde ‘model’?”

“Hey, that’s Alexandra Galloway, First Lady of the AHC!!”

She stood by quietly, observing him sign autographs, posed with fans for pictures, and answered questions, all with class and grace.
I’ll never understand why some people despise Troy. He’s the kindest man in my life since Papa, always makes time for fans, and never snubs anyone. He loves kids; a dedicated hard worker, projects an admirable clean image; the epitome of an athlete. He doesn’t get drunk or act obnoxious in nightclubs. People should celebrate this beautiful soul, not deride every aspect of his lifestyle and career.

“Miss Galloway,” a journalist addressed her. “Is it true you appear in
Vancouver Venus?”

She nodded and smiled. “I’m the one scoring a winning goal and in a couple other scenes. I’d also like to thank assistant director Andy Byers for introducing me to Troy.”

215

“You were an actress before turning professional hockey player?” a TV reporter asked.

“Yes, but nothing major. Little did I know at the time my small part in
Vancouver Venus
would open up a whole new career opportunity.”

“Now that you’re part of the Rebels’ official roster, are you looking forward to the upcoming season?”

“Absolutely; I’ve already met some of the sport’s greatest fans and most of my teammates are outstanding people.”

“Sorry, everyone,” Troy interjected, “but we need to get inside. Thanks for coming out this evening.”

“You handled everything well,” he said as they entered the theater.

216

Alex basked in his compliment. “I learned from the best.”

“You give me too much credit, shorty. Now let’s see what you look like on film.”

***

217

Chapter 39

People talking among themselves and playing with their phones during the film screening annoyed Alex, but she made efforts not to show her true feelings.
Granted tonight isn’t anything like a Hollywood premiere, but why would people waste money and time if they aren’t interested in seeing the movie?

Spotting several familiar on-screen moments brought smiles; her one-line scene with Lily Stahl, catching glimpses of Phyllis during game sequences, and finally seeing herself as Natalie shooting the Venus’ championship-winning goal.

Something brushing her brought Alex back to reality. She looked down and saw Troy’s hand clutching hers while he continued staring at the screen.

218

She smiled slightly and pretended not to notice.
For a man who avoids physical contact at all costs, he’s not shy about holding my hand. Oh Troy, you may be a lot of things, but slick isn’t one.

They received an invitation to the premiere after party, but Troy politely declined in favor of a quiet dinner with Alex. She expected such a response; he wasn’t a party person unless they were charity benefits, another trait of his she appreciated.

“Or we can go home and vegetate rest of the weekend,” Alex said.

“Sounds great, but I already made reservations.”

She punched his arm. “Damn it, Troy; at least keep us on the same page once in a while!”

“Ouch! Will you quit? I don’t need the task of explaining odd bruises before Monday’s practice.”

219

“Where and when did you make reservations?”

“Last week at a nice place downtown I happen to like. You’re not going to die from staying dressed another couple hours.”

“Says a guy who likes to roam the house in old shorts, ball caps, no shirt, and leaves his shoes everywhere for me to trip on them. At least let me split the check.”

“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.”

220

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.”

221

“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.”

222

“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.