Power Play (36 page)

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Chapter 70

“Where you go after game?” Boris asked. “Davy and I worry almost all night.”

A deep hue of red colored Troy’s cheeks. “I uh…met a couple girls and got sidetracked.”

“Ohhhhh!” Davy exclaimed. “In other words, you shagged a couple birds!”

“Don’t make a big deal.”

“Surely you remembered to wrap your willy, mate. Don’t need any wee ankle biters before you’re ready.”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I always do.”

“You go with strange girls yet mad because Alex sleep with Jax?” Boris asked. “Better hope she no find out, Troy.”

“That’s all I’d need. You guys know how she grilled me about the picture with two bikini models after the charity volleyball game; I don’t want to imagine if she ever discovered…well…what happened last night.”

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“Say you were celebrating the two hat tricks we made during second period,” Davy said.

“Al’s too smart to buy that or any other line.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Is there any news on her recovery?”

“She’s seeing the neurologist on Tuesday and will have a better idea of what’s happening in the near future.”

“Here’s praying for a return.”

“I’d like to be as optimistic, but it’s still too soon. Don’t ever have the misfortune of getting concussions if you can help it, Davy. Coming back from one is anything but fun.”

“Advice well taken, mate.”

“You ask if she want to talk when you come home before you went off with strange girls?” Boris asked.

“Yeah, we’re planning to go somewhere quiet without any distractions and get everything in the open.”

“That good. You talk to her then all be okay.”

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“I hope so, big guy.”

“Tonight last game before we go home.”

“We’ve already won the first two,” Davy said. “I’ll be chuffed if we sweep the series tonight.”

“Would be nice to go home with three wins.” Boris turned back to Troy. “You come to room after game. No more mess around with strange girls. We leave early tomorrow.”

“I know, Boris,” Troy replied. “I already asked for a wakeup call for six-thirty and Al’s meeting us after we land in Pittsburgh.”

“She come alone, yes?”

“Far as I know since she’s cleared to drive and do light workouts, why?”

“I see you miss her. You no fool me, Troy.”

“I do and can’t help wondering how far she’s fallen into Jax’s clutches while I’ve been away.”

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“I doubt boffing Ivanka was nothing beyond Alex having an itch scratched,” Davy said. “She’s no slag who gives her end to everyone in sight and if we know the old sod, he probably has sights set on another lass as we speak.”

“You may be right. Jax tends to either find some way to break off with women when he feels they’re getting too close or after ‘humping and dumping’ them. On the other hand, Al may have already demoted
him
from bed partner to friend zone.”

“Or the ‘shagging mate’ zone.”

“Not funny, Davy.”

“Come on, Troy; she’s not a nun any more than you are a monk. The lass has needs, so having someone on the side while she’s on injured reserve isn’t too farfetched.”

“You find girls too,” Boris said.

“Who hasn’t? I never claimed to be a saint, as is neither of you. The only difference is we won’t play any games the next day or night alongside women we’ve been with. I worry about Al’s latest lapse in judgment, though. What if things end not so well between her and Ivanka? There will be more than a few awkward moments at practices and games.”

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“I understand, yes.”

“Now I have a clearer picture as to why you’ve hesitated telling Alex how you really feel,” Davy replied.

“I don’t want to risk screwing up another relationship,” Troy said. “Of course, all efforts to keep the last one under wraps backfired in my face.”

“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.”

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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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”