Power Play (6 page)

58

He sighed in disgust. “Glenn, will you just watch the fucking DVD?”

“Fine, but I’m only doing this because you’re a top client.”

Troy smiled and handed him the disc. “Thanks, I have a feeling you won’t regret hearing me out this time.”

***

Alex flopped on the hotel room’s bed, unable to keep her eyes open much longer.
Vancouver Venus
filmed from seven-thirty that morning well into the evening before Connor Francis was finally satisfied. Between a long day on the set and spending time with Troy the previous evening, she could sleep for a week.

The phone rang, causing her to groan. She glanced at its screen and saw her agent’s home number.

“Hey, Doris,” she groggily answered.

“You sound tired, dear. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I just returned from enduring thirteen hours of Connor Francis’ hell. What’s up?”

59

“I’m glad you mentioned Mr. Francis. I received an interesting call from him this afternoon. I tried to contact you earlier, but got a voice mail message.”

Alex sat up, tiredness suddenly fading. “I was probably still on the set. What did Francis want?”

“He said you’re a delightful person to work with and wondered if you’d be interested in auditioning for his next film project.”

“The
Office Girls
sequel? Oh my God, yes!”

“I’m glad you agreed, because he’s pushing you for one of the leads.”

“Are you serious?”

“More like second lead, but Mr. Francis thinks you’ll make a wonderful Veronica. The casting department’s seeking an ingénue type, and you’re perfect.”

“I’d love to read for Veronica!”

“Excellent; I’ll be in touch with him tomorrow afternoon before
Vancouver Venus
resumes filming after lunch. I’m confident there won’t have any problems being shortlisted for an audition since he personally recommended you.”

60

“I won’t disappoint you, Doris.”

“I know you won’t, dear. Now get some sleep and we’ll chat tomorrow when both of us have more time.”

***

“I don’t believe what I just saw,” Glenn said once the DVD of Alex on
Vancouver Venus’
set concluded. “Are you sure this Galloway girl never played in any professional leagues?”

“That’s what I wondered during my visit with Andy,” Troy replied, “but aside from midget and junior amateur hockey, she’s never seen significant ice time before landing the movie part.”

“The girl’s skill level could’ve fooled both of us. She’s a female Davy St. Cloud.”

“I’m sure Alex would appreciate the comparison, especially coming from you.”

61

Glenn eyebrows shot upward. “Oh, you’re already on a first-name basis? For God’s sake, Troy, please don’t tell me that–”

“No, I didn’t sleep with her.”

“Yeah, what am I thinking? She’s a short and cute thing, but not your usual type.”

“I didn’t have a ‘type’ in mind when I spotted her on-ice skill. Can we get back to business?”

“I don’t think there’s more to discuss. Since Miss Galloway’s working on a film, I presume she has an agent?”

“A Doris Mullens here in New York; Alex got the
Vancouver Venus
role through her.”

“Ms. Mullens won’t be much help for what I have in mind, but I would like to have a talk with the young lady.”

“Are you trying to say…?”

“Troy, I don’t think a theatrical agent will do much good for Miss Galloway’s career in professional hockey; she’ll be better in that respect under
my
representation.”

62

Troy leaped from the chair and hugged his agent. “Thanks, Glenn; I’m going to remember you in my will!”

“Don’t die anytime soon. You already scared the shit out of me three years ago with that nasty concussion and then a broken jaw. Meanwhile, Miss Galloway’s going to need someone–”

“I already volunteered to be Alex’s mentor. Can you negotiate a WHL contract on her behalf?”

“I can’t see her talent being wasted in the Women’s Hockey League.”

“What the hell are you talking about? WHL is the
most prestigious women’s organization!”

“Miss Galloway needs guided in a different direction.”

Troy narrowed his eyes. “Do not
think
about putting her on one of those lingerie teams of I will fucking kill you.”

“What I have in mind will make her more memorable than participating in lingerie or any other ‘fluff’ leagues.”

63

“What?”

“The American Hockey Conference’s draft is in June,” Glenn said. “It’s time to add another chapter to their history books.”

“Are you on crack or just plain nuts?” Troy asked. “No woman ever played in the AHC during all its years in existence, at least past a few exhibition games or practices.”

“Think of the potential; Miss Galloway is more AHC material than some men emerging from college and minor leagues. A few team owners also owe me favors, so I already have one foot in the door.”

“I trust your judgment for the time being, but God as my witness, if Alex becomes a laughingstock because of this crazy idea, I’ll never forgive you.”

“Believe me, Troy; I have a good feeling Miss Galloway will become a pioneer in professional hockey no one will ever forget for years to come.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I still think you lost your damn mind.”

64

“Let’s see if you feel the same when Miss Galloway guides her team to a Princeton Trophy someday.”

After Troy was gone, Glenn pushed the intercom on his desk. “Jolene!” he called his secretary. “Get Doris Mullens on the phone!”

“The talent agent?” she asked.

“No, she’s a tax preparer, Einstein. Of course I mean Mullens the talent agent.”

“Yes, Mr. Collins.”

“Hold all other calls after you patch Ms. Mullens to my office. I have important business to discuss concerning one of her clients and don’t want any outside disturbances unless it’s an emergency.”

***

65

Chapter 15

Vancouver Venus
wrapped after several weeks of filming on location. Alex was packing to catch her return flight to New York when the phone rang.

“Hi, Doris,” she greeted her agent. “Did you already arrange the shortlisting for me to audition for
Office Girls 2?”

“I was in the process of doing so when another call came in about you, Alexandra.”

“Holy hell, word must’ve gotten out about Connor Francis recommending me for an audition faster than I thought.”

“Not exactly; I had an interesting conversation with Glenn Collins.”

“The sports agent? Why would he express interest in
me?”

66

“Mr. Collins wanted to learn more about your
Vancouver Venus
role
.
He was impressed with your proficiency on the ice and thinks you possess great potential for professional hockey.”

“I don’t know what to think.”
So Troy
did
talk to his agent…

“You can at least give him a call and discuss the offer to represent you,” Doris said.

“He wants me to be my agent for hockey? Oh my God; this is a lot to digest. What about my audition?”

“One of New York’s top sports agents is pursing you and you’re concerned about an audition?”

“You promised I’d be shortlisted for one because of my recent connection to Mr. Francis.”

“Alexandra, you never fail to amaze me! I saw a few dailies from
Vancouver Venus
and agree with Mr. Collins on exploring a hockey career. You’re a natural.”

67

“There’s no point in me further pursuing the idea until at least mid-summer.”

“I wouldn’t recommend delaying anything so important, dear.”

“Doris, get to the point. I have a flight to catch and no time for games.”

“Mr. Collins wants everything in place to represent you before June’s AHC draft.”

“
What?
That’s a men’s professional league!”

“He thinks you’re the perfect choice for a history-making milestone as the American Hockey Conference’s first female player.”

“What made him consider something so farfetched?”

“I don’t know, Alexandra, but you should get in touch soon as possible for more details.”

68

“Okay, I’ll call Mr. Collins’ office after I return to New York. In the meantime, could you find out about my
Office Girls 2
audition appointment? I need a backup plan in case hockey doesn’t materialize or the whole thing is a bad prank at my expense.”

***

69

Chapter 16

Troy’s phone began to ring after he returned to the Rebels’ dressing room following a playoff game’s morning practice. He glimpsed at its screen and saw Glenn’s number.

“Did you talk to Alex?” he asked without preamble.

“Someone’s eager today,” Glenn replied with a laugh. “Yes, she and I met this morning. I would’ve called earlier, but figured you were still at practice.”

“How did everything go? Don’t omit any details that aren’t confidential.”

“Jesus, Troy, take it down a few notches. You sound like a kid wondering if the class beauty’s going to the prom with him.”

“Sorry, but I wanted to get on the same page in case she tries to get in touch with me.”

70

“Since when do you give your number to women you barely know?”

“I did it strictly for business purposes. What else did you discuss?”

“She’s officially under my representation as of today.”

“Glenn, you’re a miracle worker! I’ll never forget this.”

“Thanks but contain your excitement a few minutes longer. I have something else to tell you that needs kept on the down low, which includes saying not one word to your buddies.”

“What?”

“Remember those AHC team owners I said owed me favors? I had a talk with each about Alexandra.”

“Let me guess; they turned you down just as predicted.”

“Hear me out, Troy; yes, they passed on my suggestion…all but one.”

“Who accepted?”