Power Play

by L. Anne Carrington

  POWER PLAY

  L. Anne Carrington

  Palm Tree Books

  Tampa

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  All characters and events in this book are fictional; any resemblances to actual persons or events are purely coincidental.

  ‘Power Play’ is copyright of its author, L. Anne Carrington, 2015.

  “Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.” — Chuck Noll (1932-2014), former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach

  “You are what you think. If you think and you know that you can make it, then you are going to make it.” — Jeff Reed (1979- ), former NFL placekicker and two-time Super Bowl champion

  ***

  “In this jersey, I promise to play for the logo on the front, not the name on the back.”

  “I wouldn’t change anything I’m doing, to be honest with you. I’m working hard. I’m doing my best. If people’s expectations are higher than mine, then I can’t change that.”

  “When I’m practicing, I think I’m pretty focused, and I spend a lot of energy on making sure I get better, but once I’m outside the rink, I think, like anyone else, I like to enjoy everything that everyone else does.”

  — Sidney Crosby (1987–), Pittsburgh Penguins captain

  Books by L. Anne Carrington

  Power Play Series:

  On Ice: Power Play Book 2 (coming 2016)

  Power Play

  The Cruiserweight Series:

  The Cruiserweight

  The Cruiserweight’s Daughter

  Klass Act

  The Marilyn Diaries

  Other　Fiction:

  Rise

  Fifty

  Nonfiction:

  Billy Kidman: The Shooting Star

  Life Subject To Change

  Prologue

  Hitting an important championship goal rested on Alex’s shoulders; the Rebels faced one of their strongest opponents in the Princeton Trophy’s deciding game. Whether her team would win big or fade into the dreaded second place no one would remember would be determined if she got the puck past Washington Wildings goaltender Foster Kingston…or not.

  Alex hated overtime, but the game was still tied at two goals apiece after regulation. She stood almost frozen and looked at her teammates for some type of sign.

  Coach Dean Barry stared back with a frown, wondering whether her shot would successfully pass the blue line.

  Forward Davy St. Cloud, who scored both goals in regulation for the Rebels, and right winger Brian Donahue gave her thumbs-up signs.

  Defenseman Byron Brady said a silent prayer.

  Second alternate captain Lenny Walton, defenseman Marty O’Freel and left winger Vince Beaumont all glared at her with “You have one job” expressions on their faces.

  Hank Stover, Travis Vanderhoven, and first alternate captain Boris Furishnykov gave her encouraging nods.

  Her longtime friends Jennifer and Phyllis sat behind the glass holding their breaths as Jennifer balanced a squirmy Anna on her lap.

  Alex then spotted Troy mouthing the words she heard many times before: “Whatever it takes, we’ll walk together. Go for it!”

  She turned back, skated past her opponents, and gave Kingston a determined stare. She needed to get that damn puck into the net, one way or another…

  ***

  PART ONE:

  Alex

  “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. “

  —Jesse Owens

  1

  Chapter 1

  “Auditions suck!” Alex complained to theatrical agent Doris Mullens. “I thought for sure this one would fall in my lap. Two of the role’s specifications were proficiencies in doing a New York accent and ballroom dancing. You’d think I’d been a perfect fit.”

  “Of course, dear,” Doris replied, “but why did Sinclair Grover pass on you?”

  “The same reason almost everyone else does. I’m too short for the role’s physical qualities! I could see if this was a biography film or something, but it’s based on a novel with no mention of the character’s height. Sometimes I hate people and wonder why I came to New York to pursue acting at all.”

  “You can’t give up your dream, Alexandra. The biggest stars started right where you currently are.”

  “Sure, but most of them were well past five feet tall. Are there any decent roles for short people?”

  2

  “Not many come across my desk, but I have two more casting notices where you already have experience: a motion picture needs extras and an Off-Broadway show seeks singers for their latest production’s chorus.”

  A loud groan escaped Alex’s lips. “Doris, you’re killing me. My father didn’t work three jobs to pay for all my lessons and let me move from Morgantown to play Girl #199 in some douchebag’s movies or sing backup in plays no one gives a shit about. I’ve done more than enough of both.”

  “Well, I do have a bathroom tissue commercial…”

  “Fine, I can try that one, though not sure how many housewives I’ll convince to buy a specific brand.”

  “Whatever pays the bills, Alexandra; I know the perfect role for you exists somewhere. We just haven’t yet found it.”

  “I hope something happens soon, because I only have $2,500 left in the bank from Papa’s life insurance and living here is expensive as hell. Living with three other almost broke actors and eating boxed mac and cheese or Ramen noodles for dinner almost every night aren’t cutting it.”

  3

  “Patience, young lady; I’ll keep out an eye for more suitable roles. Meanwhile, keep me posted on that commercial audition.”

  ***

  4

  Chapter 2

  “We could do phone sex as night jobs,” Alex’s roommate, Jennifer Barton, suggested.

  “Are you nuts?” she asked. “Last thing I want to do is waste time talking to old perverts who can’t get laid in real life. I dealt with enough freaks in West Virginia.”

  “At least doing this will make paying bills easier and I won’t have to beg my folks for money every month between gigs. Not only do phone sex banks not care what their operators look like, but will also leave us open during the day for auditions. The pay is good too.”

  “Well, at least call first and find out what we have to do before either of us commits to anything.”

  Jennifer tore an ad from the newspaper. “I’ll call in the morning before my Off-Broadway audition. Hey, how did you do on the toilet paper thing?”

  5

  Alex rolled her eyes and sighed. “I got a part with one whole line.”

  “That’s awesome!”

  “Sure, if you want to be remembered as a girl emerging from the bathroom holding a roll of TP while exclaiming how it’s so soft and fluffy. I’m sick of these lame-ass roles.”

  “Lame or not, at least Doris helps you get some. I doubt Randy Powers does anything but stare at my boobs and pick things at random he knows I won’t land.”

  “I can put in a good word for you when I see her tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Alex; Randy’s giving me the fucking creeps and I’m ready to go elsewhere. Is there any chicken ramen left?”

  “Check the cupboard above the microwave; that is, if Beau didn’t eat the rest of it.”

  “I hope he didn’t. Ugh, he and Greg are such pigs sometimes.”

  6

  “For what it’
s worth, it’s Greg’s turn to do grocery shopping this weekend. Rest assured he’ll follow through unless he wants to starve.”

  “We should buy our own food and hide it from the guys,” Jennifer called from the kitchen.

  “The thought crossed my mind many times, but neither of us currently has the funds to replenish when needed. Then again, I do have a check due from that last Off-Broadway job…”

  “I’m owed for the shampoo commercial I recently did! Let’s put our money together and start a stash!”

  “Best idea I’ve heard all day,” Alex replied.

  “God damn fucking Beau!” Jennifer exclaimed.

  “Please tell me he didn’t eat all the ramen, Jen.”

  “He left one half of a lousy pack! At least the guys didn’t find our tuna fish. Where’s the bread?”

  “In the fridge; keeps it from turning green right away.”

  “The hell with this; if I’m going to blow the last twenty in my wallet, it may as well be for ice cream. Want to join me? I’ll even spring for peanut M&M’s.”

  7

  Alex smiled at her. “You had me at peanut M&M’s. I’ll put on some shoes.”

  ***

  8

  Chapter 3

  “Alexandra!” Doris cheerfully greeted her. “I have a couple new offers for you.”

  “Let me guess,” Alex replied as she flopped into a chair across from the agent’s desk. “They’re Off-Broadway chorus lines, movie extra castings or TV walk-ons.”

  “You’re such a pessimist.”

  “No, Doris; I prefer the term realist. What do you have?”

  “Well, you were right about one thing; an Off-Broadway casting director is seeking chorus girls five foot four and under for their new show.”

  “Pass. I’ve done enough Off-Broadway chorus and background crap to last me a lifetime. What’s the other offer?”

  “This one will definitely pique some interest, given both your experience in ice hockey and French being one of three foreign languages you speak. Are you aware of a docudrama about the Vancouver Venus being cast?”

  9

  “Yeah, a Ladies Hockey League of Canada team that sucked until they came out of nowhere last year to win the LHLoC National Championship. A few other actors mentioned interviewing or auditioning. Why?”

  “You have an appointment this afternoon with the film’s casting director. I told him about your experience. Sherman Gray expressed interest after seeing your resume and demo reel.”

  “Doris, I could kiss you!”

  “Save that kiss for when you get the lead, Alexandra.”

  “At this point I’ll settle for a non-speaking role!”

  Doris laughed. “I’m glad you’re pleased. I also forgot to add that Vancouver Venus will be shot on location in–”

  “Vancouver,” Alex finished with a smile. “That’s obvious. I’ll need to brush up my Canadian accent and French within the next few hours.”

  “Keep me updated on the interview.”

  “I certainly will. By the way, I promised one of my roommates I’d talk to you about possibly representing her. She already has an agent, but not happy with the job he’s doing.”

  10

  “Oh? What’s the name?”

  “Jennifer Barton.”

  “I meant the agent’s name.”

  “Randy Powers.”

  Doris grimaced. “She’s not the first to complain about him, and I can bet she won’t be the last. Let me see if I can get your roommate out of her contract. I have some time Friday afternoon if she wants to see me.”

  “Thanks a bunch! I’ll have Jen give you a call after I finish with the movie interview.”

  ***

  11

  Chapter 4

  “Ahhh, Miss Galloway,” Vancouver Venus casting director Sherman Gray addressed her. “Doris Mullens highly recommended you. It’s been tough finding actresses who can play ice hockey. She also mentioned you’re able to speak with a Canadian accent and in French.”

  “Throw me an English sentence and I’ll translate.”

  “That won’t be necessary. We reviewed your demo reel Ms. Mullens sent. We’d like to offer a role if you’re interested.”

  Alex was elated. “Are you serious?”

  “It’s not a large part; only three spoken lines,” Sherman clarified, “but you’ll play a Venus team member who scores the LHLoC championship game’s winning goal.”

  Who cares? I’ll be in a movie doing something besides roaming in the background! “When does filming start?”

  12

  “Details will be sent to your agent once everything’s confirmed,” Sherman replied and shook Alex’s hand. “Welcome aboard, Miss Galloway. We look forward to working with you.”

  ***

  Alex felt as if she floated on air while heading back to the townhouse she shared with Jennifer, Greg, and Beau. The Vancouver Venus role may not be large, but she sensed it would lead to better parts in the future.

  She smiled and entered the house. Goodbye being Girl #199 in movies, hawking toilet paper on TV or wearing stupid chorus costumes in Off-Broadway shows!

  “Hey, Jen; are you still here? We need to talk!”

  Jennifer entered the living room munching a tuna sandwich. “What’s going on? You sound excited.”

  “I have good news and better news.”

  “Don’t keep me in the dark, Alex; what’s up?”

  13

  “First the good news: Doris is available Friday afternoon if you want to discuss her representing you. Funny thing; she agreed Randy’s a creep. Give her a call soon as possible. Now, for the better news…”

  “Judging from how you’re talking ninety miles a minute, it has to be something big.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t say big far as the part’s concerned, but I got picked to be in the Vancouver Venus movie!”

  “Oh my God, that’s so awesome! When do you leave for location?”

  “I don’t know. They’re supposed to let Doris know once everything’s in place. How was your day?”

  “You know the drill; another day, another sucky audition.”

  “I’m sorry, Jen. Maybe things will change once Doris signs you. Granted I worked a bunch of shitty acting gigs before I got this one, but–”

  “You finally landed a decent gig! Who knows; you might meet some cute hockey guys in Vancouver.”

  14

  “Not likely,” Alex replied with a laugh. “Vancouver Venus is about a women’s team.”

  “Too bad; some men with the nicest asses in hockey hail from Canada.”

  “Now you sound like a puck bunny. I’m going to Vancouver to make a movie, Jen, not chase guys. I have enough problems without dealing with a man in my life. Besides, most players have successful blonde models on their arms, not short struggling actresses with ‘strange violet eyes’.”

  Jennifer was taken aback. “Who said your eyes were strange? I think they’re pretty!”

  “Believe it or not, many, many casting directors; I actually considered getting my hair done blonde and some blue color contacts at one point. Thank God common sense kicked in.”

  “I agree; blonde, blue-eyed actresses are so common, not to mention some wouldn’t know what a hockey stick looked like, let alone how to use one.”

  “I didn’t either until I was eight years old,” Alex replied. “What’s for dinner?”

  15

  “Remember that payment due me from the shampoo commercial? Well, it finally came today, so we will be having one of our rare pizza nights. One, the guys are in some traveling musical until Friday, and two, we’re entitled to one night of not concerning ourselves with whether or not we’ll gain a pound from pigging out. Oh, and I took liberty on starting our secret food stash.”