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?”
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“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?”
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"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.
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“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.
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"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.
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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.”
***
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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.”
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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?”
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“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.”
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“Caldwell was at the upper tier breakfast buffet,” Glenn said. “I guess it’s his only option since most bars aren’t open yet.”
“There’s a breakfast buffet?” Alex asked.
“Yeah, would you like something?”
“Coffee with two sugars and three creams would be nice.”
Troy shook his head. “No way, Glenn; we don’t need Al hopped up on caffeine before things get underway.”
She snorted at him. “Do you have to be such an ass?”
“I already cut some slack about your shoes. Don’t push me, and watch the language.” He turned back to Glenn. “Bring us two waters.”
“It’s for your own good.”
“Do you enjoy using that line every time I disagree with you?”
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“Do you enjoy questioning everything I say or do?”
“Now who’s a smart aleck?”
“Just try to act civilized for a few more hours, Al. I guarantee you’ll walk out of here with a huge smile on your face by end of today.”
“Okay, but I’m holding you to that promise.”
Glenn returned with three water bottles. “Sorry for the delay, kids, but Halloran wanted to stop and chat for a few minutes.”
“That’s nothing new,” Troy said with a smile. “Jon likes talking to everyone no matter who they are.”
“The man is a flawless class act.”
“Yeah, and I’m proud to still be playing for his team ten years later.”
“He’s equally thrilled you remained loyal.”
Troy winked at his agent the moment Alex turned her back to them. “Did he give you any idea who the Rebels would like to choose in today’s draft?”
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Glenn returned the wink. “Oh, your boss hinted there could be at least one surprise in store later.”
“I can hardly wait.”
Alex turned back to her companions. “Did I miss something about a surprise?”
“Only something Jon mentioned to Glenn in passing,” Troy replied and checked his watch. “Things should be starting soon.”
He and Glenn exchanged knowing smiles. This girl has no idea what’s about to happen and how it will change her life…
***
136
Chapter 27
Alex struggled not to appear bored with the monotonous rounds of mostly unknown names being drafted to several teams.
Troy leaned over and nudged her when she began to doze.
“Stay awake,” he whispered.
“How can I? This shit’s boring. When the hell is lunch break? That bird food you called breakfast didn’t hold me very long and I’m fucking starving.”
“Language, Al.”
“Yeah, yeah; exactly how much longer do we have to sit here like a bunch of fools?”
“Relax and stop acting like a fidgety kid. They’re ready to announce the next round of draftees.”
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She rolled her eyes. “Oh, hooray.”
“Knock off the sarcasm.”
“Geez, someone’s a grumpy boy. You should go out tonight and get some action.”
“Come on, Al; knock off the smart assery.”
“Fine, whatever you say.”
“Hey,” Glenn whispered. “Rebels are back up for the next pick. Can you two stop bickering for a few minutes and pay attention?”
Chastised, Alex and Troy shifted their attention to front of the room, which remained silent for several minutes until Rebels General Manager Roy Bright stepped to the microphone and made an unexpected announcement.
“In the fifth round, Jonathan Halloran and the Pittsburgh Rebels select…Alexandra Galloway!”
No one spoke for a moment and then stunned gasps, chatter, and applause filled the room.
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Alex became alert and turned pale. “Wait, what? Did I fall asleep and have some strange dream?”
“I’m afraid not,” Troy said. “You’re now officially a Pittsburgh Rebel and first woman to play in the AHC. Congratulations; now go say hi to your new bosses.”
She rose from her seat with a wan smile and walked to the podium. GM Bright held a ubiquitous draft day jersey with Galloway written on its back. Video and still cameras captured images of the team’s history-making draft pick.
She turned to Bright. “Is this a prank being taped for some TV show?”
“Not in the least, Galloway,” he answered. “If you still don’t believe me, you may want to have talks with your agent and young Mr. Talmadge. Both were well aware of Mr. Halloran’s interest in you long before today.”
***
139
Chapter 28
“Troy Talmadge, you big ass goober!” Alex squealed, punched his arm, and grabbed a handful of hair. “I can’t believe you knew the whole time Jonathan Halloran was interested in me and didn’t say a word!”
“Oww, let go!” he yelled between peals of laughter and started the car.
“You could’ve at least given me an advance warning.”
“I swear, Al, Jon swore Glenn and me to secrecy until today.”
She hugged Troy’s neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I still can’t believe I’ll be playing on a men’s hockey team thanks to you!”
The contact made him feel uneasy. “Calm down; stay on your side, and put on that seat belt. We don’t need to be involved in a car accident or get into any other trouble before training camp.”
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“When and where does that happen?”
“Someone’s an eager little lady. Training camp begins middle of August. You’ll be among the first rookies to train at our more modernized facility after it opens.”
“Hmmm…should I feel special?”
“I would say yes. Meanwhile, you’ll need some serious media coaching since reporters are going to have a field day. Did you see how they bombarded Jon and Roy after the draft?”
Alex nodded. “I guess that explains why you and Glenn hustled me out the nearest back door like I’m one of your side pieces.”
“I don’t have side pieces, Al.”
“Come on, you can’t convince me you haven’t gotten some puck bunny action now and then. I don’t buy the Mr. Innocent act for a minute, nor did I just get off the boat this morning.”
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“Okay, I’ve slept with a few girls on occasion, but my true love’s the game. What the hell is with your jealous spouse routine?”
Alex snorted. “You mean the same way you reacted when Claude Caldwell brought me home last night?”
“That’s a different situation; members of rival teams shouldn’t be in public together.”
“Sure, keep rationalizing. Why not explain your bitch face expressions while I talked to a group of college boys during lunch break?”
“I didn’t make bitch faces.”
“Bullshit, you looked ready to eat all those guys alive.”
“You can’t walk up to random strangers and start conversations, Al. It is one thing to be nice – which I encourage – but not always wise to first approach fans before they notice you. There are too many unbalanced people in the world.”
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“Do you always act paranoid?”
“More like exercising common sense. Why are you always so damn difficult?”
Alex stared at him wide-eyed. “I’m difficult? What about the times you’ve been a pain in my ass?”
“I’m hard on you so you’ll succeed.” He turned into a restaurant parking lot. “Now quit debating and enjoy the rest of your big day.”
“Why are we here? I wanted to go home and change.”
“I owe you dinner.”
“I can buy my own food, Troy. I’m not that damn broke.”
“Uh uh; it’s your special evening.”
“Wouldn’t it be cheaper to go home, order pizza, and watch a bad movie?”
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