Power Play (8 page)

84

“No. You’re nosy today. Why so many questions?”

The thought of Alex without family or significant other concerned Troy. “Al, how have you managed without a support system?”

“I’m not totally alone in the world. There are my theatrical agent Doris, my roommates Jennifer, Beau, and Greg, and Phyllis Lodge, another actress I met while working on
Vancouver Venus
.
I should add you and Glenn to the list as well.”

“I can’t imagine not having a family. I’d fall apart if anything happened to my parents or sister.”

“One adjusts over time,” Alex said. “You have a sister?”

“Louise. She plays hockey in the junior leagues back home.”

“Maybe you should get her signed with Glenn and into a women’s pro league.”

“No, I feel she’s too young to handle potential critics assuming she got a spot because of our relationship and not on her own merit.”

85

“You seem like a good brother, and from what I’ve heard, you’ll be a great mentor to me.”

“Now who would say such things?” he kidded.

“Troy, stop being modest; Glenn gave me details on how you helped Davy St. Cloud when he came from England to join the Rebels. I heard he lived with you for a while and you helped get his American citizenship.”

“Yeah, it was kind of a
déjà vu
from the days when Jon Halloran and I lived together. I had no hand in Davy’s citizenship status since I only have a work visa, but was able to help him contact the right people. Now I’m ready to mold a recent discovery.”

“You’re working with someone else?”

“I’m talking to her right this minute.”

“Are you appointing yourself my Pygmalion?”

Troy laughed. “If that’s how you perceive me. We can work together on things you’ll need to know once drafted to a team.”

86

“There’s no guarantee anyone will recruit me,
especially
an AHC franchise.”

“You don’t know for sure. Now, the first step in preparing for your new career is relocating to Pittsburgh.”

“Are you crazy? I have friends and important contacts here in New York, and a move would cost too much money. I don’t have much left over from Papa’s life insurance to live on as it is.”

“Pittsburgh’s far less expensive, and I already have somewhere you can stay.”

“You found a place without first consulting me? Didn’t I just say–”

“You’ll love my new house, complete with a workout room, pub-style basement, and indoor rink.”

“We barely know each other and what if things don’t work out for me?”

“Neither of us will know without making the effort. I’ll cover all moving expenses.”

“Oh God no, Troy, that’s too much for me to ask. It’s only a six-hour drive from New York.”

87

“I only recall offering, not you asking. Come on, at least think about it for a few days. You and Glenn have to travel here for the draft anyway.”

“I’m set to audition for a major movie part on Tuesday but if nothing materializes, I’ll consider your idea of relocating. Do we have a deal?”

“Okay, but I expect to hear your decision one way or another.”

“I should know something by end of next week,” Alex said. “Good luck at Internationals and I look forward to talking to you again soon.”

***

88

Chapter 19

“You invited Alexandra to live with you in Pittsburgh?” Glenn asked.

“Yeah, I want her prepared for the Rebels,” Troy said. “I’ll pass along lessons and techniques Jon showed me when I started, not to mention she’s given me an impression of being soft around the edges.”

“Of course; she’s a young woman. Did you expect anything different?”

“It’ll be bad enough for me getting shit for discovering Al, but I don’t want her caught off guard to nasty comments from the media and jokes the other guys will likely pull.”

“I wouldn’t expect less from you.”

“A woman coming into the AHC – let alone drafted to the Rebels – may not be well-received as Jon and we think. Alex needs some degree of protection and I should look after her.”

89

“She may be from West Virginia, but Alexandra doesn’t appear the naïve type, Troy. She’s lived in New York a considerable period of time and battled for acting parts. If both didn’t already toughen her, nothing will.”

“There are differences between performing arts and professional sports, Glenn.”

“I know, but don’t go insane with the protective mentor role. I think we may have a little fighter on our hands, and you pushing too far in one direction may cause her to pull in the opposite.”

“That’s a chance I’m willing to take. I want to see Al make it in this sport much as Jon did me.”

“Okay, when are you bringing her to Pittsburgh?”

“Probably not until Internationals end; I’ll be in Russia for at least two weeks with Team Canada and don’t want Al alone in a city where she doesn’t know anyone. It will allow her time to give proper notices to anyone in New York and have her stuff packed and prepare for her road trip to Pittsburgh by the time I return to the States.”

90

“You’re not flying her?”

“I offered, but she insisted on driving from New York. I’d like to closely work with Al, no matter how she gets here.”

“You’re quite high on the young lady.”

“She has a gift for hockey and could go places with the proper guidance. She’s basically alone, Glenn; her dad’s dead, mom disappeared when she was little, no brothers, sisters, or boyfriend. Al needs someone consistent in her life.”

“Let me guess; you want to fill the void. It’s great you’re stepping up, Troy, but remember you may have to fight a few battles along the way.”

“I can handle everything and offer her some stability. If she fights, big deal; it won’t be the first time I had verbal altercations with girls. I have to finish packing to leave for Russia tomorrow morning. I’ll keep you updated on Al’s progress once we’re settled and preparations are underway.”

***

91

Chapter 20

“I can’t believe you’re leaving!” Jennifer whined.

“Where will we find another roommate reliable as you?” Beau asked. “I’m not about to bring someone here from Craigslist.”

“Me neither, man. Alex, why move to Pittsburgh of all damn places?” Greg wondered. “There’s not much action there, at least in my opinion.”

She looked up from a box being packed “Guys, the AHC Draft is next month and I would’ve had to travel there anyway. Stop worrying; I’ll be in good hands with Troy.”

“Who’d thought you transition from making a movie about hockey players to actually becoming one?” Jennifer inquired.

“Not I,” Alex replied, “But Troy and Glenn think my chances of making a team are good.”

92

“At least you’ll be doing what most girls dream about; living with a superstar who happens to be team captain to boot.”

“The arrangement is only temporary, Jen.”

Beau put up his hands. “Wait…wait…wait! Let me get this straight. You’re shacking up with Tammy Tantrum?”

Alex glared at him. “First of all, his name is
Troy Talmadge
; second, he and I are working to prepare me for the AHC.”

“Oh, he’ll help prepare you all right,” Greg muttered.

“Lessons One and Two:
How to Take Dives and Whine Like a Little Bitch at Referees,”
Beau added, laughing.

“For God’s sake, knock it off!” Alex scolded them. “Yes, Troy ‘whined’ a few times during his late teens and early twenties – never mind players from other teams constantly tried to hurt him almost every single game – but he happens to be an excellent leader and outstanding captain who wants only the best for his team. Since when is either a crime?"

93

“Pay no attention, Alex,” Jennifer said. “They’re jealous.”

Greg gave her an incredulous stare. “I’m jealous of some whiny ass dive monkey? Bitch, please.”

“A ‘whiny ass dive monkey’ that happens to earn $12 million a year. Don’t lie; you hate Troy because he isn’t playing for your team. The guy has unbelievable talent. Anyone with half a brain knows that much.”

“Since when did you become an expert on hockey?” Beau asked. “Alex I can understand, but all you do is talk about how hot some guys are.”

“A girl can look once in a while,” Jennifer countered. “You two ogle cheerleaders during football games.”

“She has a point,” Alex said. “You guys read
Playboy
and
Penthouse
with your tongues hanging out, but God forbid Jen comments on some hockey player’s ass.”

“You girls need to get laid,” Greg commented before he and Beau left the room.

94

“Why do we deal with them?” Jennifer asked.

“They’re among the most reliable far as sharing rent is concerned,” Alex replied.

“Ugh, to think I’ll be alone to deal with those losers when you’re gone, at least until we get another passable roommate. God only knows how long that process with take, though.”

Alex sat back on her heels. “Remember Phyllis Lodge, another actress I worked with on
Vancouver Venus
? She’s looking for something cheaper in a decent neighborhood and willing to share with roommates. Why not give her a call?”

“If she can deal with two guys eating us out of house and home, hogging the TV remote, practically camping out in our bathroom and leaving dirty clothes everywhere, more power to her. Do you have a phone number?”

“My address book is on the bedside table. Look under the letter L. Otherwise, get in touch with Mario Banks; he’ll know where for find her.”

95

“I’ll call her tomorrow. The guys and I are going to miss you, but if this is what you want, then I support you all the way.”

Alex smiled. “Thanks, Jen, but let’s wait and see what happens at the AHC Draft in a few weeks.”

***

PART THREE:

First Lady

of the AHC

“Some legends are told

Some turn to dust or to gold

But you will remember me

Remember me for centuries.”

—
Fall Out Boy,
Centuries