Power Play (21 page)

247

“I didn’t leave, Alexandra. I run a youth camp and offer spiritual counseling to teenagers during the offseason. Hockey is just another calling received from a being greater than ourselves. I also believe that’s why you were brought together with Troy.”

“I guess I’m more suitable for sports than acting, huh?”

“You know the saying that things happen for a reason.” Byron glanced at a nearby clock. “We better get moving; third period is about to get underway.”

***

248

Chapter 43

Alex meshed well with her new team in the following weeks, her confidence increasing with each game. Rumors of her earning a permanent spot came to fruition only hours after the final preseason game.

Most her teammates took the news with alacrity. Pierre, Brian, Reggie, Boris and Greise sent flowers and potted plants; Davy gifted her with an outfit made in London, Johann a portrait of her in full hockey gear he’d painted in oils, and a Bible and gold cross necklace came from Byron.

Marty, Lenny, and Vince sent nothing, not even verbal official welcomes, but she didn’t care.

Troy took her to dinner at the same restaurant they’d gone following the
Vancouver Venus
premiere. Alex joked about him having a table on permanent reserve and ordering the same entrée.

249

He grinned and slid a small box across the table.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“A little something to officially welcome you to the Rebels.”

“Haven’t you already done plenty?”

“Nothing’s too good for you. Go on, open the box.”

Alex gasped at the sight of a bracelet with hockey-related charms made with tiny Swarovski crystals and included flags of the United States and Canada. “Troy, it’s beautiful!”

“I was going to wait until your birthday, but I forgot the date,” he sheepishly replied.

“You would’ve waited a long time. My birthday’s not until next May.” She tried on the bracelet. “Where on earth did you find something so exquisite?”

“I…uh, had that made by another friend of mine.”

“Is there anyone in this town you know who
hasn’t
done special favors?”

250

Troy blushed. “Maybe.”

“I’m only teasing. I can’t thank you enough for all the awesome things you’re doing for me.”

“Do those include times you yell at me and start arguments?”

“Yeah, but you also do your share of both.”

They started laughing; his familiar giggle-snort-honk spreading through the restaurant loud enough to draw curious stares from other diners.

“I don’t think I ever acknowledged you for giving Ivanka hell not long ago,” Troy said.

“You don’t have to. Boris filled me in on everything.”

“You guys finally talked?”

“We’ve spent time together the last few weeks. He’s sweet, funny, and has a high opinion of you. I can see why you two are best friends.”

251

“You and I are the only ones who laugh at his dumb jokes.”

“They’re not all bad. I liked the pool table one he told last week.”

“Oh God,” Troy groaned. “Al, don’t encourage him.”

“Maybe they don’t have good jokes in Russia,” she replied. “I’ve also noticed Boris’ English is considerably improving.”

“Good thing; no one else speaks Russian except Preacher, and he has limited skills.” He summoned a waiter for the check. “Ready to leave?”

“Sure.”

“I have one more stop to make.”

Alex’s curiosity piqued. “Where?”

“You’ll know soon enough.”

252

“Now what sneaky plan do you have?” she asked when they got in the car.

“Remember that apartment with an outstanding view of Downtown we looked at in Mount Washington?”

“Yeah, so?”

“The manager called this morning.”

Her mouth fell open. “Troy, did I…?”

“The place is yours, shorty. All we have to do are hand over a check and get the keys.”

“I can’t believe my luck! Now I need new furniture. The New York duplex was already furnished and Papa’s things either sold or disposed.”

“Arrangements are already made.”

“Oh no, please say you did not go out and buy furniture.”

253

“No, but old stuff from my Nova Scotia house is on its way to Pittsburgh tonight.”

“Troy!”

“What? I couldn’t let barely used furniture go to waste. The decorators redid my house and old stuff needed to go somewhere, so after the Mount Washington manager called, I had everything shipped to your place.”

“You are too generous for your own good.”

“One can’t be Canadian-like until they’ve played hockey, owned furniture made in Canada, and enjoyed maple syrup, poutine and beer,” he teased.

“Who said I wanted to live like a Canadian?” Alex asked laughingly. “How long do I have to move from your place?”

“Take long as you need; God knows the last couple months have been hectic for both of us.”

254

They arrived at the apartment building’s location. “We’re supposed to meet the manager in ten minutes.” Troy said as he popped the car’s trunk. “Meanwhile, there’s something else I want you to see.”

“You’re full of surprises today.”

“All rewards for your hard work the last few months.”

“I still say you went overboard.” Alex peered in the trunk. “Oh my God…it’s a coffee maker!”

“Kind of a house warming gift to get you started.”

She enveloped him in a warm hug. “Does this mean you’re willing to overlook my bad habits?”

Troy reluctantly returned her embrace. “Only if you make an effort to forget most of mine. Now let’s go get your keys.”

***

255

Chapter 44

“Troy’s making you move house?” Davy asked after morning practice a few days later.

“Despite being my idea to find an apartment, he doesn’t seem in much hurry for me to leave,” Alex said. “I have to wonder if he sometimes gets lonely in that big house.”

“He probably does, love, but you and I know he shows far different faces for the public. Where’s your new flat?”

“On Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington.”

“Impressive! I thought you’d move downtown. Johann’s family and lots of other mid-salaried players live there.”

“Yet you set up residence in South Side.”

256

“I like the neighborhood’s atmosphere; some parts remind me of London.”

“You mean the occasional pub crawls?” Alex joked.

“No, but I do partake in nightlife now and then.”

“Lots of pretty girls in South Side; I’m surprised you haven’t met anyone. Who wouldn’t want to date a smart, witty, cultured, and good-looking Rebel who also happens to be an Olympic medalist? You’re the total package.”

“I enjoy the company of Yankee lasses, but doubt short British chaps top their lists of ideal lovers. Most would likely go for Troy.”

“Apparently he doesn’t have anyone in his life either, at least no one ever mentioned a girlfriend.”

“He was seen with some twit a few times last season, but didn’t appear serious about her,” Davy said. “Troy’s not one to air his dirty linen and hockey’s been the chap’s only steady love since I’ve known him.”

257

“Sounds almost like Jax Ivanka,” Alex replied with a slight smile.

“Perish the thought! How are you and the old arse getting along these days?”

“He’s friendlier and a shameless flirt. I even overheard him tell Troy one day about me having a lot of fire and a ticket the team needs.”

“Good God, flirting with you? The bloke could be your pater!”

“Davy, what he and I do is innocent flirting, a couple quick kisses, and nothing more. However, I admit to enjoying an older single man’s attention.”

“I hope Troy hasn’t gotten wind of your antics.”

“Oh, he’s given me the stink eye a few times and we have plenty of arguments about Jax’s ‘intentions.’ He also has Brian riding my ass. Both of them need to back off; I’m more than capable of looking after myself.”

“Brian views you as the sister he never had and it’s clear to me Troy cares about you, love. Neither wants to see you hurt.”

258

“Both their concerns are unfounded. I spent four years in New York and met a variety of jerks, so little surprises me anymore. Jax dated stunning foreign women and I doubt he’ll ever lower his standards despite a little harmless flirting and pecks on the lips. Naïve and vulnerable aren’t exactly in my character makeup.”

“Then explain the necklace that wanker gave you when everyone learned you were staying.”

“Oh for God’s sake, Davy! No one said boo when Troy gave me a bracelet, paid the security, first and last month’s rent on my apartment, and had furniture shipped from Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, Jax was tagged everything short of pervert for giving me a little gold necklace from Tiffany’s.”

“Troy has a big heart and wants to make you happy. I can’t help but wonder if Jax only intends to get into your knickers.”

“Now you’re confusing him with Lenny Walton. If I hear Walton brag one more time about how many girls he slept with following games, I will punch his teeth out. Jax is attractive, but not someone I’d choose to sleep with.”

259

“Wait a second. You openly flirt with and enjoy attention from a bloke for whom you’d never drop your knickers? I’m lost.”

“Don’t you lecture me, Oliver David St. Cloud. What are you doing Saturday after practice? I need help moving and Troy’s scheduled for an appearance.”

“I’m open rest of the day, love. I’ll ask Reggie and some of our mates to come along.”

“Sure, more will be better. Everyone else has families or girlfriends, and I promised Troy I’d be out by first of the month.”

“Any pre-move jitters?” Davy asked.

“A few since this is the first time I’ll live on my own. I went from Papa in West Virginia to three other roommates in New York, and then staying with Troy.”