Power Play (26 page)

309

“When can I…?”

“Staff will probably decide on a day by day basis after you leave the hospital, but speaking from personal experience, I can say you won’t be back on the ice anytime soon.”

“Now what?” she whimpered.

“Jon will likely have you do appearances and other things that don’t require strenuous activity while you’re on injured reserve. Meanwhile, I’ll temporarily stay at your place.”

“You don’t need to babysit me, Troy.”

“You have no choice in the matter, shorty. One condition for discharge is having someone look after you at home. Now either I can do the job or have Jon hire a Nurse Ratched type to make sure you behave.”

Alex leaned back on her pillow and managed a small smile. “You’re such a goober. Okay, you win.”

Troy took her hand in his. “I knew you’d see things my way.”

310

“Troy?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m scared.”

“I know, shorty. Everything’s going to be okay. I traveled this same road not long ago, and as you can see, I came through fine. You will too.”

“Why can’t I remember anything past assisting Byron with a goal?”

“You’re experiencing another concussion symptom.”

“How long do you think it will take for me to get better?”

“I’m not a doctor, but recovery varies from person to person.”

“I hope I’m at least half functioning by Friday night; I didn’t spend money on a formal dress to have it hang in the closet.”

“You should be fine long as you don’t exert yourself.”

311

“How’s your new blonde girlfriend?” Alex razzed him.

“Kelly isn’t my girlfriend, Al. I’m taking her to Center Ice as a professional courtesy.”

“I know; Brian told me everything. I’m teasing you to lighten my mood.”

“Did he also mention how I feel about you going with Ivanka?”

She nodded. “Jax asked me and since you have the supermodel, Johann’s underage, and Davy’s not due back from England until Sunday–”

He put up his spare hand to stop her. “You don’t want to show up alone. Al, why didn’t you say you were mad about me taking Kelly?”

“I’m more annoyed than mad.”

“You could’ve given me an honest opinion.”

“What good would it have done? She’s better suited for you than I’ll ever–”

312

“Don’t say anything else, Al. Yeah, Kelly’s a hot supermodel, but she couldn’t even begin to tie your skates.”

His statement baffled Alex. “Either I’m having another concussion symptom or you’ve completely lost me.”

“While I’m grateful for her help in getting me that Montreal ad job, she’s not only high maintenance and bit of a dullard, but also not the most ambitious person in the world aside from modeling, partying, being seen with the ‘right’ people, and going to clubs. You’re intelligent, talented, athletic, naturally pretty, spirited, independent, and know what you want in life.”

“From the way you’ve treated me like some fragile object, I never pictured you as the type that liked strong women.”

“You’d known if we talked sooner. You’re also the first female aside from my mother and Louise who never tried to change me. I don’t recall one time you complained about us not going out on the town all the time.”

313

“I never was much of a party animal even in New York. You’re one of the most down to earth and kindest men I know; you have a silly goosey laugh, I can’t help but giggle when you wear those ugly Pepto-Bismol pink Crocs. You’re not a douche bag with one thing on his mind like a lot of athletes. I can think of a lot more good things, but my list would take rest of the decade to recite.”

“That’s it; you
get
me. Few people outside my family do.”

“I can’t help but like your quirkiness and how you kept shit under control during times we drove each other nuts. I’m not crazy about your nagging, but since talking to Brian and Byron, I now understand you only do it for my benefit.”

“I care about you, Al. Don’t ever forget that.”

“I care about you too.”

“This may not be the appropriate time to ask, but what’s going on between you and Ivanka?”

“He and I became close friends. You’re not the only one I’ve tried to understand.”

“What about all the flirting and kissing?”

314

“As I told Brian, Jax and I only had two short kisses and our flirting is nothing more than harmless fun. I don’t know what you and Brian heard from Lenny, Marty, or any of their jersey chasers, but I never slept with Jax.”

“Never?
Many girls your age would–”

“Jax is an attractive man, but I don’t have daddy issues.”

Troy started laughing. “I have a feeling if you’re well enough Friday night, things could get a little strange.”

“I already know there’s no love lost between you and Jax.”

“Yeah, but we’re teammates so I’ll deal.”

“Troy, may I ask a question?”

“Anything you like, shorty.”

“We’ve spent so much time together, but why haven’t you taken me to any Rebels-sponsored events since I joined the team?”

Her inquiry unnerved him. “I…you mean…I thought you wouldn’t want…to uh…”

315

“You were always too shy to ask! You’re such an adorable dork.” She put a hand to her forehead. “Wow…room moving.”

“Lay back, Al. You moved too fast and got dizzy.”

“This concussion thing does not suit me at all.”

“I know; I had to miss twenty games while recovering from mine.”

“Twenty?
I’ll probably go crazy not playing for a week.”

“You’d be surprised what one can do with unexpected free time.”

“I’m not used to being idle and may need some ideas on occupying myself.”

“I’m here to help.” Troy held both of her hands. “Al, I want you to know from here onward…whatever it takes, we’ll walk together. You can always count on me. Whatever it takes…we’ll walk together.”

***

316

Chapter 52

Alex left the hospital after three days with orders to rest and avoiding strenuous activity. Bored, she often accompanied Troy to practices and looked forward to the Center Ice benefit dinner.

She sat near the glass one morning practice and waved to various teammates skating by her. Troy often checked Alex to the point his over attentiveness almost irked her, but she reminded herself it was part of his warm and caring nature.

Johann stopped before her. “Alex, good to see you!”

“Hi, Jo, how are your studies? I hear you have a new tutor.”

“I’m doing much better with Mr. Wagner. Man, you really scared everyone Sunday night. Are you okay?”

317

“The doctors didn’t find anything aside from my concussion. No one knows for sure when I’ll return to playing.”

“But you’re coming back soon, right?”

“I’m not the one who can answer that, Jo. The powers-that-be are taking things one day at a time. I don’t remember what happened, but a few of the guys said I hit the boards hard.”

“Yeah, you didn’t move for a long time afterward and Jax had to carry you to the back. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but Troy looked like he was ready to cry the whole time and totally embarrassed later.”

“Why? He’s a caring and sensitive person; concern for a teammate is no reason to be embarrassed.”

“Maybe he didn’t want the other guys making fun or whatever.” Johann lowered his voice. “I think Troy likes you.”

“Of course he does; he’s practically driven me up the wall since I came home.”

318

“No, I mean he
really
likes you.”

“I think you’re reading too much into things, Jo.”

“Hey Baby Finn!” Marty called from the rink’s other side. “Are you taking part with the rest of us or standing around bullshitting all morning?”

Johann rolled his eyes. “O’Freel is such a douche.”

“Go back to practice. I don’t want you in trouble on my account.”

“Nah, I’m good. Talk to you later, Alex.”

She sat back on her chair, dividing attention between checking social media accounts and stories about her concussion on a tablet and watching teammates during practice.

One particular interaction caught Alex’s attention when she again looked up from her tablet and spotted Troy and Jax in a lengthy conversation.

319

What are they doing? Please, God, don’t let Troy and Jax get into another verbal battle. I’ve had enough of a stressful week without any more craziness.

***

Troy skated to where Jax stood during practice break. “Ivanka, may I have a word with you?”

“Christ, Talmadge, what are you going to gripe about this time?”

“What I have to say has nothing to do with game practice. I want to discuss Al.”

“I already know you’re not happy with her being my Center Ice date, so save your breath.”

“I’ve already come to terms with you taking her. Listen, you don’t like me and I despise you, but I think it’s time we got on the same page far as she’s concerned.”

320

Jax gave him a cynical stare. “Are you on drugs or did you again hit your head?”

“Hilarious, Ivanka. I noticed you and Al becoming closer in the last few months and it’s clear you care about her much as I do.”

“Why do I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming?”

“No buts; I wanted to ask a favor.”

“A favor from
me?
Okay, Talmadge, what kind of shit are you trying to pull?”

“Nothing; as you already know, Pierre, Boris and I are playing in the AHC All-Star Game. Al was supposed to go, but Davy’s taking her place.”

“So?”

“I wondered if you could look after her while we’re in Anaheim.”