Power Play (42 page)

507

“I agree, Donahue. I wanted to kill a couple of those striped
bastardi
for not making a penalty call when Alex had her concussion.”

“I’d been happy to help if I wasn’t already ejected for a game misconduct, Ivanka.”

“Most of us would have!” Reggie eagerly replied. “I’m surprised Troy didn’t give Belcher more of the business that night than he did.”

“He probably would’ve if possible consequences weren’t involved,” Marty said. “We’re all aware of Troy’s protective nature when it comes to Alex.”

Davy nodded. “Can’t say I blame him, mates. Alex could use a bloke like Troy looking after her.”

“He’s so fucking weird! I laugh every time they have one of their arguments.”

“What’s so funny about them fighting?” Jax asked, perplexed.

Marty chuckled. “Honestly, Old Man? I think she’s the first woman
not
dazzled by a big star like Talmadge and has no problems giving him a piece of her mind.”

508

“That and they’re too much alike,” Brian agreed before he spotted Troy entering the room. “Pipe down; he’s here.”

“Where’s Al?” Troy asked. “We made plans to meet after the game.”

“Kissed and made up again, huh?” Marty asked with a grin.

“Not that it’s any of your business, O’Freel, but yeah.”

“I haven’t seen Alex since she left her dressing room, mate,” Davy said. “She mentioned you guys meeting somewhere in the Strip.”

“Maybe she decided to go somewhere else,” Reggie suggested.

“No, Al would’ve called or sent a text to let me know if there was a change of plans,” Troy answered.

Marty spotted Lenny in the doorway. “Hey, Lenny! Have you seen Galloway?”

“Sorry, man; wasn’t my night to watch her.”

“Don’t be a smart ass, dude.”

509

“Gee, Talmadge must really need a good lay.”

“Think with the right head for a change, Walton,” Troy replied. “Al and I go out on occasion as friends.”

“Rumor says
Ivanka’s
the one who’s banging her anyway,” Marty said.

Jax gave him a hard thump on the head. “I told you that story in confidence, you
kretén!”

“You may as well take out a full-page ad in one of the local papers, Jax.” Troy pointed out. “You’re basically doing the same when telling Warrior anything meant to be confidential.”

“Fuck you, Talmadge,” Marty growled.

Jax glared at Marty. “You better pray nothing gets back to Alex or I’ll use your balls for hockey pucks.”

Marty nodded. “Duly noted, Old Man.”

Byron breathlessly rushed into the room. “Troy, Coach and I have been looking for you. We need to talk.”

510

“Everything okay, Preacher?”

“Let’s step outside for a few minutes.”

Troy followed him out of the room. “What do you need to discuss that’s so urgent?”

“Alexandra’s at the emergency room.”

“What?
Why?”

“Someone found her passed out near one of the parking lots’ grassy areas and called 911.”

“Oh God; I know she just got over the same stomach bug thing I had, but played a fantastic game tonight. Does anyone know what happened?”

Byron shook his head. “My only guess is she may have overworked herself. I can ride with you to the hospital if you like.”

“I’d appreciate the company, Preacher. My car’s out back.”

***

511

“I don’t know why people made a big deal out of a simple fainting,” Alex complained when Troy arrived at the hospital. “I fell in the grassy part, so I’m not hurt but still tired from the game. All that’s left is waiting for blood work results and then I can get the hell out of here.”

“I’m taking you home with me tonight,” he insisted.

“That’s not necessary.”

“Al, you fainted. There has to be more going on than tiredness. What if this happens again while you’re home alone? You’re barely recovered from a concussion, so be grateful not to have any new injuries. You’re scratched from tomorrow night’s game unless staff gets a full medical report saying you’re otherwise all right to play.”

“I just came back tonight!”

“Coach and the others want to take precautions and further evaluate your condition.”

“I’m fine, Troy. All I need is a good night’s sleep.”

“Then you’ll have no problem getting confirmation from the doctor.”

Alex snorted. “This is bullshit.”

512

“You’re in good hands. I’ll stay with you and Preacher’s in the waiting room.”

“Well that’s rude. Why didn’t you ask him to come back with you?”

“He insisted I talk to you alone.”

“Oh…okay. I think my blood vials were sent to Canada long as it’s taking for me to get the results.”

“Are you trying to be funny?”

“You’re laughing, aren’t you?”

A doctor appeared outside Alex’s room to discuss test results. Troy took this as his cue to exit. “I’ll be in the hall; peek around the doorway when you’re ready to leave.”

***

513

Chapter 83

“Sorry to ring you so late at night, mate, but I wanted to know how Alex is doing,” Davy said. “Someone told me she passed out and went to hospital.”

“Al got released after a few tests. I brought her home with me and she’s now asleep,” Troy replied.

“Will she play tomorrow night?”

“I don’t know. She stood quiet on the way home as if something intense was on her mind. She and I can talk in the morning; perhaps then I’ll know more.”

“The poor lass went through hell these last couple months. Are you still taking her to Casino Night next week?”

“Yeah, why? Are you trying to hone in on my action?” Troy lightheartedly asked.

514

“You know me better, mate. I managed to draw the interest of another lovely New York actress.”

“Oh yeah; Al mentioned once she fixed you up with one of her former roommates.”

“Jennifer and I are meeting again at the Rebels game in New York next week. I arranged to get her a seat near the glass.”

“About the hell time you got some female companionship,” Troy joked.

“You’re a fine one to talk. I have yet to see you with the same lass twice aside from Alex.”

“Don’t start, man. I’ve already been nagged to death by everyone from my mother to Boris and Glenn among few other guys.”

“Your mum’s probably like many others wanting you to marry and bring home some ankle biters.”

“That may happen when the timing’s right.”

“Hockey sticks don’t keep you warm at night, mate. Take it from a bloke who knows.”

515

Troy rolled his eyes. “Goodnight, Davy. Al and I will catch up with you tomorrow.”

***

Alex remained quiet and in deep thought while trying to focus on the morning news on television, further convincing Troy she hid something from him.

He sat beside her on the sofa. “Want to talk?”

“Talk about what?”

“Whatever’s been on your mind since we left the hospital last night? You’re not usually quiet for long periods of time.”

“Oh, I’m still thinking about my options.”

He gave her a puzzled stare. “What do you mean by options? You’re not considering leaving the Rebels, are you?”

“No, Troy.” Alex blew out a long breath. “I may as well give you the details since what I’m about to say won’t be a secret much longer.”

516

“Did something bad turn up in one of your test results?”

“That depends on whom you ask.”

“Now you’ve lost me.”

She bit her lip and looked at him. “I’m pregnant.”

“Oh my God, Al.”

“I still can’t believe it.”

“Did anyone say how far along you are?”

“Not really but I’ll guess at least eight weeks. I got an obstetrician referral and called for an appointment before you woke up.”

“You should tell staff before morning practice.”

“I know.”

“Since I presume Jax is the dad, you’ll also need to talk with him soon as possible.”

“I don’t want him feeling obligated to be part of the baby’s life, Troy. He may not want kids at his age.”

517

“Jax is a smart guy, Al; I doubt it will take long for him to piece together everything once you start showing and will probably get mad because you said nothing sooner.”

“I suppose you have a point. I’ll pull him aside after practice.”

“I’m going to guess you’re keeping the baby.”

Alex nodded. “I don’t believe in abortion and can’t handle the idea of carrying a child for nine months only to give it up for adoption.”

“What about your career? You’ve worked hard to become a success with the Rebels.”

“If my father could work three jobs and raise me on his own, I should have little difficulty balancing a child and career. The only differences are this baby will be raised in
one
home – pending the possibilities of me someday being traded to another team or altogether released from my contract – and I’ll be able to afford outside help if needed.”

“I thought you wanted a husband in the picture.”

518

“Sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan. That’s why it’s good to have alternatives.”

“You’re right.” Troy opened his arms. “Come here.”

She returned the hug without a word and made no effort to pull back when he kissed her hair.

“I’ll support any decisions you make and am willing to help when needed.”

“That means a lot to me. We’ve had our share of conflicts, but you never let me down when times got rough. Thank you.”

“I’ll always be here for you, shorty.”

“Troy?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind if we stood like this a little longer?”

“Not in the least; take all the time you need.”