The Day Has Come (Counting on Hockey #4)

Chapter 25: Tour Xcel

"So, as journalists, you have to know you way around the stadium like it's the back of your hand. We have fifty six sections of seating that we would ever have to go through. We have sections one-o-one through one-twenty six, and then two-o-one, through two-thirty. None of them are ever used very much, but if something were needed, you need to know exactly where each section is. But, let's go into the main entranceway and I can show where each of them are".

I show my three interns the different doorways to efficiently get from one place in the main stadium to another. I can see them trying to figure it out for themselves as I say it, but they'll just learn it through practice, like I did.

After showing them around just the main level of seating sections, I show them through the front offices, where Mr. Fletcher's office is, where all of the training and equipment rooms are, the hallways where the locker rooms are, and finally, up to the third floor where our department is.

I lead the three girls into our olive green office area. "So, it isn't much, but this is the journalism and marketing department. I, as someone who does not like marketing, made Chelsea my head of marketing, though technically I'm her boss. We have five people in marketing alone, and then we have me and Jamie, who is in that office, and now you three, so you are going to take up the last three offices. I didn't pick your offices because I got to pick mine when I showed up four years ago, so have at it. If you have any further questions, this leaves me at the end of our tour. You can design it the way you want, within reason of course". I think for a moment, then look at the clock above the entry way. "Oh, so we have a meet with the team in about five minutes, so settle in, then we can head down there".

Kennedy, Victoria, and Alexandra pick their own offices without questioning each other, and I go into Jamie's office, since he had his door closed and was listening to his XM radio, I knew he was writing at the moment. "Hey", I say, walking in. Jamie looks up at me and lowers his music on his computer. "So, my three interns just got here, they're in their offices now. I'm going to bring them down to meet the team, then I'll bring them back to meet you, since I see you're in your zone right now. Just thought I should mention it".

"Do you think you'll like them, or do you think that you can work with them for the next seven months?" Jamie chuckles a little.

"Yes, Jamie", I answer him. He chuckles again. "But thanks for having so much faith in me for getting along with people", I say sarcastically, then walk out of his office.

I go into my own office and sit for a moment, before getting up and calling the three girls out to join me. "So, we're going to go meet the players. They're in the middle of practice right now, but Boudreau has let us take you down so you can see what it's like out there".

The three smile at me and nod. I show them down the hallways and down the staircase we can use to get straight to the locker rooms and the ice. I tell them a little bit more about the stadium and team just as we walk through the tunnels and onto the bench. Boudreau stands at the edge of the ice near the bench gate. I walk up and tap him on the shoulder. "Hey Coach".

"Hey, Meredith", he smiles at me, then turns around. "These must be your interns. I'm Coach Boudreau".

"Alexandra".

"Victoria".

"Kennedy".

"Great", Boudreau says. "Come on, Mere, girls, sit down. I'll call over the team".

"Not on the bench", I say to the girls. They look confused. "On the boards".

I swing my first leg over the boards in front of me, then the other. "Come on. It won't hurt", I say to them.

They awkwardly swing their legs over the boards and sit next to me. The team skates over, and Cole ends next to me. His hand lays on my thigh. "Cole, others. These are my interns for the season. Victoria, Kennedy, and Alexandra. I was just about to tell them how awful you guys are", I smirk at them.

"Oh, we aren't that bad. Don't listen to her", Parise says to the girls. He and the girls laugh a little. 

"Anyway. I just brought them down to meet you before you continue on for practice. We'll sit here and watch while I explain a few more things to them", I say.

"Wait, I know you", Dumba says to one of the points. He nods at Kennedy. 

"I'm Johnny and Mattie Gaudreau's younger sister", Kennedy says, almost annoyed. 

"That's it", Dumba says, snapping his fingers quickly. "You know the Flames are-"

"Here on Thursday night", Kennedy says with a snap in her voice. "I know. Johnny won't shut up about it. He was so excited to see me again so close to after Christmas". 

"Okay, Wild", Boudreau senses her annoyance too. "Back to practice. They'll all be here when you're done".

Boy, Kennedy is going to have a hard time working here if she can't embrace who's part of her family.