POWER PLAY

CHAPTER 2

After an exhilarating run and work out, Jane retuned to her apartment and showered. She needed to be at the arena by 5:00. Plenty of time to errand run and study the players, coaches and rules for the evening. Her two linesman were Jacob Reeves and Benny Cooper. She'd gotten to know them better during the off season. They were a little leery of having a woman as a referee but as they got to know her they knew she could take care of herself.

She'd just fixed herself a light breakfast when her phone rang. She rolled her eyes as she saw the name
"Yes Carol. What do you want?"
"Darling. Why can't you call me mom like you're supposed to?"
"We've had this discussion plenty of times, Carol. You walked out on daddy and me. I have no time for people who do that!"
"I didn't just walk out. Your father and I agreed it was for the best. I wasn't fit to be a mom. I was too focused on my acting career to raise a child!"
"Daddy was a hockey player. Always on the go. He managed to raise me alone. Then he met Abbie aka mom. And gave me two younger brothers whom I adore. I may not be blood to her but she treats me like her daughter. Now. What do you need?"
"I saw you were refereeing tonight's game. Can you get me a ticket?"
"No. I've already gotten some for mom daddy and the boys. Sorry!"
"But..". Jane stopped her before she went any further
"You only want to see what young hunk is available to be your next sugar daddy. I know how you work. You've managed to make quite a reputation for yourself around here, and it's NOT a good one. Now. I need to go. Bye Carol!" With that she hung up her phone and got back to work

Jane didn't feel bad for the way things always went with her "mom". Carol and Jane's dad, Michael had hooked up one night after a game in NYC. She was a 20 year old starlet, Michael was in his second year with the NY Skyscrapers and doing well. They spent a weekend in bed together and agreed to get together again when she was back in the city. Several weeks passed and she called him. She was pregnant, it was his Carol flew into NYC the next night. She wanted an abortion, he didn't. They talked all night. She agreed to have the baby and he'd raise it as his own, alone. He went with her to every doctor appointment, every ultrasound, and catered to every conceivable craving she'd had even at 2am. Finally, on October 28th Jane was born. Carol complained non stop during the pregnancy and the labor. She insisted she couldn't have any scars so there would be no c section. It took 19 hours but finally Jane arrived. Carol didn't breastfeed or hold her. She was placed in Michael's arms immediately and he stared at the tiny six pound girl. He began sobbing and couldn't believe she was his!

"I'm going to name her Jane, after my grandmother. Jane Elizabeth Carlson!"
"Ugh. Whatever. Call her what you want. No desirable actress is named Jane!"
"She's not going to be an actress. She's going to be whatever she wants and have the best of everything. I may be only 20 but she is the only thing at this moment in my life that matters!"

12 hours later Carol left Michael and Jane behind to fend for themselves. Michael kept his promise. Jane had everything and when she was 6 and Michael was 26 he married Abbie she was a wonderful influence in their lives she had Joseph about a year later and William two years after him. Jane adored her brothers and loved being a big sister. Michael retired soon after and was now an orthopedic surgeon

Jane smiled as she thought of her family. She picked up her phone and dialed her dad. He answered on the second ring
"Hey beauty. What's new? Ready for tonight?"
"As ready as I'll ever be. Can't wait to see you all. Dinner at our favorite diner after, right?"
"Absolutely! Can't wait to see you. Can't wait to see you in action. Goodness. My daughter a referee in the PHL. Who would've thought?! I'm so proud of you!"
"Aw daddy. I love you. I remember a time not too long ago we were cheering you on. You put the fire and love of hockey into me. You made me promise you I'd get a four year degree. I did, and I will use it, as soon as this stops working. I gotta go. See you tonight!"