POWER PLAY

CHAPTER 8

Her train arrived into the station on time. Brady wasn't kidding when he said they wouldn't be seen. She wasn't entirely sure she knew where she was. She rarely left NYC or the surrounding areas now or growing up. She loved where she was and had no desire to leave. She did like to travel, but only for a few days at a time and was always relieved to get home.

"Jane. Over here!" She turned to see him at his car. And he looked so delicious in his slacks and shirt. She couldn't believe her eyes.

"Wow. You weren't kidding when you said this place was isolated. How in the world did you find a place like this?"

"Firstly, you look gorgeous. The elegant-casual look suites you perfectly. Secondly, I know someone who knows someone. Favors were phoned in"

"Such short notice too. Impressive Mr Wainwright. Do you do this for every girl?"

"Ouch. Do I detect a tone?"

"You're an eligible bachelor with decent looks and a shit ton of money it's easy for you to get any girl you want and I'm certain you've seen better before"

"Let me get the door for you. We can talk. You are mistaken about me and I could easily think the same of you."

Jane climbed into the car. It smelled like new. Leather and saddle soap permeated her nostrils. She buckled herself in and hoped she wasn't making a huge mistake she couldn't help but drub her hand along the dashboard and seats. They were so soft, and it felt nice. She stared out the window while he drove. Jane never knew what to say in situations like this. With little to no experience under her belt she knew she was going to have to figure out something to talk about she wasn't sure what

Within minutes they pulled into the parking lot. 'Lloyd's Diner' shone bright in neon. She thought she'd need a tetanus shot upon entering. It was old and rusty.

"It's not much to look at, I know" Brady said. "Just trust me. It's really good from
What I've heard"

"I can smell the grease out here. Good thing I love diners, especially if they make a good club or reuben. I could eat at diners everyday and not get bored."

"A woman after my own heart. Nothing beats a greasy meal at midnight after a game, I mean, unless we lose. Then I'll usually just go home and order in at 2:00am. I hate losing. Ruins my day!"

They sat down in a booth and were given menus right away. Jane perused hers intently. She was starving and couldn't decide what she wanted. Eating light was a thing for her, she'd behaved yesterday and last night with her family. Not to mention she'd worked out really well during the game at that moment she'd decided on a Reuben with French friends
And a soda.

They gave their orders to the server and started talking mostly small talk

"What made you decide to become a hockey referee?"

She thought long and hard about what she wanted to say. "Well, my dad was a hockey player, Michael Carlson. I grew up at the games with him. I learned to skate before I walked. I love skating I'd help him practice , however I didn't want to play, he was ok with that. He always encourage me to be and do whatever I wanted, so, when the PHL decided to hire women refs I figured why not?! None of the other women were hired, just me. 'Carlson' is a pretty common last name so no one suspected who my dad may have been. I have a degree In Sports Medicine as well. When I tire of this, I plan on working in a rehab center."

"You're pretty put together for 22. I admire that. Most people your age are barely functioning , still trying to find their way. I'm 24 and some days I doubt my choices. However, most guys my age don't make 6 million dollars a year so I'd say I made a good choice somewhere. I'm careful to not spend much I've been investing it wisely. Plus I do online school trying to get my BA. I know that hockey won't last forever."

"You're pretty put together as well. So unlike most sport jocks I've seen. My dad played with some of the most messed up men I've ever seen. Spending the money as soon as they'd get it, arrest records, addiction. They would sweep so much under the rug to protect themselves and their organization. When I was little daddy wouldn't say much. As I got older I saw more and understood what was going on. It's a shame. A lot of those guys had the ability to break records and go into the HOF. They made bad decisions"

The food came at that moment and they both dove in. Jane was so hungry and the food was quite good. They managed good conversation between bites.

"You talk often of you dad, what about your mom?"

Jane sighed. "I don't speak of her because to me, she doesn't exist. She abandoned me and daddy when I was 12 hours old. He was 20 and two years into a seven year contract. He raised me alone. Abbie came along and he married her when I was six. She's my mom, at least in my eyes. I have two younger brothers. Joey and Billy. The five of us. We're family. My birth mom is named Carole Jacobs, yes, that Carole Jacobs she bought my condo in NYC, the only thing she's ever done for me. She's in the process of divorcing husband number 4 at the age of 42. She had herself sterilized after I was born. She didn't want kids. I am grateful that she had me and let my dad take me. I've had an amazing life."

Before they knew it, it was 5:00. Jane couldn't believe they'd spent so much time talking. They had a lot in common and thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. The conversation flowed easily.

"Oh crap! I've missed the last train to the city. It's a smaller stop and doesn't run too late. Shit. What am I gonna do?"

"Relax. I'll take you back. Unless you'd prefer I take you to another station that's larger. We're both heading that direction. I might as well."

"Are you sure you don't mind. I can pay for gas and tolls and I don't think we'll be seen."

"It's not a problem and I don't expect you to pay for anything. It'll be fun. We can talk some more."

Jane smiled at the thought of it and climbed into the car.