Anna

"Everything is going to be fine" I tell myself as I look over my image in the mirror.

Critically, I take in my appearance and look for the flaws like my mom trained me. Growing up the Governor's daughter has taught me how to be in the public eye and look my part in the state's first family. I have learned how to dress, speak and act the part that I'm supposed to play.

Today I'm playing the part of a Public Relations Intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It's not my first day but it is the first day of training camp and the players' first day. We've been working hard for months to get ready and the day is finally here. I'm incredibly nervous which brings me back to the mirror.

My dark hair is pulled back in a chignon and not a hair is out of place. My makeup is light with mascara highlighting my bright green eyes. They are definitely my best feature. Small pearl earrings given to me by my parents when I turned eighteen are fastened to each ear. Then my gaze travels down my body and I sigh.

No matter what I do, I can't be as slim as my much skinnier sister and mother. I take after my dad's side of the family. I'm short and dumpy, or at least that's how I feel in comparison to them, no matter what I do. My honest nature makes me look with more candid eyes and I do see a lovely young woman staring back at me. My larger breasts make it difficult to find the button-down, conservative shirts that are the 'uniform' for my family, and a must wear, so I have them custom made for me. My waist is slim but I've never been able to lose weight in my hips so that I look willowy and delicate like my sister. These curves have always made me feel like Jessica Rabbit and not in a good way. At least I'm able to wear high heels like they're trainers and I could run for miles so they give me a little height and they do make my legs look good.

Ok, one last look over before I go. Hair, check. Make-up, cheek. Shirt, skirt and jacket, all pressed and spotless. Heels high, my only buck against the conservative nature of the rest of me, check. Ok, no more wasting time, I need to get to Consol.

I grab my purse and head out of my condo. Mom and dad insisted, since I don't have the Governor's security protection here, that I live in a secure building. In the underground, I climb into my Mercedes and again lament that I don't have an 'old beater' as the other interns like to call their cars. No matter how hard I tried, it spread that I'm the Governor of Pennsylvania's daughter and was given this internship through my dad's relationship with the Lemieux family. Of course no one even considered the fact that I graduated at the top of my class for my undergraduate degree and am now working on my masters. And they certainly don't care that I was given the job on my merit and that no one knew who I was when I applied and was offered the position.

I shake off my mood. It's not the first time that people have assumed I was simply handed opportunities and I'm sure it won't be the last. I work hard and strive to always do my best. It's important to me to earn my own way and dad always said that Pennsylvanians are known for being successful through hard work. It seems that dad's words are always whispering in my ear. From a young girl, both he and mom groomed my sister and me to be part of the perfect political family. Specifically, we are the perfect, Christian, right wing conservative family who earned what they have through hard work. It's no wonder I've gravitated toward PR.

I park at Consol in the garage with the other staff and take a deep breath before I leave my car. My mind is whirling and I need to get a handle on this anxiety before I can go in. I try to convince myself that I'm only nervous because it's the media's first day here and I have actual responsibilities with the players; but, I know what my anxiety is really about and can't let my mind go there for fear that I won't be able to leave this car.

I step out of my car, push back my shoulders and put on the carefully cultivated 'PR' smile that I've perfected over years and years of being photographed. Ok, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this. I. Can. Do. This.

I continue my mantra as I walk to the offices and put away my purse in my desk drawer.

"Anna? You're here early" I hear behind me.

I turn to look at the Director of PR, Jennifer. She has been an incredible mentor for me and I've already learned so much from her. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to care who I am or how I got here. She only cares that I work hard and do good work.

"I couldn't sleep" I answer her.

Jen laughs and says "I was like that the day of my first training camp too. It's really exciting when the players get here. It makes it real."

I chuckle and nod feeling instantly better.

"Since you're here, let's go over the itinerary and media plan for the day."

I follow Jen down the hall and into her office where her desk is covered with papers. Usually, this would make me think that she is completely disorganized. Image, even the way your desk looks, shapes people's perception of you. But, working with Jen has taught me that she knows exactly where everything is and this is simply her process.

There is a plan for every player and coach and interns are assigned. For the less popular players, a group of interns are assigned four or five players because the media attention is lesser than for the more prominent players. The coaches are going to be in demand this year more than ever since they are all new. Even the general manager is new and will need to be more available to the media. After what the press called an 'epic collapse' at the end of last year, there is more scrutiny on the players, coaches and management. More scrutiny means more press demand and more work for us. Jen clearly thrives on and loves it. I'm starting to see why.

"I've assigned you to Evgeni Malkin" Jen tells me. She chuckles when she sees that I'm stunned. Interns never get star players. "You can handle it Anna. Your experience with the media will be valuable to you. Also, Geno has become much more comfortable with the English press and is allowing more availability. He's agreed to be more available this year and we're hoping it can take some of the pressure off of Sid. I mean, the press will always want Sid but hopefully they won't gripe as much when he isn't available if they get Geno."

Just the mention of Sid's name has my heart rate pick up and anxiety build. I quickly mask my inner turmoil with a big smile.

"Thank you so much Jen. I won't let you down" I tell her.

"Of course you won't. You wouldn't have this assignment if you couldn't handle it. Just remember the protocols and processes we have in place. Primarily, remember to protect the player and kill the press with kindness. We are all going to spend a lot of time together over the season, especially on road trips, so we want to make sure there is harmony."

I nod and listen carefully. It's hard to believe that I'm doing what I always dreamed of and so early in my career. My father may have opened the door for me but I'm proving my worth through hard work and it's paid off. I am Evgeni Malkin's PR rep for the season. Wow.

For the next hour, Jen and I go over my first meeting with Geno, what questions to ask at that meeting and how to make him comfortable.

"That's all the business stuff. Personally, you're going to love Geno. He's a big teddy bear with a wicked sense of humour. He'll have you laughing all the time. Back to the responsibilities, there are additional ones with our star players. Every morning, you'll have a quick chat with Geno to remind him of any media responsibilities that day. These could be as simple as the scrum after practice or a game or as involved as fan meet-and-greets for sponsorship deals or Pens Foundation work. Geno doesn't want to know any further in advance than that day unless there is a unique reason to do so."

I'm taking lots of notes as she gives me these details. This internship is as important as anything I do in the classroom. Actually, it's more important because I get to do it and not just study it. I may not be creating the strategy or plan but I am in the trenches with execution of those strategies and plans. I now understand the phrase 'baptism by fire.' I'm going to learn my doing. The phrase 'sink or swim' comes to mind too. Good thing I'm an excellent swimmer.

Jen looks at her watch and says "ok, the guys are going to begin arriving soon."

I look at my watch and I'm surprised to see that we've been talking for ninety minutes. The rest of the interns must be here by now and are getting briefed by Jen's assistant.

Jen grabs some folders and I take mine before following her out. She checks her phone and speeds up slightly. She always likes to be anyplace at least fifteen minutes before our 'clients'; players, coaches etc.

Before I follow her into the large meeting room, I smooth down my skirt, straighten my jacket and take a deep breath. This is it. The season begins. And I'm going to see him.

Sidney

This is the first time in ten years that I've been nervous for the start of a season. It was only on the first day of camp for my first year that I was actually nervous like 'first day of school' nervous. This year it's a whole new nervousness.

The end of last season was another epic failure which is saying a lot given how the last few years have ended. This time the coaches and management both paid the price. Now, here we are, starting another year with the same expectations of winning another Cup.

I've been in Pittsburgh for a week meeting with Mike and the new coaching staff but it's my first day at Consol. So far we've had lunches, dinners and I've even had them at my house. I prefer privacy and quiet settings to get to know people. My mind goes back over dinner at the Lemieux's last night. I thought it was another 'dinner before the season' dinner. It was and we did talk about the upcoming season. It was during after dinner cigars that Mario asked me for the favour.

"Sid, I need some help with something" Mario said.

"Sure" I responded.

"A friend of mine, a good friend, has a daughter."

Inside, I rolled my eyes. Here's another girl of a friend that someone wants me to meet although, sure, it's usually Nathalie who is trying to fix me up.

"It's not what you think" Mario said on a chuckle. "Anyway, I think you've met the Governor of Pennsylvania here before."

"Governor Stanton?"

"Yes, anyway, his daughter Anna has an internship with us this year. I'd appreciate if you'd look out for her. You know how hard it can be starting a new job and in a new city. She's working on Jenn's PR team."

I looked at Mario carefully and it seemed like that was all he was asking for; some assistance for a friend's daughter.

"Sure, yeah, I can do that" I told him.

"Thanks Sid. You may have even met her since she's friends with Lauren. Her name is Anna."

"It doesn't sound familiar but I could have met her."

I didn't think about that conversation again until now as I'm walking into the locker room. I'll have to look for her later; but, right now, there are more important things to do and worry about.

I've seen most of the guys over the past few weeks either working out or just hanging out. A bunch of us have been skating at Southpointe for a few weeks. There are still a few guys that I haven't seen. Most of them are from out of the country and had to fly a long way here so they've just arrived over the last day or two.

"Hey, Sid!"

I turn and see one of those guys. Geno got in yesterday and probably went directly to bed when he got in. He is running late, as usual, but he's here.

We do the hand shake, half hug thing guys do, but it's genuine and warm between us. Geno and I have always had a special although unusual friendship. We can talk openly and honestly with each other and it's usually about hockey or the team. It's odd to be so close to someone professionally but we rarely spend time together when it isn't about hockey. It's a comfortable relationship that we've settled into over the years and I genuinely care about the Russian.

"Hey Geno, how was the flight?"

Geno hates the long flight from Russia to Pittsburgh. In fact, he hates flying period which is weird since we spend so much time on a plane travelling.

"You know" he says in his thick accent and mimes wanting to slit his throat.

We both laugh but are unable to continue talking when other guys see Geno. He's quickly enveloped by others and I continue to the change room.

I've craved this routine: parking at Consol and greeting the attendant; walking through the halls; talking with the guys as I walk through the player's lounge; and, finally, the familiar act of undressing and putting on my Pen's shorts and tee shirt. I even find pleasure in tying the laces of my trainers. The equipment guys have laid out my new hat for the season. I grab my protein shake, found beside where I just found my hat, and head to the player's lounge.

Drinking the shake, I listen in on the conversations around me. The guys are laughing and joking easily with each other. Of course Duper is at the centre of it. Everyone is glad to have him back although no one more than Duper himself. Last year's leg brake was incredibly bad luck and I've felt really guilty since he tripped over me. It wasn't my fault of course but that hasn't stopped me from feeling like shit. I feel a little bit of the weight lift off my shoulders having Duper here and ready to skate. He isn't allowed contact yet but he'll be on the ice with us.

Remembering that I want to check on my new helmet, I leave the guys and head back into the locker room to my stall. There I see Jen talking with Geno and girl I haven't seen before. She must be one of the new interns.

"Hi Sid" Jen says when she sees me.

I smile and keep going because I don't want to interrupt their conversation. I catch the girl giving me a small smile and then focusing back on Geno.

The helmet is perfect with the new design for the ears. I should be able to hear just as well as before but now I'll have more protection for my ears. I've always been an equipment geek. Over the years I'm sure I've given the Reebok design team headaches over modifications I've requested; but, I can't help it. If a slight adjustment gives me even a small advantage over the other team then I'm going to take it.

"Sid?"

I turn and see Jenr and the girl have left Geno and are now standing in front of my stall.

"Hi Jen" I say to her.

"I want to introduce you to one of our new interns. This is Anna" Jen says and gestures to the girl.

I look at Anna and smile. She is looking back at me and smiles confidently as she holds out her hand.

As I take her hand, I say "it's nice to meet you Anna."

"And you too Sid" she replies.

Her voice is soft but strong. I notice because the interns usually fall into one of two types: they are either huge hockey fans who can barely contain their excitement when they meet players and talk non-stop or they are huge hockey fans who pretend to be too cool to care but can't quite pull it off convincingly. This girl is different. She's dressed conservatively and her hair is pulled tightly back from her face. Her handshake is firm and her eyes meet and stay on mine. Considering that everything about her is conventional, the colour of her eyes takes me by surprise. They are a vibrant and compelling green that I've never seen before.

"Anna is going to be working with Geno this season" Jen tells me.

That's when I remember – Anna. This is the Governor's daughter and the favour that Mario asked of me. I can't remember if I'm supposed to let her know that he asked me so I keep it to myself.

"That's great" I tell her. "You'll have a lot of fun with Geno."

"I can already tell that" she says and smiles. Again, I'm surprised with how different she is from the other interns. There's no fawning or absolutely silence. "He's already joking around" she continues.

"Yeah, that's Geno" I reply.

"We should get into the meeting room. See you in a few Sid" Jen says.

"It was great meeting you Sid" the intern says.

"Great to meet you too" I tell her. Shit, what's her name? Ah. "Welcome to the Pens, Anna."

She smiles again and then walks with Anna out of the locker room. Mario probably doesn't need to worry. Anna is nice, friendly and nondescript but seems to be strong too. She should do well.

Anna

I did it. I stood in front of him, shook his hand, even smiled and chatted like a normal person. Sid had no idea I was a mess of nerves inside. The years of practice have helped me hone the very useful skill of projecting only the image that I want to project and hiding the real me.

When Jen and I enter the meeting room, I see that the other interns have arrived and are standing in a group at the back. They are whispering and some are even pointing as the players enter and find seats. This is exactly the behaviour that Jen told everyone to avoid. We're supposed to treat the players with respect and do whatever they need but don't act like fans. It's uncomfortable for the guys and when they aren't around the press or the public they like to just be guys and not deal with fan crap.

I see a few of the interns eyeing me and definitely noticing that I've entered with Jen. Over the past few months, I've overheard a few snide comments about being 'teacher's pet' when Jen pays attention to me or gives me assignments different than the others. I wish dealing with this was new to me but I'm too used to being different and having others treat me differently since I'm a Governor's daughter. It happened all through school, both boarding school and college, and I've learned to deal with it. Thank God I found Lauren Lemieux. She became my friend and protector from the other girls at school. I guess she's really my only trusted friend.

"Everyone settle down and we'll get started" the coach says from the front of the room.

The players all find chairs in the room and the coaches, trainers and others stand around the peripheral. Mike, the head coach, scans the room.

"Has anyone seen Geno?" he asks.

Everyone laughs. It's well known that Geno has challenges with time.

Before the laughter dies down, Geno walks in looking sheepish.

"Nice of you to join us G" Mike Kadar, the physical trainer, shouts.

Without missing a beat, Geno points at me and says "it's Anna's fault. She didn't make sure I come."

The room laughs again and I smile desperately holding in the embarrassment I feel. Geno sits down and everyone refocuses on the front of the room and the head coach.

"So that's how she gets the best assignments. She makes Geno 'come'."

I hear the snide comment whispered behind me from one of the interns. It has to be Meagan. She took an immediate dislike to me when we met and her dislike has grown every time I get something that she doesn't. I ignore her and the chuckling of a few others knowing that it's going to be a very long season. There is nothing to be won in confrontation and I refuse to cower in fear.

It is still a mystery how Meagan found out who my family is but she discovered it and told everyone else. Jen didn't even know until she saw me talking with Mario one day and I felt like I had to tell her why. I guess I could have lied to her or said that I'd met him through my father and left it vague by not saying who my father is; but, it felt like anything but full disclosure would be dishonest. That isn't the way I wanted our professional relationship to begin. I was ok with withholding the truth before she saw me and Mario together and being vague about my family but I couldn't straight out lie.

Jen was surprised at first. Later I found out that her surprise came because no one pressured her into taking me on as an intern. Usually, they hear that someone is someone else's daughter or son and someone in management would appreciate if they would consider them blah, blah, blah. Thankfully, my father agreed to let me apply on my own for this internship. I had to compromise and agree that, if they didn't take me, dad would call Mario. I was surprised that my father agreed to a compromise since he's a 'my way or the highway' kind of father. I hope that it's because he respects me wanting to stand on my own and earn the position.

"Now Jen will talk about our upcoming media programs" I hear Jim Rutherford say at the front of the room.

I don't know when he took over from the coach so I need to pay better attention.

For the new members of the team, Jen reviews some of the media processes that might be different than they've experienced with other teams. I'm proud of the ones that I helped craft for the new season. It feels great that my input was included.

Next Jen introduces the intern team and the specific team members assigned to specific players. She uses a group approach so that a few interns have a group of players that they are responsible for related to all media and marketing. This way if one is pulled away, either intern or player, than there is still coverage.

"Of course you've all heard from Geno that Anna will be corralling, I mean supporting him this year" Jen continues and the guys laugh.

"Good luck with that!" one of the yells out.

Jen finishes up and passes the meeting back to Jim. I guess no one needs to know that she is assigned to Sid. The captain would only get the best of the front office staff.

Jen gestures for us to leave the room and we file out quickly. The team has a series of meetings today per the schedule and we'll be brought back in a few times. There will be a short media scrum that we'll be involved with; our first one. I have a meeting later with Geno to talk about the season, his preferences and what he specifically needs from me. Thank God Jen will be there with me although she did help me prepare earlier. I almost said no when she offered, wanting to prove that I don't need the help, but that would have been crazy. This is my first job in PR and my first meeting with the NHL all-star. While Jen has prepared me well, I know that I am inexperienced and was grateful to accept the help.

The PR team crowds into an elevator and heads to our next meeting in the media room. This is where the media set up their computers and have office equipment available to them. It's down the hall from where formal press conferences are conducted and only a short elevator ride away from the locker room. When we walk in, the room quiets momentarily and then breaks into applause and shouts of congratulations. I'm confused until I remember that this is the first time most of them have seen Jen since she had her baby. I heard that they had a baby shower for her before the play offs started. You can definitely feel not only the respect but the affection they have for her.

This aspect of the media is very strange to me. The political media are always looking for an angle, a scoop or a sniff of a scandal. There isn't respect in the room never mind friendship. The extreme distrust of the political media and politicians is one of the reasons that I went into PR. I thought that I could do it differently and, in some very small way, bring back respect that clearly left after the Nixon administration and has never been seen since.

Jen accepts the hugs and handshakes as she walks to the front of the room. We follow her but stay to the side of the room and wait for her lead. When the room quiets, she talks about the team, new players, coaches and management. She then introduces us as she did with the players. The whole thing is over very quickly and then we are released to go back to the offices. We all have lots to do today in preparation for our first media scrum and the upcoming training camp.

I sit at my tiny cubicle and open up the file with my questions for Geno. As I scroll through them on my tablet, I feel the nerves wash over me again. I can't believe that I have my own player to support in my very first year. It still doesn't feel real. I can't help that niggling doubt that Jen only did it because she found out my connection to Mario. Quickly, I push it aside. She never would have been that risky with the Pens PR. I'm just being silly. This is the challenge that I wanted and sought for myself. I'm going to be successful. I'm going to do well. This is going to be the best year of my life.