A/N Sorry that the last two chapters were short, but they were leading up to more exciting longer chapters. Please read and enjoy and if you have positive feedback please share. Thank you.
Chapter Three
Not even a day after the Duke game and I received a phone call from Dean. Asking me to come down to the Capitals practice arena to talk with him and Coach Boudreau. I just had to drive down on Saturday morning. I was so excited, I was hoping that this meant I had a chance to play for the Washington Capitals.
So Saturday morning came and found me cruising down the highway in my mustang convertible my window slightly open to allow some cold fresh air in, while listening to one of my favorite bands. Now I have this thing where when I drive I have to blast my stereo, speakers blaring I'm bobbing my head to the sound of Breaking Benjamin.
I probably should have known better and turned my stereo down when I rolled up in the parking lot of Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Naturally I unintentionally make a scene as I turned off my car off. Unfortunately some of the team had just arrived as well and man was I getting some looks. I left my bag with my gear in my car just in case and locked my car before heading inside. I was nervous now.
Like my game and practice usual I had my hair pulled up and covered this time by my favorite Capitals hat. I hoped beyond hoped that the guys didn't think that I was over confident in myself.
Dean was waiting for me in the lobby, Coach Boudreau was ushering his team into the locker room to get ready for practice.
"Hey Dean, long time no see." I said shaking his hand. My hands were still covered by my gloves, hey it was cold outside.
"Hey Riley, how's your brother?" always pleasant talking with him. I guess we caught Boudreau's attention because he soon joined us.
"I take it you're Riley McCauley, it's nice to meet you. Dean why don't you take her to my office and I'll meet you there as soon as I get Alex to start practice." Bruce said shaking my hand as well. With all said Dean and I walked off to the Coaches' office.
"You're good Riley. I mean I should have known your brother was great." Dean said starting a conversation, while we waited for Coach Boudreau.
"Thanks, and thanks for coming out to watch my team. It meant a lot to us all." I smiled at his compliment. A few minutes later Bruce had joined us, he looked to be in a good mood.
"Thank you for coming out and meeting with us." Bruce started.
"Thank you for inviting me sir." I stated politely.
"When Dean told me he had gotten a call from an old friend, I couldn't understand what he was trying to get at. When he asked for us to come watch the game I was a little wary. You can understand why?" he asked getting right down to business.
"Of course, all you had was hear say. For all you knew you could have been wasting your time and your season has already started. Why take time away from that." I answered.
"You're a smart girl, I'm glad to say however that it wasn't just hear say. You've got some talent on the ice. I'd like to, if you accept, to sign you for a three year entry level contract. You came at a very good time. I had to unfortunately release a player for substance abuse." I sat there speechless for a moment, probably with my mouth hanging open.
"I… really?" I asked shell shocked.
"Really kid." He and Dean were smiling obviously never having dealt with this kind of reaction from a player before. But you know I am a girl and I am allowed my moments.
"Oh my god, yes. I would be so honored." I answered keeping myself from jumping up and down at the moment. Bruce pulled out the paperwork for me to sign. Which of course I requested to take home and carefully read through before I finally signed my dream.
"One question though, are girls even allowed in the NHL?" I asked worried my dreams were about to be dashed.
"The league doesn't discriminate based on gender, or anything for that matter. If you have the talent and guts to play on this level then we welcome you." I smiled at that.
"I hit just as hard as the boys, and take a hit that's far worse." I answered.
"That's good because they're not going to go easy on you just because you're a girl." He may have sounded light hearted but he was serious.
"Actually about that, if it's alright with you maybe we can keep that under wraps. At least until the guys can see what I'm capable of? Kind of like a fair chance." I asked hoping I wasn't asking too much.
"You have a smart head on your shoulders. I like that." Boudreau said smiling again. "You want to go meet your new teammates?"
"You bet!" we all walked down to the rink. I was buzzing with excitement. When we got to the ice Coach Boudreau blew his whistle, calling practice to a halt. I stepped out on the ice with my favorite pair of red converse high tops, skinny jeans; face it everyone is wearing skinny jeans these days; a black t-shirt my almost non-existent boobs hidden by my black leather jacket, and to top it off like I said before my favorite Capitals hat in all its glory. And just like before I received looks only this time it was wanted attention.
"Bring it in boys." Boudreau called and the team skated to stand in front of where the three of us stood. "I want you to meet your new teammate. This is Riley McCauley." I heard a few snorts of amusement from the team.
"No offense Coach, but are you serious he's puny. He'll be killed out there." Gordon asked incredulous. Ovechkin was silent trying to be the good Captain but I could tell he thought the same thing.
"Riley's a team player, give 'em a shot. You just might be surprised." Boudreau said sticking up for me. I could tell he was trying to refrain from calling me a boy, while still keeping my gender on the down low.
"You guys aren't afraid of a little challenge are you?" I asked emphasis on little. Dean shook his head at my harmless banter, it was a good ice breaker. Coach Boudreau was chuckling.
"You have your gear with you?" Boudreau asked.
"Yes Sir." I answered respectfully.
"Go ahead and suit up. You can join in the rest of practice." I nodded about to turn to go to my car.
"Just because you wear that Caps hat doesn't mean you're fully part of the team." King spoke up probably trying to get a rise out of me like the enforcer from Duke. I turned my attention back to the team an evil little smirk on my face.
"I have to earn my way into this team that I know. This hat, that's just me being a fan of your team and your hard work. That same hard work that I hope I will be able to add." I stated making sure I said into and not on. Anyone could make it on a team but to make it a part of a team was a whole different story. The last thing I notice when I was turning to leave was Ovie nodding his head in approval.