Chapter 28
'Ashley can you come in here please?' Daniel called.
'I'm coming.' She said she placed a fourth pair of socks into the luggage; she still had a lot of packing to do before bed tonight and then getting up early for the flight across the country to Los Angeles. She wandered down the corridor to her stepdad's room the door was already open and when she entered he was sitting on his bed with papers laying all over the sheets. He looked up hearing her footsteps and smiled.
'I have some good news for you.' He remarked she gave him a quizzical look.
'What is it?' she asked. Daniel shuffled some of his papers to one side and picked up a think paperback folder he held it out to her for a second she stared at it blankly.
'Go on and have a look I think you will like what you see,' he remarked she took the folder flipping it open and she saw the heading in bold black writing:
Marketing and Promotion: Warrior Hockey.
Ashley looked up at her dad confused by what she saw.
'What is this about?' she asked.
'Well.' Daniel remarked he patted the space next to him she climbed onto the bed and sat down.
'Do you remember when I was away for work in New York and Boston?' he asked she nodded her head.
'This is why I was there; the head CEO of Warrior got in touch with me prior and asked to meet with me. They will be coming over soon, they've planned it for after you guys get back from the road trip.' He remarked.
'They feel very confident taking you on board with their products.'
Ashley continued to look through the pages that listed all of their products available and what they planned in the future and some of their current clients.
'I know it feels all very new and you're probably used to using what you have; but don't forget you're part of something very special now and it is very important you are up to date with a renowned sponsor.' He answered.
'Ok.' She said still feeling overawed.
'You go on and read that when you get time and while you're away have a think maybe ask the other guys and get their opinions,' Daniel answered. She left her stepdad alone to continue his work she headed back to her room to finish packing, looking at her skates it was only a year-and-a-half old bought from one of the designated hockey shops in Auckland. It had taken a while to find one she liked especially with the comfort level. These one were under the Reebok name and she found it one of the best.
'I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have any extras just incase. It just sounds a lot to keep.' She said.
Warren came around to the house at 5:40am Ashley was a big grump being woken at such an early hour Daniel choose to come along for the drive to the airport. The drive there had only taken half an hour Warren parked the van outside the departure entrance; there was taxis and shuttle buses parked along the curbside.
'Why does it have to be so early?' she grunted Warren laughed quietly.
'You will get used to it. Depending on where the players need to be the time they leave also varies, morning flights are some of the best allowing plenty of preparation time.' He answered.
'During the season it is worse with the different time zones; sometimes they'll leave straight after a game and arrive at the destination between midnight and 2am even on game days.' He added Ashley groaned she was glad in her old team they only ever travelled around New Zealand and Australia it was easy to adjust and Australia was only 2-5 hours behind New Zealand.
'Remember no shopping.' Daniel replied she rolled her eyes.
'Oh come on dad! It is Los Angeles after all.' She said he smirked.
'A little but don't get carried away this is no holiday for you.' He said. They had the bags loaded onto a trolley and wheeled it inside of the airport; it didn't look like anybody was around just security guards and regular airport staff.
'Over here Ashley!' Brent called out the trio spotted him and several of the Red Wings players, the coaching staff, a couple of the trainers and equipment managers already lining up at the flight counter.
'Is everyone already here?' she asked when her, Warren and her stepdad joined in the queue.
'Not yet there is a few other guys still to arrive the flight is not until 7:30am.' Brent replied.
'I hate early mornings.' She said he laughed.
'You're not the only one.' He answered.
'I'll take the stuff you don't need.' Thomas Richards, the head equipment manager said when he walked over to her trolley; she nodded and pointed out which bags were and he grabbed them up and headed to the counter putting it with all the other equipment bags.
'Soon your stuff is going to be kept with everyone else' so you can't be all special soon.' Brent added jokingly.
'Yeah that would be kind of nice. Maybe then will people stop talking about me,' she said.
'Oh I doubt it kid.' Kris remarked appearing from behind them a sly smile on his face and he too still looked half asleep.
'Why?' She asked.
'Well, I think as long as you play the way you do and are around here it will always keep everyone interested.' He said and from the tone in his voice she had a feeling he was probably right she shrugged her shoulders in an attempt to play it down.
'Then, I guess I'll have to live with it.' She said.
'You really don't need to worry, peoples' interest does eventually go away once they are most accustomed to you. Besides you've already fit in with everyone inside the club well, nobody thinks any less of you and we're happy to have you around.' He added.
'Thanks.'
'But isn't it like kind of odd for you guys though?' she asked.
'What do you mean?'
Brent and Kris were looking at her slightly confused by her comment Ashley shifted on her feet thinking over her thoughts carefully, she glanced sideways at her dad seeing him talking to Steve and Nick.
'Well, this whole thing, you know of me being the only girl.' She said.
'Ah that.' Kris answered nodding his head.
'Yeah.'
'We haven't even thought about it.' He remarked she raised her eyebrows.
'You're being serious?' she asked.
'Yes. Sport as you know brings everybody together from all areas and it doesn't matter to us.' Brent added.
'Ok.' She said she wondered if they were being honest or just saying it for her own benefit.
'Guys get you things together we have to start checking in now, then we'll head to the waiting lounge for a bit before we need to board the plane,' Scotty remarked he strolled into view trailed by his wife and his bags in his hands. Everyone started lining up at the counter with their passports ready to go as a few more players began to trickle through the doors Ashley recognized many of them from the Griffiths team and they too didn't look too impressed with the early-wake up call.
'Ashley.' Daniel said she looked at her dad he had a bit of a worried look on his face.
'Just behave yourself and do your job and remember not to think too much.' He replied she nodded her head.
'Yes; dad don't worry I'll definitely do my best.' She said.
'Good so have fun and if there is anything just go to one of the guys or call me straight away.' He remarked.
'Thanks dad I will.'
Ashley headed back to the counter joining the guys; Daniel watched them for a few more minutes before quietly slipping away outside of the airport entrance Warren had followed him outside too and they got back into the van.
'So if you're not going with them who is going to watch Ashley?' Daniel asked.
'You don't need to worry about it everything has been sorted out, this trip is pretty short so I wouldn't expect too much trouble,' Warren replied Daniel remained silent he wasn't so sure; short trips or not he was still a bit worried especially with a place like Los Angeles. He had heard of the type of trouble young kids could get into when left to their own entertainment he recalled the trips taken by the Steamrollers team during the season to Australia, the boys on the team especially were known to stir up trouble whenever they got the chance.
'If anyone hasn't yet had the chance to grab something to eat for breakfast then wait until we're inside the lounge.' Dave added again there was a bit of grumbling from everyone although it went unheard by the coaching staff.
Ashley was jolted awake abruptly when she felt the airplane run across the runway and the noise level of the engine almost made her ears burst. Still half asleep she had a peek out of the window and saw the main airport coming into view as the plane slowed down to almost a crawl along the runway. The sky was a faint light blue as though the sun was only just coming up across the city.
'What time is it?' she asked.
'Just after 7am.' Kris answered.
'So its like 2hrs behind here?'
'Yeah.'
'Great.' She said she had never taken too well with time lapses even with the regular travelling she did because by the time she had adjusted she was off to the next destination. Ashley was also glad they had their own plane for this flight instead of having to travel with regular travelers she didn't need to extra pressure and nosy questions from more people she had never met.
The plane finally came to a stop at the correct terminal all of the players, training staff, medical guys and the coaches were up and out of their seats to collect their bags. Everyone was still a little grumpy especially the younger guys complaining again about the early-call out time and having sore necks from the uncomfortable seats. The cabin crew had the exit doors opened and they all began to disembark from the plane and headed up the covered tarmac and into the main airport. Ashley was a little taken back when she saw hoards of people through out the airport, scattered at the shops and food area, departure lounges right through to the baggage claim and customs there was people everywhere. She knew airports were always busy but the ones she visted looked nothing like LA's airport.
'Don't lag behind kid!' Brent yelled she quickly rushed to catch up with the main group; a few people mumbled seeing her brush past and shake their head she ignored them and followed the guys; and eventually they were right outside the departure area; and was immediately met by a blustery cold wind and light drizzle.
'Quickly get on.' Scotty said Ashley noticed a silver and gray Greyhound coach bus parked right in front of the curb it's compartment doors wide open and the driver stood next to the entrance to the coach. Everyone moved to put their bags in the compartment area and climbed onto the bus while the trainers went off in a different direction probably to get all of the equipment from the luggage area. Ashley found a seat around the middle part of the bus right next to the window; she listened as all the other guys found their seats talking as they went and the coaches came on board their discussions had become serious, now making plans for line combinations and if they wanted to have an extra defenseman or extra forward.
'Still sleepy?' Brent asked popping his head up from the seat behind her; she wearily looked up at him with a smile and had to hold back a yawn.
'A little bit yeah,' she answered he laughed and reached out with his hand to pat her head.
'Hey!' she said laughing and swatted away his hand, he moved his hand and moments later he handed her the front page of the LA times.
'What's this?' she asked.
'Have a read of the sports section.' He answered and turned around sitting back in his seat; she wondered why he was telling her to read it surely it wasn't something bad. She flipped the paper to the back sports page her eyes widen seeing a full page spread color photograph from the Rangers game and it just had to be the play she had made. On the left-hand side of the picture and written in white bold letters: A new superstar?
'Oh man' Ashley mumbled she slammed the paper shut and closed her eyes for a moment. This wasn't something she wanted; she never asked for it and hoped it would never happen, but now, ever since she set foot in the States things seemed to be getting crazy.
'What did you think?' Brent asked his head popped up from his seat once again, she sighed and folded the newspaper handing it back to him.
'I think it's stupid actually. I mean it is not a huge deal or anything. Like you guys aren't being talked about or anything.' She answered he laughed.
'There was a few of us whom were, I know its hard to believe but it's true. As we keep on telling you things will settle down and soon people especially those in the public will think of you as just 'one of the guys' you know.' He answered she smiled weakly.
'I hope so.' She remarked.
'All right then, so is everyone here?' Dave asked he was stood at the front of the bus, the driver had moved past him ad got into his seat the doors automatically closed and the engine started.
'Yes!' came the chorus of voices from around the bus Ashley frowned for a moment and her mind went back to the guys who had gone to pick up the equipment and was about to ask when she heard the door open and the trainers got in Dave nodded his head.
'That is better.' He remarked and turned to the driver, the door closed again and slowly the bus pulled away from the curb. Ashley leaned her head against the cool tinted glass her gaze only vaguely focused on the scene outside; she should be excited this is LA the big city full of life with such buzz and lots of celebrities roaming around yet she wasn't interested. All of her enthusiasm had vanished as son as she had read the paper and instead she was now filled with dread, the headline kept going around in her head. She was nowhere near anything like that and she knew, even if she ever got to play on the big stage things probably wouldn't turn out the way everyone seemed to think. It wasn't her fault she just happened to be good at the sport and it got people interested, as far as she could remember she just wanted to play and didn't care for anything else. Then Ashley got an idea she leaned over the headrest of the seat in front of her Brent was also reading the paper though it was a different section he looked up when he felt somebody behind him.
'Something wrong?' he asked she shook her head.
'No but I was kind of wondering if you could tell me who was the person writing the article.' She answered.
'Sure.'
Brent quickly moved to the sports section and found the page the article was written on he looked underneath the article's headline to read the name.
'David Mayer.' He remarked.
'Ok and like is there a way of you know getting in touch with the editors or something?' she asked he immediately frowned and looked at her.
'Why do you ask?'
'Um-nothing never mind.' She said now feeling a little embarrassed.
'If there is something you want to say about it like if they got something wrong or if it needs clarification then you should ask Brett to do it. It is part of his job and he'd be more than happy.' He said she nodded her head, and sitting back down she decided perhaps now wasn't the best time to be worried about any of this stuff. She knew the guys were probably right and it would all calm down soon she only hoped it was sooner rather than later.
The team was settled into their hotel in the districts of downtown Los Angeles; and they were under strict instructions not go out today, they were welcome to use the facilities within the hotel as they pleased since it was a day off. Scotty informed them they would be holding an optional skate later in the evening at the Staples Centre. Players only needed to take their bags to their rooms while the equipment staff dealt with everything else; for Ashley she wasn't as comfortable as the other guys about this since she had become accustomed to looking after her own equipment. She sat on the neatly made double bed her bags at her feet and rested her chin upon her hands; she couldn't even find it in her to enjoy the view from the 7th floor over looking the city skyline, her head still filled with confusion over the article.
'Why can't they just let me play?' she muttered she thought about it for a moment then glanced down at her bags, moments later she un-zipped it and grabbed her journal notebook glad to have the pen already attached to it then she scurried up further on the bed settling right in the middle and flipping the notebook open she nibbled on the top of the pen thinking carefully about what she going to write down and then it all came together. She put pen to paper and began to madly scribble down her thoughts but her thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of her phone beeping indication of a received text message, Ashley pulled it from her pocket only taking a quick glance her stepdad just wanted to know if they had arrived safely in LA she obliged and replied to the message and sent it back she didn't get the opportunity to continue her writing before a knock occurred at the door she quietly muttered under her breath at the interruption and slowly got off the bed walking to the door. Ashley opened it up seeing the two cheeky grins of Brent and Doug in front of the door she raised her eyebrows and gave him a confused look.
'Something going on?' she asked.
'No, but what are you doing?' Doug asked.
'Nothing just writing,' she said.
'About what?' Brent asked curiously she shifted her eyes to the floor then back up at them forcing a smile to her face.
'Silly stuff you know just some random thoughts about the last few days.' She remarked.
'Ok well then some of the guys are going down to use the gym so you should come along even if you don't want to use any of the equipment.' Brent answered she gave it some thought, it might be a good idea; her stepdad had always told her if she avoided mingling with other people they wouldn't think too highly of her, although she did it a lot with her former teammates at the Snakes.
'Ok I'll come.' She answered Doug and Brent looked happy with her decision they stayed out in the hallway and waited while she went back inside to get organized and after a few minutes she re-joined them in the hallway and together they walked down to the lift.
'You weren't thinking of writing about the article you saw?' Brent asked.
'No.' she said quickly.
'Well, ok I considered it for a second but it probably wasn't worth it.' She answered he nodded.
'Good.'
'What was this about?' Doug asked.
'Something stupid.' Ashley said.
'I showed her the article from the paper where they said she's going to be the next big star,' Bret remarked she rolled her eyes and gave him a look Doug laughed.
'Well then I guess you had better not disappoint the public here,' he answered.
'Sure I can do that, ' she said sarcastically they stepped into the lift and headed downstairs though as soon as they got to the lobby and stepped out of the lift they saw Scotty and Dave stood right in the middle surrounded by reporters. Doug and Brent exchanged looks both of them nodded their head Ashley barely got a word out before they pushed her in the direction of the gym before any of the reporters could notice.
'Wh-what?' she asked bermused by the way they hurried her along both guys said nothing until they got into the gym and already inside was Kris, Nick, Steve, Tomas and Jamie.
'Sorry about that.' Doug said.
'Ok but why?' she asked.
'Well you wouldn't want those reporters to be throwing all sorts of questions at you.' Brent said she shrugged her shoulders.
'Guess so.' She agreed, Doug and Brent wandered off to chat to the other guys as they worked with the gym equipment Ashley was amazed at all the brand new equipment inside the gym it all looked like it was bought brand new and matched the shiny wooden floor and right at the opposite end of the room the window pane was spread from end-to-end made of tinted glass and it had a view of the street outside. She made her way to the window and looked outside she sighed inwardly she just hoped when the game came around all these people would appreciate watching and not judge her on anything but the way she played.
