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Chapter one
Birdie
Thisdamnsureain'tLouisiana. Down home, it's football country.
But here?
Hockey is king.
And that means my work as a sports journalist doesn't exactly translate.
I've fought my way to the top of my industry without using my connections. I came from nothing--a total blue-collar family, broke and sans college degrees--and I've moved up the ranks from there on my own willpower alone.
But now I have to start all over again...
...and that means learning the rules to a new game. It's not gonna be easy.
"So you want to cover the Portland Pucks but--let me get this straight--you'venevercovered hockey before?"
My editor is sitting across from me, a big, blustering guy in an a sloppily-done necktie. I cross my arms and ignore the patronizing tone, nodding my head.
"Yes," I tell him. "I'm ready for this. Out of all the assignments, this is perfect for me."
"I beg to differ," he replied. "Look...I know you're a real scrappy girl, but things are different in the city.
This isn't some small-town football team that you can just cozy up to and snag an interview. These are professional hockey players, and they don't have time for fluff pieces. You gotta know the game, inside and out."
"I've been studying," I said, pulling out my notes. "I know the terms, the positions, the rules. And I'm ready to learn."
"I don't think you have an in," he says. "Well...not without getting a little spicy, if you know what I mean."
I roll my eyes and cross my arms. "Talbot--I can do this," I say. "And I've already got a pitch...and an in."
He tilts his head and raises his eyebrows. "Fine--pitch," he says. "But then you're out of my office and I'm putting you on the traffic beat."
I swallow hard. "I'm going to live in Fern Hollow for the off-season...and not only does the Pucks' star player live out there, he's my brother's best friend."
Talbot leans forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing. I can tell he doesn't believe me--but I'm prepared to prove it. "Your brother's best friend? Who is it?"
I grin, feeling a little smug. "Johnny Playfair," I say.
Talbot's eyes widen. "Johnny Playfair?TheJohnny Playfair?" he asks, almost breathless. "The one who led the Pucks to the championship last year? The one who's rumored to be in talks to go major league?"
I nod, unashamed about feeling smug. "That's the one."
Talbot leans back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well...that changes things," he says. "If you can get an interview with him...that'd be huge. But listen, kid--don't get too close to him. The last thing we need is a conflict of interest. And if he sniffs out that you're trying to get a story out of him...well, let's just say these guys can be rough around the edges."
I nod, taking in his warning with a grain of salt. I've dealt with tough sources before, and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. "I won't let you down," I tell him as I stand up to leave.
"Good luck," Talbot says, his tone still cautious.
I head out of the office feeling exhilarated. I know this is my chance to prove myself in this new industry. I'll have to be smart and strategic, but I'm ready for the challenge.
As I make my way out of the building and towards my car, I feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. This is my chance to shine, and I'm not going to let anyone--not even Johnny Playfair--stand in my way.
I pull out my phone and dial my brother Jake's number, then put the phone to my ear. It rings a couple times before he picks up, a smile in his voice.
"Hey, sis!" he says. "It's been a while!"
