Page 118 of Slapshot Obsession
“Look, I’m going to be honest with you. I think the no fraternization rule is vital to maintain the professional standards we strive for. With that said, I think you’re a terrific dancer, and your drive and professionalism have been an inspiration for all of us.”
Lexi agrees. “Especially since Genevieve didn’t make staying professional very easy for you. I’m proud of you for not stooping to her level.”
“Thank you.” Their words might not help pay my bills, but I appreciate them nonetheless.
“Under the light of what just transpired during our meeting, a spot on the team might not be the only opportunity we have for you.” Carole says.
That definitely piques my curiosity. “It isn’t?”
“No. When you signed up for the reality show, each candidate had to submit their resume.” Carole says. “I couldn’t help but notice that you took several sports medicine courses as part of your nursing degree. And your clinical placement at college was with the athletic department.”
I nod. “I did one of my hospital rotations in sports medicine, and I followed Hemlock’s Beach football team for one semester and the basketball team for another.”
Carole nods. “It so happens that one of the nurses working for the hockey team gave birth to a wonderful baby girl last week. She has been with the team for a number of years, but she just let Coach Harrison know that she isn’t coming back to work after her maternity leave isover. Her job just opened up and I think you would be perfect for it.”
I’m speechless for a few seconds. “That would be an amazing opportunity. But I’m sure there are going to be swarms of candidates who will apply and a selection process.”
“There is.” Carole agrees. “But Coach Harrison’s recommendation would go a very long way toward being hired. It would pretty much be a done deal. And if you’re interested, Lexi and I will be more than happy to get you that recommendation.”
“You would?”
Carole and Lexi smile. “Absolutely. Would you be interested?”
That should be a no brainer. “Aside from dancing, working in sports medicine is another dream of mine. I would be eternally grateful to you if you got me Coach Harrison’s recommendation. However, this would only work if this job doesn’t come with a no fraternization clause.”
“Not that we’re aware of,” Lexi smiles. “But we’ll make sure to mention it to Coach. So, can we go ahead and tell him you’re interested?”
“That would be incredible. Thank you so much.”
Carole gets up from her chair and comes around her desk to hug me. “Don’t mention it. We’re sorry about how things worked out with the team. Truly. But the lady you’d be replacing is a good friend of mine, and I know for a fact that the pay is really attractive, and you would be entitled to housing on campus if you requested it.”
That would be great, but I’ll have to discuss it with Jodie first.
“Thank you. I really didn’texpect this.”
Lexi approaches me for a hug of her own. “And I hope you won’t be a stranger. During the year, we’ll hire several guest choreographers to help inspire and motivate our dancers and to keep them growing. I hope you will consider joining us for a workshop or two? You would be paid, and choreographers can fraternize with whoever they want.”
I managed not to cry when my dream of being a Shooting Star came to an end, but it looks like I’ll be able to work in both my dream fields.
“Come on now, Jodie,” Carole says. “Let’s make the announcement. And Taryn, you can come say your goodbyes to your former teammates if you want.”
Jodie and I follow the Team Director and Chief Choreographer out of the office holding hands.
“If you think about our situation when we arrived in Star Cove,” Jodie whispers. “I can’t believe that everything worked out the way it just did.”
I know what she means. “Wait until I tell the guys.” I smile. “We have a lot to celebrate.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
NEW RECRUITS
TUCKER
The locker room is party central.
Someone found several bottles of Champagne, and Vaughn opens one and showers me with it.
Before we know it, we’re all covered in Champagne, sweat and very little else. By the way, my teammates are jumping and chanting; you’d think tonight was the Frozen Four final rather than just a pre-season tournament.
