Offside (The Barker Triplets 1)

“I’m fine. I just didn’t exactly hear what you were saying.”

“I said that technically you’re right. There’s no provision in the rules and regulations about gender. It’s not something we ever thought about.”

“So, if I want to play Friday Night Hockey, there’s nothing to stop me?”

Logan shook his head. “Nothing at all.”

“Billie-Jo,” Frank Talbot said gently. “It’s beer league hockey and these boys are pretty set in their ways. Why would you want to play with the men?” His warning was subtle but there nonetheless.

[i]Because hockey is my life and I pretty much have nothing else to do[i].

“Besides,” Talbot continued. “You had one hell of a concussion two months ago. Do you really think you should be going back out on the ice?”

“I’m fine, Mr. Talbot. There’s no contact. I’ll be good.” [i]I’ll stay out of the corners.[i]

“But why do you want to play beer league hockey? It’s way below your skill level,” Talbot pressed.

“Hey, Frank,” Seth ground out. “I wouldn’t be so quick to diss our league. There are more than a few of us who played competitively. There’s a lot of talent out there.” He turned back to Billie. “I just don’t know why she wants to play with us.”

She smiled sweetly at Seth. “Because I can.”

Seth’s entire face was mottled mess of red. His cheeks were puffed out like a blowfish. He shook his head. “No way. We’ll pulverize you out there.”

Same old. Same old. “Really?” Billie eyed him. “You’d have to catch me first and you know what I think? I think you’re afraid to let me into your,” she paused and sneered, “boy’s club because you can’t stand the fact that I’ve always been better than you.”

“That’s bullshit,” Seth ground out. “She can’t...there’s no way in hell…the guys won’t go for it.”

Billie glanced at Logan.

Logan shrugged. “I think you’re looking for trouble, Billie. But from what I can see no one can stop you.”

“Oh Lordy.” She heard Mr. Talbot whisper.

“Good.” For the first time since she’d come home, Billie felt a spark of life. And it felt damn good. So good in fact, that she’d do whatever it took to keep it going.

“Wait a minute.” Seth made one last try. “You’re not old enough. Rules say you have to be twenty-five and if I remember correctly you’re younger than me.”

“Not for long.” Billie quipped. “I turn twenty-five next Friday.”

“Shit,” Seth said savagely.

She licked her lips, enjoying the moment. “Friday the 13th , kind of appropriate don’t you think?”

Seth shot another dark look toward them all before heading out into the blinding sunlight. “This is bullshit.”

Billie’s buzz lasted for exactly five seconds. Long enough for Mr. Talbot to mutter ‘oh Lordy’ at least ten times and long enough for Logan to take two steps closer until his spicy smell penetrated her fog.

He handed an envelope over to Mr. Talbot. “My registration and check are in there.” He paused for a moment. “It’s good to see you back, Billie and I admire your...attitude. But I sure as hell hope you know what you’re doing.”

He held her gaze, for what seemed like [i]forever[i] and then nodded to Mr. Talbot. Billie watched him walk away, his long stride, easy and controlled. He’d walked away from her once before, though his gait hadn’t been quite as controlled and she’d been—

“Are you really going to do this?” Mr. Talbot asked urgently.

Billie-Jo Barker nodded and reached for a pen. “Damn right I am,” she grinned. “Where do I sign up?”

Mr. Talbot ran his fingers through the wiry hair atop his head as the bell above his door tinkled. Several customers marched into the store, including Mike Walker, owner of Walker’s Hardware store, conveniently located next to Talbot Sports.

A frown marred his normally amiable face and he didn’t bother with a ‘hello’. Impressive eyebrows raised, Mike Walker glared at Frank and narrowed his eyes. Voice gruff, he barked. “What’s this I hear about a woman playing in our hockey league?”