A Golfer's Dream - Book Two Chilly Winter Hot Summer         Written by TheCaddy

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The following story is a work of fiction containing graphic descriptions of
sexual acts between adults and minors. All of the sex depicted is consensual;
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Chapter Seven - Old Friends

Dave and John both ate large breakfasts.  The team was talking excitedly about 
the coming game.  Dave was pleased and surprised how confident the team had 
grown in just two days.  The come-from-behind tie against the Central team had 
created a whole new atmosphere.  Dave just hoped that the coach would not 
destroy that by pulling him and John from the lineup for entertaining the Asian 
girls in their hotel room.  

The coach and his two assistant coaches were the first to finish eating and they 
quietly left the table without even looking at Dave or John.  The players asked 
Dave and John what they were doing for the morning and Dave replied, "Don't know 
yet.  Probably hanging around our room and relaxing.  I don't want to get too 
hyped-up before we get to the rink."  Dave threw his napkin on his plate and 
said, "I'm finished.  I'll see you guys on the bus."

As Dave and John were walking down the hall to the coaches' room Dave looked at 
John with a serious face, "John, do you mind if I do most of the talking?"  John 
approved by nodding, so Dave continued, "If I can, I'm going to present a case 
to the coach instead of letting him go on the attack.  If it comes down to it, 
I'm going to take the hit for the girls.  I'm just the call-up - so I'm not 
really part of the team.  I think the coach will go easier on me than you."

John tried to protest but Dave cut him off, "Listen, John, you know my future 
plans are for golf.  I won't let hockey interfere with those plans; but I know 
you like hockey more than golf, so, if someone is going to get a reputation for 
breaking the rules, it should be me."  

John stared open-mouthed at his friend.  He knew they were close but he was 
surprised his best friend would take the blame for both of them, but then again, 
he considered, he would do the same for Dave.

Dave knocked on the coaches' door; he heard feet moving across the carpet then 
the click of the door handle.  Dave led John inside the room.  The team manager 
and the three coaches were sitting waiting for them.  With nowhere to sit, the 
two teens remained standing.  The head coach looked at them and asked, "What do 
you have to say for yourselves?"  He was not actually expecting an answer before 
he began his own speech.

Dave, however, replied in an even voice, "I'll start in the beginning.  Last 
fall, when John and I were at the National Junior golf championships in BC, we 
meet three college girls - we, the five of us, became very good friends.  When I 
found out we made the National Midget Championships, I phoned them and asked 
them if they could meet us here.  John knew nothing about this until they 
arrived on Thursday.  I specifically asked them to stay away during the first 
part of the week so they wouldn't interfere with our concentration.  After we 
lost our third straight game, I felt they would not be a disruption so I called 
them and invited them to arrive on Thursday.  As you know we had not won a game 
and were way behind in Thursday's game.  

"The girls arrived just after Central went up five-nothing.  The sight of them 
re-energized John and me - you know what the result was.  The only mistake we 
made was to not tell them initially to be super-discrete.  A few of the players 
saw them behind the bench on Thursday and, unbeknownst to me, Ken Jackson had 
been told by one of my fellow golfers in BC about the girls John and I had met.  
Word and speculation spread quickly through the team.  Since then the girls have 
been very discrete.  John and I both denied having any knowledge of them.  I 
haven't heard any comments since yesterday at breakfast; so I hope the other 
players don't know anything more.  I realize we broke several team rules and for 
that I am very sorry.  As I said, John knew nothing of this; so I hope you don't 
blame him as much as you blame me."

The four men looked surprised by the frank and detailed confession.  The coach 
finally stood and said, "Thank you for telling us the truth.  We probably know 
all we need to for now; all of us need a little time to decide what to do.  You 
have put us in a very difficult position, Dave.  Please return to your room and 
we will call you when we are ready to conclude this discussion."

John and Dave both nodded understandingly and left the room.  Once outside, John 
said, "Thanks, Dave.  What do you think they will do to us?"

Dave just shrugged and the two friends walked back to their room; the impending 
decision options ranged from the extremes of the coaches doing nothing; all the 
way to the two being sent home immediately with everyone knowing what they had 
done.  As soon as they entered the room, the girls asked what happened.  John 
explained everything Dave had said.  Dave stretched out on his bed and listened 
to John relay the story.  When the girls turned to look at Dave, he smiled and 
said, "Whatever happens, happens.  I'm not really worried about it."  Lynn and 
Tina cuddled beside him on the bed while John and Kim settled on his bed.

Dave was resting comfortably when the phone rang.  He answered it and heard the 
coach say, "We're ready to see you and John, again."

Dave nodded to John and, without saying a word, the two friends walked out of 
the room.  The coach was waiting by himself at his door and let them in.  The 
coach then sat down and began, "Dave, you say this was mostly your idea but that 
does not excuse John for breaking the rules, too.  You have put us in a very bad 
spot.  We discussed three options: suspend both you and John for the rest of the 
tournament, suspend just you for the rest of the tournament, or allow you both 
to play the rest of the tournament.  I'll be frank with you.  We realize that 
both of you are the main reason we made the Nationals and also the reason we 
made the crossover game.  If we pull either one of you from the game, we would 
likely be conceding a loss to Central.  

"I have been around a lot of hockey teams over the years and, frankly, what you 
have done is relatively common at the junior level - but it is not acceptable at 
this level and at your age.  I'd like to pretend that that winning isn't 
important and sit you out; but the truth is, the team looks up to you both - and 
especially you, Dave.  If I pull you out of the lineup, the turmoil would 
destroy the team's chances of winning - and I don't like to lose.  We have 
therefore decided to allow both of you to play today.  However, when we get 
home, we will be setting up appointments with your parents to explain what has 
happened.  We will give you time to explain the situation to them yourselves, 
but if you don't explain it before the appointment then we will tell them for 
you."

Dave and John were relieved but both maintained their emotions and appeared 
suitably chastised as they listened to the coach finish.  "You are correct when 
you said you have been discrete.  I don't believe the players know about the 
girls beyond the initial sighting at the rink.  The only way we knew was because 
of the original gossip.  After hearing it, we asked the front-desk clerk to keep 
an eye out for us and he reported that three Asian girls, all dressed alike, 
left the hotel just after the bus departed and returned before the bus arrived.  
I will trust you to remain discrete.  I'd like to tell you to send the girls 
home but that is not my decision.  You are at least old enough to decide that.  
It's now ten-thirty.  We will be leaving at noon so be ready in the lobby. 
UNDERSTOOD?"

Dave and John both nodded and replied together, "Thanks, Coach."  

The walk back to their room was brisk.  When they entered, they finally released 
their pent-up emotions and whooped in excitement.  The girls were likewise 
relieved and hugged them tightly.  The rest of the morning was spent relaxing 
and getting focused on the game.  Dave debated whether to ask the girls to leave 
but he was convinced they were his lucky charms.  He had golfed the best golf of 
his life in BC, when they were there to support and distract him and, since they 
had arrived in Calgary, the hockey team was unbeaten.  They had to stay.  

Dave and John left for the lobby ten minutes early; they wanted to be the first 
players there.

Game preparation was the same as usual but, as the start time neared, Dave 
noticed a lot of nervous faces.  He kept telling the players to stay focused on 
their responsibilities and the game would go well.  John was really nervous and 
Dave talked quietly to him to relax his nerves.  Dave himself was feeling more 
nervous then he had all week but he was focused and ready.

The coach strolled into the dressing room fifteen minutes before game time and 
went through the team plan.  The checking line would start against Central's top 
line.  The coach reminded them not to get caught with more than two men deep in 
the other team's zone.  The checking line was not expected to score but was 
responsible for keeping the top Central line from scoring.  The coach then 
looked at John, "John, your line is going on second.  We need you three to step 
up the intensity.  We need goals from you three."  John, Dave, and Rudy nodded 
understandingly.  The coach continued, "The third line needs to contain 
Central's third line but, if a good scoring chance presents itself, make the 
best of it.  I don't want the defense pinching on the opposing blue-line unless 
you are one hundred percent positive you can make the play.  I don't want any 
odd-man rushes.  Play hard and play physical.  Craig, we need a big performance 
from you, as usual.  Stay focused."

Dave thought how strange hockey talk was.  He thought how a person unfamiliar 
with hockey would not likely have a clue what pinching was or an odd-man rush.  
He knew all the players understood that pinching is when the defenseman stays on 
the opposing team's blue-line instead of dropping back in a defensive position.  
The defenseman hopes he can stop the breakout and keep the puck inside the 
opposing zone.  An unsuccessful pinch often leads to two or even three opposing 
players skating past that defenseman and creating an odd-man rush where those 
two or three players rush down the ice against just the one remaining and 
outnumbered defenseman.  Odd-man rushes (two-on-ones or three-on-ones) lead to 
the majority of goals in tight checking games.

The horn sounded to indicate game time had arrived.  The players started to yell 
in unison to get psyched for the game.  Craig led the team onto the ice.

This was the first game that Dave's line hadn't started and he found it hard to 
watch the first shift from the bench.  Central came out strong and generated 
several early scoring chances but Craig played well and held the team in.  When 
John and Dave finally got on the ice they created a great scoring chance but 
Dave's shot rattled off the post and bounced right to a Central defenseman who 
iced the puck immediately.  After the linesman blew down the play, the puck was 
dropped to the left of the Central goalie.  John won the face-off back to Ken 
who took a hard slap shot from the point.  The goalie kicked the puck out and 
Rudy got his stick on the rebound but just missed the corner of the net.  A 
central player cleared the puck to centre ice so John's line went to the bench 
for a shift change.  

The third line got one scoring chance and gave up one scoring chance which Craig 
handled easily.

The remainder of the first period saw the Central team get many good scoring 
chances which Craig stopped while the Islanders only generated a few more 
scoring chances.  John's line created all but two of the scoring chances in the 
first period.  Late in the period, Dave noticed the checking line seemed to be 
getting tired.  The constant pressure of controlling Central's top line was 
taking its toll.

In the dressing room between periods, the coach complimented the team's hard 
work.  He patted Craig on the shoulder and told him to keep up the great work.  
He told them to catch their wind and he would be back in five minutes to talk 
about the second period.  The players munched on thirst-quenching oranges and 
talked about small battles they were winning on boards.

Just before the team was ready to return to the ice, the coach came in again.  
He looked first at John and said, "John, you guys are starting.  I'm going to 
put your line against Central's top line.  Battle hard - watch you don't get 
caught out of position.  The checking line will go on second followed by the 
third line.  Keep working hard, guys.  Things will go our way."

Dave was happy the coach had noticed the checking line was tiring.  He was 
confident his line could contain the top line but he wasn't sure if they would 
be able to generate many scoring chances for themselves.

Soon, the second period was going as planned.  John's line was skilled enough to 
skate with Central's top line and neither side generated any significant scoring 
chances.  Both the checking line and third line were battling hard and 
containing their opposition well.  John's line was on the ice with only thirty-
five seconds left in the period.  John made a good pass to Dave who was 
streaking down the wing.  Dave accelerated around the Central defenseman and 
moved in on the goalie from a side angle.  He thought he saw a small opening 
between the goalies pads and took a hard shot.  The goalie closed up the five 
hole and the puck bounced straight back to Dave.  He faked a shot, then circled 
behind the net and into the far corner.  He waited for John and Rudy to drive to 
the net.

Dave moved to the far hash-marks beside the boards and then circled back towards 
the net.  There was a huge crowd of bodies in front so he found the best opening 
available and shot a hard wrist shot on goal.  The puck hit a Central defenseman 
and ricocheted towards the goalie.  The puck hit the goalie who was on his knees 
in a butterfly position.  The puck dropped to the ice in the crease and John 
shot it, hitting the goalie again.  The puck bounced out and Rudy whacked it a 
third time.  The goalie got a piece of the puck but it spun away from him and 
towards the goal line.  The puck just trickled over the line as the goalie 
grabbed it and pulled it out.  The red light behind the net went on; the referee 
was also in perfect position behind the net and he pointed at the net confirming 
a goal.  

Rudy went crazy and charged his team's bench in celebration.  The goal was kind 
of an ugly goal but he jumped onto the boards and all the players huddled around 
celebrating.

There were still ten seconds left on the clock, so John's line stayed on the 
ice.  They killed off the last few seconds and went to the dressing room leading 
by a single ugly goal after two hard-fought periods.

The coach again congratulated them and re-emphasized the need to stay focused.  
He left the dressing room to allow the players to get some rest.  

Again, just before the Zamboni was finished with the ice, he returned, "Okay, 
guys, that's two great periods - but this game is sixty minutes long, not forty.  
We need twenty more solid minutes.  John's line will start.  Everyone continue 
doing what you have been doing.  Don't just try to protect the lead or we will 
be in big trouble.  Work hard and stick to the plan.  Dave and John, if Central 
try to put their better players on different lines, I may call on you to do some 
extra shifts.  Are you up for it?"  Both Dave and John nodded that they were.

The Islanders battled hard in the third and, with only one minute left, the 
score of one-nothing was still holding.  Craig was playing phenomenal in nets 
and was controlling his rebounds wonderfully.  

Central called time-out with one minute and seven seconds left on the clock and 
with a face-off in the Central end.  The Islanders coach called his players to 
the bench.  John's line was on the ice near the end of their shift.  The coach 
looked at John, Dave, and Rudy, "You three catch your breath; you're staying on.  
I want only one man deep in the Central zone and I want him to single-handedly 
pressure the puck as much as possible.  Who wants that job?"  Dave immediately 
raised his hand, so the coach pointed at him and continued, "As soon as you take 
the draw, John, I want you and Rudy ready to drop back and help with the 
defense.  Ken, I want you on the ice with Jack.  If the Central team makes it 
out of their zone, I want you four to stand them up at the center-ice line.  I 
don't want them to penetrate without feeling a body hit them first.  Craig, if 
they dump it in, I want you to pick a safe line up the boards and clear it to 
centre-ice.  If you don't see a clear shot, then move the puck to the safer 
corner and hustle back to your net.  Okay, let's go."

Just before the players skated back to their positions, Dave yelled, "One more 
minute, guys.  Let's give everything we have for one more minute.  Dig deep, 
real deep."

The Islanders seemed to have caught their second wind and exuberantly lined up 
for the face off to the right of the Central goal.  When the puck was dropped, 
John pushed it to Dave along the boards and backed out to the blue-line.  Dave 
forced the puck into the corner then quickly took control of it.  He avoided 
player after player, keeping the puck deep in the Central end.  Finally a 
Central defenseman got enough of a check on Dave to pin him against the boards.  
Dave battled for position and managed to keep the puck between one of his feet 
and the boards.  The Central players hit and pushed him, but they couldn't dig 
the puck free.  The referee finally decided there wasn't enough puck movement 
and blew down the play for a face-off.

Dave looked at the clock.  He was exhausted from the short battle and was very 
surprised that only twenty seconds had ticked away.  It had felt like at least 
two minutes.  Dave was bent over with his stick across his knees waiting for the 
linesman to get all the players ready for the face-off.  The face-off was moved 
outside the blue-line because Dave was the player that had caused the whistle by 
freezing the puck against the boards.  Just as the linesman was about to drop 
the puck, Dave skated over to him and called his team's only time-out.  

When the players returned to the bench, the coach complimented Dave on his game 
awareness, "Great work along the boards.  Good decision to call time out.  Do 
you want to continue to be the deep man?"  

Dave had stepped inside the bench and was sitting down catching his breath.  
Dave gasped, "Definitely!"

The coach replied, "Good, just get some rest.  Okay, same plan."

When the horn sounded to indicate the end of the thirty-second timeout, Dave 
lumbered off the bench.  The two teams lined up and John won the face-off 
cleanly back to Ken who slapped the puck into the Central zone.  Dave was in 
like a shot and checked the Central defenseman off the puck.  He took control of 
the puck and started stick handling around behind the net, moving back and forth 
to kill time again.  The other Central defenseman finally pinned him against the 
boards and, this time, a Central forward extracted the puck from between Dave's 
skates and started a breakout.

Dave forced himself clear of the defenseman and started to chase the puck 
carrier.  Out of the corner of his eye he saw the Central goalie skating to the 
bench to allow an extra attacker to come on ice.  

Dave watched the forward with the puck shoot it into the Islanders' zone just 
before John nailed the Central player, putting him flat on his back.  Dave 
watched from a distance as Craig controlled the puck; Craig looked for an 
opening to clear - but, in the end, he just pushed the puck into the corner Ken 
and Rudy were skating towards.  Ken, Rudy, and three Central players began 
battling for the puck in the corner.  A central player gained control and passed 
the puck to one of his defenseman.  Dave had skated inside his blue-line and 
taken a position to watch the other Central defenseman.  John skated towards the 
defenseman with the puck who passed it to the extra attacker skating through the 
middle, towards the net.  The extra attacker took the pass and rocketed a shot 
for the top corner on Craig's blocker side.  Craig just got a piece of the puck 
and redirected it into the corner.  

Jack was the first one to the corner and he shot the puck off the glass.  The 
Central defenseman jumped up and knocked the puck down, keeping it in the 
Islanders' zone; but Dave quickly took control of it and, again, flipped the 
puck off the glass.  Dave raced past the Central player and picked up the puck 
at center ice.  He looked up and saw the empty net but two Central players had 
gotten back in position and he did not have a clear shot on goal.  He quickly 
thought about going for a goal anyway but instead flipped the puck gently into 
the Central zone then raced after it.  He was only a few feet from the puck when 
he noticed the crowd yelling a count-down, "Ten... Nine.."

Dave was the first player to the puck and he quickly pinned it against the 
boards.  He felt a player thump into him as he heard, "Four...Three...Two...One."  The 
horn sounded and Dave jumped in celebration.  He quickly bent over, picked up 
the winning puck, and raced to the other end where his teammates were doggy-
piling their goaltender.  When Dave reached the pile, John was already in the 
middle, so he just threw his gloves in the air and piled on.

The coaches were soon pulling players from the pile and hugging them.  When the 
coach hugged Dave, Dave whispered, "Thanks for letting me play today, Coach.  I 
promise I will do my best to make you proud tomorrow, too."

The coach replied, "I know you will, Dave.  You're a very mature young man and a 
true leader.  These players will do anything for you."

The Islanders lined up, shook hands with the Central team, and then went back to 
their dressing room to celebrate in private.  The players shook each other's 
hands and all took time to congratulate Craig.  Craig was feeling incredibly 
proud.  When Dave walked up to Craig he said, "One more game, Craig.  We need 
one more.  Enjoy this victory -- but let's start getting focused on tomorrow."  
Craig nodded agreement.

Dave was interrupted by the coach who called for attention.  He yelled out, 
"Fabulous game, guys.  You played your hearts out but we need one more huge 
effort.  We didn't come all this way to be a bridesmaid.  Enjoy this victory for 
a little longer but, after we eat supper, I want every player's mind on 
tomorrow's game.  It doesn't matter whether we play the Pacific team or the 
Quebec team - it's going to be another tough battle."

After the coach finished Dave sat down and, for the first time since the game 
ended, he realized how tired he was.  The adrenaline from winning was starting 
to fade and Dave leaned back against the wall and through a towel over his head.  
He rested for several minutes before he felt strong enough to even remove his 
gear.  He slowly removed all his equipment and quietly wondered if he had enough 
energy to then get in the shower.  

Just as he dragged himself erect with his flip-flops on his feet, a towel in one 
hand, and his 'poo', dressing room slang for shampoo, in the other hand, he 
heard the team manager yell for silence.  Dave looked around and was surprised 
to see half of the team was almost fully dressed in their street clothes.  Once 
all the players were quiet, the manager explained, "We are going to leave the 
dressing room together and go to the meeting room where we got our accreditation 
last week.  TSN is going to be broadcasting the game tomorrow and they want 
individual pictures of all the players.  They have also asked that all the 
players make themselves available for interviews."  He then walked over to Dave 
and whispered, "I know you're tired, Dave, but try to move it along.  We need to 
get through these pictures and interviews and get back to the hotel for a team 
meal."

Dave nodded understandingly and tried to move quicker.  He knew the hot water 
pounding his body would feel good and the steamy air would help his dried 
airways.  The hot shower felt invigorating and Dave cleaned up as quickly as 
possible.  There were only three players still in the shower when he entered.  
John and Craig were two of them.  When Dave exited, last, he turned off the 
water and quickly dried himself.  He was feeling better and better by the 
minute.  He dressed quickly, brushed his hair, and nodded his readiness to the 
manager who was waiting for him.  

Craig led the team out of the dressing room.  There was a large crowd waiting 
outside.  Fans, scouts, and media personnel tried to get the players attention 
but they stayed in line.  

Dave spotted Ann down the hall and motioned for her to walk beside him.  He was 
pleasantly surprised to see her beautiful face.  She wore a nice amount of 
makeup; her eyes looked inviting.  She was dressed in a very sexy red skirt with 
a soft rose blouse.  The colours looked perfect on her and his heart made a 
little sputter as he remembered the good times they had had the previous summer.  
Dave whispered, "Hi, Ann, I'm sorry, but we have to go get our pictures taken 
for TSN and then do some interviews.  I don't know how long it's going to take."

Ann looked disappointed but shyly replied, "I don't mind waiting, if you don't 
mind me waiting for you."  

Dave took her hand and squeezed it briefly, "I'd like that."  Ann smiled 
contentedly as Dave walked through the door to the meeting room.

TSN was all setup and ready; they quickly and efficiently took all the pictures 
then split the players into four groups for personal interviews.  The interviews 
consisted of a TSN staff member asking the players basic information, then 
typing it into a computer.  Dave was in a line waiting for an interview when a 
familiar face walked up to him and said, "Hi, Dave, nice to see you again.  You 
look much better than the last time we spoke."

Dave smiled at Farhan Lalji, a TSN reporter, "Yes, last time I was in the 
hospital and in a lot of pain.  I barely remember the details."

Farhan nodded and asked, "Do you mind if I do your interview?"

Dave said he would enjoy having Farhan interview him and followed Farhan to a 
separate meeting room.  As soon as Dave walked through the doors, he surmised 
the interview must have been pre-planned because there were two comfortable 
looking chairs setup facing each other with two cameras - one facing each chair.

Dave just smiled at Farhan and followed him to the chairs.  As soon as Dave sat 
down, several bright lights were turned on and he briefly sheltered his eyes 
from the light.  His eyes adjusted quickly and a makeup person walked in and 
touched up Farhan's face.  She then turned to Dave and asked, "Would you like to 
be touched up a little?"  Dave nodded approval.

It felt very strange to have makeup on his face and he wondered if it would be 
noticeable on the camera.  After a few minutes, she smiled at Dave and 
whispered, "You are very handsome.  You'll look wonderful."

Farhan told Dave he would ask him about his rehabilitation and then about his 
hockey year.  He would further ask him about his expectations for the following 
game.  He would wrap up the interview asking him whether he planned a future in 
hockey or in golf - then he would ask him to say hello to his family and 
friends.  Farhan always liked to add the personal touch of a hello to friends 
far away.

The cameras focused in on Farhan and, after he received a cue from his producer, 
he started the interview.  The interview began with a brief talk about Dave's 
incident in BC and the injuries he had suffered; then Dave explained that he had 
a physiotherapist and a personal trainer who had helped him recover in a 
relatively short time.  He mentioned both their names and Farhan was impressed 
as he knew who both were.  The interview touched on his play with the AAA team 
and then playing in the Atlantic Championship.

Farhan asked how Dave thought the Islanders would do tomorrow and Dave replied, 
"We'll play our hardest.  We have a good team and our coach has stressed the 
team concept.  Whoever we play will be tough, so we'll see what happens."  Dave 
was slightly surprised when Farhan asked him if he was proud of his top scorer 
award for the tournament.  Dave thought about all the interviews he had ever 
seen professional hockey and baseball players make and immediately replied, "I'm 
very proud of the award but this is a team game.  The whole team is playing very 
well.  Our goalie, Craig is definitely the real star of this team."

Farhan chuckled and replied, "I see you haven't lost your modesty since last 
fall; Craig is a great goaltender but it seems very obvious that you are the 
leader of this team and they look to you to set the tone of the game."

The interview continued for another minute before Farhan asked the key question, 
"So, last fall you were very close to winning the National Junior golf title at 
fifteen years old; this spring at sixteen you are leading your midget team into 
the final game of the National Championships in hockey.  Do you hope to pursue a 
future in either sport and, if so, which one?"

Dave smiled at the camera and replied thoughtfully, "I love to play hockey.  The 
team game is so different than the individual sport of golf but my true love is 
definitely golf.  I hope to get a golf scholarship to a US college; but if that 
doesn't work out, I would be happy to take a hockey scholarship.  Hopefully 
somewhere I could play golf as well."

Farhan nodded, "Sounds like you have thought a lot about this.  I wish you good 
luck for your future.  Is there anyone you would like to say hello to?"

Dave again smiled intensely at the camera and said, "I would like to say hello 
to Mom and Dad, Julie, and Beth.  I would also like to say hello to Jennifer."  
Dave paused and at the last minute he added, "and to Katherine."  Dave was happy 
he had added Katherine as he really cared for her.  

Farhan did his usual sign off, then the producer motioned to stop taping.  
Farhan thanked Dave for his time and wished him well in the final game the next 
day.

Dave thanked Farhan and all the staff, then walked out to the main meeting room 
to join his friends.  The players were all waiting for him as they had finished 
their interviews.  Craig walked up to Dave and rubbed some makeup off his cheek.  
"You look very pretty, Dave."  The whole team burst out laughing at Craig's 
joke.

Dave turned red in embarrassment but then laughed with his friends.  He followed 
them out of the room as several more players made other teasing remarks.  Dave 
thought how almost nothing was off-limits within a team environment.

When they reached the main hall, Dave saw Ann waiting patiently.  He walked up 
to her and hugged her tenderly.  He had no sooner put his arms around her when 
the whole team started teasing him again.  He just looked at them and said, 
"You're all just jealous."

Dave looked Ann in the eyes and asked, "How have you been?"  The two looked into 
each other's eyes and formed a tiny universe of their own, ignoring the comments 
that were tossed their way.

She replied. "Not too bad for all that's happened.  I had a little easier time 
making friends here than I did in Charlestown.  Alberta has more transient 
people because of the always-changing oil business.  School is okay, but I miss 
Jennifer."  She held Dave's hand, "I really missed you too; but I eventually 
realized I would probably never be with you again, so I've tried to forget about 
you - it hasn't worked.  I know I apologized last fall but I wanted to say 
again, I'm truly sorry for everything I did."

Dave squeezed her hand, "Last fall, I was very angry and I didn't think I could 
ever forgive you but now I realize that we all make mistakes.  I forgive you."

While Dave was talking to Ann, the rest of the team had left the building and 
gotten onto the bus.  The team manager walked up to Dave and said, "The bus is 
leaving for the hotel.  Our supper is waiting for us, so we have to leave."

Dave looked at the manager and replied with an introduction, "This is Ann 
Kopsas.  She was my girlfriend on QAI last summer.  Her family has moved to 
Calgary.  We were just catching up."

Ann looked at the manager and asked, "I have my car with me, do you mind if I 
drive Dave to the hotel, so we can talk a little longer?"

The manager looked suspicious then reconsidered, "Okay, but Dave, I want you 
there right away.  The team should eat together."

Dave nodded understandingly and followed Ann out of the building.  Their car-
talk was very casual and when, Ann dropped Dave off at the hotel, he simply 
asked her, "Are you coming to the game tomorrow?"

She smiled, "Wild horses couldn't keep me away."

He kissed her on the cheek, headed for the door, then paused and asked, "See you 
after the game tomorrow?"

She nodded then replied, "See you tomorrow."  Her low voice gave Dave a tiny 
tingle.

Dave walked into the hotel and found the team seated and ready to eat.  He took 
a chair beside John and the abuse began flying from all directions.  Even the 
coaches joined in teasing Dave about his pretty girlfriend and special driver.  
Dave ate a large supper then pushed back from the table.  He was ready - for the 
game the next day and any possible games that night.