Chapter 29

“Hello…” I hear after just one ring.

“Good Morning, is that Mr Wayne Gretzky?” I ask in a nervous tone.

“Yes it is, can I ask who is calling?”

“My name is Gillian. I work for the NHL, specifically the Pittsburgh Penguins. I was given your contact details by Mario Lemieux’s wife. I hope you do not mind me calling you.”

“It is a pleasure to hear from you Gillian although I was sure you hated getting your full name” he said laughing. “What can I do for you Gill?”

I giggled nervously at him picking up on me not liking to be called Gillian.

“There is a concert being held at the Melon Arena next month for the Mario Lemieux Fund, Nickelback are one of the groups playing and I realise you are a fan of them. I know that you starred in their ‘Rock Star’ video a few years back. I was wondering if you would like to attend the event. There is a charity meal being served before the concert.”

“That sounds brilliant, I would love to attend. Feel free to release my name if you think it would be beneficial. You are right, I think Nickelback are excellent and they are such nice guys.”

“Thanks Mr Gretzky, can I please ask you one more favour while I have you on the phone, this is more of a personal favour so please do not feel obligated to say yes and please tell me if I am out of order.”

“If I can help I will, please explain?” He asks with a curious tone.

“I don’t know if you are aware or not but Sidney Crosby and I are in a relationship.

“He is one of your biggest fans and it is a dream of his to meet you. I was wondering if you could come down just as training finishes the day of the event and spend some time with him.

“I understand that I am asking a lot of you and will understand if you say no.”

“I would be honoured Gill, I am a very big fan of Sid the Kid, he is an amazing young player so yes, I will do you a favour and spend sometime with Sidney. I don’t know if you have ever read any of my interviews but I have mentioned in several of them that Sid is the best player of his time and he will easily break any record that I have set.

“You mentioned that you were not sure if I knew you and Sid were in a relationship. I think the whole hockey world realises that you are together and by all accounts you make a brilliant couple. I know Mario and his family all think very highly of you and most of the other players / coaches etc. that have met you all think you are one amazing girl so I will not only be honoured to meet Sid the Kid but I will also be honoured to meet you – one of the most respected trainers in the NHL.”

“That means so much to hear that Mr Gretzky, thank you. Thank you also for doing this for me, I cannot even begin to explain how much I appreciate it.” I answer feeling a lot less nervous.

“Please call me Wayne. Thank you for your call and inviting me to have what will be a brilliant day at the charity event. I look forward to seeing you soon”.