One Tough Season

CHAPTER ONE

As the Boeing 707 taxied down the runway for takeoff, Lee practically burst with excitement. Two and a half hours more and she would be in New York; glorious, dirty, crime-ridden New York. Finally, after three long, hard years, a dream come true.

New York, she muttered quietly as the NO SMOKING sign clicked off.

Now, now, honey. Everything’s going to be fine, the elderly gentlemen seated next to Lee remarked, as he tried to comfort her. There’s nothing to worry about. Just settle back and enjoy the flight.

Lee smiled a thank you, unbuckled her seat belt and straightened the pleats in her skirt. Her parents would have snatched her off the plane if they had any idea of what she was planning. Lee thanked her lucky stars that her brother, Austin and his wife, Jane had settled in Brooklyn. A visit was just an excuse to get to New York. Lord, she felt like dancing down the aisle of the plane singing ‘New York, New York’. ‘Won’t this damn plane fly any faster?’ She cursed to herself, fidgeting in her seat.

Austin and Jane would be glad to see her. It had been a long time since she had seen them and on the last trip she hadn’t seen the entire city. Three days wasn’t enough time to do much of anything. Perhaps, this trip was a mistake. Perhaps, she should have picked a safer city. Perhaps, she should have kept her ass at home where she belonged.

Home, she sighed softly as she stared out of the window. Bob, her seat mate turned toward her and gently placed his hand over hers.

You’ll be home soon, honey. He assured her. But always remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you don’t try something at least once, there’s no way of ever knowing if it was possible. Every once and a while you just have to throw caution to the wind and say shit, why not.

Lee smiled sweetly and repeated. Shit, why not! She laughed.

Give it your best shot, honey, he finished, squeezing her hand firmly.

‘He can read my mind,’ she thought and then she tried to make her brain shut down, to make her mind a complete blank. It’s damn near impossible; both to be able to read strangers’ minds and to try to keep ones mind a complete blank. So instead, she left her mind stray back to her last visit to New York. It was on that trip that the seed had been planted. Austin had taken her to her first professional football game. She had finished college and was working in physical therapy at a small hospital. Football players were plagued by muscle, tendon and cartilage injuries, all within her chosen field. While seated in the stadium, her brother next to her, munching on a chili dog, she stared at the field and watched her dream unfold. Now, she desperately wanted to join a football team as an assistant trainer and in time, head trainer. She knew she could do the job; all she needed was a chance.

She had returned home determined nothing could stop her; everything would be hers in time. The last three years had not been easy; she continued her work at the hospital during the week. She spent weekends at a local massage parlor, learning the complaints of the everyday man and woman. Mainly men, some looking for more than a massage, most of whom she sent on their way. She had enrolled in night classes in experimental treatments of joint aliments. She wanted to learn all she could as quickly as possible. Three long, hard years and now she felt she was ready and what better team than the New York Badgers. Their quarterback, David Davidson, had recently had a knee injury and if she could relieve his pain, there would be no stopping her.

Bob broke her concentration as he spoke, pointing out of the window. Glance down, honey. Home should be just under the pollution.

She was able to make out the airport below. Home, she sighed. Lord, I hope so.

As Lee stepped into the concourse, she pushed her plans from her mind. There would be time enough for that tomorrow. Now she must prepare to meet Austin and Jane. Things must be natural, at least if they must appear to be natural.

Lee, Lee, over here, Austin called excitedly. It had been three years, but if anything Austin seemed younger than when she had seen him last. He looked as if had lost a few pounds, which made him appear taller than six-one. ‘He’d never make the team,’ Lee thought, unless of course, it was as a tight end,’ she giggled as he turned to call Jane over.

Jane never changed; she stood five feet four inches tall, cute as a button and springy as a spaniel. She was damn near flat-chested and broad-hipped but when Austin looked at her, she seemed to turn into a raving beauty.

‘True love works wonders,’ she presumed silently.

Lee’s last love had been Steve Stunning, the lead singer of a show band. He was a young man with a body that just didn’t quit, broad shoulders tapering down to the cutest little bottom and Lord, what a singing voice. He could melt hearts made of stone. Oh and was he ever in love—in love with himself. He reminded her of a vampire. He would suck the life from you and then cast aside the remains. Their on and off affair had lasted about two years before she called it quits. Sometimes, late at night, when she was alone, she still missed the beat of the drums, the glare of the spotlight and the demands of his body. But now she was to be in the public eye. She would be one of the many stars. A star glistening in the sunlight, while standing on the sidelines of a football field. She would no longer be the star’s girlfriend; she finally would be her own person.

Oh, Lee. It’s been so long. Jane gushed. I’ve really missed you.

Lee returned Jane’s hug as thought back to their childhood friendship. They had spent some fun-filled years together. They spent a great deal of their time giggling and chasing boys until Jane had fallen head over heels in love with Austin. They seemed to be more in love after all these years, but Lee wanted more. She wanted fun, fame and fortune. She wanted to better at something than anyone else in the world. She needed to possess a talent that everyone would want and demand.

Jane rambled on, while Austin collected the luggage. Lee tried to force herself to pay attention to Jane, but her mind refused to obey. ‘What in the world should she wear to the interview? Should she dress extremely feminine? Should she wear something short, pink, lacy or a simple A-line skirt and a sedate blouse, or perhaps her gray pantsuit? Maybe she should dress masculine or maybe blue jeans and a tee shirt. Damn, damn, damn.’ Panic raced through her thoughts, for three years she had been working toward this day and now everything was so confusing and so unsure. She had submitted an application for the assistant trainer position and had been granted an interview, but what would happen when they found out she was a woman? Could she possibly hide that fact? Lee was full-breasted with a tiny waist, well-rounded hips and long slender legs. Her hair, a rich brown, hung in a mass of waves around her shoulders. A woman on the Badgers’ team, had she wasted those three years? Bob’s words rung in her ears: ‘Throw caution to the wind.

Shit, why not! Lee breathed aloud. Jane spun around to face her and smiled.

I though you’d like to go shopping early tomorrow, but I didn’t expect that kind of an answer.

Lee lowered her head and blushed.

CHAPTER TWO

Lee spent the next three days being entertained by Jane and Austin. They saw to it that she wasn’t alone for a moment. They took her on a boat tour and to the Statue of Liberty. Austin saw that she was never still, he had front row seats for two plays at the Shakespearean Theater and took her to a cast party as he was a master carpenter for the company. Jane, on the other hand, made her shop until Lee thought she would drop. They didn’t leave her any time to think or plan. By the time she got to bed she was too tired to do anything but fall fast asleep. Her interview was scheduled for the next morning and she still hadn’t decided on her attire and panic was beginning to set in. She didn’t like lying to her brother and sister-in-law but she didn’t want to upset them before she even knew if she had the job. She led them to believe that she would be spending the day in the library gathering information for a research paper that she was preparing.

Austin and Jane lived in a rent controlled building in Brooklyn, that had been declared a historical monument as it was the first whore house in the Brooklyn area. It was only four stories tall and each floor had only one bathroom and one kitchen. The rest of the floor were small bedrooms, some of which had balconies that were added on in later years.

Austin had acquired four rooms on the second floor and as he was a carpenter, he had converted them into a cozy apartment. He had built them their own kitchen and bathroom so they did not have to roam the halls. Lee’s room was at the end of the hall on the fourth floor. It overlooked the East River, with the Brooklyn Bridge running overhead. At night the traffic had a hypnotic effect. But not even the bridge traffic could lull Lee to sleep tonight. Unable to sleep, Lee was up before dawn. She had pressed her clothes the night before and laid them carefully across the ladder back chair in the corner of her bedroom. She rose slowly from the small bed and strolled across the room to the balcony door. She slid back the door and stepped naked into the morning air. For New York, it was going to be a beautiful day. ‘Air pollution must be low today. ‘’ She thought as she breathed deeply. The balcony creaked under her weight, drawing the attention of the early risers walking below. ‘And visibility is good, fool,’ she thought as heard a gasp and then a low whistle. She quickly retreated into her room. Being arrested for indecent exposure would not look good on her resume’ for the Badgers.

After a long, hot shower, breakfast and a few clothes, Lee started out for her interview. It was such a nice day that she decided to take a cab, as she hated those awful holes in the ground that New Yorkers called mass transit.

The waiting room was nearly empty when Lee arrived and although she was fifteen minutes early, she was ushered into Mr. Hall’s office immediately. Mr. Hall, a weak-chinned, beady-eyed, little man, sat behind a massive oak desk. As Lee entered he looked up slowly and asked, "Are you with Mr. Stratford. Is he coming soon?’ His beady eyes darted back and forth searching for a non-existing companion.

Mr. Hall, I am Lee Stratford, she announced proudly. She watched as the disbelief raced through his mind.

You can’t be! I mean, you’re a woman, this job is for a man, he gasped, rising from his seat to stand before her.

Mr. Hall, please be seated. I am a woman and I have come for the job of assistant trainer, Lee assured him, placing her resume’ on the desk in front of him. If you will just look at my qualifications again, perhaps we can come to terms.

She sat quietly as he reread her resume’ carefully, examining each page. After he finished, he closed the binder and placed it to one side in front of him. The room was still and deadly silent as she sat stiffly and watched him stare at the desk top. Finally, she could stand no more. Mr. Hall, please! What’s your decision, I must know, she demanded, twisting the strap of her purse as she spoke.

We are in need of an assistant trainer and your references are very impressive. You seem to have experience in many of the needed areas, but a woman in the Badgers’ locker room, I’m not sure we could accept that. Mr. Hall spoke, never taking his eyes from the file before him. Lee shifted nervously in her chair. She leaned forward and leafed through her well-planned resume’. Did you notice that at St. John’s clinic, I helped design a knee brace, which will not replace surgery, it’s true, but it was proven to support the knee and prevent further damage until the time came for cartilage removal. She smiled weakly as she spoke. It’s still a bit bulky for football use, but I’m sure it could be modified with time and proper funding, she added.

If only you weren’t a woman, he muttered to himself. I don’t want to be against women, but in football, especially exposed to nude bodies, even if they are injured, it doesn’t seem right. What would the wives think? He questioned as little beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead.

But I am a woman, and I can’t change that fact, she answered, rising from her seat to tower over him, her feet slightly apart, her chin stubbornly set. I’m also the best man for the job and when you realized that, you can call me, but don’t wait too long, there are other football teams. Lee spun and left, slamming the door behind her. Several other applicants, male applicants, jumped slightly as she stormed from the outer office.

Fool, damn fool! She cursed aloud. The time and energy she had spent on deciding what to wear, and how to act were wasted.

She couldn’t change her sex. But as the elevator door shut behind her, she suddenly knew a way to win. Perhaps, with Jane’s help, she could hide her true self. Jane worked in wardrobe on a television soap opera. Surely, she could design something to help hide her figure. A new wardrobe, a new hair style and a new way of life. If it worked in the movies, maybe it could work in real life, just long enough for her to prove her worth.

Later when Jane returned from work, Lee spread her plan before her and after listening to numerous protests and complaints, Lee finally convinced Jane to help. By Wednesday, Jane had not only been able to complete a body suit, but except for minor adjustments, she had made Lee a man.

Lee stood before the mirror and stared at the bulky man in the reflection. She had learned to speak slowly and deeply to disguise her voice. With a little hard work, maybe she could pull this off.

Jane spoke, breaking Lee’s daydreaming, It’ll never work, you know that, don’t you? It’ll never work.

It has to work. I’ll make it work. I want it more than anything. Lee ranted, spinning to face Jane.

But if it doesn’t, then what? It wouldn’t be any great loss, Jane sighed.

No great loss! This is my life, my career we’re talking about, not some silly game! I mean, look at what we’ve done already. You’ve built this man suit, which starts over my breasts and thickens my body from there down to my hips. If that wasn’t enough, I am now the proud owner of a Bruce Jenner haircut, she giggled, running her fingers through what was left of her hair.

Short hair and a body like a barrel isn’t all it’s going to take, Jane reminded her.

I’ve got the talent, the know-how. I have magic in these hands, she argued, holding her hands for inspection. Oh no, my hands, she gasped. My nails have to be cut much shorter too.

Alright, let’s assume it can be done, Jane agreed. Now turn around again and let me see what else needs to be done.

She turned and stood silently, staring into the mirror. Jane stood beside her slowly shaking her head. What? Why are you doing that? Lee asked, turning sideways to check her profile.

If you are really going to go through with this crazy ass scheme, she paused to watch Lee’s reaction. Lee nodded her head and Jane continued. Then we’ve got to do something about your peaches and cream complexion.

A few weeks in the sun should take care of that, Lee replied, peering again into the mirror.

We’ll take care of it now, Jane smiled, pulling out her make-up kit. We’ll create a little five o’clock shadow and fill in you eyebrows and maybe add short sideburns.

Jane, you’re terrific, Lee gushed, hugging her tightly. With your help, I know it will work.

Austin came strolling into the room, rolling a pair of socks. How big of a penis do you want? He laughed loudly, tossing the socks high into the air.

You’re kidding, aren’t you? She gasped.

No, not if you want to be realistic, he replied, trusting the socks into her pants.

This is ridiculous, Lee giggled as she adjusted her newly acquired parts. Should I hang to the left or the right?

CHAPTER THREE

Seven o’clock the next morning, Lee arrived outside the stadium gates. The skies were dark with rain clouds, the sun a dull orange ball trying to burn its way through the grayness. There was a pleasant breeze whipping around and she prayed it would stay cool enough to keep her from dying of heat stroke. She imagined the emergency room staff’s shock if they had to cut her out of her disguise.

Good morning, sir. Can I help you? The stadium guard called, breaking her concentration, jarring her back to reality.

Yes, thank you, she answered in the deep voice she had been practicing all night.

"What is it you need, sir?’ The guard asked.

She stifled a giggle and almost turned to leave, but she had come too far to quit now. I’m looking for the head trainer of the New York Badgers’ football team, she replied, trying to remain calm.

I’m afraid you’re too early. Mr. Walker and the team won’t be arriving until nine, he frowned.

Damn! She cursed softly. She would have to wait two hours before anyone showed up. Could I wait inside somewhere? She asked.

Well, I don’t know. I’m not supposed to let anyone in without a pass, he explained, shaking his head.

I’ll stay right by your side until someone comes. she promised, smiling sweetly, forgetting that she was in disguise.

The guard, shocked at what he thought was a come on, took a quick step backwards, instinctively placing his hand on the butt of his gun. After a moment, he spoke roughly. I guess you could wait in the hall.

Thank you, I won’t touch anything. I promise, she thanked him, brushing pass him as he paused to lock the gate behind her.

‘Maybe this scheme would work after all,’ she thought as she followed the guard to a bench outside the locker room. Now if Mr. Walker showed up before anyone caught on to her, she might have a chance.

Time passed swiftly as Lee sat and rehearsed her plea for help in fulfilling her desire to work with the Badgers. The players started to arrive about a quarter to nine, along with coaches and head trainer, Charlie Walker. Lee had stopped a player headed into the locker room and had him point out Mr. Walker to her.

Charlie Walker was approximately sixty years old, standing five feet eleven and weighting in at about two hundred pounds. Lee studied him carefully as he approached her. He was bald except for a gray fringe of hair which joined a gray beard and mustache. He had a small pot belly but there was a lively bounce in his walk. She watched his gray-green eyes gleam as he spoke to the coach next to him. Lee could sense he was a father figure to most of the players, yet there was something extremely sexually about the carefree way he walk and the smoldering look in his eyes.

She cleared her throat twice and silently prayed she could speak above a whisper. Mr. Walker, she began, speaking in a deep throaty voice. Could I have a moment of your time, please?

I’m kind of busy right now, son, perhaps I could see you after practice, Charlie replied, never breaking his stride as he pushed open the locker room door.

Please, sir. It’s about the assistant trainer’s position. Please let me work with you. Let me show you what I can do. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied. Lee pleaded.

Mr. Hall in personnel is in charge of all hiring. Charlie grinned politely, closing the door in her face.

‘Damn,’ she cursed to herself. How the hell would she convince Mr. Walker to let her work with him? Perhaps she should have come as a woman; she might have been able to sleep her way into the job. But that would have made Mr. Hall right, women like that didn’t belong in football. She paced the hall impatiently, watching and waiting. They had to pass her to get to the field. The guard from the gate had come to escort her out, but she lied convincingly and told him that Mr. Walker had asked her to wait. Forty minutes later the players started to head for the playing field. Most of them were dressed in shorts with minimal padding. She could see where this job could be a temptation to a normal woman, but she wasn’t a normal woman. She was a determined woman and nothing would stand in her way; not pigheaded executives or the fantastic bodies of football players.

Charlie Walker emerged from the locker room engrossed in conversation with a player. As Lee turned toward him to speak, her gaze fell upon the football player walking beside him. Not even in the underwear commercials had darting Dave Davidson looked so attractive. Like most of the others, he wore shorts, no padding and a jersey which stopped right above his naval. He had long arms and slender fingers. His legs were long and muscular ending at small firm ass. As her eyes drifted upward, she found a trim waist, a massive chest and broad shoulders. His wavy black hair was a trifle long, hanging unruly over his ears and his emerald green eyes seemed to flash as he spoke to Charlie, the dimples dancing in both cheeks.

When he looked up and met Lee’s gaze, she swore she felt an electric shock shoot through her body. She stood before him unable to speak or move except for an involuntary shutter.

I’ve seen hero worship before, but this is ludicrous. Charlie laughed, breaking the spell Lee was under. Dave laughed too, deep and rich but with a touch of boyish delight. He sidestepped her and headed for practice. Charlie went to follow but Lee placed her hand gently on his forearm.

Please, Mr. Walker, let me explain, Lee began nervously.

Son, I’ve already told you, Mr. Hall does the hiring. Charlie stopped her speech.

I’ve seem Mr. Hall. He was impressed with my qualifications, but he doesn’t think my type belongs in football. Her voice broke a little as she continued. If you would only let me work with you today, then you could tell him how good I am.

Charlie smiled and studied the young man before him.

His build left a lot to be desired but then he would be working on the sidelines, not on the field. Will that change you type? He asked.

She let out a high pitched giggle and answered, No, nothing can change that!

Are you gay, son? Charlie asked in a very serious tone of voice.

NO!

Are you sure? He asked again.

Positive! You let me work with you today and after I will explain everything, she begged. She clenched and her unclenched hands and prayed she would not have to reveal all to him now.

Come on, son. The team’s waiting. Charlie replied, placing an arm around her shoulders, guiding her toward the playing field.

Lee didn’t leave Charlie’s side. She listened to every word and obeyed every command. She also offered opinions and advice which Charlie politely ignored. After a few hours, Lee finally learned to keep her mouth shut unless Charlie asked her directly for suggestions. She even stood silently by as Charlie and Sam Connors, a wide receiver, had a shouting match.

Sam, I have wrapped this ankle three times in the last half hour. You claim it’s either too tight or too loose, just what do you want? Charlie screamed in disgust, throwing the ace bandage into the stands.

I want it tight at the bottom, loose in the middle and then tight again at the top, Sam yelled back, thrusting another bandage into Charlie’s hand.

Before Charlie could blow another fuse, Lee stepped forward and took charge, pushing Sam down on the bench. She knelt before him and started to work on his ankle.

When she had finished, Charlie came over and whispered. He’ll be back in ten minutes to be rewrapped.

Lee watched as Sam bounced around the field, testing her work and she beamed proudly when he didn’t return to complain. Turning her attention back to Charlie, she asked, Why does he want it wrapped at all? I couldn’t find anything wrong with that ankle and there didn’t seem to be any pain.

Charlie smiled and leaned over to speak softly into her ear. Sam’s a bit on the crazy side. He dreamt that he had injured that ankle and ever since he has wrapped it to be sure nothing will happen.

Are there any other oddities I should know about? Lee laughed as she watched Sam run down field to catch a pass.

Well, let me think, Charlie paused for a moment and then smiled wickedly as he continued. Oh, yeah. Sam and his wife, Sandra, live apart during the football season. She stays at home in Connecticut and Sam lives with Dave. She won’t even watch the games on television. Sam has convinced her that if she doesn’t watch, he won’t get hurt.

She doesn’t sound very smart. Lee frowned.

Sam can be very convincing and if his words don’t get you, his tears will. Charlie warned her.

I’ll remember to keep my distance when it comes to Sam, Lee assured him.

No, Sam’s a great guy. You couldn’t be safer with anyone else out here, not even me, Charlie corrected her. It’s just once he sets his mind about something, nothing can change it, Charlie explained as he packed medical supplies as practice was over.

Pack it up, son. Charlie ordered. We’re headed inside for repair work, he joked.

Before you do, I need to know. Will you help me get the job, she asked, holding her breath, waiting for his reply.

Charlie stopped packing supplies and paused thoughtfully before speaking. You’re very good at what you do, son. I’d be pleased to have you working at my side. Charlie beamed from ear to ear when he smiled. I’ll speak with Mr. Hall tomorrow morning.

Before you do, there’s something I’d better tell you, she confessed.

You’re not a man, are you, son? Charlie completed her confession.

How did you know?

I’ve been around a great many women and a few assistant trainers. Your disguise is good but you care about the players too much to be a man. You’ve got a maternal instinct. The real clincher is the light that shines in your eyes whenever Dave comes by. I’ve seen that light hundreds, no thousands of times, he laughed as he handed her a medical kit to carry. You still have the job, he added, heading for the locker room.

Lee lifted the bag and followed behind him, her future unfolding before her. Today New York, tomorrow the world. Charlie, however, did not let her enter the locker room, he explained that she should be officially hired and the team informed of all details before the final step was made. Lee had to agree that this was best and headed back to Austin’s to wait for the phone call from Mr. Hall.

CHAPTER FOUR

After two days of waiting, Lee finally gave up and called Charlie Walker. He was very apologetic, but management refused to hire her. He had even threatened to resign if she was not given the job immediately, but they had called his bluff. Charlie had hit a dead end. He was sorry, but there was no more he could do. Lee slammed the phone down in disgust and cursed. There must be a way to get through to the pea brains. Suddenly, she had it, the perfect way.

Monday, Lee called the owner of the New York Badgers, Paul Garner, and made an appointment with his secretary for Mr. Hall. Then she called Mr. Hall’s office and left instructions with his secretary to have him in Garner’s office promptly at nine o’clock the next morning. Last, but certainly not least, she called Charlie and asked him to join her at Mr. Garner’s office. The timing would have to be perfect but it was her last chance.

The next morning, Lee and Charlie waited down the hall from Paul Garner’s office until they saw Robert Hall scurry from the elevator, race down the hall and barge through the office doors.

Come on, Charlie! We must get inside before they realize that neither of them knows what the other wants. Lee demanded, pulling Charlie toward her future. It was now or never, she mustn’t choke, she must stand firm, be tough. She’d show them what this woman was made of.

As Lee and Charlie entered the outer office, they could hear tempers flaring in the next room. There was no one at the secretary’s desk, and Lee assumed that she was inside trying to explain to Mr. Garner who had called and made the appointment for Mr. Hall. Lee slowly opened the door and peeped inside. The secretary was showing Mr. Hall her memo pad stating that his secretary had called for the appointment, but Mr. Hall was insisting she had called his secretary.

Lee held back an urge to laugh and strolled into the fires of hell. Gentlemen. Perhaps I could be of some assistance? She smiled sweetly and extended her hand.

Miss Stratford! Are you responsible for this mess? Mr. Hall turned and stood before her, his arms folded across his chest, his gaze cold and stony.

Charlie stepped into the office to stand behind Lee, neither spoke a word.

Mr. Walker, you should be at practice. If you value your job, you’ll get your ass to work. Mr. Garner ranted as he shoved Charlie toward the door. You, young lady, get out of my office.

I want to keep my job, but I need reliable, qualified help. Lee fills these needs. I want her hired to work by my side. Charlie answered, returning his shove.

If you’re not out of my sight in thirty seconds, the both of you will be job hunting, side by side.

Charlie, leave, please. I think I can handle this matter now. Lee assured him. She prayed silently, she knew what she was doing.

Are you sure? Charlie asked.

Lee nodded and smiled.

Call me later. He left quickly, closing the door behind him.

Lee stood before her enemy alone, but convinced that she would be victorious. Before Hall or Garner could speak, she began her final plea for employment. Please sir, I know I can be an asset to the team. Let me prove it to you as I have already convinced Mr. Walker, Lee began.

There are other openings for employment. I believe we are in need of a cheerleader. Mr. Garner suggested, turning to Mr. Hall. I’m sure we could arrange immediate employment, could we not, Robert?

I don’t want to be a damn cheerleader. I’ve got a talent for healing. I’m trained in physical therapy. Please, let me prove it. I can help the team, I can do it. Please, just give me a chance. Lee pleaded, not allowing Robert to answer. She held back the tears. She wouldn’t cry, she couldn’t, it would show she was a weeping woman. She wasn’t, what she was, was angry, really angry and she wouldn’t let them deny her, her destiny.

Out of my office, now. Mr. Garner hollered. Now, I said!

I’ll sue, she spoke softly, grabbing their attention. You’re not allowed to refuse me this job just because of my sex. She watched the shock in their eyes, heard their denials and patiently waited until there was silence.

Mr. Hall said I was qualified, but he couldn’t have a woman on the Badgers’ team. That, gentlemen, is discrimination. I will take you to court if I am not hired. She smiled wickedly, the light danced in her eyes.

Robert, did you really say that? Did you? Mr. Garner inquired. The sound of dismay in his voice delighted Lee.

I did, sir, and truthfully, that’s the only reason we’re not hiring her, isn’t it? Robert replied quickly.

Robert, don’t make it worse, Mr. Garner screamed.

The papers are going to have a field day with this issue, gentlemen. She laughed as she strolled out the door and down the corridor. If I don’t hear from you by noon tomorrow, The New York Times will be hearing from me and you’ll be hearing from my lawyers, she threatened one last time as she stepped into the elevator.

Noon! She shouted as the doors slammed shut.

Damn that woman, Paul Garner cursed. Now we have no choice but to hire her. She’s got us over a barrel. He broke the pencil he was holding and threw it across the room. His face was crimson and the veins stood out on the sides of his neck. Hire her, Robert. Tomorrow, call her at 11:59 and tell her she’s got the job and then have the boys on the team put her through hell!

But sir, she’s very qualified; she might be an asset to the team. Robert explained carefully, backing away from Paul’s fury.

An asset! I don’t care! She threatened me, no one does that, he ranted. No one!

CHAPTER FIVE

The first three days on the job had been fairly easy, learning what to do and what not to do. Then on the fourth day all hell broke loose. She learned the tension and mental exhaustion of football. Training camp almost over, as she joined the organization late and the players were all playing their best, wanted to win a position on the first string. She discovered the worry you experience while you wait to see if all the players are fine as they untangle from a pileup; the panic that comes with every injury and the frustration when you have to call for a stretcher, knowing that there’s no more you can do on the field and this was only practice. She wondered if she would last through the first game. The physical pain she would learn to endure. Her back ached from the packing and carrying of medical supplies. Her knees were raw from kneeling to work on ankle and foot injuries. The muscles in her arms and hands throbbed from hours of massage. Somehow, she would endure, endure or die trying. The players were accepting her into their foal much better than management had planned. She was allowed by the players to enter any and all parts of the stadium; she was, in their minds, part of the team; their family.

Management had ordered her to stay out of the showers and limit her visits into the bowels of the locker room to extreme emergencies only. They had informed her that she would be allowed to touch the players only when Charlie Walker was in the room. Management had also stated that she was to continue to masquerade as a man and forbid her from engaging in intimate relationships with any football player. Still, with all the restrictions, Lee felt joy and pride. She has won; she was a member of the Badgers’ organization.

Even now, her body hot and tired from working practice, trapped inside her bulky disguise, she was thrilled to be kneeling before Sam Connors, fussing over his healthy ankle.

Just relax. I haven’t hurt you yet, have I? She laughed, unwrapping the tape.

While you’re down there, Sam returned her laughter, pausing to smile snidely.

Go on; ask me to do you a favor. She finished the phrase for him. I’ll do you a great favor. I’ll forget your crudeness and won’t bite your balls off. She nipped him gently on his calf to emphasize her statement.

I was kidding, he apologized as he squirmed away from her hands.

I know, I know! Now sit still and let me work in peace, she demanded.

Well, Sam, I see you’ve got your hands full, David Davidson joked, limping toward the showers.

Dave, wait! Come here, Sam called. I know that you’ve met Lee, but have you let her work on your knee yet?

Nobody’s touching my knee. The damn thing kept me up most of the night. I’m going to hit the showers and then go home and pack it in ice, he cursed over his shoulder.

Ice will reduce the swelling, but moist heat will be better for the pain, along with a massive dose of aspirin, Lee spoke, never raising her eyes from Sam’s ankle. She found it hard to speak when she looked into his bright green eyes.

Dave stood silent for a moment, staring down at the newest member of the organization and then finally agreed. Okay, I’ll give it a try tonight and let you know if it works.

Lee stopped her work and cocked her head slightly to gaze into his emerald eyes, she smiled and spoke. "Okay