Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 121734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 609(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 609(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
He nodded. “What kind of plan are you thinking?”
“Some of my work will depend on the team, but with every job, I set different goals in motion. I’ll keep those goals updated, including techniques being used and their progress. If you still want to proceed with the plan I’ve created, I’d feel more comfortable if there was a replacement ready—someone who could step in and finish the work toward the goals I’d have in place, especially considering the sensitivity of any ongoing work.”
His eyes widened, and he took his time in responding. “Right. Well… I do want to move forward with you. Your results speak for themselves, so I’m not worried about that. Regarding Griffin, let me worry about him. Hmmm?”
“And a potential replacement?”
“Do you have a few names put together?”
“Yes.” Yes. We were moving away from anything personal and focusing on my work. My shoulders relaxed as I held out a list for him. “Here you go. For what it’s worth, I have this set up with any job I do. It’s just that because of Griffin’s involvement; it’s a bit more relevant than with my other clients.”
He took the list, sparing it a glance before setting it aside. “Of course. That’s just smart planning. I’m sure your past clients have appreciated the foresight.”
I smiled. That was nice to hear.
“I can have all of this added to your contract,” he continued. “But in the meantime, what do you need from me? What are your first steps?”
I ignored the sudden kick of nerves. “It’s time to meet your players.”
8
TYLER
“You ready for this?” Jesse Ray asked.
I glanced up from my seat in front of my locker as more of the guys showed up in the locker room. When I nodded, he sat beside me and started to change for practice.
I was quickly learning that Jesse Ray was the team’s go-to man. He was the greeter. He was the one people went to for questions or favors. He checked on the younger ones. It made sense why he was wearing the C. He’d tried reaching out to me a few times over the last couple days, but I’d been with Ski and Zoey. Correction, I was in Zoey’s hospital room. They’d put her in a coma to help her recover, and Ski refused to leave, so yeah, my sleep had sucked over the weekend.
At least my niece’s overdose hadn’t leaked to the news. I was grateful for that. I’d been hesitant about being there so much, but Ski insisted she didn’t care. She needed her twin, and she needed her daughter, and that was that. My sister was beyond reason. Though, who wouldn’t be in her place? I just really fucking hoped my presence wouldn’t make things worse for them.
I looked over again at Jesse. “You just mean am I ready for practice?” I asked.
He lifted his chin, watching the doorway. “Something’s up. That chick is back. I saw her earlier, talking to the new owner.”
I felt my eyes widen. “The owner?”
“Mal Benoit.”
“I thought his dad bought the team.”
He shook his head. “Nah, man. Mal’s got the money. He got the approval from the league, but I think they’ve tried to keep it quiet. You didn’t know when you came here?” He studied me.
I blinked, trying to clear away whatever he might see on my face. “No.”
His eyes narrowed. “I kinda assumed that’s why you were here. Like, he made you some big, huge offer and you couldn’t resist, you know? He just took over, and he’s motivated.”
“Ha. No. That’s not why I’m here. But they did well for me, considering the cap and all.” I’d taken a small hit compared to what I’d previously been earning. But I had to be here. Simple as that. Ski never wanted to relocate to New York, and I was done being away from her and Zoey.
“Huh. I thought for sure it was because of… You know, never mind.” He flashed me a grin and patted my arm before going back to dressing. “Lots of changes going on around these parts. I’ll catch up one of these days.”
Bruge came in and gave me a look as he went to his locker in the corner. Sunny was there, half suited up. Brick and Meester, the other goalie, were already dressed and waiting for the rest of us schmucks to finish. From what I’d seen, Meester was young and eager, but he got in his head too much. His eyes were bright and shining this morning.
The others filtered in around us, and chatter filled the locker room, along with music. Just when it was time to head for the ice, the locker room door opened. Coach Hines came in, followed by Benoit and the chick from Friday night’s game.
I sat up straight. She’d been at the Sunday game too, sitting ice-rink level. I’d caught glimpses of her a few times. There was never much time to ruminate or stare at her, but I had been hoping she’d make another appearance at a game. If I got the opening, I was going to shoot my shot.