"Let's just say I figured I'd handle introductions myself, since manners apparently aren't part of your skill set. You're welcome."
Felix snorts again.
“Bold talk from an outsider,” Silas replies.
"Bold talk from someone bailing on one of Lakeview's most beloved traditions."
Silas jaw hardens. “You’ve been in Lakeview, what, half a day? Don’t pretend you’re here for the town. You don't even know the first thing about this place.”
“You’re right, I don’t know Lakeview the way you do.” I meet his gaze head-on. “But I know Mia. And Mia cares enough about this community to fly me from New York to deal with three hockey players having a tantrum."
"A tantrum?" His voice drops dangerously low.
"What would you call it? You signed a contract. The date changed for legitimate weather concerns. Now you're pouting because it's inconvenient?"
Silas’s voice drops. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Then enlighten me.” I slide the contract out and tap the highlighted section. “Original game date: December twenty-eighth. Weather service predicts a blizzard. The festival committee moves up the game on December twenty-third, which is well within their rights. You still get paid. Where's the problem?"
Felix takes a half-step forward. “It’s not that simple. That day—”
"Felix." Silas's voice cuts like a blade.
Felix shuts his mouth and Liam’s hands curl.
I look between them. “That day what?”
No one answers.
The quiet stretches, and I hear the windows rattle once as the wind outside hits them hard enough to make the panes hum.
I glance outside. The snow that was drifting gently twenty minutes ago is coming thicker now, angling sideways.
"I'm waiting," I say, letting impatience sharpen my voice.
Silas folds his arms over his chest, every line of him closing off. "It's none of your business. The date changed. We're exercising our option not to play. End of story."
“You don’t have that option,” I say evenly. “The contract allows for reasonable schedule adjustments in case of severe weather. This qualifies.”
“You’re here to tell us what we already know?” His mouth curves, not quite a smile. “Great use of a plane ticket.”
“I’m here because if you sit out, Lakeview takes a hit. You already know this event is important for the whole community. People have taken days off for this event, small businesses have invested in it." I hold his stare. “That’s what I care about, not winning some argument.”
The lights flicker, once, twice. The lamp beside the couch buzzes angrily before stabilizing. Wind howls again, louder this time.
Silas doesn’t look away from me. “You can dress it up in civic duty all you want. Bottom line is, we’re not stepping on the ice on the twenty-third.”
I sigh. He's like a broken record. My frustration spikes, but I keep my tone cool.
"So let me make sure I understand your position. You're willing to let the festival scramble, disappoint an entire town, tank sponsor confidence, and torch your reputation as Lakeview's favorite players… all without even trying to work with me on a solution." I tilt my head. "Did I miss anything?"
Felix's lips press into a thin line. Liam's shoulders go rigid.
“That’s not what we want, we—” Felix starts.
"But that's exactly what it is," I cut in, gentle but firm. "How can you be this selfish?"
Silas exhales through his nose, a rough, controlled sound. "You're very good at spinning other people's choices into your narrative, Ms. Quinn. But the fact is, the game was moved without our consent. It can be moved again." He starts to turn. "Now if that's all, you can show yourself out."
