One huge advantage of writing facts as opposed to sensational theatrics ends up being a plus for Noah. Gardenia has loosened up the rules, and the boys get to hang out—at her and Jakob’s place, not mine. Regardless, it’s a win for Noah and the twins.
I avoid Charles’s texts and calls the entire time I’m on the road trip. I don’t read his emails either. I don’t need to know what he’s saying. I know. He’s furious, and I can’t imagine how this is going to end. On the positive side, he’s been publishing my articles, so maybe he’s okay with them.
And maybe I’m the Princess of Wales.
I arrive back in Portland in time to attend the afternoon skate before game three tomorrow. I haven’t seen Drakos since that incident in the club, which I’m still not regretting even though I feel as if I should.
So what?
It was just sex. It meant nothing, even if it was the best sex I’ve ever had. I wonder what my sister would’ve said about that. I’ll never know.
Charles calls while I’m waiting for practice to start, and I leave my seat to go into the hallway where I have some privacy. Despite my hopes, I know this isn’t going to be pretty.
“Hi, Charles,” I say brightly, as if this isn’t going to be a contentious phone call.
“What is this boring crap you’re writing? Robert at the Scoop on Sports had all sorts of dirt that happened during those games. Why didn’t you?”
I hesitate. If he knew I had direct knowledge of the scuffle in the bar and didn’t report on it, there’d be hell to pay, not that there won’t be anyway.
“Because none of what he wrote happened.” I’m irritated because I was that person for the past two seasons.
“Since when does that stop you? Did you suddenly get a fucking conscience or what?”
“No, I’ve always had one, and I can’t compromise my integrity anymore. Besides, my last couple articles have been quoted on sports networks and by other sports news sites. I’ve brought new readers to All Hockey News.”
“I haven’t seen it.”
“I did. In the comment sections of the articles.”
“They won’t stay, and we’ll lose more readers than we gain. Go back to the tried and true, and stop trying to be a legitimate journalist. You’re a hack. Nothing more. Don’t attempt to rise above it, or you’ll be looking for another job.
“Will I? Maybe I’ll quit first.” The words tumble from my mouth before I can stop them.
“You don’t have the guts, and if you think our readers come to us for informative sports news rather than sensationalist crap, you’re delusional.”
I recognize the moral crossroads I’m at. “Why not try this approach? You might be surprised how our readers respond.”
“I already know how they’re responding—with countless complaints. We promise them the inside scoop on all the teams, and you’re not doing the job I hired to you to do.”
“I can’t lie and embellish for you anymore.” I say the words with my heart pounding so hard, I can barely hear his response.
“Then you’re fired. I should’ve done it long ago. You’re more trouble than you’re worth, and I have a dozen competent writers salivating to take your place.”
I’m not exactly shocked. I knew the consequences of going against Charles. Truthfully, part of me is secretly cheering to be done with him and his unethical media company, but another part panics at the lack of an alternative job.
I search for an appropriate, yet professional, response and am about to voice my opinion when I realize he’s no longer on the line.
What’s done is done. Now I have to find ways to survive until I can procure another job. My bank account balance is in the three figures. I have bills due, and Noah may have to quit hockey. Yet I can’t do that to him. I’ll sell my body first—not really, but it’s a thought.
No longer having a reason to attend practice, I head down the hallway toward the exit when I meet Drakos. He stops, so I do too. Our eyes meet, and my insides do a happy dance at the sight of him. Throwing caution to the wind and jumping his bones sounds good right about now, but I have more personal pride than that. Or I hope I do.
“Not sure what’s going on, but your last couple articles have been exceptional.”
“Exceptional?” I laugh bitterly. “Yeah, so exceptional I’m getting a raise.”
“Good to see your efforts recognized.” He beams with pleasure. Obviously, my sarcasm is lost on him.
We stare at each other, and I know we’re both recalling that mind-blowing night in the club. I could use a little sexual distraction right about now, but hooking up again would only make things worse, and that’s the last thing I need.
