Dad just shrugs. “It’s a strategy. Make a fortune on the betting side, then bring in real coaches and players. Surprise everyone, flip the odds, and make even more.”
He grins widely, and the room erupts in laughter.
I still don’t fully get it. Well, no, I do. I understand the money part. Everything with him is always about money.
I understand the betting. If the team wins a few games and appears to be doing well, people bet big. Then, when they tank, my dad and his select insiders reap the financial benefits. They can even shake down the losers who have lost a substantial amount of money and can’t pay up.
Logistically, I get it.
But deep down? I side with the guy who said he couldn’t imagine owning a team just to watch it fail. I’d want the wins. Championships. Pride. I’m not even that competitive by nature, but I couldn’t imagine deliberately sabotaging a team I actually cared about.
Funny thing is, I never asked Nik where he plays hockey. For all I know, he could be skating for this very team.
Wouldn’t that be something? The guy I’ve been…whateveringwith these past few months, playing for the team my father owns.
The thought makes me grin.
A voice interrupts my thoughts. “What’s making you smile, if you don’t mind my asking?”
I look up and see a handsome, boyish face, framed by a halo of light-brown, almost blonde curls. A dimple in one cheek. Blue eyes. Tan skin.
“I’m Luca,” he says, grinning, holding out a hand for me to shake.
Luca. I scour my memories. Do I know a Luca?
Oh. He’s one of the five father-approved matches in my little dossier of boys.
“Hi Luca,” I say, shaking his hand. He has a firm handshake and soft hands.
Do I like soft hands? I don’t know.
“You’reLeanna, yes?” he asks. “Your dad thought I should come over and introduce myself.”
“I’ll bet he did,” I mutter.
“Do you mind if I have a seat?” he asks, gesturing to the empty bar stool next to me.
“Not at all,” I say. “I’m not good company, though; I’ll warn you now. I have a final tomorrow, so I’m trying to cram.”
“Oh?” he asks. “In what subject?”
“Finance,” I say.
He brightens. “Well, lucky for you, I work in finance. I’ll happily quiz you, if you’d like?”
I push my mouth to one side, considering. “Okay, Luca. That would be great.”
He grins and takes my study notes from me. After reading off about twenty questions, he says, “You’re going to ace this.”
I cross my fingers and hold them up for him to see. “So you work in finance. Where?”
“Goldman,” he says. “I’m in from New York.”
“Ah,” I say. “You have a day job on Wall Street, but you’re important enough to warrant a trip to the Commission meeting?”
He blushes. “Uh, no, not really. I fix books for my dad. He’s the important one.”
I see his eyes flick to the man who groaned about the game not being rigged.
