That’s the part that hurts most, because I’m setting boundaries in my work life and my personal life based on strength I gained from a relationship that no longer exists. And maybe it never did, except in my mind.
But I don’t have time to think about that, because I’ll have a little breakdown if I do, and I can’t be late for this meeting.
“Thanks for meeting with me,” I say to Jake MacIntyre as I slide into the seat across from him at a coffee shop a block from my place.
“No problem,” he says and looks past me out the window. His entire demeanor screamsI have better things to do right now.
“AJ told you why she wanted me to meet with you?”
“Yeah,” he says with a shrug, “but I still don’t see what the big deal is.” He lifts his drink and takes a sip.
“You got drunk and then posted yourself ranting about the Department of Player Safety and the Commissioner of the NHL.” My voice is flat but my tone is full of judgment because who does that? Immature twenty-year-olds, I guess.
“He’s an idiot. That fine and suspension the department gave me were totally unfair and the commissioner should have at least overturned the suspension when I appealed.”
I tilt my chin as I observe him. He’s giving off an air of entitlement that often comes from being coddled, but I have no idea if that’s what this is, or if being a first-round draft pickand an instant millionaire has somehow made him think he’s invincible.
“Whether you agree with his decision or not, it’s binding. You’ll be lucky if there aren’t more fines or a longer suspension for violating ‘off-ice conduct’ policies.”
He rolls his eyes. “I’m allowed to have and express my opinion. It’s called free speech.”
“Yes, but you aren’t free from theconsequencesof your speech. In this case, your little rant could easily be considered abusive behavior, and it definitely makes the league look bad. Both of those things are violations of league policies, and could come with additional consequences. In this case, the best thing you can do is issue a formal apology for your behavior, and I’m happy to help you with that.”
“Pfffft.” He practically spits the sound out. “I’m not apologizing.”
I don’t know what this guy’s problem is, but it’s not winning him any fans right now, especially not with his team.
“Is there something else going on?” I ask.
His gaze narrows in on me. “What do you mean?”
“Your behavior is not only unsportsmanlike, but your complete lack of remorse for your actions is...” I don’t even know the right word here. “...concerning.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my actions. Fights happen during games all the time; I shouldn’t have been fined or suspended for that one. This whole thing is bullshit and reeks of favoritism.”
If he doesn’t understand why he went too far, that’s really on his captains, coaches, and GM to inform him. Which I know they have, and he’s still taking on this air ofI didn’t do anything wrong.
This kid needs to learn a little humility, and I hope someone humbles him real fast. But it won’t be me, because I don’t have time for his shit.
I shrug. “Okay.”
He looks at me like he was expecting a different response, but I’m here to guide him, not to baby him and convince him to do the right thing when he’s determined not to.
“I’ll let AJ know that you don’t plan to issue an apology.”
A look passes over his features so quickly, I can’t quite pinpoint what I just saw. But if I had to guess, it was fear. Which would make it the most logical reaction he’s had during this conversation. Pissing off your GM and doing the opposite of what she’s asked you to do is a bad move. But if he realizes that, he’s too stubborn to change his mind. “Good.”
“All right, thanks for your time,” I say, standing and smoothing my skirt down. I don’t miss the way he checks out my legs between the top of my knee-high boots and the hem of my short skirt. I am heading straight to a date from here, and I’m more concerned about looking good for that than looking professional for this meeting.
Based on this guy’s attitude, I’m wondering what the hell Natalie ever saw in him. Maybe he was different with her? Maybe I need to have the same conversation with her that AJ had with me?
It took me twenty-eight years to finally realize that yes, when someone shows you who they are, you should believe them. That philosophy would have saved me so much heartache with my mom, and with past boyfriends. But then there’s Aidan. He showed me who he was, and?—
Stop it right now, I tell myself as I turn and head toward the door. Yes, his actions showed me who he was, but his words said something different. Whether he’s lying to himselfor lying to me doesn’t matter. It’s over, because that’s what he wanted...which tells me everything I need to know.
On my way out the door, I pull out my phone and text AJ and Tucker Hartmann, letting them know how the meeting went.
AJ
