“Yes.”
“You see where I’m going with this?”
I do, but it’s not nepotism, even if that’s how it looks. I didn’t ask for this job—they came to me. Does defending myself prove anything in this moment?
“What a fucking Mickey Mouse organization this is,” he mutters.
“Wayne Gretzky,” my dad says with a hint of admiration. “New Jersey Devils.”
Logan turns toward my dad, and his eyes narrow. “Youactuallyknow something about hockey?”
“Bringing the team here was my idea,” my dad says. “Let’s order a drink. I’ll tell you how I envision getting us into something worth celebrating—maybe even with a cup.”
Logan’s nod is slow to come, but he follows my father toward the bar.
“He’s intense,” Hollyn says, her gaze shifting between me and Tamiko.
I stare after him and wonder what I’ve gotten myself into.
“He was the last player to arrive on the island. The last one to enter the party. He’s difficult, but not exactly unpleasant.” Tamiko worries her lip. “It’s very clear he doesn’t want to be here.”
At the bar, he’s talking to my dad, and the lines between his brows suggest he’s listening intently but not quite on board with whatever my father is trying to sell him as a vision. I have no doubt my dad does know a thing or two about hockey. He’s loved professional sports—all kinds of them—ever since I can remember, but that’s not the same as running a team. Up until now, I’ve only considered the impact of bringing the team to the island, but I hadn’t really thought about how the players and staff must feel.
Their lives have been uprooted. Brought to a small island in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t even get a proper winter or has any history with ice-related sports. If I’m not exactly what Logan pictured or anticipated, I can see how he’d start to wonder if he’s come here to watch his career tank. The arena is nice—extremely well-done—but that doesn’t equate to a functioning team.
“I think if I was him,” I say, carefully, “I’d be a little worried too. A bit uneasy. You said he’s a top scorer, right?”
“Top ten in the league since he joined the team at eighteen.”
“The coach came, though, right?” I ask, turning to Tamiko. Up until now, I haven’t asked many questions. I said yes to the job in the hopes of shaking off my experiences over the last few months, giving myself a fresh start at something new. But I haven’t spent much time thinking outside myself.
“Head coach, yes. It’s a new assistant coach. Most of the team management is the same. I’m learning a lot about the organizational structure as we go,” she admits. “Logan is, maybe rightfully, a bit pissed that no one on the island seems to knowenough.”
“If the one thing I really cared about wasn’t being taken seriously by the people who need to take it seriously, I think I’d be angry and frustrated too.” I hate thatI’malso contributing to his frustration.
“I wouldn’t say there’s anyone who’s not taking it seriously,” Tamiko says, straightening. “Those of us on the island who aren’t familiar with ice hockey or professional sports have a lot to learn, that’s all.”
I’m not going to push, but I can see how being sold to an organization that has a lot to learn would be irritating, even if everyone is trying their best.
“I’ll go talk to him tomorrow,” I say. “Maybe we can get off on a different foot with each other.”
“Good luck,” Tamiko says. “I used my loveliest, most professional voice today, and he was as cold as ice.”
And I don’t know how well I’ll stand up under his icy exterior tomorrow either. But it’s a good test for me to see whether I’ll wilt under his disapproval, whether the damage to my roots goes far deeper than I want to admit.
Chapter Four
Logan
The next morning when the doorbell to the apartment rings, I take one last lingering look at the expansive view of the ocean, the bustling street far blow. At leastthispart isn’t so bad. Then I hoist myself out of the hot tub and secure a towel around my waist. My wet feet slap against the expensive wooden floor as I walk through the open-plan living room and kitchen to the door near the rear of the apartment.
Chayton picked this place from the photos I was sent, and I was a little surprised by the high ceilings, huge windows, and oversized rooms when I arrived yesterday. This place feels rich, which is a new sensation. The last three years, I’ve hoarded my money, only spending what was absolutely necessary. I didn’t want to be one of those cautionary tales—a sports star who gets a big contract and blows it all on stupid shit. So, I haven’t really blown it on anything. Except for a single large purchase, but I’d argue that one had been a necessity too.
I check the peephole. While I was assured that this building had tight security and I doubt the team has many fans yet, it’s worth being cautious.
When I see who it is, I rock back on my heel.
Sawyer.
