“Those photos everyone thinks are Kendall Hart with Jameson Cross?” Damien’s grin widens. “That’s not Jameson. That’s Patterson. I can confirm that Kendall and Patterson have been together for months. Coach has known and covered for them.”
The blood drains from my face.
“You’re saying Coach Hart knew about the relationship?”
“How could he not? The whole situation is a joke. Patterson breaks the rules, dates the coach’s daughter behind everyone’s back, and when it comes out, what happens? He gets a little vacation to hang out with his girlfriend while the rest of us are fighting for the playoffs.” Damien shakes his head with a performance of disgust that makes my hands ball into fists. “I want to beat Cross on the ice, fair and square. Not have his records handed to me because Coach Hart can’t control his daughter’s love life.”
The interviewer’s eyebrows shoot up. “Those are serious allegations.”
“They’re the truth. Ask anyone. Patterson Cross has been untouchable for years. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s one of the best in the league. The suspension is damage control for Coach Hart, who’s trying to save face,” he says, enjoying every second of this. “Everyone knows that. Maybe it’s time for him to retire?”
My mouth falls open as I listen to Damien ultimately call this suspension bullshit too. But he’s mixing truths with lies, and that’s when the context of the situation gets convoluted. He’s guessing, piecing together rumors and tabloid photos and his own bruised ego from when I beat his face in for talking shit about Kendall.
“Patterson Cross needs to be put back on the ice, and Coach Hart needs to retire immediately.”
Kendall is as shocked as I am.
“Did you hear that?” I ask.
“We’re living in the twilight zone, and Damien is trying to get you back.” She shakes her head. “I don’t like that he’s planting seeds that my dad needs to leave the sport.”
“Yeah. That part pisses me off.”
She stares at the screen, where Damien is still running his mouth. They show the replay of me kicking his ass, and he grows more animated. His hands move, and his expression twists into fake concern.
The interview cuts to a panel of commentators, who are already spinning the story in twelve different directions.
“… Romeo and Juliet situation here, with the coach’s daughter caught between her father and?—”
“… raises serious questions about favoritism and whether Cross has been receiving preferential treatment?—”
“… if these allegations are true, Coach Hart’s credibility is completely?—”
I mute it again because I can’t listen to another second. Kendall hasn’t moved, hasn’t blinked, just sits there, watching her life get picked apart by strangers.
“Ken Doll?—”
“It’s not supposed to be this way.” The words rush out. “All of this. The suspension. The losses. Now Damien. The headlines. My dad. When does it stop?”
I don’t have an answer for her.
“I should’ve never kissed Damien on New Year’s Eve to make you jealous. I gave him ammunition. I?—”
“Hey.” I take her face in my hands and make her look at me. “Damien Blackwell is a bitter asshole who’s pissed off because I consistently beat him in every stat that matters. He’s not doing this because of something you did. He’s doing it because he saw an opportunity to hurt me and took it.”
“But my dad?—”
“Your dad made his own choices. He chose to ban you and bench me. He chose to make a statement, calling me a problem. He chose to let his pride tank his team’s playoff chances.” I hold her gaze and make sure she’s hearing me. “None of that is on you.”
“I’m so afraid this anger is going to drive him to lose everything.” Her eyes are wet now. “His reputation. His career. Playoffs. He used to be one of the most loved coaches, and now it feels like they’re turning on him.”
“No one is safe in this situation. The focus shifts fast, whatever will create clicks and retention. Navigating the world outside of hockey is still a game.”
“He’s going to lose everything.”
“You know what he’ll never lose?” I wipe a tear from her cheek with my thumb. “You. Because no matter what happenswith this, you’ll always be his daughter, and he’ll always be your dad. Nothing will ever change that. Now, his job? Maybe. But those are decisions he made. Not you. Not me. Him.”
She closes her eyes, and the tears fall. “I love my dad so much, and I don’t like seeing him so hurt.”
