"I need you to make this work." Coach Anderson leans forward. "You're the captain, Emmett. Your job is to keep this team focused. No distractions. No drama. Can you do that?"
I study him. Two brothers. Both talented. Both coming off public scandals. This could go very well. Or it could implode.
"Of course. What do you need from me?"
"Keep them in line. Make sure they integrate. The rest of the team will have opinions.Questions.I need you to set the tone. I don't want these two to be a distraction." That's probably inevitable right now. "I want them to know that we don't care about the tabloid bullshit. We care about winning. Pierre and Felix are here to help us do that. End of story."
Coach Anderson is right. As much drama as these brothers are in right now, they're some of the best players in the league. Any team would kill to have these two on its roster.
I nod. "You don't think Pierre is going to struggle going from leading a team to being a follower?" Don't need him undermining me.
"I've been assured by upper management that Pierre is here to play. Bring home the cup. He understands that by accepting this deal, the captaincy is not included. You are the captain."
"You think he's going to respect that?"
Coach Anderson nods. "Yeah. He's a good guy. I've worked with him before, he does what's best for the team."
"That's probably what his last team thought, too." I don’t mean to sound catty with that comment. Coach gives me a look. "Sorry. That kind of came out."
He gives me a smile. "I get it. But from what I hear, he didn't want to leave. He also couldn't stay there anymore. I think whatever happened was too much for him to ever work with that organization again."
Fuck.
"I'm sure one day the truth will be revealed. Or maybe he'll tell us. But right now, we know nothing about the reasons why. Can I trust that you're going to welcome them to the team?"
"Of course," I tell him.
Coach nods.
"When does Pierre start?"
"Press conference is tomorrow. They're announcing him then. The media think they're just getting a Felix welcome event. They're going to surprise them with Pierre."
"That's going to be chaos."
“Probably. But it'll generate buzz. Get people talking about the Mavericks. Put the other teams on alert. We have a chance this year for the cup. If we can get the team dynamics sorted, it's ours." He's right. "Training camp starts Monday. I need you there early. Set the tone with the team before the brothers arrive."
"I'll handle it."
"I know you will. That's why you're captain."
I stand and shake his hand, then leave.
This is going to be interesting.
I watch the press conference from my apartment the next day. It's streaming live. The arena is packed with media, there are cameras everywhere. Felix St. Pierre walks out first. He looks comfortable and confident, he handles the questions well. Talks about being excited for a fresh start. About leaving the LA drama behind. About proving himself with a new team. The media eats it up.
Then the moderator speaks. "We have one more announcement today."
The room goes quiet.
"Please welcome Pierre St. Pierre to the Manhattan Mavericks."
The place explodes.
Pierre walks out and sits beside his brother.
The cameras go insane. He looks ... calm. Composed. Not like a guy whose life imploded not that long ago. The questions come fast.
