Mel returns a minute later with my water, then quietly leaves to return to her duties. My confidence bleeding away as I wait for my entire universe to be upended.
Liam
It feels like forever before the face of our new GM appears from around the corner. Damon Hawk is a physically imposing guy. I’m pretty tall at 6‘1“, but he tops me by a few inches. He’s a man who clearly hasn’t skipped his workouts since his retirement. He looks as if he could go toe to toe with any of us and come out on top.
“Liam. So good to finally meet you.” His deep voice is warm and welcoming. It takes everything I’ve got to keep my nerves in check, and by some miracle, the hand I extend doesn’t shake. Firm but respectful without gripping too hard, just like Dad taught me. We head down the hall to one of the smaller conference rooms. He even holds the door for me to enter first.
Oh shit! Joslyn Robertson is here! Damn. I should have worn a suit, but it felt wrong to dress up just to get “fired.” I’m regretting it now.
Way to impress the new owner, Liam.
The auburn-haired owner is just as beautiful in person as she is on television. The grapevine’s been alive with talk since she became the principal owner of the Wolves a few months agowhen her brother-in-law, Tad Robertson, passed away. She and Jacob Robertson, Tad’s son, are now co-owners, but I’ve heard that she holds the majority. Personally, I’m not sad about it. Just about anything is better than Tad running this team, and every change I’ve seen has been positive.
She stands to shake my hand as I approach the small conference table. Her handshake is firm but not overbearing. She also has the softest hands and smells like fresh flowers. Her smile puts me at ease immediately.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Liam. I’ve heard some impressive things about you.”
She has? Interesting this to say to someone who they’re getting rid of, but then again, what do I know about any of this? This is all new to me.
“Thank you. You as well.” I mean it. Joslyn Robertson is the kind of person whose warmth just pulls you in and makes you comfortable.
There’s another man sitting next to her, but I take a second to notice him. He’s older, early forties maybe, with light brown hair and a hint of silver at the temples. I can’t place him, but he looks familiar. He holds himself aloof, his brown eyes wary, but not unfriendly. When he stands and holds his hand out in greeting, I have to look up.
“Sean Quinn. Nice to meet you, Liam.” My eyes light up at the name because it’s a familiar one. He coached Boston University last year when they won the NCAA Championship game. He’s taken BU to the Frozen Four every year since they hired him. There’s even some speculation that he would move into coaching at the professional level soon.
“We haven’t made the official announcement yet, but I’ll be taking over as Head Coach this year. I hope we rely on your discretion until the press conference tomorrow morning.” Holyshit! This year is going to be incredible, and I’m going to miss it. Fuck my life.
“Coach Quinn. Wow! It’s amazing to meet you. Nice job last year in Boston. Hell of a game.” I try not to act like an overeager fan, but, damn, this guy’s a legend.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” Damon says as he looks around for confirmation before addressing me directly. I take a seat across from Ms. Robertson and mentally brace myself.
“Liam, we’ve been getting encouraging feedback from current and former players about your leadership skills. Enough to be impressed. The recent trades have left us without a captain and that’s not how we want to start the year. We’ve all agreed that you’d be an excellent choice for captain. If you’re interested?”
What? Wait, Captain? Then it hits me. I’m not getting traded. They want to keep me. Holy fucking shit!
“Um, so I’m not being traded?” I sound about as mystified as I feel. Damon chuckles, and Joslyn gives me a reassuring smile.
“You’re not being traded. We’re trying to build something solid and lasting here. We think you would be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Damon’s response is calm. He seems to take my confusion in stride. I’m speechless. They offered me the C! I do a little internal celly.
“You don’twantto be traded? Do you?“ he asks, sounding concerned for the first time today. “I know last year wasn’t ideal, but we’re planning significant changes this year. We’d really like you to give us a another shot before you make that decision.”
I can hear the sincerity in his voice, and it hits me hard. They aren’t trading me. Which I evidently need to keep saying to myself until I actually believe it.
“No!” I almost shout, but quickly lower my voice. “Absolutely not. The Wolves are my team. Always have been. I grew up here in Colorado, and I don’t want to play anywhereelse.” I rush to assure him, afraid the opportunity will disappear if I don’t instantly affirm my interest.
“Glad to hear it. We agree. We’d also like to keep you here in Colorado, Liam. I know this organization’s got some challenges ahead of us, but I think we can handle it, if we all work together.”
“You want me to be Captain? Why?” I can’t seem to keep the disbelief out of my voice.
Being named captain has always been a dream of mine, but I can honestly say I never expected it to become a reality. It’s going to take a minute for me to accept it’s real.
“Because we need you. Because, and I’ll be blunt here, this team has been a damn disaster and we don’t want it to continue. Damon and I have plans to change everything about this team for the better and you were already working toward that in your own way, so we’d like your help fixing it” Joslyn gives me a look full of compassionate understanding.
That’s when I realize they know how incredibly toxic this team used to be. The relief that knowledge inspires is shocking in its intensity, because for the first time in a long time, it feels like I don’t have to keep fighting alone. My eyes sting, and I grip the arm of the chair, fighting back the feelings that are threatening to bubble to the surface.
Joslyn continues, trying to shift the focus so I can get myself under control. I give her a weak grin, grateful for her tact.
“When asked who they trusted the most, your teammates picked you, almost unanimously. You’ve got their respect, Liam, and that’s no small feat. We plan to take this organization to the next level in every way possible and we’d really like you to be a part of that.”
