It’s the furthest thing from the truth.
And I hate it.
“With this technique, he’ll get on the ice faster than expected. Piper is working well with Nick to get him back where he needs to be.”
“Under whose supervision?” He crosses his arms, like he doesn’t believe either of us.
Claire bristles at his words. “Mine. We wouldn’t be doing this if it would hurt the players.”
“Coach, I’m fine,” Nick pipes up from his spot on the bench. “Really.”
“I’ll stop by tomorrow to make sure things are still going well.”
He disappears without another word.
“Don’t let him get to you, Piper. You’ve been doing good work here.”
“Sure.” I nod at her as she goes to help out anotherone of the players who took a vicious hit on the ice last night.
“Everything okay?” Nick asks when I make my way back to him.
“Fine,” I bite out.
He continues through the slow movements of his exercise. Ones that have been vetted by everyone in the industry as cutting edge for athletes.
But it’s supposedly me who doesn’t know what she’s doing. I’ve been studying and learning for years to do this. It hurts more than I’ll ever let anyone around me know.
No one takes me seriously. They never have.
It stings more than it should when it’s someone within the Black Diamonds organization that thinks that. I’ve more than proven myself to the team.
“You need me to keep going?” Nick asks.
“Let’s take a break. Hit the treadmill for some cardio.”
“Don’t let them bother you,” he tells me, hopping off the table with ease.
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“I know you better than that, Piper. It was a dick move.”
I laugh. “He’s your assistant coach.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“Whatever you say.”
He leaves me be as I go to straighten the pile of clean towels in the corner. I don’t know why, but having something to do with my hands helps to soothe away the sting of emotions.
I hate that the coach’s words bother me. It’s not the first time I’ve heard them and it won’t be the last. People have been underestimating me my entire life.
I’m more than just a pretty face. It’s just…no one can see past it.
“Can I get a towel?” a deep voice rumbles from behind me.
“What?” I jump, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. Cash is standing behind me, hands sitting on his hips.
