Chapter One
BEXLEY
“Bexley. What do you have to say about the team’s recent success?”
“Coach Barney has been leading the team well. Hollins and Williams and the whole line is gelling well. I like what I’m seeing out there.”
“The outgoing GM set you up nicely to continue the winning seasons that Black Diamonds fans are used to. What do you have to say about that?”
Grinding my jaw and crossing one leg over the other, I steady my thoughts before shouting the first thing that comes to mind. I don’t know why I started these weekly press conferences.
Maybe to prove myself? Even after we won the Stanley Cup last year, everyone simply praised the outgoing GM for setting me up for success. It wasn’t something I got any credit for.
So here I am. Bright and early on a Monday morning, answering the same old questions over and over again.
Like why the team is successful…almost in spite of me.
“I’ve been around this game since I was born. I know hockey, probably better than most people. So yes, Paulson set this team up to win the cup last year. Changes in leadership can alwaysaffect a team. Our guys are a strong group and they do a great job pushing out distractions. I have every faith that they will keep the outside noise out of the locker room so they can focus on our ultimate goal of bringing another championship home to Denver.”
“And what about Fields’s recent injury?”
Jesus, it’s like they don’t even hear me when I talk. I really should cancel these press conferences. Tell them all to fuck off.
If only…
“He is recovering well, and hopefully he’ll be back to the player we all know and love soon.”
Even if he isn’t back to full strength yet.
Another reporter pops up from the back of the press room. It’s nothing but concrete walls painted in the team’s colors with our sponsors plastered behind me. “Do you feel the league should have punished Graham Fisher?”
“Was it an intentional hit?” I cross my arms, thinking about the question. “I don’t believe it was. It’s one of those unfortunate series of events that happens on the ice. Hopefully Noah will be back into top form soon.”
Because anything less than that and I don’t want to think about his future with the team.
“Do you think the team will be gunning for Fisher the next time they play the Knights?”
I scoff. “I certainly hope not. I don’t condone that kind of behavior on the ice.”
“And off it?”
“I think that’s all we have time for today,” Cassie cuts in, strutting into the press room. “We appreciate you all being here today.”
I watch as the room empties out around me, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Why do you do this to yourself, Bex?” Cassie asks once the room is empty.
I grab the glass of water and take a hearty gulp. “You know why.”
She rolls her eyes at me as I kick my feet up on the table. The Black Diamonds logo hangs heavy behind me. The weight of it always seems to be pressing down on my chest.
I was handed the reins from my father last year, and I don’t want to disappoint him. Or his legacy.
“The men don’t do this,” Cassie scoffs.
“Because they don’t have to. You show up with a dick and they assume you know how to do this job. Even if you don’t have the first clue how to do it.”
“Would it help if I told you you’re doing a good job?”
