It’s only adding more fuel to the fire to make every fan hate me. On top of sleeping with the goalie, I’m cutting the most beloved player?
Yeah, it’s a shit day and about to get even shittier.
“I can have them up here in five minutes.” Anna is tapping away on her tablet. “Lunch is ordered and I’ll bring it in right after your meeting.”
“Thank you.”
She spins on her heel and leaves my office, shutting the door with a quiet click.
Thank God for the blinds in here, because I could not stand the looks today. I got enough of them walking in, thinking I had toilet paper stuck to my shoe when I realized it was something else.
I take a few steadying breaths, trying to push all other worries aside to focus on what I need to do next. It’s what Noah deserves. Not some half-assedyou’re gonebecause I’m too distracted by his best friend to give him the news in a more gentle manner.
A knock on my door can only be one person. At least Anna has prevented people from coming and going in here all day.
She should get a raise for that.
“Come in.”
The minute the two of them walk in, the mood changes. Tension hangs thick in the air as I wave them over to my small sitting area.
“Hey guys.”
“How you holding up, boss?” Coach Barney asks, dropping down into one of the seats.
“I’m fine.” I wave him off. “I’m sorry to bring you both in here today, but we need to have a talk, Noah.”
I address him, and based on the way he’s sitting, he knows what’s coming.
“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this?—”
“You’re trading me?” he cuts me off.
I wince, nodding at him. “I’m sorry.”
Noah pushes a hand through his brown hair, shaking his head in what I take to be disbelief. “I can’t say I didn’t see it coming. I wish I didn’t, but I know I’m not recovering like I should be. Fucking knee.”
I humor him with a laugh. “You’re one of the best players we’ve ever had, and I wish things were different.”
“All good things must come to an end, right?” A sad look washes over him and I hate it. I really do.
“I’ve got some numbers for you for people in Nashville that will help you get setup once you’re there. The team wants you in San Jose, so they’ve arranged flights for you to meet with the team there.”
“Wait, Nashville?” This time, it’s a look of disgust on his face. “You’re sending me to Nashville?”
“I’ve talked with Coach Rivers and he’s a good man,” Coach interjects. “You’ll do well under him.”
“But…Fisher is there.”
“I wish it didn’t have to be this way, Noah.” Coach Barney looks sad as he holds his hand out to him. “You’re truly a one-of-a-kind player and I know you’ll only support your team once you get there.”
Noah grumbles something else about Graham Fisher. There is no love lost between the two of them.
“Thanks, Coach.”
“Thank you for all you’ve done for the Black Diamonds, Noah. We wouldn’t have gotten the cup last year without you.”
“Do you mind if we have a few words in private, Ms. Hart?” Noah asks.
