Susan knows shit I’ve never shared publicly. She asks questions journalists usually consider off-limits. Haddy says she’s legit, but I find myself choosing my words and being careful.
“I didn’t like it.” I force a chuckle, not elaborating further.
“You’re the most important player on the Champions’ roster.” She states it as a fact, not something that could be debated. “It pissed off a lot of people.”
Clearing my throat, I shift in my chair. “Every player on the team is important.”
“Of course,” she laughs lightly. “Let me rephrase. Seasoned observers considered it a reckless move. How did you feel about the talks of trading you?”
It’s a flash in my chest, but I cover fast. “I wasn’t aware there were talks.”
Her brow arches, and she leans back in her seat. “Perhaps I misunderstood.”
I’m not sure if she’s trying to rattle me, but it’s not my first rodeo.
“Any time there’s a change in coaching staff, it takes a minute to see what’s going to happen.” My tone is calm, measured. “Coach Leek had a plan, and I think ultimately, it paid off.”
“What did you see as his plan?” She watches me closely.
I take a minute to decide how to answer. “I’d been studied too much by the other teams. They knew what to expect when I was on the ice, and we needed new plays quick. We also had a lot of fresh talent sitting on the bench,and I think he wanted to give those guys a chance to shine. He wanted to shake things up, and I think he did.”
Her eyes narrow, and her head tilts to the side. “You’re a very generous person.” A smile curls her lips, and I’m uncomfortable again. “Where does that come from? Not from your dad. Logan Murphy was a killer wide receiver who didn’t take shit from anyone.”
“Dad was a team player.” I look down at the polished tabletop, trying to remember what he told me about his days in the league. “He had some rivalries, but he wasn’t selfish.”
“He was hit with a vicious, personal foul that almost cost him his career, not to mention his ability to walk.”
She seems really pissed on Dad’s behalf. I nod, knowing what she’s referencing. It was an egregious foul, and I cringe thinking about what went down in those days.
“It’s true,” I say carefully. “But Dad had a degree in journalism. He was smart, and he came from a media family. Pivoting into sports radio and then to podcasting was a natural progression. He was ready to retire, and he wanted to be with my mom.”
“Are we seeing a similar pattern emerging in your career?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Sources tell me you’ve been spending a lot of time with a certain young lady who, like your mother, isn’t a local.”
Fuck me.I sit straighter in the booth, lowering my brow. “Who told you that?”
“I have my sources, Mr. Murphy.”
“You might want to double-check them.” There’s no way I’m giving up Dove to these sharks.
A sly smile curls her lips. “Perhaps I’m barking up thewrong tree? There was also talk about how hard Donovan Price worked to get you off the bench. He seemed very concerned…”
“Don’s team captain. It’s his job to look out for us.”
“Is that all it was?” Her eyebrow arches, and I lean back in my seat, exhaling a laugh.
“Wow.” I lift the scotch glass and take a sip. “That is quite a cast.”
“I don’t understand?—”
“I mean, you’re fishing.” My tone is level. “Don and I are good friends. We’ve known each other a long time, and we work well together. That’s all.”
Her eyes blink down to the table before snapping to mine again. “Are the rumors true about your team captain? I’ve heard whispers he’d do well onHeated Rivalry.”
I study my glass, holding my expression still. The last thing I’d ever do is feed the rumor mill, and Don has his reasons for keeping his private life private. Still,who the fuck is talking to her?
