“I don’t speculate on my teammates’ personal lives.”
It’s all I’ll say.
“So many of your teammates are open about their private lives. I guess it makes folks wonder when others aren’t.”
She gives me a knowing look, but I hold steady.
I know damn well how long and hard Gavin and Haddy tried to hide their relationship from the tabloids and why. I remember how those jerks treated my mom. I don’t know who she’s referencing, but we all do our best to keep our private lives private.
“I’m not sure where you get your information, Sue, but you’re taking a lot of big swings today.”
“Well, like every good fisherman, I get up very early.” She lifts her tumbler of scotch, tipping it in my direction before taking a sip. “I also know you’re very good at keeping secrets.”
“How would you know something like that?”
“Come now, Mav, we all know you hid your hockey career from your family for years.”
Forcing a smile, I do my best to steer us into those safe waters. “My mom always dreamed I’d be a pro golfer. I didn’t want to let her down.”
Susan huffs a laugh, returning her glass to the table. “The Bradford Boys are a football dynasty. Why wouldn’t you follow in your father’s and your grandfather’s footsteps?”
“I’m a Murphy, Miss Jackson.”
I’m also getting tired of this interview.
I was raised by strong, assertive women, and I respect her trying to dig deep and make this profile her own. It makes me think I underestimated her. But I don’t like the feeling she’s trying to rattle me into revealing some deep, dark secret.
“Hockey is a dangerous sport. Some would say even more dangerous than football.”
“I guess it depends on who you’re playing.”
“You had a pretty bad injury a few months ago. Any residual effects from it?”
“Just these.” I point to the glasses I’m wearing.
She smiles, nodding. “Glasses are a good look for you.”
“Thanks.” I glance down, wondering why I didn’t set up a call with Gavin to get me out of this.
Isn’t that what movie stars do? Arrange an urgent phone call so they can ditch out if things get uncomfortable.
“So you’re back in the game, and it’s business as usual?”
“If you call winning the Cup business as usual. We’re looking forward to bringing that trophy back to the West Coast where it belongs. That you can print.”
Her red lips spread in a big smile. “I’ll be very happy to print that.” She slides out of the booth, standing and holding out her hand. “I appreciate you being so generous with your time. I know it’s not easy being grilled.”
I ease out as well, standing in front of her. “Oh, so you meant to do that.”
Her head drops back with a laugh. “I’ve found shaking things up is the only way to get something fresh.”
“Is that so?” We both start to walk in the direction of the front entrance. “Is that why you know so much about me?”
“Partly.” She squints up at me. “You might say I’ve been following your family all my life. I grew up watching highlight reels of your father. Logan Murphy is a legend.”
“Yeah,” I nod, feeling softer toward her. “Dad was pretty great.”
“And those blue eyes…” She does a little shiver. “He’s so good-looking.”
