I reciprocate, but don’t return the warm smile he gives me. It’s obvious Coach invited him here for a purpose, and I’m willing to bet it has something to do with why I’m sitting here.
Other than his game, I know very little about this guy. His career has been checkered with injuries and dubious press reports speculating on his personal life. Only since Silas joined the Rogues has he straightened up his act outside of the rink. Bar fights, random women, and wild house parties made up the first few years of his pro-playing days. Now thirty-one, he’s arguably one of the veterans on a really young team.
The perfect role model for me.
“It’s good to finally meet the guy the state of Washington cannot stop talking about.” Silas squeezes my hand before releasing his grip and taking a seat next to me. He drums his fingers on the armrest of his chair. “How can I help, Coach?”
Scrubbing a hand across his jaw, Coach looks from my teammate to me. “I thought it would be good for you both to formally meet before the preseason kicks into overdrive on Monday.”
Neither me nor my new captain says anything.
“The plan is for you to share a hotel room where possible during an away series. I want Will rooming with either you, or another senior member of the team.”
I huff out a breath. Sure, it’s not unusual for rookies to room with their captain or an older player on the team, but to make it so official is really odd.
I turn over my shoulder and examine the room behind me.
“What’s the matter, Will?” Coach asks.
I focus back on Coach. “I was wondering where the day care center was in this building. You know, just in case you want me to register there too.”
Silas snorts a laugh, and it’s immediately snubbed by Coach’s glare.
“I’m just trying to make the transition from college to the pro hockey world as seamless as possible for you, Will. I don’t think you truly understand how many pairs of eyes are going to be watching your every move. You’ve been living in Seattle for two weeks, and you’re already attracting attention.”
I shrug. “Surely, that’s good for the team, no?”
From beside me, Silas shakes his head. “Not when the Rogues already carry a reputation for being reckless. We’ve managed to rack up more league fines in five seasons than the Scorpions have in double that time.”
I hold up a hand. “From misconducts that have nothing to do with me.”
Coach tips his head from side to side. “True, but we can’t afford to have you arguing with fans on the internet and acting like a complete jackass all over the city.” His voice turns softer. “I know you didn’t want to join the Rogues, but we have been desperately waiting for you. The fans have been highly anticipating your arrival.”
I think back to the final few games of last season and how Dad told me they had chanted my last name at one home game he attended.
I roll my shoulders back, attempting to alleviate the unwelcome pressure weighing them down. “I don’t like being told what to do; it makes me feel like a child when there are guys younger than me on the team. It also feels weird to have your daughter represent me and call the shots over my public image.”
My new captain’s eyes grow wider. “Drew?”
After a second, Coach nods his head. “Yeah, Drew is going to be working with Will.”
Silas puffs out a breath. “Well, you’re in good hands there.” He folds his arms across his chest. “And I’m not just saying that because she’s your daughter, Coach. I work with her colleague, Lydia West, and while I don’t want to come off as rude, Drew makes her look like an amateur.”
That doesn’t surprise me at all. I bet Lydia “loves” her already.
“You should give her a chance, Will,” Silas adds. “Twelve months, and you’ll be the league’s golden boy, shitting sponsorship deals.”
Exhaling a long, exhausted breath, I massage my left temple. “All right, I’ll work with Drew and try to stay in line.”
Sitting up straighter in his chair, Coach practically beams. “Good decision, Will. Now let’s crush the preseason.”
3
. . .
Drew
Will
