Page 100 of Golden Goal

“What the hell?” I mutter as I read the headlines suggesting I’m being traded.

“Did you know?” Hadley asks.

I shake my head, handing her phone back. “No. Of course not. I wouldn’t have bought this house had I known this was going to happen.”

Before I can figure out what to do next, my phone rings. Pulling it out of my pocket, I see that it’s Sutton calling. Hopefully, she has answers.

“It’s not true,” Sutton blurts out. “The trade rumors. They’re not true.”

I heave out a breath, meeting my sister’s eyes and shaking my head. “I was about to call you.”

“It started circulating last night on SportsCenter, but we’re not sure where it came from. Kind of odd, since Vancouver isn’t in a playoff spot either. But who knows . . .”

It all clicks into place. “Kat,” I growl.

“What?” Sutton and Hadley both ask at the same time.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

“Kat. One of her sorority sisters is married to a guy who works at SportsCenter. At least as far as I know, he still does. Fuck’s sake.” I shake my head. “Last year when she broke up with me, it was because I wouldn’t ask for a trade. To Vancouver. Where she works. She showed up after the game we played there recently, trying to play more mind games,” I spit out. “The specifics don’t matter.”

“Holy shit,” Sutton mutters.

My sentiments exactly.

“I want to pop one of her fake ass tits,” Hadley hisses.

I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me.

“I’m going to see what I can do to shut this down. I have a friend who works for Vancouver. I’ll reach out to him and see if he can get the team to issue a statement that they’re not trying to acquire you. He owes me a favor. I wanted to call you first and let you know the rumor wasn’t true before you panicked.” Sutton says.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

“Before you go, have you talked to Becca lately? Or know if she’s at the arena today?”

“No, to both of your questions. We have plans to meet up for lunch though. Why? What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head even though she can’t see me, reaching over and taking my daughter from Hadley’s arms and cuddling her close to me. “I’m overreacting. Thanks for calling me. I appreciate it.”

“Absolutely, and if you need anything, let me know.”

I hang up the phone and turn to my sister, who is pacing the room, her fists balled up.

“I hate her.” She whirls around. “Fucking Kitty Kat.” She throws an air punch followed by a kick.

“Alright, Karate Master, I’ll let you know if I need your help,” I say with a laugh.

She levels me a look. “I’m so glad you kicked her to the curb, brother. I hated her.”

“I can see that.” I don’t bother correcting her that Kat kicked me to the curb because what does it matter at this point? I’m glad to be done with her.

“Rebecca, on the other hand, I love. Keep her around.” She winks.

“I’m trying. Can you watch Hazel for a little while? I want to run by Becca’s place and see if she’s there.”

“Of course.”