Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“I’m sor—”
He holds up a hand. “We all have off days. This isn’t about that.”
I tuck a hand in my pocket. “Okay.”
“Come in for a second.” He motions me into his office.
“I’m having lunch with Peggy.” I hold up the takeout bag.
“That’s great. This won’t take long.”
I reluctantly follow him in, already certain I won’t like whatever is coming my way.
Vander Zee leans against the edge of his desk. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Shoot.” I expect to spend more time with Grace, like I did today.
“It would be great if you could sit down with Alexandria and give her some insight on how to deal with the team from a player perspective.”
One-on-one time with Lexi is the last thing I need. Strategizing, talking hockey and plays sounds like a bad idea. As if the practice boners aren’t bad enough, sitting in an office with her, immersed in her scent, getting to know her better on a professional level, plus all the fucking memories? No thanks. “Can’t anyone else do it? What about Dallas? Or Hollis even?”
“Dallas doesn’t have the experience you do. And Hollis is pretty singularly focused these days.” Vander Zee crosses his arms. “Are you okay? I know this is your last season, and you must be having feelings about that, but you’re…not yourself.”
I run a hand through my hair. No, I’m not okay. Our new assistant coach is all I can think about these days. And I hate that I’m lying to everyone who matters. “I’ve just got a lot going on, personally and professionally.”
“I get it. But maybe helping Alexandria understand the guys she’s working with will alleviate some of the professional issues,” he urges. “I know bringing Grace on has been tough, but with you retiring and Ryker coming in to take your place, we need a strong defense. Aside from the hiccup with Madden this morning, things went well.”
For Grace, maybe, not for me. But I get his point. Even though this team is tight, there’s been a lot of change over the past couple of years. I can handle an hour.
“All right. I’ll sit down with her. But I’m having lunch with Peggy first.”
“Of course. I appreciate it.” He taps on his desk. “Hammer’s doing great, by the way.”
“She’s really embracing the job.” Initially I wanted her to spread her wings, explore another industry. But this is her passion, and working with this team is her happy place.
“She is, and she has a great career ahead of her.” Vander Zee claps me on the shoulder. “Thanks for agreeing to sit down with Alexandria. Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“No problem, Coach.” A lobotomy to remove the memories of that weekend would go a long way toward making this season manageable.
CHAPTER 8
ROMAN
Ifind Peggy in her office, sitting at her computer, dressed for business and looking like she belongs. Having her in the Terror office during my final season is the best gift. I miss the days when she needed to be taken care of, when she’d come to me with her problems and bounced ideas off me. But she’s happy and thriving, and that’s what’s important.
“Got time for lunch with your dad?” I hold up the takeout from her favorite Thai place.
She smiles widely. “I sure do! Come on in.”
We take a moment to rearrange her desk and make room to eat. “Hemi out today?”
“She’s at a promo op with Kellan Ryker. He’s been good on the ice so far.” She hands me a set of chopsticks.
I pass her the yellow curry pad thai. “Yeah, he has a solid skill set and a good head on his shoulders. He’ll be great in net.”
She tips her chin. “How are you feeling about the beginning of the season?”
“It’s a lot of change. Just getting my head around it.” There are so many layers. I’m ending a twenty-year career, my daughter is moving in with my best friend, and basically already lives with him, and I have to work with the woman of my dreams for an entire year. There’s no grand plan for what’s next yet. My agent and I have discussed options, but I’ve shot anything down that would involve moving away from Peggy. I won’t put physical distance between us. She’s too important.
“Lexi seems like a good fit.” Peggy twirls some noodles onto her chopsticks.
“She knows hockey, but she’ll have to learn the team.” I poke at my lunch, appetite waning as we veer into uncomfortable territory.
“That’ll come with time.” Peggy’s tone shifts to empathy. “I can’t even imagine being in her position.”
“You mean being the first female assistant coach in the league?” It’s a big deal—for Lexi, the league, women in sports.
“Obviously that, but I mean her family situation.”
A hot spike shoots down my spine. “What about her family situation?” I didn’t see a ring on her finger, but that doesn’t mean she’s single.