Sneak Peek Best of the Best
“Bexley. What do you have to say about the team’s recent success?”
“Coach Barney has been leading the team well. Hollins and Williams and the whole line is gelling well. I like what I’m seeing out there.”
“The outgoing GM set you up nicely to continue the winning seasons that Black Diamonds fans are used to. What do you have to say about that?”
Grinding my jaw and crossing one leg over the other, I steady my thoughts before shouting the first thing that comes to mind. I don’t know why I started these weekly press conferences.
Maybe to prove myself? Even after winning the Stanley Cup last year, everyone said the outgoing GM set me up for success. It wasn’t something I did on my own.
So here I am. Bright and early on a Monday morning answering the same old questions over and over again.
Like why the team is successful…almost in spite of me.
“I’ve been around this game since I was born. I know hockey, probably better than most people. So yes, Paulson set this team up to win the cup last year, changes in leadership can always affect a team. Our guys are a strong group and they do a great job pushing out the outside noise. I have every faith that they will keep the outside noise out of the locker room so they can focus on our ultimate goal of bringing another championship home to Denver.”
“And what about Fields’ recent injury?”
Jesus, it’s like they don’t even hear me when I talk. I really should cancel these press conferences. Tell them all to fuck off.
If only…
“He is recovering well and hopefully he’ll be back to the player we all know and love soon.”
Even if he isn’t back to full strength yet.
Another reported pops up from the back of the press room. “Do you feel the league should have punished Graham Fisher?”
“Was it an intentional hit?” I cross my arms, thinking about the question. “I don’t believe it was. It’s one of those unfortunate series of events that happens on the ice. Hopefully Noah will be back into top form soon.”
Because anything less than that and I don’t want to think about his future with the team.
“Do you think the team will be gunning for Fisher the next time they play the Knights?”
I scoff. “I certainly hope not. I don’t condone that kind of behavior on the ice.”
“And off it?”
“I think that’s all we have time for today,” Cassie cuts in, strutting into my the press you. “We appreciate you all being here today.”
I watch as the room empties out around me, breathing a sigh of relief.
“Why do you do this to yourself, Bex?” Cassie asks once the room is empty.
I grab the glass of water and take a hearty gulp. “You know why.”
She rolls her eyes at me as I kick my feet up on the table. The Black Diamonds logo is hangs heavy behind me. The weight of it always seems to be pressing down on my chest.
I was handed the reins from my father last year and I don’t want to disappoint him. Or his legacy.
“The men don’t do this,” Cassie scoffs.
“Because they don’t have to. You show up with a dick and they assume you know how to do this job. Even if you don’t have the first clue on how to do it.”
“Would it help if I told you you’re doing a good job?”
I smile back at my communications director. “Not really since I sign your paychecks.”
“Technically accounting does. And technically it’s not a real check anymore.” She laughs.
I roll my eyes at her and stand. “Whatever. I have a meeting with Coach Barney I need to get to.”
“Well, I think you’re doing good.”
Cassie follows me as I head down the hall in the practice rink toward the coaches offices. A few of the guys are coming off the ice from practice.
I stand back and watch. They’re giving each other shit about something it looks like, laughing and joshing around.
This is why I love doing what I do. I grew up around the game. With my dad playing for the Black Diamonds, this team means everything to me.
My eyes connect with our newest goalie, Nick Brooks-Young. A flush creeps up his cheeks as he tries to scurry even faster toward the locker room.
A feat considering he is in his goalie gear.
A smirk creeps up my lips. I think back to our earlier interaction from this week. It’s like he takes one look at me and he can’t string two words together.
I’m not that intimidating, am I?
I don’t rule with fear. I don’t see the point in making people scared of you. So I can’t quite figure out why Nick scurries away from me.
The rest of the day goes by without incident.
Meeting after meeting. A never ending list of phone calls to return.
“Bex?” Anna, my assistant comes into my office, my bag in her hand.
“You wanted me to let your know when it’s seven.”
“Shit,” I mutter.
I glance at my watch and it’s seven on the dot. I have a date tonight. Not that I was overly excited about it, but at least I was putting myself out there.
“Can you cancel?”
“Nope.” Anna looks at me with a satisfied smile on her face.
“Aren’t you supposed to do what I ask of you?” I laugh, dropping the papers in my hand.
Even if I left now, in Denver traffic, it would take me at least thirty minutes to get across town.
Is it even worth it?
“If you want to cancel your date, you can do it. I was told to remind you of it so you made it in time.”
“I should go.” There’s not much conviction in my voice.
“But…”
Anna knows me too well, having started with me last year when I got promoted.
“But I need to review the new league initiatives on player safety that we’ll be voting on at the next league-wide meetings.
Anna rolls her eyes at me.
“Do you want me to order dinner instead?”
I give her a consolatory smile. “Can you? You can take off.”
“I stay until you leave,” Anna says.
“You’re the best assistant, you know that?”
She nods, dropping my bag onto the chair in the small sitting area in my office. With a small sofa, I hate to say I’ve spent a night or two here in the office.
“You should give me a raise then.” Anna laughs, heading back out to her desk.
It’s something I’ve heard before, even though I pay her very well.
Grabbing my phone, I fire off a text to my date for the night. Maybe if I was more excited, I wouldn’t have to be reminded to leave.
A sweet face pops into mind. A stubble lined one with dark hair and dark expressive eyes.
Why in the world am I thinking about our goalie? I don’t need to be having these thoughts right now. I need to let this guy down gently and go back to work.
Work won’t keep me warm at night. I know I need more of a work life balance, but until then…it’s just another day in the life of a hockey GM.