29. Paige
Chapter 29
Paige
T he drive to the outskirts of Detroit felt longer than usual. I pulled into the parking lot of a small cafe, squinting at the sign. This was where Jared Crowder wanted to meet. I checked the address on my phone one last time and sighed.
The Southern Serpent. Ryker's warning about him echoed in my mind, but I pushed it aside. I had a job to do, and I needed to get it right. Stepping out of the car could wait for just one more moment.
My phone buzzed in my hand. Mom's name flashed on the screen. I considered letting it go to voicemail, but the persistent ringing wore me down. Better to get this over with.
"Hey, Mom," I answered, forcing cheerfulness into my voice.
"Paige, honey, how are you?" Her voice sounded thin, like she was stretching every word.
"I'm good, just busy with work." I glanced at the cafe, feeling the weight of Jared’s impending meeting press down on me.
"You're always working so hard," she said with a sigh that told me she wasn't calling just to chat. "How's everything going?"
"I—"
"You know, I've been thinking a lot about you," she interrupted. "Ever since your father... Well, it's just you and me and your sisters now. And I worry about you so much. Hockey is such a male-dominated sport. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
"Mom, I?—"
"I knew this would be too much for you," she continued without missing a beat. "You have so much on your shoulders already. Helping take care of your sisters, working in such a stressful environment. It's too much pressure for one person."
I opened my mouth to respond, but she steamrolled right over me.
"And these men you're working with—they're not going to appreciate you the way they should. It's a tough world out there, Paige. You shouldn't have to fight so hard to prove yourself. Especially considering the pictures. Honey, your reputation is ruined. What if no one hired you after this?"
"Mom, listen?—"
"No, Paige. You need to hear this," she insisted. "You need to find something where you're valued for who you are, not constantly having to prove your worth. Your emotions matter too. Remember what I always tell you? Don't suppress your feelings for the sake of others."
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as her words washed over me.
"And don't even get me started on how dangerous it can be," she continued her lecture. "Late nights, traveling alone... It's not safe for a young woman like you."
"I understand your concerns," I finally managed to interject when she paused for breath.
"Do you? Because sometimes I think you're trying too hard to be strong for everyone else." Her tone softened slightly but carried the same worry-laden weight. "I just want you to be happy and safe."
"Mom, stop!" The words burst out of me before I could rein them in. "Just stop it. I can't do this anymore."
A stunned silence filled the line, but I couldn't hold back. "You've been projecting your fears onto me for as long as I can remember. You're always so scared of everything, and you make it my problem. I have had to be strong for you, for my sisters, for everyone. But not anymore."
"Paige, I?—"
"No," I interrupted, my voice shaking with years of pent-up frustration. "I am good at what I do. I love the pressure; I thrive in it. And yes, it's a tough world, but I'm tougher. What I can't handle is constantly having to reassure you while I'm trying to live my own life."
Her soft gasp on the other end only fueled my anger.
"I can't keep pretending that your worries don't weigh me down. It's exhausting. And honestly, it's unfair."
"Paige—"
"I need space," I said firmly. "I need to focus on my job without having to carry your fears along with me."
Without waiting for her response, I hung up and immediately turned off my phone. The silence was deafening but liberating.
I stepped out of the car and made my way into the cafe, letting the bell above the door announce my arrival. The place was small but cozy, with mismatched chairs and wooden tables that had seen better days. The walls were adorned with local art—landscapes of Michigan’s rolling hills and Great Lakes.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of baked goods, providing a comforting backdrop to the low murmur of conversations around me. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting warm patches on the worn hardwood floor.
I scanned the cafe and spotted Jared Crowder in the corner. His presence dominated the small space, despite his lean build. He had that sharp, almost predatory look—like a snake coiled and ready to strike. His dark hair slicked back, revealing a forehead lined with years of cunning. A smirk curled his lips as our eyes met.
Standing up, he held my gaze. “Miss Adams, I presume?” His Southern drawl dripped with charm as he extended his hand.
I shook it, feeling the roughness of his palm—a stark contrast to his smooth demeanor. He gestured toward the seat across from him.
“Please, sit.”
I took a deep breath and settled into the chair, my heart pounding against my ribcage. The way he looked at me made it clear that this meeting was a game to him, one he fully intended to win.
His eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned back, still smirking.
I settled into the chair, trying to steady my breath. "I understand you're interested in signing with us?—"
"Whoa, whoa, hold your horses, darling," Jared drawled, his accent thick as molasses. "Why don't you get something to order first? This is the best coffee I've ever tasted."
Before I could respond, a waitress appeared beside our table. She had a friendly smile and a notepad at the ready.
"I'll have a black coffee, please," I said, trying to match her warmth despite the tension coiling in my stomach.
As the waitress walked away, Jared leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "Now, Ms. Adams, why don't you tell me all about the Serpents?"
I gave him a long look, assessing the playful yet calculating gleam in his eyes. "Do you have any intention of signing?" I asked. "Or is this just a game to you?"
His smirk deepened, transforming into something almost predatory. "Games can be quite enlightening, wouldn't you agree?" he said, leaning back with a chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine.
I crossed my arms over my chest, unwilling to let him rattle me further. The waitress returned with my coffee, setting it down gently in front of me before retreating.
He watched me take a sip, his eyes never leaving mine. "So," he continued casually, as if we were old friends discussing the weather rather than business, "what's it like working with Ryker Kane? He must be quite... demanding."
The mention of Ryker's name caught me off guard. My thoughts flashed back to our recent arguments and the confusing mix of feelings he stirred in me. I straightened up and met Jared's gaze head-on.
"Demanding would be an understatement," I replied coolly. "But that's what makes this team strong. We thrive under pressure."
"And what about you? Do you thrive under pressure too?"
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't," I said firmly.
He nodded slowly as if contemplating my words before finally responding. "Well then," he said softly, almost to himself. "Let's start simple. What drew you to the world of sports management?"
I met his gaze, unflinching. "I've always been passionate about sports, but more than that, I wanted to be in a position where I could make a difference. This role allows me to do just that."
He nodded, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And what do you think sets you apart from others in your field?"
I took a moment to consider my answer. "I genuinely care about the players and the team as a whole. It's not just a job for me; it's about building relationships and ensuring everyone succeeds together."
His smirk softened slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. "How do you handle the inevitable conflicts and challenges that come with such a demanding job?"
"I face them head-on," I replied confidently. "I believe in open communication and finding solutions that benefit everyone involved."
He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's quite a mature approach for someone so young."
I shrugged, refusing to let his compliment throw me off balance. "Experience isn't just about age; it's about how you handle situations and learn from them."
He chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair again. "Fair point. Now, tell me about your biggest success story with the Serpents."
“Why does it feel like you’re interviewing me for a job?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.
“Well, Ms. Adams, sometimes the best way to know someone is to see how they handle the unexpected.”
I took a sip of my coffee, letting the rich, bitter taste ground me. It had a hint of something floral, almost sweet, balancing out the boldness.
“You know what I think, Mr. Crowder?” I leaned forward, holding his gaze. “I think you need to sign with us as a matter of pride. Your brother lives here, right? With his girlfriend?”
Jared’s jaw ticked at the mention of his brother’s girlfriend. I had him now.
“And I'm sure you want to spend more time with them,” I continued. “Before they get serious. Before they get married and have children. Maybe even see her more too.”
“Who?” His voice was sharp, eyes narrowing.
“I think you know,” I replied evenly.
“And what would you know about it?”
I caught his eyes and leaned in further. “Let's cut the shit,” I said firmly. “You only arranged this meeting after photos leaked of me and Ryker Kane. At first, I thought you wanted to goad me, maybe even strong-arm me into a deal. But you don't, do you? You want to sign with the team because everything I'm saying is true. But more than that… you want to be closer to her. And you want to see how we handle a scandal because if you and her got together… well, Mr. Crowder, that’d be a scandal, wouldn’t it?”
His expression faltered just slightly before he masked it again.
“You know I used to date Ryker's brother, don't you?”
"I do my research," Jared said.
"I know you do," I replied, matching his gaze. "So do I. You're not the tallest or the broadest, but you're the smartest. The Southern Serpent, Serpent Tongue—that's what they call you. But the truth is, you're in love with someone you can never have. And you only want to talk to me because you see me as some sort of... idea, something you might be going through yourself."
"Caught between two brothers, I can't help but be curious," he drawled, eyes narrowing with interest.
"Ryker and I spent one night together in college," I began. "Just one. Of course, I wanted more, but he was a big NHL star, and I was a college student. I met his brother later but didn’t know it at the time. We dated for a bit—it was serious for a while."
"And Kane?" His eyes bore into mine, searching for something.
"He made it seem like he didn't remember me," I said, my voice steady.
"But he did, didn't he?" he asked.
"Something like that," I agreed.
"You always remember the ones who leave you unfulfilled," he mused. "And now?"
"Now?" I echoed.
"You risked everything just to be with him again," he said pointedly.
I remained silent, letting his words hang in the air between us. He stared at me, his eyes probing for answers I wasn’t ready to give.
"What are you looking for?" I asked finally. "You know Weston Cole is on the team. I know there's history there between you and him."
Jared's jaw tightened, his teeth clenched together in barely restrained anger.
"But it doesn't matter, does it?" I pressed on. "Because you want to be closer to her."
His face twisted with a mix of frustration and longing that he couldn’t quite hide. He leaned back again, breaking eye contact as if needing a moment to regain control over his emotions.
"This isn't just about the game for you," I repeated softly. "It's about something deeper—something personal."
His eyes flicked back to mine, guarded but vulnerable for a fleeting second before he masked it again with his trademark smirk.
"You're perceptive," he said finally.
"Part of the job," I replied simply.
“Do you have a job?” he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. “After everything? The Serpents can’t really handle another scandal, can they? And two involving Ryker Kane?”
I shrugged, trying to maintain a nonchalant facade. “Honestly? I don’t know.”
“Then why are you here?” he pressed, leaning forward. “If signing me won’t guarantee you your job, why bother with me at all?”
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Because I care about the team,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “Yes, this team has had its share of scandals. But one thing that’s kept us together is loyalty. Whatever issues you and Cole have disappear when you touch that ice. He fights for you just like you’ll be expected to fight for him.”
“And you think I will?” Jared’s eyes narrowed, his skepticism palpable.
“I know it,” I said firmly. “Everyone calls you a snake, and you are. But you’re loyal to those you care about, even if you aren’t sure about your future with them. It’s why you didn’t leave Toronto until now. And it’s why you want to get closer to her. And why the Serpents would be the best place for you.”
He chuckled darkly, the sound both amused and resigned. “Well,” he drawled, “you sure know how to drive a bargain.”
“I care about this team,” I repeated, my voice soft but resolute. “It’s family, and I promise you, Mr. Crowder, they’ll take care of you.”
He gave me a long look, weighing my words as if searching for any trace of insincerity. Finally, he stuck out his hand. “I think we have a deal.”
I shook it, feeling the roughness of his palm once more—a poignant reminder of the journey ahead.