Chapter 19 #2
Sawyer puts her hand on Sloane’s shoulder and tries to get her attention. Before I can tell her to back off she starts speaking directly to Sloane.
“I’m trying to be a friend to you. You don’t see how unhealthy this is. Knox is a lot older than you, and in a position of authority.”
I almost speak for Sloane, but then her shoulders roll back, and she takes a slight step back from me. I can practically see her spine turning to steel, and I’m so proud of her, even if someday it does work against me.
She turns to face Sawyer. “You’re assuming a lot.
You keep saying that we’re friends, but you haven’t earned that title yet.
I barely know you, and you don’t seem to know anything about me.
If we were actually friends, you’d know that I only stayed living with my father because he’s been completely shut down since my mother died.
My brother is only ten years old, and if I leave there won’t be anyone taking care of him. Does that sound sheltered to you?”
“I didn’t know,” Sawyer whispers.
A knock on the door stops me from snapping at Sawyer for thinking her ignorance is a good excuse. Weston moves to the door while I stand frozen, glaring at our friend. Possibly former friend.
Gerry follows West back into the room. When he sees Sawyer standing there, his usually friendly face pulls into a scowl.
“Sawyer, we’ve talked about this. I did not direct you to play chaperone over our female employees. I most certainly didn’t give you permission to chastise my players for what you think might be going on,” Gerry berates his daughter.
Sawyer’s face turns red. “I thought you were training me to take over.”
“The key word is training. Do not confuse that with the actual running of the organization. You do not have the authority to act on your own. Especially where I’ve specifically ordered you to stand down.
If this is how you plan to lead this team in the future I might have to reassess handing over management to you in the future. ”
He turns to me, effectively freezing Sawyer out of the conversation. “How are you feeling?”
I sigh. “I wish I could give you good news. I mean, I can to an extent. I’m sure Dr. Frost has already told you that I don’t have any major tears in the ligaments.
But if he did talk to you, I’m willing to bet that he emphasized yet on that statement as he did with me.
Still, I can barely use my arm, and definitely can’t hold a stick. ”
He nods, proving the doctor did in fact talk to him, because there’s not a hint of surprise on his face.
“I’m going to send you back to Portland.
Dr. Frost has set up a physical therapist to oversee your recovery.
We all think that you’ll recover faster from the comfort of home.
Traveling every day will only delay you longer from getting back on the ice. ”
Despite the fact that we have all frozen Sawyer out of this conversation, she makes a last-ditch effort to insert her opinion. “Sloane should stay with the team to keep working on the social media campaign she started.”
Gerry shakes his head, cutting her off without even giving it a moment’s consideration. “Her primary job is to fix Knox’s reputation. That is more important.”
“No one is talking about what happened with Madison and the photographer anymore. Sloane has done an excellent job there. The social media posts she’s been making have boosted ticket sales. Surely that has to be the priority right now,” she pushes.
West snaps. He’s always had a more hair trigger temper than the rest of us. “Give it up already. You are supposed to be our friend, but the way you’re acting, I feel like I don’t even know you. I’m not sure I even want to if this is any indication of who you are.”
She’s held strong through this entire confrontation, even knowing her father is disappointed with her, but West’s words make her eyes flood with tears. She immediately turns her back to us to try and hide the swell of emotion.
I manage to catch West’s eyes, and find a guarded look in his gaze.
I’m not sure what has gone down between them, but something tells me it would explain why she’s on my ass right now.
However, I also know my friend, and short of putting a gun to his head, he’s not going to be sharing that reason with me any time soon.
Sawyer runs out of the room, and we all stand around in uncomfortable silence. West waits long enough to make sure that Sawyer has cleared the elevator before he excuses himself and leaves Sloane and I alone with Gerry, who clearly wants a word with us alone.
The moment the door closes behind West, Gerry’s face turns serious. “I’ve heard what Sawyer has been saying. I know I’ve enforced the anti-fraternization policy in the past, but we all know I only created that policy to keep you horny idiots away from my daughter.”
Knowing it isn’t the same as having it confirmed.
“You know, I usually let a lot roll off my back, but I’m actually offended that you think any of us would make moves on a girl we met when she was twelve.
I know we all have reputations, except for Jude of course, but seriously, you thought we’d have made a move on an underage girl? ”
He sighs, suddenly weary. “Give me some credit. The thought didn’t occur to me until after she turned eighteen. I’m going to tell you something, but it doesn’t leave this room. I shouldn’t even tell you this, but I think you are both owed an explanation.”
Gerry gestures to the seating area. My anxiety spikes knowing he feels the need to be seated to have this conversation.
“I guess I should tell you why I imposed that rule after she turned eighteen. Shortly after Sawyer graduated I noticed she had a thing for Weston. I could see them getting close, as friends, but I couldn’t help but worry that it would become more.
I don’t want you to think that lines were crossed.
I do believe there were some kind of feelings on both sides, but West never crossed any lines that I know of.
But, I was young once, and my daughter is the spitting image of her mom.
My wife was a stunning woman, and I was powerless to fight falling for her.
I made it clear to him that I’d trade him if he moved beyond friendship with her.
He didn’t fight me, and in fact from what it seems, he’s barely been a close friend to her since then either. ”
I scrunch my face while trying hard to remember that time. It was almost ten years ago. “So she’s going after me because she’s heartbroken?”
It doesn’t make any sense, because if what he’s saying is true that was forever ago, and Sawyer has had at least two serious relationships since then. If anyone hasn’t moved on, it’s West. Sure, he hooks up, a lot, but he hasn’t had an actual relationship since college.
Gerry shakes his head. “No. I think they’ve both moved on, but she’s angry.
Mostly with me. I understand, and I do regret it.
There can be issues in any business where coworkers date, but as long as there’s no problems I don’t need to intervene.
I’ve learned my lesson, but maybe not before I did permanent damage to my relationship with my daughter.
I can’t seem to do enough to let her know I have faith in her, and I do realize I’ve only made it worse today.
I can’t let her destroy what I’ve built because she needs to force me to stick to the policy I never should have created in the first place. ”
Sloane sits up straighter, her only reaction to the story he just told us.
It’s not arrogance to say I bring more monetary value to the Titans.
I’m a player with thousands of fans, and she works behind the scenes.
A couple of weeks ago I’d have been smug at her hearing this confirmation from the boss, but now I’m disgusted with myself.
I want more with her, but I’m afraid I locked us in a box. Our relationship is built on my controlling her. How can I trust real feelings can grow from that?
Gerry holds up a hand, pulling my attention back to him.
“I don’t want you to confirm or deny Sawyer’s allegations.
The fact is, the rule is in our employee handbook now, even if I regret it.
Backtracking could make things worse between my daughter and I.
Having said that, I don’t plan on stepping in as long as there’s no issues.
Just please don’t confirm anything to me so I can continue to bury my head in the sand. ”
Having delivered his talk, he gets up and lets himself out.
Sloane exhales as soon as we’re alone. “Well, that’s clear as mud.”
I laugh, mostly from stress. “Let’s just pack and head home. Xander owes me a rematch on his game.”
She smiles slightly, and I have hope that the box I trapped us in has cracks.