CHAPTER 12 PRESS CONFERENCE
TALON
My wrist throbbed once I removed the ice.
Aife had been texting me every four hours to remind me about my medications.
She truly was incredible. There was an undeniable connection there, and I desperately wanted to explore it.
Last night, she threw up a barrier though.
It felt like she was placing road blocks intentionally, like she didn’t want to get hurt again.
I could understand that after Melody, but hers felt more resistant than I expected.
She was so easy to talk to, and I expected true connection would be just as easy.
Aife seemingly wanted to keep me at arm’s length; she was clearly afraid to let people in.
Every time I thought I got close, she slammed a door in my face. What happened to her? Did Davis know?
Pulling my phone out, I went to shoot him a text when I noticed Coach was calling me. Shit. “Yes, sir?”
“What’s the verdict?” He was a no-nonsense type of man, always straight to the point.
“Broken wrist. Four weeks in a cast, minimum. Rest it, and I can be back by late November.”
Coach sighed. “Fuck. Look, there’s another reason for my call.”
That did not sound good. I gulped, trying to not let my anxiety get the better of me. My heart pounded, leaping into my throat. “I know there’s a good chance you might move me down the line…”
“Son, it’s more than hockey.” His voice held such a serious note that it sobered me from the pain medications.
Fear flashed through my mind and body. Shivers ran up and down my spine. I could feel a tingle in my throat. Was I off the team? Was I losing my career? Sucking in a breath, I quieted the voices that were clanging around in my brain.
“How serious?”
“The NHL commissioner wants to meet with you.
Last night’s incident has made a number of waves. We want good press, and the commissioner and president are extremely unhappy right now. The Hammers owner will be there too.”
My eyes widened in shock, and my shoulders immediately tensed. This was an extremely big deal, massive. “Coach…” I didn’t even know what I was going to say.
“You are not in trouble, Walker. Fans are pissed.
We damn near had a riot when you puked on the ice, and Zeke almost got an assault case. There are going to be hefty fines and penalties doled out to both teams. It’s not just the other team in trouble here, Talon. Have you even looked at the news?”
“Honestly, no.”
I couldn’t tell Coach that I was afraid to. The idea of watching my public humiliation on screen wasn’t exactly appealing. I had vomited on live TV. That was embarrassing enough; I really didn’t need to relieve that.
“You should, Walker. It ain’t pretty, in the slightest.
It’s not just Hammers fans that are upset. Shit, even CNN has got a hold of it.”
I blanched. “This made national news?” Well, that was one sure way to shoot the progress I’d made in regard to my anxiety in the foot. My heart raced, my breathing shallowing the longer we spoke.
“Yes. I know you probably don’t want to hear that,
but it did. Football broadcasters have even weighed in. ESPN is running with it. Point is, I need you at the arena ASAP.”
“Sure, Coach. I’ll get there as quick as I can.” My world felt numb. This was turning into a huge ordeal and all over a cheap shot from an irate player. My stomach was completely twisted in knots. Overwhelming grief hit me as 179 I thought about my dad and how much I needed him right now.
Coach’s office was warm and welcoming. He had pictures of his family prominently displayed and various awards and trophies.
His furniture was worn, obviously used often.
Despite being an intimidating figure at six foot four and still muscular, he was extremely friendly.
Coach wanted everyone to feel like we could talk to him.
By far, he was my favorite coach I’d ever had.
He motioned for me to sit in a chair before handing me some water.
He was nervous, and coach was never nervous.
This man was almost always calm, cool, and collected.
He could teach seminars on how to keep your composure.
Sweat lined his forehead and upper lip. His shoulders were tensed, tight and near his ears.
This was sure to be an incredibly unpleasant meeting.
Seemingly no time passed before several more people entered Coach Mike’s office.
The owner of the Warhammers, Tim O’Donnell, entered.
He was wearing a clean, crisp suit. His face was weary, tired.
After him was the CEO of the NHL, Nelson Simon.
Lastly was the hockey commissioner, Donovan Blackson.
I gulped. Intimidation 180 was not something I normally felt, but all four of these men held my future and my career in their hands.
Coach shook everyone’s hands before I did the same, awkwardly with a broken wrist.
My wrist throbbed briefly, reminding me of my recent injury.
I probably needed to take a painkiller, but I refused to do that in front of these men.
I couldn’t give them a single reason to possibly end my career.
Dad would have had words to keep me calm.
My chest squeezed painfully. No matter how much time passed, I still missed him.
“Mr. Walker, you are making quite a buzz after last night’s events.” Blackson folded his hands in front of him. “Hockey usually isn’t making the ESPN rounds during football season.”
Licking my lips, I nodded. Football was huge in the States and then baseball and basketball.
Hockey had its place, typically in the north, but we were not the most tuned into sport.
Something told me this ordeal was not the way the NHL wanted to be recognized even if we were an extreme contact sport.
“Mind you, we fully acknowledge this is not your fault,” Simon said. He wore a solemn smile. “But, you’re unfortunately involved regardless. As you can imagine, this isn’t the exact image we want out there for the sport. I’m sure you don’t either.”
“Sir, I honestly don’t know what the images are.”
Might as well be truthful with them. I still refused to turn media on, even the socials. My face felt hot.
Four heads swiveled my way. Coach shot me a pitiful look before turning his TV on.
He clearly wasn’t going to let me live in my privacy bubble.
ESPN was already playing, and right away, my injury was being discussed.
Then came the video. My face blanched as I watched my opponent slash my ankles with his stick before slamming into my back.
A deafening crunch echoed around the arena followed by my inability to get up.
And then came the vomit. My face flushed red in embarrassment, heating harshly as sweat lined my forehead.
Jesus, how many people were seeing this?
Why would they play something that graphic?
“You’ve got to give credit to Walker though,” one sports anchor said, “I would have thrown up way sooner.”
Tim clicked the TV off. “Thankfully, it’s not as bad as we originally thought it would be. Nelson and Donovan are here because we’d like you to do a press conference. There are questions many people have, and the NHL thinks you should speak to the public.”
“What about the guy who hit me?”
“We can’t speak on it yet.” Blackson looked me up and down. “Can you get showered and dressed in a suit? The press conference is set for 2 PM.”
I nodded. “Whatever y’all need.”
Lights flashed as I entered the room. Dozens of reporters had been invited to discuss my injury.
Despite being a professional athlete, I wasn’t in the limelight.
This was not my reality, to have reporters and paparazzi’s around.
I was a relatively quiet guy and kept to myself.
I had enjoyed being a hockey player for that reason.
Zeke would have been more at home in this environment.
After sitting, I took a deep breath and thought of Aife.
She had quickly become a calming presence in my life.
I wanted to be with her constantly; it was a foreign feeling to me, one I hadn’t felt since my dad died.
She was in my heart now. Taking a sip of water, I nodded to Coach Mike. I was as ready as I was going to be.
“TJ, how soon will you be back?”
At least the first question was relatively easy.
“Well, my wrist is broken. The doctor said rest for four weeks and then rehab for two to three weeks. No surgery needed. I expect to be back after Thanksgiving.”
“Anything you’d like to say about last night’s incident?”
“Hockey can be a dangerous sport, just like any other,” I said, “Every sport comes with risk. But once the game is done, you expect the risk to significantly drop. Hopefully to zero. I can’t tell you the number of hits I’ve had or given. Last night never should have happened.”
“How about anything to say to the player? What’s happening to him?”
Mr. Blackson took over. “As of this morning, the NHL has issued a hefty fine, released Mr. Gordon from his contract, and placed a ban on his return to any NHL team.”
Shock rocked my body, but I attempted to keep my face neutral. Banned? Maybe I should have been relieved, but all I felt was numb, cold, and ready to leave.
More questions flew our way before someone signaled we only had time for one more. We picked one at random, as we always did.
“Who was that woman on the ice with you?” My blood ran cold. Aife and I hadn’t had this conversation. “A friend.”
“Just a friend?”
“Yes.”
They were not going to get any more out of me until I talked to Aife. Her feelings mattered in all of this just as much as mine did.
We left the stage as more questions were hurtled our way. Once I was out of sight of the cameras, I cradled my wrist to my chest. When was the last time I took my medications? What had Aife said about staying ahead of the pain? I couldn’t even remember where the pills in questions were. Shit.
Pain radiated up and down my wrist almost as if I’d been shot.
There had been many sports injuries in my life, but this was bar none the most painful.
I wanted to scream or cry. Aife really meant to stay ahead of the pain.
There was no way I could even drive back to her place. Coach looked me over and sighed loudly.
“Walker, can you drive?”
“Doubtful, sir.” My voice sounded strained to my own ears.
“I can drive you where you need to go.” Coach started to walk away, not even looking back to see if I was following. Quickly, I trailed after him still cradling my arm. Pain was the main thing in my life right now.
The ride to Aife’s passed by so quickly, I didn’t realize we were there until Coach cleared his throat.
“James.” He leveled a look at me. “What is really going on with you and that girl?”
“Honestly, she is a friend.” My voice was still forced. “I’d like to be more, Coach. There’s this… connection there that I’ve never felt before.”
He sighed. “I don’t want this to be a Melody situation again.”
“She’s nothing like Melody.” I growled. I hated when people mentioned that terrible relationship. “This woman doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body.”
“Just be careful, son.” Coach patted my shoulder.
“Now, get the fuck out of my car.”
Doing as asked, I got out and headed into Aife’s apartment.
I seethed when my wrist jostled a bit. Where the hell were those medications?
I frantically looked around before finding the little orange bottle.
Popping the cap, I downed a pill and chugged some water.
Without thinking, I stripped to my boxers and fell on her bed.
Aife’s bed was tiny. My feet dangled off the end of the bed, and I found myself giggling before falling asleep.
“Talon.” Someone was shaking me. “Talon, wake up.” The shaking continued.
I groaned, rolling onto my back to face whoever was pestering me.
Striking hazel eyes met mine. Aife’s plump, pink lips looked so tantalizing right now.
Plus, she looked ridiculously cute in her work clothes.
I frowned at her long sleeves. She always wore long sleeves to cover her arms.
Aife looked at me again. She was truly stunning.
“Talon, you need to get up.”
“No.” I didn’t want to get up. Everything hurt and her bed was comfy. Pain wrapped around my wrist, aching and intense.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes. You cannot sleep in my bed. You need to go home.”
“Why?” I felt like a petulant child. “I want to stay here.”
She sighed and looked me over. I could tell dozens of thoughts were running through her head.
I wasn’t lying; I did want to stay here.
Aife was comfortable to be around. Her mere presence calmed my racing mind.
Aife unfolded her arms and roughly ran a hand through her hair.
She closed her eyes tightly and breathed through her nose.
“I can appreciate that, and I’m glad you’re comfortable around me.” Aife let out a deep breath. “You distract me though. During the week, you need to be at your own home.”
My ears perked up. “Distract you?” The covers fell off as I sat up. Aife sucked in a breath and turned away. I smirked. “So, I can come and stay Friday and Saturday?”
Aife banged her head on her bedroom door. It sounded painful, but she did it twice more. “Fine. But!”
“But?” Why was there always a but with this woman? I smiled, watching her braid fall over her shoulder.
“You have to be fully clothed.”
Laughing, I climbed out of her bed and stood directly behind her. Leaning down, I spoke softly into her ear. “You think I’m attractive or something?”
She audibly gulped. “Talon, you’re like a fucking gladiator and an actor rolled into one.” Aife turned, squeaking when she ran into my bare chest. Her mouth dropped open, and she blinked rapidly. She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, eyes trailing over my body.
“Jesus fucking Christ.” Her hand reached out before she shook her head and dropped her hand. “For the love of Johnny Christ, put clothes on.”
I laughed again. She had odd turns of phrases. “The bassist of Avenged Sevenfold is your lord and savior?”
A sly smile made its way onto her face. “No… M.
Shadows is.” Aife pushed past me and slammed her bathroom door shut.
So, Aife had a crush on Avenged Sevenfold’s lead singer. That should not have surprised me as much as it did. With a small chuckle, I left her room and pulled my button up and suit pants on before plopping onto her couch.
My wrist was still throbbing, but the pain was more of a dull ache now.
Today certainly taught me not to forget the pain meds.
They were prescribed for a reason. I looked at my watch to see it was nearly nine at night.
My eyes widened. How long had I slept for?
Aife just let me sleep in her bed for that long?
She let me sleep in her bed at all? She was a strange woman.
Her door cracked open, showcasing her sweats and messy bun. Somehow, she still looked beautiful. Her eyes landed on me. “Glad to see you clothed.”
“It was a real challenge.” I smiled at her. “Your bed is too small.”
Aife rolled her eyes at me. “Well, considering I’m not a giant, it’s a good size. We can’t all be the size of a fridge.”
“Darling, even a normal-sized man would fall out of that bed. It’s designed for small people.” I folded my arms across my chest. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She shot me a look. “Talon…”
“You said I couldn’t stay over on weekdays.
Tomorrow is Friday.” Placing a kiss on her cheek, I grabbed my pain pills and headed toward the door. “I’ll text you when I’m home.”