Chapter 32 #2
Jules had kept something from him when they typically shared everything with each other, and that something involved a person Cam shared a professional working relationship with. Frankie might only be an assistant coach, but she was still a coach.
“He recalled the ways in which you’ve been treated and the things he’s overheard certain players say about you,” Neil continued.
“Suffice it to say, those members of our organization will be penalized for their behaviour following a chat with the board and will be slapped with a fine for unsportsmanlike and unprofessional behaviour. They will also be given mandatory sensitivity training from the league’s HR team. ”
“Wow, that’s…good to hear. Thank you, Neil. I didn't really expect that.”
“Hockey fans are bad enough already, aren’t they?
” He asked, though the question was entirely rhetorical.
“You don’t deserve your own team to treat you the way the rest of the hockey world does.
I hope it changes one day, I really do, but I want you to know that you are a valued member of our team, Frankie.
And you deserve respect from all of us.”
When she finally left Neil’s office, she felt both relieved that her concerns weren’t ignored or invalidated and reassured in knowing she’d done the right thing by using her voice.
With one issue taken care of for now, that just left her and Jules to navigate the minefield that was Cameron and the reality that a job opportunity for Jules potentially meant they’d no longer be just partners, but coworkers too.
There was so much to think about and Frankie didn’t know what she needed more; a cigarette, a drink, or a kiss from the woman she loved.
She didn’t smoke, she was already getting a headache that alcohol would worsen, but the thought of seeing Jules was like a breath of fresh air when her chest felt heavy.
She sat on an equipment case in the hallway for a few minutes, trying to gather her thoughts before heading out to find Jules and Sydney.
Leaning her head back against the cement wall, she closed her eyes for a few seconds and allowed the hum of the arena’s HVAC system to settle her until a throat cleared to get her attention.
Slowly, she blinked open her eyes and found Cam standing a few feet away from her in his gameday outfit; a pair of dark jeans with white sneakers and a sport coat worn over a wool sweater. His backpack was slung over one shoulder and his hands were shoved deep in his pockets.
“Clarke,” she said in the deeper voice she often used when acknowledging her players. “Tough game tonight but you played great.”
And he had.
He’d been the best player on the ice from the first whistle to the final whistle, working his ass off to try and get something, anything, out of the game.
“Thanks.” He ran a hand through his hair then rubbed the back of his neck and looked anywhere but at her, like he was considering what he wanted to say next and struggling to find the right words.
When he did meet her gaze again, he looked remorseful and downcast, a departure from his usual cheerfully tough exterior.
“I wanted to apologize to you. And to my sister. I’m going to speak to her privately but… you’re here right now.”
Frankie stood and crossed her arms. She nodded, a sign for him to continue, and he nervously scratched the scruff of his short beard.
“My reaction yesterday had less to do with the fact that the two of you are…what you are…and more to do with the fact that I’ve been dealing with my own shit, or not…
dealing with it, and I freaked out. I don’t have a good reason for it and my behaviour was unacceptable.
I was genuinely glad when you and my sister became friends because our life hasn’t been easy, and it’s been even harder for Jules. ”
“I know,” Frankie said. “She hasn’t told me everything but she’s told me enough. And we really did start off as friends. In fact, I consider your sister to be one of the best friends I’ve ever had. It just…grew from there.”
Cam smiled at that. “Can I be honest?”
“Of course,” Frankie said. He laughed a little bit and his blue squinted eyes reminded her so much of Jules. “I’d appreciate it if you were.”
“I kind of suspected something was up between you two.”
“Oh?”
“She started spending more time with you and I genuinely haven’t seen her this happy in a long time, maybe ever.
Jules didn’t have it easy after we lost our parents, especially not with me and my hockey career being what it was and what it became.
It just hurts knowing she didn’t think she could tell me about her feelings for you, didn’t trust me enough to come to me when things got serious.
I know you were both in a tough spot given you’re my – ”
“Coach?” Frankie joked.
He laughed again and smiled at her. “Exactly.”
“Listen, Cam. I didn’t plan on falling for your sister but I did and I want you to hear me when I tell you that I will not break her heart.
” She said it with conviction, wanting him to truly know and understand the weight of her words.
Because if she had it her way, she’d get to love Jules for the rest of her life.
“She means more to me than anyone ever has and I don’t want us losing our shot at something great because we’re afraid of things being too complicated.
Life can really, really suck sometimes. Don't we deserve to be happy if we get the chance?”
“Yeah, we do.” His smile widened and he tugged his backpack higher onto his shoulder. “Don’t tell her I spoke to you though, okay? I’m going to make things right with her when I get the chance. She told you about the job opportunity?”
“She did,” Frankie confirmed. “And we’re going to cross that bridge when we get there.”
“Good. And just so we’re clear, it doesn’t bother me that the two of you are together. If she’s happy, that’s all that matters to me. I’m sorry if my behaviour made either of you believe otherwise, I really am.”
Wanting Jules to be happy was something they wanted and despite everything, despite their careers and the pressures of the hockey community, that would always be the most important thing they had in common.
“I’m heading out but I can wait for you so we can walk out together if you want?”
Frankie gave her head a shake then waved him on and he gave her a curt nod, accepting the decision. He moved past her but just before he was out of reach, Frankie put her hand on his arm.
“Clarke.” He turned to look at her, his brows knit in confusion.
She did her best to hide the emotion in her voice and would probably cry about it later but she managed to maintain her composure when it mattered now.
“Thank you.” She swallowed hard, forcing the words out.
“For what you said to Neil. Just…thank you.”
Cam nodded, offering her another small smile. “Anytime, Coach.”