Chapter 18 #2
“How’s it going?” he asked, looking around. “Have you got everything you need?”
“I think so.” I was surprised it had taken him this long to appear. Robertson gave the impression of being someone who liked to be involved when there was attention to be had—as long as it wouldn’t ruffle his perfectly pressed suit.
Or perhaps that wasn’t fair. I liked the man well enough; he just had a certain air about him that made you think he enjoyed being noticed.
Players trickled in, lingering around the edges of the room, watching curiously.
Tia directed Mr. Trent to sit on the sofa and asked him a few questions about why he’d bought the team, what changes they’d already implemented, and what he was willing to share about future changes that might be in the works.
After she finished, Warren took several photographs of him, which I imagined would make a nice addition to the article, considering how handsome Mr. Trent was.
That done, they asked the team to clear an area so they could cluster together with Mr. Trent, the coaches, and Mr. Robertson for more photos.
Some of the players clearly enjoyed posing, while others, like McKinley and Harris, obviously wished to be elsewhere. No one complained, though, and once Warren and Tia were satisfied with Mr. Trent’s contribution, he departed, but Mr. Robertson hung around, perhaps to keep an eye on things.
Tia asked Coach Dunn and Assistant Coach Willets—both of whom had dressed in suits for the occasion—to sit on the sofa while she interviewed them.
Meanwhile, I fussed with the other furniture, making sure there were enough seats available for the players while they waited.
Stella ran to the office kitchen and returned with water for those who were thirsty.
Assistant Coach Willets moved aside, and Harris joined Coach Dunn on the sofa. I suddenly wondered whether I should have asked Tia not to reference his relationship with Jane Wright, since he was touchy about anything to do with her.
Fortunately, Tia only mentioned Jane briefly. I noticed Harris stiffen and his eyes narrow, but he relaxed when she didn’t pursue the subject beyond observing that Jane and Austin were a hockey power couple.
“It’s shit that we have to put our lives on display because of that fucking PR girl.”
I froze, my insides turning to ice despite the warmth of the room. The muttered statement had come from somewhere behind me, and I didn’t want to turn and let them know I’d heard, but it hurt. I’d thought I was getting along well with the players.
“We aren’t even all getting the benefits,” the man continued—Delacrue, if I had to guess. “She’s playing favorites.”
Excuse me?
I drew in a deep breath to calm myself. That jerk was speaking loudly enough that I was sure several people had heard, but no one seemed to be encouraging him.
Still. Playing favorites?
I wasn’t the one who’d suggested focusing on the new team leadership. That had been Tia. She was running the show here. I was just giving her what she wanted.
Of course, I was an easier person to blame. A better punching bag.
I started to turn, knowing I needed to stand up for myself, but before I could get a word out, another voice spoke up.
“You know why we have to do this. We were a hot mess for years and if we don’t clean up our image, we’ll be in even more shit with the commissioner. Chelsey is just doing her job.”
My stomach flipped when I realized the voice belonged to Matt. He’d defended me without any prompting. My chest warmed and I turned back around, smiling to myself. I didn’t need him to stand between me and trouble, but it was nice of him to do it, nonetheless.
Tia called for Matt and Nick to join Austin on the sofa and released Coach Dunn.
She asked them about the recent charitable work they’d undertaken, and Matt told her about the shelter fundraiser and the cat he’d adopted.
It was obvious in the way he talked about Wasabi that he doted on him and I could tell that Tia was as charmed by that as I was.
“I’ve been posting photos of me and Wasabi regularly, with links to the Furry Hearts Animal Shelter and other no-kill shelters in the area,” Matt said, his blue eyes darting to me as if seeking approval.
“I don’t know if it’s done any good, but I want to remind people that they’re there and constantly in need of help, be that through donations, voluntary work, or providing loving homes. ”
I might have melted a little bit. Damn him for being so kind-hearted.
“We’re also in the process of arranging a charity game to raise funds and support for the Rainbow Sports Alliance,” Nick added, flashing his gorgeous grin at the camera, complete with a dimple.
“It’s a local LGBTQ+ charity that helps fund queer youth to get the training and support they need to become high-level athletes. ”
“Like fuck I am,” Delacrue snapped, too quietly to carry all the way across the room but loud enough for most of the team to hear it. “No one can make me.”
I turned, nerves rioting in my gut. We couldn’t afford to have any kind of confrontation in front of a journalist—especially not an outburst fueled by homophobia.
My stomach dropped as I saw Gadot’s eyes narrow, and he squeezed past Taylor to get to Delacrue.
Gadot was significantly leaner than Delacrue, but he didn’t hesitate to square up to him.
That guy had balls on him, although I supposed I should have known that simply by the fact he was an out athlete in the NHL.
“That’s good, because I don’t want you involved,” Gadot said, his chin high as he silently challenged Delacrue to claim otherwise. “You’re not an ally, and I won’t let you hurt those kids.”
I glanced over my shoulder and realized that Tia, at least, had noticed that something was going on, although I couldn’t tell if it was clear what.
I moved closer to them and spoke quietly. “Hey, guys, maybe this isn’t the right time—”
Delacrue puffed out his chest. “I won’t have our team become a laughingstock.”
Gadot pushed him. “Don’t you dare imply that—”
“Stop,” I hissed, and everything fell quiet.
Everything.
Dread curling in my gut, I slowly turned and saw that Warren now had his camera pointing toward us, and he and Tia were watching with wide eyes.
Oh no. This was so bad.