Chapter 28 Collin #3
“King here thinks his personal life is more important than his professional obligations,” Marcus says by way of explanation. “Maybe you can make him understand what’s at stake.” Shannon’s expression doesn’t change, but I catch the slight tightening around her eyes.
“The sponsors are concerned,” she begins, her tone measured, diplomatic. “They’ve invested heavily in your image, Collin, and this... development has caught them off guard.”
“This ‘development’ has a name,” I say, unable to keep the edge from my voice. “Iris. And her son, Jamie.” Something flickers across Shannon’s face—a brief, almost imperceptible softening.
“Yes, of course. The concern isn’t about who they are as individuals. It’s about the perception. The narrative that’s taking shape in the media.”
“Then change the narrative,” I challenge, spreading my hands wide. “Isn’t that what PR is all about? Telling the story you want told?” The corner of her mouth twitches—not quite a smile, but close.
“It’s not quite that simple.”
“Isn’t it?” I raise my brows. “Tell me this—which makes a better story: ‘Hockey player has brief affair with troubled woman’ or ‘Hockey player finds love and builds family with remarkable woman who overcame incredible challenges’?” Shannon’s eyes widen slightly, her gaze suddenly more intent.
“Are you saying this is serious?” Her heads tilts to the side, studying me.
The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication.
I think of Iris—of her freckles and curls, her gentle hands, of the fierce way she protects Jamie and the vulnerable way she’s allowed herself to lean on me.
I think of Jamie’s drawing on my refrigerator, of his goofy smile and endless questions.
Of the way the three of us fit together in a way I’d never known was possible.
“I love her,” I say simply, the words carrying the weight of absolute truth.
“Both of them, actually. And I’m not going to pretend otherwise to make some corporate sponsors feel better about their investment.
” Marcus makes a sound of disbelief, but Shannon’s expression has shifted, lips pursed, eyes narrowed.
“If that’s true,” she says slowly, “if this is genuinely a serious relationship... we might be able to work with that.”
“Shannon,” Marcus warns, but she holds up a hand, silencing him with a gesture.
“The public loves a redemption story,” she continues, speaking more to herself than to either of us.
“Former Olympic skating star who stepped away from the spotlight to raise her son, now finding love on a reality show. Star athlete known for his playboy ways, finally settling down for the right woman. There’s something there.
” Her gaze sharpens, focusing fully on me.
“But it would have to be real, Collin. Rock solid. No wavering, no second thoughts. Are you absolutely certain this is what you want?” It should feel like a momentous question. Instead, the answer comes easily.
“Yes,” I say firmly. “I’m certain.” I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life. Marcus hits his desk with an open hand.
“This is ridiculous. We’re discussing the reputation of the entire organization, and you want to risk it all for—”
“For someone I care about?” I say, holding his gaze.
“For family? For the same values this team promotes in every community event we do?” I move closer to his desk.
“What are you actually worried the sponsors will think? That one of your players is committed to a woman who’s worked hard to build a good life for her son?
That I’m serious about supporting them both?
That I’m willing to stand by what matters to me? ”
“Do you not remember what the sponsors said after your last PR disaster?” Marcus asks, his voice tight with frustration.
“One more big scandal and you’re gone. Done.
Finished. This isn’t about what I think or what the team wants.
You’re one of our best players, King, but the sponsors write the checks.
” A heavy silence falls over the room. I can hear the hum of the overhead lights.
“I think we can make it work,” Shannon says quietly and his head swivels in her direction. “We pivot from damage control to proactive messaging. We get ahead of the narrative.”
“No,” Marcus begins, but she shakes her head.
“If this is genuine, we’d be fools not to embrace it.
” She squares her shoulders, already shifting into planning mode.
“We can use these family values to sway the sponsors in our favor. No one wants to lose Collin, not really. He’s too valuable on the ice.
We’ll need an exclusive interview—something tasteful, dignified.
Photos of the three of you together, carefully managed.
We emphasize commitment, family values, his growth as a person.
” Marcus pinches the bridge of his nose, frustration evident in every line of his body.
But I can see the calculation happening behind his eyes.
The weighing of options, the assessment of risks and potential rewards. We’ve almost won him over.
“Your stats have been exceptional this season given you’ve only played home games,” he says grudgingly.
“The fans adore you. The team needs you.” Each admission seems physically painful for him.
“If Shannon thinks she can spin this... if you’re absolutely certain this isn’t going to blow up in all our faces. ..”
“It won’t,” I promise, certainty flowing through me like a current.
“I know what I want, Marcus. Who I want. And I’m not walking away from that—not for sponsorships, not for image, not for anything.
” Marcus studies me for a long moment, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt.
Finding none, he sighs heavily, the sound of a man conceding defeat.
“Fine,” he says at last. “But I swear to God, King, if this goes sideways—”
“It won’t,” I repeat, conviction in every syllable. The tension in my shoulders begins to ease, relief flooding through me in a warm wave. I’ve done it. I’ve stood my ground, fought for what matters. For who matters.
“Thank you,” I say, meaning it. “Both of you.” Marcus waves away my gratitude with an irritated flick of his wrist.
“Just don’t make me regret this.” He points a warning finger at me.
“And for God’s sake, get a towel or something.
You’re dripping all over my floor.” The rain has slowed to a drizzle by the time I reach my car.
I sit there for a moment, staring at my reflection in the rearview mirror.
The man looking back at me seems different somehow—more certain, more determined.
I’ve spent my life avoiding commitment, keeping people at a safe distance. Not anymore.