Chapter 2
Sarah
The next day, I’m out shopping for my new wardrobe.
When I start my internship on Monday, I plan on bringing my A-game in every way.
That begins with a great outfit.
I browse the stores, looking for sleek pants and classy tops.
I go for black, brown, white, and beige colours, keeping it neat and straightforward. My hands start to ache from all the bags I’m carrying as I head to the last stop on my list.
I already have quite a collection of high heels, but I told myself I’d get one more pair to celebrate landing my dream internship.
I walk around the store, searching for the perfect pair, when I spot a set of sleek, pointed-toe stilettos with a glossy, deep-brown finish.
The heels are slender and elegant, while the glossy finish gives them a bold, luxurious edge—a perfect pair that keeps you polished and sharp while making a statement.
I try them on, and I’m sold the moment I see how well they match my outfit, knowing they will go with many of the options I have brought.
I gather all the bags and head to my grey Toyota GR86, a gift from my dad when I turned 21.
After dropping off all my shopping bags at the dorm and hanging up the clothes that needed hangers, I start my drive out to Tinley Park.
As I get closer to the city, the familiar feelings of loss and gratitude wash over me.
Even though my mom isn’t physically here, I know she’s watching over me, and after a quick stop at the local flower shop, I head for the cemetery.
I place a bouquet of pink lilies, my mom’s favourite flowers, before sitting down in the grass, telling her about the latest updates in my life, mainly the internship.
She was always a big supporter of my dad and his NHL career, and even though his career was over when I was born, they took me to many games, all bundled up in cozy overalls with a variety of snacks.
Dad and I have done our best to keep our traditions alive, even though my mom’s absence is felt.
“I wish you were here with us; we miss you every day.”
I sit there feeling the wind blowing in my hair, with the early spring weather approaching. Mid-March can bring anything from snow one day to summer heat the next.
I make my way back to my car before heading home to my dad, who’s waiting with dinner ready and hockey on the TV, just like old times.
“Which team will you be cheering for?” I ask Dad when we’re lying on the couch, watching the game.
“With my baby working with Chicago, I’ll have to cheer for them this year,” he tells me, and I laugh.
We’ve always been Chicago fans, but dad used to play for Washington, so we also hold a special place in our hearts for them.
“Yeah, looks like they’re heading for the playoffs, so that will be exciting.”
Talking hockey has been part of our daily routine for as long as I can remember.
When I mention my upcoming meetings with the players, he gives me a warning look.
“Spit it out, Dad, what are you thinking?” I say, feeling like I’m in for a good old scolding, even though I’m 24 years old.
“I just want you to be careful, Sarah. You’re a beautiful woman, and those players will notice, so just be careful, okay? I’ve been in this league and know how these men can be,” he tells me, and I roll my eyes at him.
Dad’s always been worried I’d bring home a hockey player and that he would break my heart.
I tell him that he’s got nothing to worry about.
I’m there to do my job and maybe enjoy some eye-candy once in a while.
When I tell him that, he almost falls over, looking like he might have a heart attack, which makes me laugh.
“Calm down, Dad. I can handle some hockey players just fine.”
A part of me feels nervous about the meetings, hoping I’ve prepared enough.
I trust my knowledge of the team and social media strategy, but I don’t know them personally, which adds to my uncertainty.
Athletes can be a tough crowd, understandable since everyone usually wants something from them, just like I do.
Though I’m simply doing my job, I’m also prepared for some of them to prefer doing anything else rather than discussing what they should post on Instagram.
It all seems superficial in the grand scheme of things.
Nevertheless, I’m hopeful they’ll understand this is part of the job.
～
After a weekend at home, I feel rested and ready for the week to begin. It was wonderful being back, watching TV with my dad, and spending some quality time together before life gets hectic.
I look in the mirror and finish my makeup with a touch of lipstick and gloss.
My blonde hair is down, and I’m satisfied with the result of my overnight curls. The outfit I’ve chosen consists of trousers that are tight over my hips and flare out over the knees. I’ve matched my beige trousers with a deep brown blouse and my new heels.
Feeling prepared, I grab my bag and head for the arena, excited for the day ahead.
Clarissa greets me with a smile from the reception desk, handing me my access card.
When I arrive at the PR department, a beautiful woman with striking red hair greets me.
She has high cheekbones, which lend her a sculpted quality. Her eyes are green, and she carries herself with a confidence that feels both professional and inviting.
“You must be Sarah! I’m Samantha, so happy to meet you.”
We exchange a quick hug, making me relax.
“Nice to meet you, Samantha, it’s good having another woman around,” I tell her, before entering the office space we will be sharing.
“I’m so happy to finally have a roommate, or whatever we call this,” she says, making both of us chuckle.
We settle into the couch, and I learn that Samantha has been with the team for around two years. She’s twenty-six, two years older than me, and according to her, she has the whole team wrapped around her little finger.
At least, most of them. I don’t doubt it.
She seems like a woman who could get any man to do what she prefers.
“I was going to ask you if there are any troublemakers I need to prepare for,” I tell her.
My first meetings with the players will start tomorrow with Noah and Caleb.
“Well, they’re all trouble in one way or another. Most of them will probably flirt with you but also respect you at the same time. It can be a weird dynamic at first, but you’ll get used to it, and soon enough, they will all feel like extended family.”
She tells me some of the guys keep to themselves and don’t socialize much with the team, while others like to go out for a night once in a while.
Samantha says she’s tagged along a few times, but having me on the team will make it even better, since we can go out together.
There are no rules against being with the players, but Samantha makes it clear she’s never crossed a line.
She doesn’t say she’d ever wanted to, though, but I don’t ask.
A question for another day.
I tell her about my first meetings with Noah and Caleb.
“Caleb is such a cute guy. A little shy and introverted, but he’s got a heart of gold. When he warms up, he will be like a little brother,” she says, making me grateful that he’s one of the first I’ll meet.
Shy and introverted will be perfect.
“Noah, on the other hand, will probably try to flirt your pants right off. He’s a notorious playboy and will make a pass, but as soon as you draw the line, he will back off. You should be more afraid of his best friend and the captain, Alexander McGregor.”
At the mention of his name, I feel a slight tingle deep in my stomach.
Alexander is the team’s commander, both as a captain and in his overall presence.
Whenever he’s on the ice, he’s thrilling to watch.
Off the ice, he’s usually a broody guy who doesn’t spend much time elaborating in interviews with the media.
He does what’s required of him, but it’s obvious he’s there for hockey and not to socialize with reporters.
I guess when you’re the biggest star on the team, you can get away with quite a lot before anyone dares to say anything.
He’s also as handsome as sin.
He has dark brown hair and a slight stubble along his jaw. Piercing blue eyes that are so vivid and intense, even in pictures, that I got a little flushed just looking at him the other day when I was researching the team.
“What about him?” I try to keep my voice steady.
“He can be a tough nut to crack, and doesn’t really appreciate new people all that much. But I’m sure he’ll be alright when he learns your position on the team.”
Even though I really shouldn’t, there’s something about the captain and his demeanour that draws me in differently from any other player.
It doesn’t matter, though; I’ll be meeting with him like any other player, and knowing he prefers to spend as little time as possible doing media, I probably won’t be seeing much of him.
As the day goes on, I get to meet the rest of the team I’ll be working with. Samantha is the perfect sidekick, introducing me and helping me remember names and positions.
Wayne, the image and management supervisor, is a delightful man who brought donuts into the office, making him a favourite already.
Miriam, Henry’s assistant, is another headstrong female, rocking the team jersey around her shoulders as she said Mondays are for comfort. She argued that a more professional take on comfort was to wear the jersey, and ever since she did, it’s become her own little Monday routine.
I’m grateful for the team I will be working with. They’re welcoming and kind, yet incredibly skilled at their craft.
I couldn’t imagine a better place to learn the ropes of hockey media.
～
On Tuesday, I’m heading to the part of the arena where the players usually hang out. It’s closest to the gym and the rink and has all the essential features for top athletes.
I’m meeting with Caleb first, and even though I’m nervous, I feel well prepared and excited.
We’re meeting up in one of the lounge areas to talk about his social media presence, or rather, the lack of it.
When I arrive, he’s already waiting, although I’m five minutes early.
I walk up to him, and he gently shakes my hand as he introduces himself.
“I’m Caleb, nice to meet you, Sarah.”