Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Yup… there it is. The need for attention.
But she’s not wrong. The people who support the players is an important element I intended to dive into at some point. And Cherry has a good idea with Patrick’s blessing. “I have some availability after I meet with Patrick. We could talk then, and you could give me a little more information so I can figure out how to capture it.”
“Perfect,” Cherry replies without hesitation. “How about I go down to The Blue Line and wait for you?”
“Sounds good.”
Patrick turns to Cherry. “Thanks again for bringing this to me. I think it’s a strong initiative.”
She gathers her things, all efficiency and charm. “Happy to help.” As she passes me, she leans in slightly. “Looking forward to our chat.”
Then she’s gone, hips sashaying as she walks away.
Patrick gestures me toward the couches where we sat on my first visit, the informal seating arrangement rather than the formality of him behind his desk. “Thanks for coming to see me. I know it was short notice,” he says, taking the couch opposite the one I settle onto.
“No problem at all,” I reply. “That was a great win last night against the Cold Fury.”
“Indeed,” he says, expression blooming with pride. “They’re a champion team through and through.” Patrick crosses one leg over the other. “I wanted to check in and make sure you’re getting all the cooperation you need and that I’m living up to my unlimited access guarantee.”
“It’s all been great,” I assure him. “I still haven’t broken a smile from Walter on the front desk though.”
I wait, wondering how Patrick will react to that. Some bosses might not be happy with a surly employee, especially one welcoming guests, and while I don’t want to get Walter in trouble, I am curious to see what Patrick does.
To my surprise, he chuckles, the sound rolling into a fond smile. “Yeah, well… Walter is an interesting fellow. I know he’s not the warmest and fuzziest of guys, but there’s a reason I have him down there.”
I stare at the Wildfire owner, eyebrows raised expectantly. “You can’t say that to an investigative filmmaker and expect me to accept that.”
Patrick grins. “No, I suppose not. It’s not common knowledge, but it is public. Walter’s son played minor league hockey and he was very close to him. Taught him much of what he knew and worked three jobs to keep him in the sport. They were in a bad car crash a few years ago and he lost his son and Walter was disabled. So, I gave him this job.”
My jaw sags, mouth falling open. “Oh… wow.”
“I can certainly have a talk with him—”
“No,” I exclaim. “No… he’s not rude or anything. Standoffish. Please don’t say anything to him. And that’s very nice that you gave him a job.”
Patrick inclines his head and the subject is forgotten. “So… how are you feeling about the season so far? I understand it’s a job for you to film us, but I’ve noticed that you’ve been wearing some Wildfire gear to the games and cheering pretty hard. I suspect we have a new fan.”
“That’s observant,” I quip, and he smirks. I take a breath, shifting gears. “It’s been interesting. There’s a good rhythm developing. A lot of intensity, but also a sense of cohesion.”
He nods. “I think we’re off to a strong start, but it’s still early. Personalities haven’t fully settled yet.” His gaze narrows slightly. “And you? Settling in all right?”
“Yes,” I say easily. “The city is great, the people even better, and everyone on the team has been beyond gracious.”
He smiles at that. “Good. I want to make sure this project stays honest.”
“That’s the goal,” I agree, but my brows furrow. “Is there anything that’s happened that you think would render what I’m doing dishonest?”
Patrick blinks in surprise. “No, not at all. And I trust you when you say the project is running honestly. After all, when this film is finished, it won’t only represent the Wildfire, it’ll represent you.”
I think of my work as expository, but I can never forget that my experiences have shaped how I tell a story. So yes… it does represent me as well.
“You’ve been given a level of access most people don’t get,” he continues. “That kind of trust has value. But it also carries responsibility. Your credibility is part of the product, which is why I know the league chose you for this project.”
I shift slightly in my chair, a warm heat creeping up the back of my neck. When he says the film will represent me, something dark twists. I’ve always framed my work as exposure, not autobiography. Facts. Systems. Structures. But stories don’t exist in a vacuum. They pass through a lens, and that lens is shaped by who you are, what you’ve survived, and what you’re willing to sit with.