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)
CHAPTER 31
Crosby
Practice ends the way most of them do—sweat-soaked players ambling back to the locker room, sticks clattering into racks, and good-natured ribbing among mates. I’m exhausted in the best way and I’m even looking forward to tomorrow’s road trip.
Normally, this is where I flip the switch, going into game mode. Where I allow the tunnel vision to take control so that I can be the best version of myself out on the ice.
But there’s one more thing I need to do before I can concentrate on my job.
I need to fix things with Juno. My plan is to track her down so we can talk. I was operating under so much anger that Cherry brought on that I let it spill out and wash over my relationship with Juno. Granted, it took me several hours of replaying everything over in my head, as well as Birdie repetitively telling me I was a dumbass to have treated Juno the way I did, that helped me see the light.
I said terrible things and I wish I could take them back. I didn’t really give Juno a chance to explain, and I know better than to do that to someone. It wasn’t my proudest moment.
I make quick work of my shower, hastily dressing in a pair of track pants and a hoodie. I haven’t seen Juno or Evan today and have no clue if they’re here filming, but I’ve been busy since the moment I stepped foot in the facility. We had a team meeting, and then I had a session with one of the physical therapists to work on a tight shoulder. Then it was on the ice for practice, and now… I can handle personal matters.
As I’m stepping out of the locker room, my gear bag on my shoulder, I hear my name being called.
I turn and see one of Patrick’s assistants waving at me. “Crosby… Patrick wanted to know if you can spare a moment for him.”
I manage to paste on a smile, even though it’s the last thing I want to do. My mind is on Juno, and I want to get that settled so she and I can move on. “Sure. Coming right up.”
A quick trip back to my cubby, I drop my gear and use the stairs to reach the executive suite. Janine waves me through and I knock on Patrick’s open door.
He looks up from his desk, a warm smile. “Please… come in and close the door behind you.”
I do, already bracing myself, because no matter how pleasant he sounds right now, I know this has to do with Cherry and Miller.
“I want to talk about yesterday,” he says, surprising me by coming around his desk to join me in one of the guest chairs.
“Heard about that, huh?” I rub at my jaw but don’t wait for the lecture. “I shouldn’t have lost my temper. That part’s on me, and I let it escalate instead of shutting it down. I truly regret it.” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “But I didn’t manufacture that situation. Cherry did, and I don’t know how to fix something I didn’t start.”
Patrick studies me, unreadable.
“I’m more than willing to stay away from her,” I continue. “I already do. But she’s filling Miller’s head with garbage, and that’s where the real problem is. He already confronted me on it once.”
“I’ll handle Miller,” Patrick says calmly. “But I need you to tell me a little bit more of what’s going on.”
A sigh escapes. “Honestly, it’s all Cherry. She loves the spotlight, loves drama, and for some reason is fixated on me. I have tried to ignore her, speak politely to her, but she apparently told her husband that I still want her, and now he’s all up in arms.”
“That’s no good,” Patrick murmurs, eyes drifting out the window as if he’s giving it consideration. “Sounds like Miller needs to get a handle on his wife.”
I shake my head. “With all due respect, that’ll be easier said than done.”
“I wonder how easy it would be for either of them if they knew his job was on the line,” Patrick says, his words cold as ice.
Part of me would love to be a fly on the wall to hear that conversation, but the other part of me feels bad for Miller. His place on this team could be in jeopardy because he attached himself to a woman who truly only cares about herself.
“Miller’s a good player,” I say earnestly. “But I can’t pretend this doesn’t exist. Team chemistry matters, and right now there’s a crack in it. I really hope you can fix it.”
“Your job isn’t to worry about that.” Patrick leans back. “Your job is to stop carrying everyone else’s weight and get ready to play.”
I open my mouth to argue, then stop because he’s right about that. I’m supposed to do my job, which is on the ice. His job is to make sure he’s built the right team, and while I’m dubious he can get Cherry under control, I’m thankful he’s going to take control of the situation.