Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Though, I’m honestly not sure how he could have missed it.
“Dad, hi,” I say, the words sticking in my suddenly dry throat. “I saw the hit on television last night and—”
“What about your interview?” he cuts in, his brow furrowing as he ambles slowly into the room, the signature Coach Lauder cool still mostly unperturbed. “Surely, you didn’t leave Seattle before that was done.”
I blink, taken aback by the question. But I guess I shouldn’t be. After all, he was the one who taught me to put work and accomplishment before everything else. Of course, he’s more concerned about my job prospects than the fact that I clearly have a more intimate relationship with Stone than I’ve let on.
“No, the interview was already over,” I say. “We met yesterday afternoon.”
“And?” he demands.
“And it went very well,” I say, fighting a wave of irritation.
Dad is just being Dad and now isn’t the time for a talk about our relationship dynamics moving forward. I just need to soothe his feathers and get him out of here before Stone does something completely damning like call out my name in his sleep.
“They seemed impressed with my preparation and on board with my coaching style,” I add. “I think we share a similar ethos when it comes to balancing player development and performance. They want a program that fosters resilient athletes, not just quick wins, so…that was great to hear.”
He nods, looking pleased. “And they invited you to sit with the owners at the Seattle game tonight. That’s a good sign.” He acts as if this is common knowledge, not private information I’ve shared with exactly zero people.
I exhale with a shake of my head, my jaw clenching tight. Again, why am I surprised? Of course he knows. Of course he’s still got his ear to the ground, tracking my every professional move like I’m a teenager who needs him to sign consent forms and request my shot record for skills camp.
“Are you flying back up this afternoon?” he asks. “I wouldn’t suggest driving. There’s another storm on the way.”
“No, Dad, I’m not. I’ll text my regrets later, once everyone is awake,” I say, crossing my arms. “I need to be here right now.”
His lips press into a thin line. “For Stone,” he says, still with far less surprise or judgment than I would have expected.
It’s almost like he already knew that we’ve been seeing each other…
But he couldn’t have. Stone and I were so careful, so secretive…at least until recently. And none of the people we’ve let in on our new relationship status would have shared the news with my father.
“That would be a mistake, Remy,” Dad adds. “Stone shouldn’t be top of mind right now. You need to prioritize the big picture.”
I’m about to insist that Stone is a good friend and friends are a priority for me—that’s true enough—and hope that’s enough to kick the can down the road on this conversation, when Stone lets out another soft groan. A moment later, the beeps from the monitor start coming faster.
Not fast enough to be concerning, but there’s a noticeable difference.
Before I can press the call button, Nancy, the nurse from earlier, reappears, slipping past my father with a professional smile.
“Looks like our patient might be waking up,” she says, checking the monitors again. “Let’s give him a little space, shall we? You two can wait in the hallway if you’d like, and we’ll have you back in as soon as he’s checked out.”
I hesitate, not wanting to leave Stone alone, but it’s probably best if he doesn’t wake up to find himself in the middle of the drama. Going from unconscious to trapped in a hospital bed between his secret girlfriend and his secret girlfriend’s father—who is also his boss—wouldn’t be good for an injured man’s blood pressure.
Reluctantly, I follow Dad into the corridor, leaving the door cracked behind me. The hall is still quiet at this point in the morning, with just a few nurses moving between rooms and a janitor mopping the floor at the far end.
“Listen, Remy. He’s a good man,” Dad says once we’re alone. “I’m happy you’ve found someone you enjoy spending time with, but there—”
“Wait, what?” I cut in, my jaw dropping. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” He shrugs, looking so chill, I have to fight the urge to pinch myself.
I must have passed out in that chair by Stone’s bed. Now, I’m dreaming this entire encounter. Because no way in hell is my dad okay with me dating a pro-hockey player, let alone one of his pro-hockey players. He’s been warning me away from NHL bros my entire life.
But evidently, he’s changed his mind, at least when it comes to Stone. Still, Dad isn’t the type to change his mind in a few weeks or even months, let alone a few seconds. Clearly, seeing me kissing Stone’s forehead wasn’t the first time that he’s suspected we’re more than friends.