Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I reply, and Eric follows him into my office and closes the door.
“You had meetings with all the rookies,” he says, putting his hands on his hips, “without me there.”
“I did it without Eric either.” I motion my chin to Eric, who is leaning against the door behind me. “I just wanted them to know my door was always open for them.”
“Well, I should have been aware of the conversation before it happened and not after the fact. I looked like a fucking idiot when I didn’t know what they were talking about.”
“You aren’t always going to know what I’m going to do,” I tell him, sitting down on the front of my desk. “I wanted it to be me and them. It had nothing to do with anything about you or coaching.”
“I think it was a dumb thing to do, and if you would have told me I would have talked you out of it.” He shakes his head. “No one cares if everyone gets along,” he mutters. “It’s a fucking joke.” He turns to walk out, and Eric moves out of the way.
“Cam,” I call his name and he looks over his shoulder, his hand on the handle. “You go out and say what you just said to my face, we’re going to have problems,” I warn him.
“We already have problems,” he responds, “and it has nothing to do with me.” He storms out.
“On a scale of one to ten,” I look at Eric, “how pissed do you think he is?”
“Zane,” Eric says my name, trying not to laugh. “The minute they named you coach instead of him, he was a one hundred on the scale.”
“I guess I’m his Roman Empire,” I tell him and he just looks at me confused. “Something I heard.” I think back to Victoria. “It’s what the kids are saying.”
“Good to know.” He turns, walking out of my office.
I take a huge exhale before I walk back out and head to the ice, the whole time plans are being made against me and I had no idea.
nine
Victoria
The phone rings from the counter as soon as I pour the milk in my cup of coffee. Walking over to it, I see it’s Ariella FaceTiming me.
I slide my finger across the screen as I walk out of the kitchen and then head outside to sit on the deck. The little white circle spins around and around as the phone connects and then I see Jagger’s face. “Well, hello there, handsome man.” He smiles big. “How we doing on this sunny Sunday?” He babbles. “Really?” I ask him, as if he just said something. “How is your dad doing after losing his hockey game yesterday?”
“Daddadadad,” Jagger jabbers, a dollop of drool falling out of his mouth.
“Yeah, I guess he’s not in a good mood, right?”
“I’m fine.” I hear Jaxon speak from not too far away from him.
“He doesn’t sound fine,” I tell Jagger, taking a sip of my coffee. “He sounds like he’s the opposite of fine. Sometimes they say they’re fine and they aren’t, and they want you to make a big deal about it,” I explain to Jagger. “Don’t fall into that trap.”
“Bgabdodubabo,” he replies and I nod my head.
“Exactly,” I tell him, smiling at the screen. “Who is your favorite auntie?” I ask him.
“Lexi,” Jaxon interrupts and Jagger’s eyes light up as he drops the phone to the floor and I see his little feet running, probably to the door. “No, buddy, she isn’t here.”
“But your Aunt TT is here!” I shout at the phone, now being picked up by Ariella as she laughs at me. “Such a traitor,” I mumble.
“He’s the worst,” she agrees with me, “but he’s cute so we shall keep him.”
“He does have that going for him.” I take another sip of my coffee. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this lovely early morning phone call?” I ask her and she laughs.
“Your brother is leaving tomorrow,” she says with a sad face as she looks over at him, coming back into the room with Jagger on his shoulders.
“I’ll miss him,” I reply sarcastically, “so, so much.”
“We’re going to do a Sunday late lunch early dinner sort of thing today,” she shares.
“Keep talking,” I urge her and she laughs, “I like where this is going.”
“Can you pick up some dessert?” she asks and I chuckle.
“Dessert for lunch slash dinner. Sold.” I point to her. “What time do you want me to show up?”
“You can come now.”
“You can’t come now,” Jaxon reneges. “I’m putting this guy down for a nap and then I’m taking my woman to bed.”
“Sorry, you’ll have to excuse me, my ears are bleeding.” I grimace. “I’ll be by later and I’ll only come in after you tell me that you both showered.”