Page 158 of Interference

“Hey, Aussie,” Leanne said. “So, I’ve got some news for you. Everything’s being finalized, so nothing can be announced publicly yet, but it isn’t going to take long. I wanted you to know before it hit social media.”

“Yeah?” I felt around until I found Wyatt’s hand, and I gripped it tight. “Where are they sending me?”

“Nowhere.”

“No—what?”

“You’re staying here in Seattle. Simon is going to Atlanta in exchange for a pair of forwards, a second-round draft pick for this season, and a first round for next season.”

I blinked. “Are you… Are you serious?”

“Completely.”

“But he’s… I mean, he’s a way better player than I am.”

“Well, the powers that be know what they want. And they made it very clear they want you to stay. In fact, we’re going to be having a meeting to start negotiating your extension next week. Nothing’s written in stone yet, but they want to start talks well before you’re a free agent.”

I closed my eyes as I pushed out a breath. “Holy shit.”

“You’re good, Aussie. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what’s going on. I’ll be in touch about next week’s meeting.”

“Awesome,” I said, still dazed. “Thanks for the update.”

We ended the call, and I stared at my phone.

Wyatt sat up beside me. “Well?”

“They traded Simon,” I said hollowly, barely believing my own words. “They’re…” I met his eyes. “They’re keeping me.”

“Really?” He touched my arm. “That’s great! Isn’t it?”

“It is, but…” I gestured with my phone. “I need to call my coach. He’s got to know what’s going on.”

Wyatt nodded. With my heart in my throat, I sent the call, and as it rang on the other end, I clasped my and in his.

Coach answered with, “Morning, Aussie. I’m guessing you’ve heard by now?”

“Yeah, I have. Just… Clark is really trading Simon? And you’re okay with that?”

Coach sighed heavily. “On paper, Cars is an asset to the team. But he admitted to leaking the story to Cole Tandy.”

I closed my eyes and mouthed a few curses. “He admitted to it?”

“Eventually, yes.” Coach did not sound pleased. “He tried to insist it wasn’t him, but Clark and Megan got the truth out of him. And quite frankly, I don’t care how good someone is on the ice—that kind of backstabbing and abusive behavior is going to destroy a team. He’s a locker room cancer, and I don’t want him here.”

I was speechless for a moment. Finally, I managed, “Really?”

“Really. Listen, I think we made a mistake, laying down the law with you and Cars like that. We’re all married. We know how couples have their ups and downs. It wasn’t right, making a rule like that for the two of you. And honestly, after our meeting yesterday, we all realized that. I don’t think anyone had any mind to trade you or cut you loose.” He pushed out a breath. “Cars wouldn’t have gone anywhere either, but that stunt he pulled with Tandy…”

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Wow. Damn.”

“Stats and play only go so far, Aussie,” he said. “I won’t have a cancer in my locker room. I talked to D’Angelo earlier, and he didn’t like the idea either, of having someone here who’s willing to feed the trolls like that.”

Holy shit. Our captain was onboard too? And maybe that wasn’t such a surprise. Hockey was a small community, and locker rooms were tight. If there was someone in the room who teammates couldn’t trust, that could screw up the whole team’s dynamics. In that respect, yeah, it made sense that Simon was the one who was traded, not me.

Still.

I swallowed hard. “Thanks for keeping me on. I’ll, um… I’ll do my best to live up to that.”

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