Page 81 of Icebound Attraction

Chase nods in understanding.

“I understand, yes. Would you like a drink?”

“No, it's a bit early for that, and we've got practice later, so thank you, Brother. I'm gonna go home and crash for a while. I need to think.”

“Take care of yourself and let me know if you learn anything.”

I greet my best friend, and return to my room, my heart heavy.

I need to be alone to sort out my ideas, to know how to deal with all this, and above all what impact it might have on my career.

Coach Franklyn is going to have a fit too...

Finally, I reach for my cell phone and dial Mr. Turner's number.

He has years of experience in the world of professional ice hockey, and this certainly isn't the first shit he's had to deal with. I need his advice, and I think I can trust him.

When he takes the call, I try to keep my voice calm and measured, even if my thoughts are racing.

“Liam! How's it going? Training going well?” he asks, picking up the phone.

“Things are going well on that front, yes. But I was calling you about something else...”

I tell him the problem and he listens attentively.

“Liam, I understand your concern. But you should know that this kind of article is unfortunately part of your new reality. Especially if you get in the NHL. Journalists, even university journalists, are always on the lookout for sordid stories, and sometimes they cross the line. Don't let it get you down.”

His words reassure me a little, but the uncertainty persists.

“But this article is a pack of lies!”

He sighs.

“Unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. The public loves scandal, and some journalists will do anything to get attention. You have to learn to deal with it and concentrate on what's important: your performance on the ice. The best thing is not to read this kind of crap.”

Tired, I rub my face.

“Do you think this article could influence my chances of being drafted?” I ask, unsure.

His voice is firm when he answers.

“No, Liam. It's your performance on the ice that's judged, not what you do with your private life, whether it's true or not. What the teams are interested in is your ability as a player and your professionalism. Don't let things like that affect you.”

I breathe deeply as his words slowly percolate through me.

“Thank you, Mr. Turner.”

“No problem, Liam. If you have any questions or need support, I'm always here. Just keep doing what you do best: playing. The rest, you don't care about.”

After hanging up, I feel a little more relieved. His words bring me comfort and help me see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Come on, man, hold on!

When it's time to train, I feel a bit better. On the ice, I can put my thoughts aside for a while and concentrate on the sport. A temporary relief.

When I arrive at the rink, my eyes are immediately drawn to a mass of blond hair sitting in the stands.

A twinge runs through my heart.

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