Page 17 of Pucking the Team

Let the best man win.

CHAPTER 7

EMMA

The arena buzzes with anticipation as I weave through the concrete hallways, my pulse in time with the rhythm of my clacking heels. It’s go time, the first game of the season.

I dodge trainers pushing carts stacked high with gleaming hockey pads and burly equipment managers lugging heavy bags. The air smells like fresh ice and stale hockey pads, that familiar scent from my childhood spent in rinks.

Ahead, I spot Chloe, her blond hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. Her pregnant belly is hidden under her flowy blouse as she gestures animatedly, deep in conversation with one of the assistant coaches. She’s a total powerhouse.

I hesitate, not wanting to interrupt, but Chloe glances over and waves me to her with a warm smile.

“Emma! Just who I wanted to see,” she says brightly, resting a hand on her belly. “Let’s go over the social media plan one last time before puck drop, yeah?”

“Absolutely!” I follow her to the marketing office, my mind already churning with ideas. For the next hour, we sit side-by-side finessing Facebook posts and brainstorming Twitter polls to engage the fans.

I sneak a glance at Chloe as we work, admiring her quick wit and creative instincts. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this job, but collaborating with her gets my blood pumping in the best way.

“Alright, I think we’re set,” Chloe announces, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. She eyes me appraisingly. “You know, it wasn’t easy convincing the higher-ups we needed a dedicated social media manager. But you’ve really been killing it these past few weeks. Made my life a hell of a lot easier, especially with this little nugget on the way.” She pats her belly with a wry grin.

Heat rushes to my cheeks at the unexpected praise. Chloe’s approval means more than I realized. I shrug one shoulder, trying to play it cool.

“Hey, you’re the one showing me the ropes. I’m just trying to keep up.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Emma.” Chloe heaves herself up from the chair with a little grunt. “The Blizzards are lucky to have you. Now come on, let’s go see what trouble the boys are getting into down at the rink.”

I follow Chloe out of the office, a newfound lightness in my steps. I’m actually doing this—living my dream of working in hockey. In that moment, surrounded by the vivid energy of game day, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Chloe and I make our way down the concrete hallways towards the ice, and the cacophony of game day preparations echoes off the walls—the clatter of equipment, the chatter of staff, the blare of warm-up music. My senses are on high alert, trying to soak it all in.

Rounding a corner, we nearly collide with a tall, severe-looking woman. It’s Alison Novak, the Blizzards’ marketing manager.

Things haven’t improved between us since our off-putting and stilted first introduction, but thankfully we haven’t had much overlap. My few interactions with her have always left me feeling unsettled, like I’m being silently judged and found wanting.

“Chloe,” Alison greets coolly, her sharp gaze flicking to me. “I see you have your new project in tow.”

I bristle at the dismissive sneer in her voice, but bite my tongue. Causing drama with our colleagues is the last thing I need.

Chloe’s smile tightens. “Yep. We were just headed to capture some behind-the-scenes content. Do you need something, Alison?”

From the clip in her voice, I can tell that Chloe doesn’t appreciate how Alison is addressing her. It’s a good reminder that Chloe is both of our bosses, even if Alison acts like she’s in charge.

“Actually, I need to discuss some budgeting issues for next month’s charity auction,” Alison says brusquely. “Afraid it can’t wait. I’m sure your protégé here can handle some simple video on her own, no?”

Alison’s patronizing tone makes my cheeks burn with indignation. I open my mouth to retort, but Chloe beats me to it.

“It’s game day, Alison,” Chloe says firmly. “Emma and I have our hands full with the social accounts. Surely the auction details can wait an hour or two?”

The two women stare at each other for a long, drawn-out, increasingly awkward moment. Chloe is not about to give into this tantrum. Finally, Alison throws up her hands.

“Fine. Have it your way. But we will be discussing this today, Chloe. Before I’m forced to make some difficult decisions.” With a final withering glance in my direction, she spins on her stilettos and stalks off.

“Well, she’s just a ray of sunshine, isn’t she?” I mutter under my breath.

Chloe sighs, rubbing her temples. “I’m sorry about that, Emma. Alison is...well, let’s just say office politics have never been her strong suit.”

“Hey, you don’t need to apologize.” I give Chloe what I hope is a reassuring smile. “I’m a big girl, I can handle a little attitude.”

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