Page 58 of Power Pucking Play

Sophie's quiet for a moment, and I'm about to backtrack when she speaks. "Is this about Gio De Luca?"

My heart stops. "How did you...?"

"I had a hunch. And then I saw the way you two looked at each other during his last office visit."

I groan, leaning against the sink. "That obvious, huh?"

"Only to someone who's paying attention. But, um, I can pretend I didn't notice, if you want."

"No, it's fine. I guess my emotions were pretty obvious."

Sophie pauses for a moment before speaking again. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

"Honestly? I have no idea."

"Maybe you should talk to him. Clear the air, figure out where he stands. Do you...know where he stands?"

"No, not really. He's so closed off about his personal life."

"Maybe that's why you're drawn to him. You like a challenge. It's why I was so excited to work beside you atSports News Now."

"You were excited because you thought I was going to be a challenge? And here I thought 'challenge' was a code word for 'big bitch'."

Sophie laughs. "No way, Lexi. You're driven and ambitious, but you also know when to let loose and have fun. That's a rare balance in this industry."

I smile, feeling a little better about the situation. I might have been too hasty in assuming my intern saw me as a cold, unapproachable boss.

Haven't I been, though? Cold and unapproachable, I mean.

Especially when it comes to work. I've always been laser-focused on my career, letting it consume me and push aside any personal relationships. But now that Gio has entered the picture, I'm realizing how much I've been missing out on.

Sophie's voice brings me back to the present. "So, are you going to talk to him?"

"That's personal, Sophie."

"Of course, Miss Brookes. I didn't mean to…"

"I'm kidding, Sophie. You've given me a lot to think about."

"Would some of that thinking involve a raise?"

"You're learning far too much from me. We'll see." I pause. "And thanks again."

As I hang up, I catch sight of myself in the mirror again. This time, the woman looking back at me seems...stronger. More determined.

I straighten my shoulders, fix my hair, and head back out to the rink. The game's about to start, and I've got a job to do.

The first period is a blur of action and missed opportunities. The Blades are playing like a team possessed, but something's off with Gio. He's not taking his usual risks, not playing with that edge that makes him so electric on the ice.

This time, I don't join Gabi in the press box. Instead, I sit near the tunnel, watching.

As the second period starts, I try to focus on the game, on the story I'm supposed to be writing.

But my eyes stayed glued to Gio.

And it's during a particularly tense power play that I see it. Gio's got the puck, he's lining up for one of his signatureslapshots. But at the last second, he hesitates. Passes instead of taking the shot.

The crowd groans, and I can see the frustration on Gio's face even from here.

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