Page 125 of The Christmas You Crash

The low-level hum of sports recaps and speculation gives way to music and the flash of the Rogues’ logo. I freeze in my seat. All the guys move into the living room, abandoning the kitchen and spreading out across the couch and chairs. When Isla moves to perch on Maddox’s lap, Ryder takes her place and wraps his arms around me.

“Whatever happens, I’ve got you.”

I offer him a tremulous smile. “I know.”

Sportscasters fill the screen. Four of them, sitting behind a studio desk. They begin to talk about the press conference that’s about to take place, give a rundown of how we got here, and make their speculations. When footage of my dad’s outburst and my escape flash across the massive screen, I flinch. Ryder’s right there to soothe me.

“I hate that everyone saw that,” I murmur.

“I know. I do too.” Ryder squeezes me in his arms. “I do too.”

“Chuck LeFevre is live in Minneapolis, where the Rogues are holding a press conference to reveal the future of Head Coach, Arthur Cross. Chuck, what’s the mood like there in the Twin Cities?”

The camera cuts to a middle-aged man with dark hair and a navy-blue suit. He taps his ear, then nods once at the camera.

“Yeah, Eddie, the atmosphere here is tense. We all saw the video of Cross blowing up at his defenseman, Ryder Hanson. The footage was shocking enough on its own, but when we learned he was speaking about his own daughter, it took the confrontation to a whole new level.

“We’re unsure how long Hanson has been dating Cross’s daughter, but it seems pretty serious, given Hanson’s replies in the post-game press conference. Public outcry against thecoach was swift, with fan pages dedicated to Hanson and Alexis Cross popping up overnight.”

“Oh, god.” I cover my face with my hands when they show a photo of me. “This is so weird.”

“You get used to it,” Sebastian reassures me. “Sort of.”

“And can you tell us what the local fans think about all of this?”one sportscaster asks Chuck.

“Well, David, the vast majority I’ve spoken to believe Cross was completely out of line and have expressed doubts that he’s capable of bringing this team all the way to the Cup. Others are worried that a change in the coaching staff will ruin that chance altogether. It’s hard to say where public opinion will fall when all is said and done.”

“They’re going to hate me,” I groan. “I’ll never be able to leave the house alone again.”

Ryder chuckles. “I thought you liked Tom?”

“Tom’s nice and all,” I say, “but I’d like to go back to my classes in person, and he sticks out like a giant, suited, sore thumb. Especially in my morning yoga class.”

Isla giggles. “He’s not very discreet, is he?”

“Nope.”

“Now, Chuck, can you tell me if—Wait, we’re just getting word that the Rogues’ management has arrived. We’re going live to Minneapolis where a decision has been made about the future of Head Coach Arthur Cross.”

My stomach flips and rolls and my hands shake. Ryder pulls me onto his lap and holds me tightly.

“I’ve got you, baby,” he whispers in my ear. “You and me. No matter what. I’ve got you.”

God, I love him.

The room falls silent. Five massive men lean forward, their eyes glued to the screen. This isn’t just about me. Whatever the outcome of this announcement, it will affect them too.

“Good afternoon,”a representative for the team says into the microphone.“We all know why we’re here, so I won’t drag this out. Last week, Head Coach Cross was in an altercation with one of our players, Ryder Hanson. That altercation expanded to involve several of our first-line players, and a good portion of it was caught on camera. After reviewing that footage, as well as statements from the players and witnesses, we have concluded that Coach Cross was the one who instigated the argument.”

My stomach twists.

“Furthermore, we were appalled by the sentiments expressed by Coach Cross toward his own daughter and Hanson. The language and attitudes used by Cross are not reflections of the values held by the Rogues’ organization. We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Alexis Cross and Ryder Hanson. We have decided that allowing Arthur Cross to continue in his position as the head coach of the Rogues would create a hostile environment, which would not be conducive to a winning season and a unified team. It is with those considerations in mind that we have decided to sever our relationship with Arthur Cross, effective immediately.”

My heart skips a beat. I gasp, and the rest of the room breaks out in quiet murmurs.

“We know this announcement will worry some of you, as the team has been playing hard and has a real shot at going all the way this year, but we want to assure you we are doing everything in our power to ensure that doesn’t change. Assistant Coach Mike Fry will step into the role of interim Head Coach. Mike has been with us for years and is a vital part of the current team’s success.

“At the end of the season, we will decide on future steps. For now, we ask that you remain respectful of the parties involved. This decision was made entirely by the team’s owners andmanagement, and neither Alexis Cross nor Ryder Hanson were consulted in any way, outside of making witness statements. We have a great team this year, and we are grateful for your continued support. I fully believe these boys will go all the way.”

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