Page 13 of Coach Sully

“I haven’t been given all the details, it’s still confidential.” He gathers his coffee. “Cross your fingers!” he calls out, stepping out of my office.

I pick up my phone to text him… and then I stop.

This is his dream.

One night is not a reason to give up an opportunity like this. Even talking about it to him makes me look pathetic. I understand how important those dreams are. As much as I want to see what could become of us, perhaps we were only destinedfor one night. Our night together was unforgettable, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to know Sully in that way. Let’s face it, he’s a fucking catch. I want him to be happy. This way he can find love and get his dream job. Lucky man. Like Pierce said, my time will come.

I drop the phone into my pocket and swallow the bittersweet loss, hoping it will drown the butterflies he put there only moments ago with his text.

I’m twenty-three. We’re in different places in our lives. It never would have worked out… but it was fun.

Icall her again. No answer. We’ve texted back and forth, but she’s been silent since yesterday afternoon. My last text from her said she was going into a meeting. I’m hoping she’s simply heads-down in her work. She’s probably swamped because I turned down the show, so I shouldn’t blow up her phone and cause a bigger disruption.

When I returned the missed call from Whit Moreau, he told me he’s the new GM for the Minnesota Rogues, the new PWHL team, which is awesome. Even better, he called to discuss an opportunity; I’ve been in the sport long enough to knowopportunityis code for coaching.

“I want to offer you the position of head coach.”The words have played on a loop in my head since he spoke them. His pitch had my hands shaking. As soon as I ended the call, I dialed my best friend, Barrett Conway, to shout out my adrenaline. I want this so bad. After that, I called my lawyer. I need someone tohelp me go through contracts. Whit mentioned there were some goofy stipulations, and we’re meeting to discuss them today.

My life is coming together for the first time since retirement. I met a great girl and might have a shot at the head coach spot of a pro team? Things are good. I was eager to tell Kendra about it. Thought maybe we could go out and celebrate. If anybody understands career wins, it’s her.

We’re meeting at the Lakes arena offices, where the Minnesota women’s team will also play. I’m pleased the Lakes are sharing the space instead of some bullshit like having them play at the university arena. Professional hockey is professional hockey, regardless of gender, and they deserve to be on this ice as much as the NHL. And to coach a team on the same ice I used to play on? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Standing at the mouth of the locker room tunnel, I observe the Zamboni smooth the ice for tomorrow morning’s practice.My own professional team. Holy shit. I will do whatever it takes to get the head coach spot.

My phone dings with a text from my lawyer letting me know he’s heading toward the conference room. I stuff my phone back in my pocket and give the arena one last look over before straightening my tie and heading upstairs.

When I find him in the conference room, I smile. “Nick.”

“Sully!” he says with a big smile. “How are you feeling?”

“Fucking amazing. I want this, man.” My gut tells me this position is meant for me. I just need the PWHL to see it. Voices from outside the conference room draw closer. I assume that’s who we’re meeting with, and I straighten. Nick slaps my back. “Let’s go, Coach.”

We stand together as staff members filter into the room. I freeze when the name of the production company Kendra works for, Vault Productions, is on one of the visitor badges.What are they doing here?

It doesn’t make sense for them to be in this meeting. I’m trying to pay attention to everyone’s names during introductions, but it’s distracting. There are a few familiar faces from the Lakes administrative staff, but I’ve never met them before today.

A hand is thrust in my direction.

“I’m Pierce Haldermann, from Vault. I believe you already met one of our producers, Kendra Ames. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be here today.”

Hearing her name snaps me out of the fog.What is going on?

I accept the handshake and nod slowly. “Nice to meet you.”

Eyeing my lawyer, he gives me a trusting nod.

We take our seats, and one of the executives jokes about ambushing my meeting with the PWHL rep. I’m still trying to decipher what a television production company has in common with me coaching a hockey team.

Whit Moreau hurries through the door. “Sorry I’m late.”

I shoot him a glance, and he looks away. Something’s up. Why do I feel like I’m the odd man out?

I can’t deal with the unknowing a second longer. “Sorry, I’m confused here. Why is a production company present for this meeting?”

My lawyer nudges me with his leg, then they explain how the job I want most is now wrapped up in my own fucking nightmare. Apparently, the Minnesota women’s team is being sponsored by the MNSports network. The same network Kendra’s production company is contracted with.

“I already met with Kendra and told her I wasn’t interested inLove Algorithm.”

One of the PWHL reps speaks up. “Part of our sponsorship agreement is that you’ll agree to filming a new show. It’s no longer calledLove Algorithm. We’d like to film a docuseries following your position as the head coach of a women’s team, going from NHL to PWHL. In addition, we’d like to have access to your personal life. You know, dating, bachelorhood, et cetera. This would be a six-month commitment. In exchange, you’ll receive a two-year contract as head coach of the Minnesota Rogues hockey team. At the end of those two years, you may reevaluate your contract for an extension if you choose.”

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