Page 17 of Coach Sully

I stretch my hands out in front of me, unsure how to answer. “The possibility of that happening is very slim. I’d prefer not to hold onto hope. You haven’t even met anyone yet, you have no idea how you might feel afterward. You’re a really great guy, and I hope you connect with someone casting selects.”

Lie.

Yes, I want him to connect with someone, but I’m salty it won’t be me.

“I heard our production assistant Rachel helped you get your first date lined up. All of the consent forms are signed, so we should be good to begin.”

The premise is that he’ll go out on a date with a woman. After the date is over, he can choose to either see that woman for a second date or start dating someone new. Sort of like a Monty Hall Problem, except instead of prizes, it’s women—considering this is being used to promote women’s hockey, the metaphor is astounding. God, I can’t wait to get out of unscripted television.

“Super… Have you met them? Mydates?” He says the last word as if it tastes bitter on his tongue.

I nod. “I’ve seen a few screen tests from casting.”

“It would have been better if you chose them.” The corner of his mouth tips up, and he locks his eyes on me. “You know what I like.”

My melanin can’t hide the blush on my face.

“I’m happy to report that they all seem really great. They’re very excited and eager to meet you.”

He hums, then changes the subject. “Have you eaten yet?”

“I’m good, thank you, though.” Birdie, one of the women I met earlier, is the head chef of the restaurant that catered. Thefood looks delicious, but at this moment, I couldn’t eat even if I wanted to.

“When was the last time you had a meal?”

“Earlier.” It’s the truth.

“Another protein-bar lunch, was it?”

I roll my eyes. I don’t always have time for lunch. My energy bars are just fine.

“You have to eat actual food, Kendra. You work too hard to be running around on caffeine and garbage bars. And drink more water.”

I widen my eyes at him. “Gee, thanks. Anything else, Dad?” Easy for him to say, he’s a retired hockey player. He was probably scarfing down calories all damn day to make up for the deficit.

“Daddy.” He corrects. “And yeah, you could sleep more.”

“With you?” I sass. I don’t like being bossed around. The bedroom is one thing, but that road is closed off.

He laughs. “I wish.”

I smile, checking out some of the camera operators to see how they’re doing. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

“Don’t run to the point of exhaustion. That was supposed to be my job, and I’ll get jealous.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, wishing this could have been us. “It was fun while it lasted.”

He nods and clicks his tongue. “That it was.”

“We have to look at the bright side.”

“What about you? Are you gonna let somebody snatch you up while I honor my contract? Do you have parents breathing down your neck to settle down?”

I bark out a laugh. “Ha! No, that will never be a problem for me.”

“What do you mean?”

I curse myself for not keeping the conversation light. “My mom passed away when I was young.”

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