Page 18 of Fall Wherever They May

“Oh, well, good. I’m glad you two are familiar; that will make this less awkward for you both. Cal, I am putting you on an assignment to help Aspen learn the ins and outs of the game before pre-season starts.”

I don’t want to help her. I don’t want to be anywhere near her. I’m pretty sure our expressions match as both of our brows hit our hairline, but I quickly recover.

“Oh, that won’t be necessary.” She says at the same time I say, “I think she can handle it.”

Coach looks between the two of us, and his eyes narrow on me. “I don’t doubt her capabilities, Cal; I know she can handle it, but this team doesn’t leave anyone out on a limb to flail and struggle. You of all people should know that, after everything you’ve been through. Mr. West was there for you in your worst times; I think the least you can do is help his daughter.” Coach’s tone is sharp, and his eyes hold a look of disappointment.

I was in the midst of my darkest time when I first arrived in New York. Mr. West took me in and treated me as his own son. He was there for me. Which leads me to question, whywasn’t Aspen there for him? Ryan West was one of the best men I’ve ever known. When you joined the team, you became his family. He knew everyone on a personal level, even the player’s kids. Hell, that game room was built so the employees could bring their kids to work and would have somewhere to play. I heard him say on several occasions that the one thing he didn’t want anyone to miss out on was time. So, tell me, how could someone dip out on a man like that?

She was wrong when she said her dad loved the game more than anything else. He was a good man who cared about his players and their families far more than he cared about the game. Just when I thought she couldn’t make me dislike her more, she proved me wrong. She doesn’t deserve this team, and she sure as hell never deserved her dad.

I stay silent. I respect the hell out of Coach, but I’m not agreeing to shit.

CHAPTER SIX

Aspen

Somehow, I’ve managed to survive these past few weeks without the help of Callan Miles. Shocking, I know. He hasn’t made any effort to help me, which is fine because I don’t need him or his assholery. We see each other in passing, but no words are ever exchanged. I guess what bothers me more than anything is his lack of respect for me as his boss. Then again, what Cal lacks when it comes to me, he makes up for with the way he treats Tucker.

The two are inseparable. Every day they skate and hang out in the game room. They have a bond, and that scares the shit out of me. What happens to my son when this man leaves him high and dry? Especially since his contract is up at the end of the season. It’s not like I’m going to trade him or prevent his contract from being renewed based on our personal issues; I’m a professional after all, but that doesn’t mean he won’t want to leave the team. I suppose as long as he’s good to my kid, I can’t ask for anything else.

As I sit in my office and work, a video of last season’s game plays on my laptop. A knock sounds at the door. I click thered x to close out of the window on my computer and look up to find Luke standing in the doorway.

“Come on in, Luke. I’m glad you caught me. I was about to grab Tucker and leave early for the day.”

“Oh? Big plans today?” He smiles. He really does have a beautiful smile, not that I look at him in a romantic way; he’s old enough to be my dad.

“I’m just registering Tucker for school, then we’re going shopping. I thought I would make it a long weekend.”

“He’s a hoot. The guys seem to love him.”

“That he is. But I know you didn’t come here to talk about my kid. What’s up?” I ask curiously.

Luke scratches the back of his neck nervously. He walks in and sits down in a chair in front of my desk. Resting his elbows on his knees, he leans forward. “I didn’t want to put this on you when you first started, but we’re going to need to hire a new general manager.”

“Umm . . . Okay?” I frown. I don’t have a clue how this stuff works. I thought the owner was pretty much the same as a GM. I wait for him to elaborate.

“Hannah can help you, but our old GM retired right before your father’s sudden passing, and I was left as interim GM. Mr. West was in the middle of the hiring process but hadn’t made a final decision. My daughter has the notes on the prospects, and if you need help, I don’t mind sitting in on a few interviews. I hate to put this on you right now, but my focus needs to be on the team I have, and the GM will focus on building the future team.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry, Luke! I had no idea.”

That makes sense; though, I thought the coach did the team building. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m learning, and I really shouldn’t beat myself up too much over this.

“It’s no big deal. I was just hoping you might be able to hire someone before the season starts.”

“Absolutely. I’ll start on that first thing Monday morning.”

Luke picks up a baby picture of Tucker that my father had left on his desk. Dusting it off, he beams. “He really is a great kid. I know your dad was proud.” He sets the picture back down in its place and knocks on my desk. “Well, now that my business is concluded, I guess I’ll let you have at it.”

We both stand up as I gather my things, then make our way out the door.

“Thanks, Luke. If there is anything else you need, please don’t hesitate. Like I said, this is all very new to me, and I’m going to need guidance. I really want everything to run smoothly without too many hiccups.”

“Thank you for being so receptive,” he says.

I poke my head into the game room to tell Tucker we’re leaving, but it’s empty. “Where’s Tucker?” I say to no one in particular. I roll my eyes because I know exactly where I’ll find him this time of day if he’s not in the game room.

“I saw him down on the ice with Cal on my way up here.” Luke puts his hands in his pockets as we both stroll down to the rink together.

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