Page 2 of Play to Win

“There’s something special about you.Lots of people in the league are seeing it.We can do great things together.”

I can’t help but smile as I slowly shake my head.“You’re good.”

“I’m not blowing smoke up your ass.”

Grandpa is known for his colorful language.

“This is serious business,” he adds, his voice gravelly.“You know this team is important to me.”

I nod.“Yeah.”

Hockey’s been Grandpa’s whole life.He grew up in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, playing hockey on a pond.He had a long, successful career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, was traded to the Condors, where he played three seasons before retiring, and two years after that he bought the team he’d played for.The Condors had a lot of good years, but sure as shit not lately.

Grandpa has four Stanley Cup rings from his time with the Leafs, but that was five decades ago.The Cup has eluded him ever since, and I know he wants it one more time.I get it.I’ll never get to hoist the Cup as a player ...but I want it too.So fucking much.

“I don’t make rash decisions.”I meet Grandpa’s eyes.

“I know.You’ll think about it.”He stands.“I’m flying home tonight.Thanks for listening to me.”

I walk him to the door and we shake hands, pulling each other in and giving each other a smack on the back.“Good to see you, Grandpa.”

“You have until Friday to make a decision.”

I snort out a laugh.“Good to know.”

Alone in my apartment, I stand for a moment and draw in a breath.Shaking my head, I let it out and head to my computer.Where else would I go?If I’m going to make a life-changing decision, I need data.I need all the facts.

We’re building something great here in Vegas, and I’m a part of that.I could stay here and continue that trajectory.Even though I don’t always agree with everything my boss does.Even though I can clearly see different paths to where we want to go.

Or I could take a risk on trying to build a losing team into a winning one.

I try to ignore the push and pull of excitement and fear, the tug between desire for change and maintaining the status quo.I make decisions based on sound rationale, not emotion.That’s me.Logical.Analytical.Sensible.I gather information, weigh the alternatives, and consider the pros and cons.Emotion shouldn’t come into it.Just feasibility, acceptability, and desirability.

First, I need some extra-strength Tums.And another shot of Crown Royal.

2

LACEY

“Oh,for the love of a milk cow.”I squeeze my eyes shut, unable to believe what I’m seeing on the computer screen.

My bank balance is negative four hundred and forty-two dollars.

When I open my eyes, that’s not what I will see.That was a hallucination.Blurred vision.Or something.

I’m not even drunk or high, though.

I crack one eye open and peer at the laptop again.Shit.

“How can this be?”My stomach clenches painfully.I click to look at the transactions in the account.“Jesus.”My gaze fastens on the large withdrawal four days ago.All my savings ...gone.

It’s not like I had millions or anything, but damn, I’d just gotten out of the debt I’d accumulated when Mom had gotten sick.I was just starting to get ahead of the game.

I swallow and press my fingers to my mouth.My insides start trembling.

I’d bought groceries and paid the electric bill not knowing my bank balance was zero, which had put me into overdraft.“Chris.What the fuck have you done?”

I slump back in the couch, the laptop on the table in front of me.

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