Page 37 of Taking The Shot

“What’s up, Coach?”

The question triggered a wave ofdéjà vu, hitting him like a punch to the gut.

One week ago.

Same setup.

Same man.

Verydifferent conversation.

That day, it hadn’t been just Coach Starnes standing there. A woman had been with him—poised, professional, dressed in a sharp suit. She had held out her hand the moment he approached.

“Elizabeth Bergeron,” she had introduced herself as he shook her hand. Her grip was firm, her eyes sharp. She wasn’t someone who messed around.

Keith had glanced at Coach Starnes, but the older man’s face gave away nothing.

“I’m the team’s attorney,” Elizabeth had continued, “and?—”

His stomach had dropped.

The words barely registered before the panic set in. A thick wave of nausea rolled through him, his knees going weak.

He was getting cut.

Today.

Now.

Before he had even played a game.

Before Constance and the kids arrived.

His entire body locked up, and he barely managed to croak out, “I think I’m gonna be sick…”

Elizabeth chuckled. “I have that effect on people.”

She reached under the table and handed him a plastic trash can as if she had been expecting this reaction.

Keith’s hands trembled as he took it, barely able to process what was happening.

“But if you breathe, listen to me, and pay attention—I think Coach Starnes has a fantastic idea, and I know just how to make it work.”

His breath came fast and uneven. “What?” he whispered.

“I’m not getting cut?”

“No!” Coach Starnes sounded almost offended. “Why would you think that? We just signed you, and I need your expertise on the ice. I would never cut you—have you seen yourself play?”

Keith let out a bitter, shaky laugh. “There’s plenty who would disagree…”

His vision blurred as he took huge gulps of air, trying to calm himself. He felt a steadying hand on each of his shoulders—one from Elizabeth, the other from the coach.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I just didn’t sleep well last night, and?—”

“I need you to hear me out,” Coach Starnes interrupted. “I’ve been talking with Elizabeth and the owner about the team. About the image we’re presenting…”

Keith’s gut twisted. He saw it coming before the words even landed.

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