Page 138 of Heartless Game

Tovah

Taking One for the Team: Isaac Jones Sets Standard for the Kings

On Reina University’s campus, he’s known for his charming smile. On the ice, he’s known for being a team player and his wrist shot. But behind closed doors, Isaac Jones has a depth, loyalty, and conviction of character his devastating dimples and playful wink hide from the rest of the world.

And that’s deliberate. Jones is the epitome of the complicated hero (or antihero), the type of man who would sacrifice anything—including his self-image—to protect the people who are important to him. That’s true in his personal life, and true in his hockey life, too. And although the Kings have gone through upheaval over the past year, his guidance as the team’s forward saw them through this season to the Frozen Four. And when Isaac and his fellow seniors graduate, his legacy of putting his team and everyone who matters to him first will continue on.

“Well.” Coach Philip placed the tablet back on his desk and sat back in his chair, steepling his hands. “That was quite some piece on Isaac and the team. Not an interview, but still. Impressive work.”

I smiled at him, even though my heart was racing. “Your husband thought so, too.”

A brief smile came to the coach’s face. “He speaks very highly of you. Between us, you’re his favorite student. He says you have quite the journalism career ahead of you.”

That was good to hear—but I wasn’t here about my future. I was here for Isaac’s. He was deeply entrenched in his new life, and I had no idea if he’d ever be able to play again. But he’d sacrificed so much for me, and I wanted to at least give hockey back to him.

“Speaking of careers…” I began.

“Ah, you’re here about Isaac specifically. You know, I’ve kept tabs on him. He’s missed more classes than he’s made. If he graduates, it will be by the skin of his teeth. But then, someone in Mr. Silver’s position may not care about graduating anymore.”

I gaped at him.

“You know.”

He nodded. “After Isaac ran out of the game, and his teammates tried to cover for him, I had a feeling there was more going on than anyone was telling me. Combine that with your own odd behavior this semester, and well…” he shrugged. “As it so happens, I’m married to quite an impressive journalist myself.”

“He won’t?—”

“He won’t do anything to put Mr. Silver or his family in jeopardy. We both know better than that. Isaac’s a good player and an even better teammate, with a great deal of potential in hockey. It’s a shame he won’t be ever be able to see that through.”

I lifted my chin. “That’s actually why I’m here. Like you said, the article is good. It puts Isaac—and the team—in a good light. Which is what the Kings needed. As interim editor-in-chief ofThe Daily Queen, I’d love to publish the piece—as the lead story on our website. But.”

“But you want something in return,” he guessed.

Of course I did. I might not have Isaac anymore, but I wanted him to be happy. To have everything. Even if I wouldn’t be there to witness it.

“You have a lot of sway with the university, Coach Philip. And with the NCAA. You can get Isaac back on the team. Let him play in the Frozen Four. Please. Or at least give him the option. And if you do that—I’ll publish the article.”

“Hmm.” He considered for a moment, his gaze on the photo of his husband. “And what if I do all that work to get Isaac back on the team, but he decides not to accept it?”

“Then I still publish the article,” I assured him, even though the thought of Isaac not playing hockey hurt almost as much as his absence. “I don’t want to—I can’t—decide his future for him. I want him to get to decide for himself.”

Coach Philip shifted his gaze back to me. “He’s lucky to have you.”

My throat, my chest, my whole body—those five words made me ache with longing.

“I wish he knew that,” I said quietly.

The coach rose out of his chair, holding his hand out for mine. I placed it in his, and he shook it—once. “I promise you, he does. He’d be a complete idiot not to, and Isaac is not an idiot.”

* * *

Later,I sat in front of my laptop, re-reading the email for the third time. I still couldn’t believe it.

Dear Ms. Lewis,

Isaac Silver has purchased ten properties around the world for you. We’ll need certain information from you to set up a property portfolio and make sure we’re managing the apartments and houses to your expectations. Here are the various locations:

Paris, France

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