Page 37 of Off Side

“Very well, Miss Maxwell, as you wish. Tell me about Austin Maloney. He looks good on the ice, but what’s he like in the locker room or behind any closed door, really?” He has the audacity to look directly at me with an insinuating look on his face, implying Austin and I are fucking in the shower room or something.

Nixon cleared his throat. “Mr. Lawless—”

“Please, call me Jason.”

“Jason, Austin is the best kid I’ve seen in a long time for leadership skills on and off the ice. He’s never in trouble. His billet family adores him, he’s actually a well-rounded young man. He won a scholastic award at the high school last year and he volunteers at the local animal shelter. He attends part time classes at the university with a 4.0 GPA.”

“Hmm, well that’s good to know. My client is looking for someone who will follow rules and not question the coaching. Sounds like he may be the best of both worlds. If he’s invited to the world junior try out camps, will you be letting him go?”

The world junior hockey tournament takes place every Christmas and is the most elite tournament a junior player at this level can play in. You gain exposure, but most importantly you are able to represent your country. That alone is something that could be once in a life time for these players. I never want to hold any player back from that opportunity. Even if the player is already an NHL draft pick, as many of them were, it is a true honour.

“Of course, we will let him go. I would never keep him back from that.” I glare at him incredulously.

“I simply wanted to be sure what your thoughts were on that. I’m sure my client would love to see him there as well, but he’s your captain and would be leaving a big hole in your offence. I thought I’d ask.”

He shrugs, makes a few notes then asks another ridiculous question, “There have been some rumours, not sure if you are aware, but has Austin mentioned anything about being gay? Have you seen anything to suggest that?”

I’m seeing fucking red for the audacity of the question is what I’m seeing. “Please, tell me what you think might ‘suggest’ he’s gay, but most importantly, tell me why the fuck it should even matter? This line of questioning is very unethical and out of line.”

“Calm down, Sam, it’s just a question. I can keep it off the record, if you want.”

“You don’t get to call me, Sam! And we will not be discussing a player’s sexuality off the record or otherwise because it has no bearing on whether or not he can play hockey!”

Michael chooses this time to chime in again, “You know, Jason, now that you mention it, he is a bit soft. I mean he’s always going to see the horses at Sam’s because he says they calm him or something, and the clothes he wears are not your standard clothes for a twenty-year-old. I mean, what guy wears hot pink dress shirts by choice, right?” He snorts like he made the best joke ever but nobody else is saying anything. “He talks about the books he’s read in the locker room when all the other guys talk about their girlfriends. That’s suspicious, don’t you think?”

Nixon places a hand on my leg under the table to get my attention. He knows I’m about to blow my gasket on both Michael and Jason. I turn to him as he leans over and whispers to me, “Say nothing more.”

These are questions that could be asked on the phone or better yet, not asked at all because they bring nothing to his scouting report. I glare at Michael and Jason in turn, waiting for either of them to say something. Michael at least has the good graces to look sheepish, and Jason is staring at me like he’s finally noticed I was in the room. What the fuck is his angle? I’m so angry, I have forgotten all about the anxiety and nerves I had before stepping into this room.

“I meant no offence, Miss Maxwell. It’s something my client wanted to know. I’m merely doing my job. Sorry if I offended you.”

“Is there anyone else you wanted to ask about, Mr. Lawless?” Nixon cut in since I’m still not ready to use my voice.

Jason starts talking about our goalie and how he operates in practices and what not. Legitimate questions, but I sit there, tuning it all out and wishing desperately I was anywhere except here. I must have tuned out long enough because suddenly the men were adjourning, and Michael wanted to grab a drink with his new hero in the bar. Nixon and I choose to go to our rooms for the night. I make a beeline to the elevators, but Nixon jogs to catch up to me.

“What the heck is going on with you and Lawless? Did you know each other before? There was a lot of tension in that room, Sam. I could have helped you if I knew more before we went in.”

I sigh. “I know you mean well, but it’s not something I really want to share. All you need to know is that I knew him. Period.”

He nods. “I get it, it’s okay. I am here for you, though. If you ever need to talk about stuff you aren’t comfortable talking to Drew about, I can help. I’m worried about you. You’re a good friend and under a lot of stress recently. I just want to let you know if you need anything, I’m here.”

I smile at Nix, throwing out my arms to hug him, and he welcomes me with a big bear squeeze.

“Thanks, Nix. I really needed a hug. There’s a woman out there who will be hitting the jackpot when you find her, you know.”

“Of course she will! What’s not to love about me?” He flexes his arms, giving me a cheesy smile.

We stop outside my room door, and I ask one of the questions that’s still on my mind, “Why was Lawless asking about Austin’s sexuality like that? What do you think he wanted to know? I just can’t seem to come up with anything.”

“I don’t understand either. My only guess is whoever he is working for is maybe homophobic, and he’s trying to gather intel. I’m more concerned with how Michael responded. If Austin really is gay, he can’t have a coach like that in the mix. His words were very damaging and I think we need to deal with him when we get home.”

“I agree. Have a good night, Nix. Let’s hope tomorrow is a better day. See you at breakfast.”

I’m finally in my room and the creepy snake feeling is passing. I try to call Drew again but he still doesn’t answer and I leave another message. “Hey, lover, just wanted to say I’m in for the night. I’m ordering room service and collapsing in this bed soon. If you try to call me and I don’t answer, I probably fell asleep and I will catch you in the morning before we head over to the next game. Sweet dreams, and I miss you.”

I order an amazing goat cheese and beet salad and take a quick shower while I wait for room service.

When the knock on the door comes, I’m more than ready to eat. Without checking the peep hole, I swing the door wide to receive my food. But it wasn’t the food on the other side. It was instead something extremely nauseating.

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