Page 22 of The Fine Line
My brows lift. “The perfect replacement?”
“That’s right,” Bryan nods.
“And that’s me?” I ask. When they just look between each other, I clarify, “Rinkside reporter?”
“Well, yes,” Bryan confirms. “Isn’t it great?”
“Why am I perfect for rinkside reporting and not for the TV analyst role?” I ask, my voice colder now.
Bryan’s face falls. “We thought this would be a perfect stepping stone for you to work your way up?—”
“So I need a stepping stone, but Mick Davis doesn’t?” The words are sharp. My professionalism is gone.
“Well, Caroline, that role requires a certain level of experience and knowledge?—”
“You just said I know more about hockey than half the men in this office. I do know more than Mick Davis. And I already have experience—both personally and professionally.”
“Which is why we felt you were the best woman to take over this role,” Bryan interrupts.
My shoulders stiffen. “The best woman?” I repeat, my voice dropping.
He clears his throat. “The best person.”
“No,” I cut him off. “You said woman. Because rinkside reporting is a woman’s job, right?”
“Caroline—”
“Stand there, smile, ask the questions I already know the answers to, right? While the men in the studio get to do the real commentary?”
“Caroline,” Bryan says, standing now. “You’re putting words in my mouth.”
Am I? Or am I just saying what you won’t?
I cross my arms and let him continue.
“Like I said, a lot went into this. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. I know what you’re capable of. I’ve known you since you were a kid.”
I bring my eyes back to his.
“I’m not the only one making decisions,” he adds. “There are a lot of factors at play.”
“I get it,” I tell him flatly.
“I know it’s not your dream job. But almost no one gets their dream job right away. You’ll get there. Just show a little patience.”
I exhale through my nose. The silence that follows is heavy, but I let it stretch.
“Okay,” I finally say.
“Okay?” Bryan repeats.
“Yes,” I nod. “Okay.”
He raises a brow.
“Thank you for considering me. Thank you for offering me the rinkside reporter role,” I say, lifting my bag onto my shoulder.
“So… do you accept it?” he asks.
