Page 108 of The Import Slot
“I think Vicky is just sensitive with all that Liam stuff. She was trying to look out for me,” I say as soon as we’ve closed the door to the boardroom behind us. I was grateful to find it empty.
He nods. “I get it, but I’d never do anything like that, Jen. She can’t think that Liam and I are the same person?”
“She doesn’t, but I think that was her way of taking her frustrations about Liam out on someone that happens to look just like him,” I say.
“Fuck. I think I’ll have to call Liam,” he says.
He reaches for me and pulls me in.
“You stink.” He really does. Skating with determination does that to you, but I hold onto him.
“Scott and I are working on turns,” he explains. “Public skate starts soon, so we didn’t have long, but it looks like we’re done now.” He glances up at the clock on the wall. “I need go get ready for later.”
“Good luck. I’m not sure if I can make it yet,” I say.
Ryan looks dejected but nods. “I know how much you’ve got going on,” he says.
He does a bit of deputy coaching for the junior team, they have a game tonight. It’s at home, so I’d usually hang about and watch.
Ryan wipes the moisture away from his forehead and gives me a sweaty kiss.
“I’ll find Vicky. Make sure she’s okay,” I say before we duck out of the room.
After Ryan leaves, I head back into the office, finding Vicky at her desk. Her eyes are blotchy and red, but that doesn’t stop her from reading the forum.
“Wait, was that Ryan leaving?” she says, standing up. She kicks off her heels and runs to the corridor after him.
I lean across and read the post, my stomach in knots. By the time Vicky gets back, I’ve found another post from the same author implying that Michael Betts, first pair defenceman, is gay.
“Are you okay?” I ask her as she sits down.
“Yeah,” she looks at me, “I’m so sorry, Jenna. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Don’t worry. Look.”
I show Vicky what I’ve found, and we scan a few more posts.
“This is definitely Rochelle,” Vicky scowls. “Apparently, she’s a bit of a bunny,” she says. “Which would mean that she probably wanted Ryan on her scorecard.”
“Yeah, he said he didn’t do anything, and I believe him,” I say. “Just hope whoever it is doesn’t make this a thing.”
Vicky nods, deleting the posts and I watch as she drafts an email requesting that they ban the username.
“It won’t stop her from creating a new account though,” I say.
“Yeah, but we can try. Besides, this forum is getting out of control,” she says.
I settle back at my desk and check my phone.
Ryan:I have that meeting with GM next week.
Chapter 29
Ryan
“Whatabouther?”Bettsysays, pointing to a leggy blonde. She has a sparkly red gown that looks a bit much, if you ask me.
“She’s got a nice ass. You don’t have to look at her face if she’s bent over,” Bettsy adds.
