Page 117 of Treacherous
It’s…nice.
Fuck. Is this how far I have fallen, praising the bare fucking minimum?
“We are investing in a shower that is behind a door and can be locked. It will also go from floor to above seven feet, so no one can see inside.” Coach Harris says.
I swallow back the emotion stuck in my throat. I will not cry in front of these men.
Coach West nods at Harris’ comment. “Yes, it is being installed this week. So, it should be completed before the game this weekend.”
“Thank you,” I mutter, unable to look at the two coaches.
Twenty minutes pass in what feels like seconds as Coach West and Harris talk about the season ahead. It seems like everyone in the room is completely dedicated towards hockey and winning the Frozen Four.
The thought sends a spark up my spine. If I do decide to stop playing, going out a winner would be my preferred way to go.
Coach Harris takes the boys out to the ice, while Coach West asks me to stay behind for a moment.
“Willow, I won’t take up too much of your time, I know you want to get onto the ice. But I wanted to talk to you individually about a couple things.”
I nod, indicating for him to continue.
“First off, how is the Hockey House? I meant what I said about the boys being respectful and want you to know you can come to me at any time for help,”
“It’s been great,” I say honestly. “Better than my last team, that’s for sure. I even have my own bathroom, which surprised me, but I appreciate the gesture.”
Coach West smirks and raises an eyebrow. “Do you? Glad to know Jayden is helping you settle in. After your glares in the meeting, I was worried,”
What the fuck is going on? “Why would Jayden have to do with giving me my own bathroom? I thought that was your doing,”
“There is only one room with an ensuite in the Hockey House, and that room always goes to the captain, but I’m glad he gave it to you.”
I’m barely able to process the bathroom comment when the conversation shifts in a different direction.
“Now, speaking of your last team, is there anything you need to tell me? I’m not too sure what we could do if something happened years ago, but I will try my best to defend you.”
I open my mouth, then close it quickly. I’ve heard great things about Oliver West and the culture at Lakewood, but this isn’t what I expected.
“Nothing happened. Well, nothing that’s illegal if that’s what you’re looking for.”
“So, something else happened?”
“It’s fine, just usual misogynist comments but I have thick skin.”
I don’t say that I’m used to it, conditioned by a patriarchy to accept that these comments will happen no matter where I go. Unfortunately, that’s how life as a woman unfolds.
“Well, you don’t have to worry about those comments happening at Lakewood. I have no tolerance for bullies. I have three daughters, all of whom love hockey. When my oldest foundout you were coming to play under me, she was more excited than she was on Christmas Day.”
I suck in a breath, once again forcing back tears. Little girls are watching me play, finally getting to see a role model that looks likethem. Now, that is inspiring.
“Whenever I watch you play, it looks effortless. Like the ice is your home, but you also have a fire inside you that never seems to burn out. That is the kind of player I want on my team.”
I smile, basking in the compliment. “Thank you, Coach.”
“Okay, now get onto the ice. I want to see how well you gel with the team.”
I swing my duffle bag over my shoulder and leave the meeting room. My thoughts, however, drift back to the first part of me and Coach West’s conversation.
Jayden gave mehisroom. Not only that, but he also hated the idea of me showering with the rest of the team. I want to know why he did it. And why does my stomach flutter at the thought of Jayden doing something nice for me?
