Page 77 of Slap Shot Scandal
“I’m calling bullshit on that.”
“Fine. Maybe it has a little bit to do with him. What would he say if he found out I banged the team captain in the film room?”
“Impressive…I didn’t know you had something that kinky in you, big sis.”
I roll my eyes at my sister, even as the corner of my mouth curves up in a smile. Straddling Weston in the dark, remembering how it felt to be pressed up against his strong chest, his hands caressing my ass.
“It was amazing. But it can’t happen again.” I run my fingers through my hair and try to sound convincing.
“Harbor, don’t let Dad rule your life.” Her voice is low and firm, her gaze serious. “Why do you care so much about what he thinks?”
Out of nowhere, tears spring to my eyes. “Because it’sDad. The great Coach Doug Hayes. Everybody knows him. So by extension, they know me. There’s expectations, you know? I have to work harder, be better than everyone else.”
“Well, you do work harder and you are better. So I’dsay your job is done. Now go out and live your damn life. Fuck Dad. You deserve to be happy, Harbor.”
I take a shaky breath, absorbing her words.
Maybe she’s right. Maybe I should do what I want, let go of expectations and choose myself for once.
Who am I kidding?
That’s not in my DNA. I’m the daughter of the greatest hockey coach of all time.
I have a legacy to protect. A team to rebuild. A championship to win.
Eyes on the prize, Harbor.
“No, I can’t, Piper. It’s too risky.”
My sister presses her lips together and I feel her disappointment through the phone.
“I don’t know why you bother going to therapy. Maybe you should try to get a refund because it’s obviously not working.”
Ouch.
“You don’t understand. Your job is low-stakes, no expectations. You don’t know what it’s like.”
“Wow, okay. Thanks. Now you’re sounding like Dad, too.” Piper’s tone goes cold. “Do you hear yourself right now? You just dismissed my entire career because there’s not crazy pressure tied to it, a championship trophy on the line.”
Her words sting because she’s absolutely right. Idosound like him. Dismissive. Elitist. Acting like only winning matters.
“That’s not what I meant?—”
“It’s exactly what you meant. And you know what’s really fucked up? You’re using Dad’s logic to justify staying small. To avoid going after anything real. You’re trapped in his shadow, chasing after whatever you thinkwill make him happy—if he’s even capable of that emotion. Jury’s still out. But don’t come crying to me when you’re alone and miserable, with only your career to keep you company. Because that’s what’s going to happen.” Her ponytail swishes behind her with each harsh word, a furrow etched in her brow.
“One day you’ll wake up and everyone around you will be married with kids and you’ll still be single. Trying to live up to someone’s stupid expectations and falling short because no one—not even you, Harbor—is perfect.”
Her words cut deep because they’re true and I know it.
I’ve spent my entire life seeking my father’s approval. And for what? A gold star he’ll never give me? He’s never satisfied, never happy or proud. Even when I land the biggest client of my career, it’s not enough.
“But what if I fail, Piper?” My voice shakes, and I hate it. Hate how weak I sound, hate the constant self-doubt gnawing at me. “What if I prove him right, about everything?”
“Then you fail, Harbor. But at least you fucking tried to be yourself instead of his perfect little daughter.”
With that, she disconnects and the screen goes black.
Super.
