Page 21 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
“Of course.” He returns the smile, but there’s an edge in his voice—too smooth, too rehearsed.
I fall in beside her, just behind and to the left, and Jack’s eyes flick to me for half a second before bouncing back to Rebecca like I don’t matter. I clench my hands at my sides, resisting the urge to knock that smug look off his face for even thinking she’s someone he can talk down to.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner,” he says. “I never received a meeting confirmation and assumed it was canceled. Harper let me know.”
Rebecca’s smile tightens ever so slightly. “We justfinished introducing Gabe to the players and staff, so your timing is perfect, actually.”
Jack adjusts the cuff of his blazer like he’s preparing for a photo op instead of a conversation. “Ah, well, I’m sure it all went smoothly. Hopefully, Gabe here wasn’t overwhelmed by the colorful personalities on the team.”
Gabe chuckles politely, but I catch the slight furrow in Rebecca’s brow. Jack’s trying to undermine her. Subtly, sure—but it’s there.
I bite back a comment. Barely.
Because she doesn’t need me to defend her.
Not when she straightens her shoulders, lifts her chin, and says, “They’re passionate. That’s what I’m looking for in a team—and in a coach. Gabe handled them perfectly.”
And just like that, she shuts him down with a grace that’s all power and zero venom.
I don’t say a word. Just file the moment away. Because every time she does this—holds her ground, defends her vision, and proves she’s the one in charge—I fall a little harder. I have a feeling Jack’s about to realize she’s not someone you push around.
His smirk returns, as oily as ever. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Though, I do wonder if some more oversight might help the team stay focused. After all, passion without discipline can be messy.”
He says it as if he’s offering a helpful tip. Like he hasn’t just insulted both the team and Rebecca’s leadership in one breath.
My jaw tics, but Rebecca beats me to the punch.
“That’s why we’re bringing in someone with experienceand emotional intelligence,” she says, her tone sweet but ironclad. “Someone who knows how to read a room and lead with respect.”
Beside her, Gabe looks vaguely impressed. Olivia outright grins.
Jack doesn’t. His gaze sharpens, flicking between us as if he’s recalculating.
“I’m sure you’ve got everything under control,” he says, but it lands more like a challenge than reassurance.
Rebecca just smiles again—cool, composed, completely unshaken. “Yes, I do.”
I’m not fooled. I’ve spent enough time around her lately to know that smile is her battle armor. And right now, she’s wearing it like a shield.
Jack shifts his stance, hands in his pockets now, trying for casual. But there’s something calculating in his eyes. “Well, I’m glad to see you’ve got support.” He nods at me like I’m her assistant or her bodyguard. “It’s always helpful to have someone close by when the pressure starts to build. Especially in your position, Rebecca.”
It’s a low blow. Subtle but unmistakable. He’s not just questioning her leadership—he’s questioning her ability to handle it alone. In front of Gabe, no less. He’s trying to sabotage the interview, as well as let me know my presence here isn’t welcome. Not in his playbook, at least.
Before I can step in, Rebecca speaks, her voice soft but razor-sharp. “I’m more than capable of handling pressure. But I do appreciate working with people who want to see this team succeed—for the right reasons.”
Jack’s smile falters for a moment.
Then he nods, flashing his shark-like grin again. “Of course. Well, I’ll let you all get back to it.” And with that, he turns and strolls away as if he didn’t just try to shake her foundation.
But he didn’t. Not even close.
From the way Rebecca exhales slowly, jaw tight, she’s either questioning herself or strategizing her next move. I’m hoping for the latter because I’m done standing by while that guy plays power games.
I give her a subtle nod to let her know she handled Jack to perfection.
Rebecca holds my gaze for a long beat, her stormy eyes flickering with something—softness, maybe? Gratitude? Difficult to tell, but it feels like a moment of understanding passing between us.
She swivels to Gabe and Olivia. “I would like to apologize for that. Jack’s having a hard time with the transition.”
