Page 14 of Press Your Luck

"Do you think they didn't notice how you played against them? Do you doubt they would have benched you for playing the way you did?"

He shrugged like he didn’t have a care in the world. "I wouldn't play like that for them."

"Maybe, but they saw how you weren't a team player. Why would Coach Jackson and Coach Tyler want you knowing if you got your boxers in a bunch, you’d pout and let the team down?"

Some of the team snickered while others nodded as if it was the first time they recognized that being difficult with me could impact their future on another team.

Big Ed grumbled something unintelligible, apparently realizing he’d lost the momentum of his argument. After that, we were able to move on and they resumed their drills.

"Thank you for your support, Max." I appreciated that Max accepted me as his coach, although I wasn't thrilled by his stepping in to defend me. Todd was right in that I needed to earn the respect of all the players. If they felt I was weak or couldn't handle them, there was no way I'd be able to lead them to victory.

"No problem." Max started to skate off, but then he turned back to me. "You're a good coach. Trust your instincts." With that, he returned to the team to run drills.

I was determined to prove myself as a coach, but I needed this group of men to achieve that. I'd been able to plan how we could win, but I hadn't figured out how to get them to believe in me enough to lead them.

After practice,I returned home and then decided to go for a run to clear my head and think about my next move. I needed to show the team that I was capable and that my gender didn’t define my ability to coach. I couldn't let Big Ed or anyone else undermine my confidence. I had worked hard to get to where I was, and I deserved to be there just as much as anyone else.

As I jogged along the path, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I was a capable woman. I was a kickass coach. I couldn’t expect miracles right away. I needed to stay the course to earn the team’s respect and win games.

Feeling renewed, I returned to my apartment, grabbing a glass of water before heading to the shower. As I drank, my phone rang with Todd's ringtone.

"Hey, Boss." I wondered if he'd been watching practice and if so, what he thought? Had Max’s stepping in undermined my authority? Or had he been impressed at how I challenged Big Ed? I hated that I was constantly second-guessing not just myself, but Todd as well.

"I didn't catch you before you left the rink. I want to remind you of the children's charity event coming up. It's a big deal, a fancy shindig. You need to dress to the nines. The media will see you as both the beauty and the beast."

I was annoyed at his comment, viewing it as another double-standard for a woman. But that was why I was hired, right? I realized that this could be my chance to prove that I was more than just a pretty-faced coach. I could show everyone that I was a strong, capable woman who could excel in any situation.

I also knew how important this event was for the team's image, and ultimately, for my own credibility as a coach.

"Thanks for the reminder, Todd. I'll make sure to dress my best and represent the team well."

"Good. I'll have a limo pick you up on Saturday."

"I'll be ready."

"I know it's not easy being the first female coach, but I believe in you. You have what it takes to lead this team to victory. So don't let Big Ed or any of the other players get to you. You're the coach, and they need to respect you if they want to play on this team."

His words were like a balm to my soul, and my heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Todd. You have no idea how much that means to me." It was one thing to give myself a pep talk and another to have my boss tell me he believed in me.

"I do. Now go get 'em, Coach."

I hung up the phone and smiled to myself. This was my chance to show everyone what I was made of. I was determined to make a statement, both on and off the ice.

On Saturday,as I got ready for the event, I took my time picking out the perfect outfit. I owned a fantastic red dress that looked painted on, had a slit up my left thigh, and dipped low in the back, but if I wanted to be viewed as a professional coach, I couldn’t distract people with a dress sewn for sin. I settled on a deep green, off the shoulder dress that accentuated my assets without looking like I was trying too hard to be sexy. I added a pair of strappy heels and a little bit of makeup, feeling confident and strong.

When I arrived at the event, I stood outside in the lobby as I psyched myself up to smile and schmooze and deal with misogyny around my being a female coach in a male hockey league. If I was lucky, I’d get through the night without smacking some jerk.

“Hey, Coach.” Max stepped up to me. At first, I almost didn’t recognize him. I’d only seen him in his hockey gear and jeans. He cleaned up nicely wearing a tux. “Everything alright?”

“Right as rain.”

He smiled and held out his arm. “I’m a country kid, not used to glitz and glamor. Maybe walking in with you will settle my nerves.”

Maybe he was telling the truth, or maybe he noticed my nerves. Either way, I figured it would be nice not to have to walk in alone.

I threaded my arm through his. “Let’s do this.”

We stepped into the ballroom, and it felt like all eyes turned to me. I pushed away the feeling of self-consciousness and held my head high, smiling to those who looked my way. I saw the curiosity in their eyes about the young woman coaching a men’s hockey team.

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