Page 82 of Breakaway

He gave off the calm demeanor of a guy with everything within his grasp. Call me petty, but I couldn’t wait to take that away from him.

The end of the documentary played on the screen, my face coming into view. I didn’t watch it; too focused on Dakota’s facial expression. The second he realized the pile of shit he’d stepped in, his face changed. The corners of his eyes tightened, and his smile became forced; the creases on the edges showing his strain. His foot dropped off his leg, and he leaned forward, rubbing his thighs as he pretended to watch the clip for the first time, all the while panicking on the inside.

“I’d say I’d love to prove it. In fact, I know the perfect place to host a challenge. So, what do you say, Dakota? Skills test at the Olympic trials. We’ll settle this once and for all. That’s if you’re brave enough to face me. You always did have a problem with finishing.”

“So, Dakota, will we be seeing you go up against Henley Henshaw in this skills test?”

“Oh wow, I had no idea she’d challenged me.” He chuckled like it was the funniest thing he’d heard all day. He frowned at the camera. “Unfortunately, Saint, it’s not that easy of a thing for me to agree to. There’s a whole legal team and the owners behind me that I’ll have to get clearance from before I can say anything.”

“Of course, he’s trying to brush it off,” Reed sneered. “Typical asshole move.”

“Just wait.” I smiled. Now that the challenge was out there, I felt more relaxed.

“Funny you should say that, Dakota. We have a surprise for you,” Saint said to the camera. The screen split, and a man I recognized as the owner of the Baltimore Barons came into view. “Good morning, Mr. Donavan. Thank you for taking the time to come onto the show today.”

“It’s my pleasure, Saint. Congrats on your recent nuptials. I hope married life has been treating you well.”

“Thank you, Grant. It has been the best thing to ever happen to me,” Saint gushed, his smile morphing.

“I always liked this guy,” Dax mumbled from behind me. I nudged him, tilting my head back as I grinned. Seeing Dax protective of his cousin was cute.

“You didn’t even know who he was until the wedding, dork.”

He shrugged. “And I liked him. That’s my always.”

I rolled my eyes and turned back to the screen. Saint had asked Mr. Donavan about the challenge. I hadn’t considered it, so I was glad that Saint had anticipated Dakota’s attempt to skirt his decision.

“… I enjoyed the Henshaw documentary. She’s always been a great player to watch, and I admire her gumption to pave her own way. It takes a lot of bravery to step out of what society perceives as normal and do what feels right for you.”

“And what did you think of the challenge at the end? Henley claiming she could take Dakota in a skills competition? Would that be something the Barons would allow Dakota to partake in?”

Grant Donavan chuckled, the sound hearty and wholesome. “I thought that took some real courage. Doing any skill one-to-one is a true test, and I think it would be a great opportunity for young girls and boys to see these two athletes at the top of their careers, showing what they can do. It’s inspiring and exactly what the Olympics and hockey are all about. In fact, I’d just gotten off the phone with one of the sponsors and the Olympic committee. The Baltimore Barons would love to put this on jointly with Hat Trick and host the skills competition here at our new facility. Ticket proceeds will be split between a youth league of Dakota’s choice and one of Henley’s. Hockey is changing, and we want to help encourage and support the younger generation that will be playing one day.”

“Wow, that’s amazing, Grant.” Saint beamed, turning back to the sullen Dakota. “So, what do you say, Dakota? You ready to make your formal response?”

While Saint smiled, thrilled with how everything had gone down, Dakota looked like he’d just been told his favorite fruit juice would no longer be in stock. He took a few seconds to swallow, his nostrils flaring just slightly.

“Let’s do this,” he gritted out. “I’m assuming we’ll both play at the men’s league standards?” He smirked, feeling proud of himself for thinking of a loophole; thinking it would make me back down.

“I have it on good authority that Henley will gladly play at any level you choose,” Saint said, his eyes smug as Dakota’s smile fell marginally.

“Perfect,” he said, his words clipped.

“Well, thanks again for joining us today, Dakota. I look forward to seeing you at the competition in a few weeks.”

“A few weeks?” Dakota choked out, finally looking panicked.

“Yeah. The first trials start soon,” Saint said, giving Dakota a look like it was obvious. He dismissed him, facing the camera.

“I’m Saint Bishop, and this has been your daily sports grind. Check back tomorrow for your next dose.”

The feed cut out, the sound leaving with it and silence hung in the air for a few seconds as we all collected ourselves.

“Fucking yes!” Reed shouted, the first to break the bubble.

The rest of us burst into laughter, the high of the challenge being official lifting us all. Arms wrapped around me from several directions as we hugged and bounced at the news. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, happiness and triumph overwhelming me.

“It’s happening. I’m finally going to make Dakota eat his words. After all the shit he’s done, the lies he’s told… I have my chance to show what a complete farce he is.”

---