Page 215 of Wrong Pucking Player

God… we could have had a threesome.

“I’ll get Kane another ice pack.”

I smirk at his avoidance but yearn to have the last word.

“I owe both of you a good time,” I mutter, my eyes still on his figure, even when he begins to walk away. “So, next time I want the both of you, you best not chicken out.”

And he trips and face plants the grassy surface.

“Oh damn. Equipment manager down!” I hear Mitchel call out.

Hanging up the phone with a smirk on my face, I pull away my gaze from the group forming to help Wyatt out.

“If everything I just found out is true… I wonder if I can locate my parents?”It’s a good idea to try with how events have turned. Then again, where do you start when it comes to these things?“Hmm.”

I lower my eyes to the sheets once more and take a few breaths.

“We’ll work things out. Baby steps,” I encourage myself and pinch my nose. “Damn, it’s too hot to be out here concentrating like this.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

I glance up to see the offered bottle of chilled water from a familiar man. He has black hair that’s always gelled back like he’s about to attend a very important business meeting.

He’s also really tall. Taller than Armani.

“Mr. Champion has been seeing you working hard all morning,” the man reveals with a professional smile. “He didn’t want you getting dehydrated.”

“Wow. Thank you,” I begin and quickly take the bottle, so he no longer has to hold it. “Sorry, you had to go through the hassle of bringing it to me.”

“Not at all.” The man’s tiny smile grows into an actual wide grin. “I enjoy witnessing hard-working individuals. I feel in this time and age, where social media makes you youth feel rather entitled with everything they do, it really is hard to find someone who’s willing to put their skills and experience to use without immense compensation.”

He moves to sit down further to my right, sighing when he stretches out his arms.

“I’ve tried to hire multiple interns for my business, but they all come with demands. ‘I saw on TikTok I could get fifty thousand higher pay salary.’ ‘I want weekends off and only to work from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.’ The list goes on and on. Rather entertaining in one day because these interns believe they’re deserving of such with no experience and friend references. I miss the days when individuals wanted to grow with the company and be a contributor to such growth. Instead, it’s all about gaining more money but with less work contributed.”

“I’m sure it depends on the company and profession, but I do agree that things have changed a lot over a few years since social media expanded on how to get a gig and be paid what you’re worth.” I agree with that aspect. “Maybe the problem is that employment is a double-edged sword. Companies like, for example, Strattonville Stadium doing this initiative, may not be able to offer an extensive advance without substantial proof it’ll be worth the investment. If the players prove to be worthy of an advance increase and show it with detailed examples of individual player performances, I think a consensus can be made.”

“Smart girl,” he praises while he peers out at the field where Coach Johnson has gathered the guys to talk about something. “I heard the Pincers advance wasn’t very nice in comparison to the Vipers. It’s been trending, like you youngsters like to call it.”

“You’d call that ‘the talk of the town’ in small places like Strattonville,” I admit with a quiet giggle. “As for the pay differences, I believe Pincers can get another shot if they’re represented properly. Their captain didn’t have the best interest of the team as a whole, which makes me feel they were undermined.”

“Where is ‘said’ captain?” he questions before adding, “My name is Mr. Tobias, by the way. You can call me Toby if it’s easier. I’m business partners with Mr. Champion and on good terms with Coach Cyrus and Coach Johnson.”

“Kenzie Andrews,” I introduce myself using my new name and turn slightly so I can offer my hand in an official handshake. “As for said captain, he’s securing deals and sponsorships elsewhere.”

“As a representative of his team?”he questions while shaking my hand back in return.

I laugh far too hard at that one.

“As a representative for himself,” I elaborate. “You can get a picture of the captain we’re working with when you connect the dots.”

“That’s true,” Mr. Tobias agrees. “I actually assumed one of those men down there was the captain.” He points to the far left where Armani and Wyatt are standing near Coach Johnson, who’s pointing to his clipboard before showing directions about something.

I can only assume they’re talking about gameplay.

“Oscar Armani, the bulkier male down there with the black hair, is our goalie. Despite his role, he doesn’t hesitate to take other positions in the team when it’s needed. With Winchester not here, Armani is always stepping up to the plate. He looks really serious and rough but is approachable. You can tell if you were watching the earlier training drills that three of our players went to him with questions or to acquire guidance with certain drills. He’s also consistent with his training, which is a good inspiration for his fellow teammates to do similar.”

“Why isn’t he the captain then?”

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