Page 243 of Wrong Pucking Player

“Yes, Mr. Champion,” we end up saying in unison as the guys quiet down to hear what he has to say.

“I’d like to offer you both special packages for your amazing work thus far during your internships. We will support the completion of them, but I wanted to offer you both employment opportunities if you do wish to stick with the Saskatchewan Pincers.”

No fucking way.

I look at Caren, noticing how shocked she is at the newly offered opportunity.

“W-We’d love that,” Caren whispers and looks at me. “Right, Andrews?”

“Certainly.” The thought of having a secure position waiting for us after we finish our internship is the best news we can be given tonight.

“Excellent. We’ll fill out those forms on Monday and get your bank information so we can send your advances as well,” Mr. Champion concludes and claps his hands. “Now, it’s best you all get partying. We’ll see you next week.”

“Thank you, Mr. Champion! Thank you, Coach Johnson!” Mitchel cheers before we all express our gratitude.

Soon enough, we’re leaving for Blood Rock Club and enjoying shots after a four-course meal.

“C’mon, Andrews. Washroom break!” Caren encourages as she hooks her arm around mine and pulls me away from the group.

“Kenzie, we’ll be in the VIP section upstairs,” Armani calls back at me.

“Okay. We’ll join you guys after,” I call back before following Caren to the bathroom down the hall.

The moment we’re inside, Caren sighs.

“I needed a moment of tranquility to refill my social battery,” she admits and leans against the pink counter. “How can men party like that?”

I laugh as I look at how exhausted she is.

“You haven’t gone clubbing all night long?” I question out of curiosity. “I used to do it during my nursing years, but fuck, I don’t have the stamina like I used to.”

“Never,” she admits with a shake of her head. “I wasn’t deemed cool enough to be invited to those things. Plus, I was a bitch to everyone, so I was the last person they would think of inviting to fun parties and celebrations.”

Her bringing up her past and the “bitch” part makes me frown.

“Katherine,” I use her real name, so she understands I want her to be herself in this moment. “Why do you keep calling yourself a bitch? I mean, I get it when you do it among girlfriends as a joke, but you really aren’t bad. It’s just your job that forces you to act a certain persona. It’s not your identity.”

She stares at the floor for a moment before she lifts her head to look my way.

“I can’t help it,” she admits with a sad smile. “Like Leo said, my ex… always called me that. I’d known him since my childhood, and that was his way of getting my attention. When we ended up dating, it was no different, so I just assumed I was a bitch since everyone agreed with him calling me that. Not to discount the fact they joined in.”

“Who’s your ex, Katherine?” I have to know. “Is he involved in this whole ordeal? I know we haven’t managed to discuss the details of your operation, but he’s involved, isn’t he?”

She looks deep in thought before she runs her hands through her hair.

“Guess there’s no choice but to bring you fully into this nonsense,” she admits and raises up from her forward stance so she can turn and walk three steps to stand before me.

“I promise not to share,” I reassure her.

“I know you won’t say anything. The only ones who know are Leo, Armani, Oliver, and even Cyrus Jr.”

“Wyatt knows?”

“Of course, he does. My ex is like his arch nemesis.”

“Arch nemesis?”

“Their families were super close when they were but babies,” Caren reveals. “They grew up together until Wyatt’s mother passed away. Their families drifted apart because of bad blood, and soon they were competitive enemies of sorts. That was until Wyatt stopped playing hockey professionally, but the hate between them is palpable.”

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