Page 2 of Penalty Zone
“Do you need something?” he asks between my deep breaths.
“No, sorry.” I steel myself and sit up. “I wasn’t expecting him.” Saying Leo’s name out loud would give away my fixation.
Mr. Dimon doesn’t make this easy on me. He waits for me to defend myself.
“I heard Lucky, I mean Dylon, had a meeting with you, and I hope you understand what happened was my fault.” Finally, a coherent sentence.
“You gave him an alcoholic drink?”
“N-o-o-o,” I sputter. “I set my drink down, and he accidentally picked it up. But I shouldn’t have put my glass there.” Lucky has worked hard to maintain his sobriety and stay on the team after being hospitalized for an accidental overdose.
He sighs. “Mr. Benz, do you think I would punish a man for a simple mistake? Is that what you think of this organization?” His fingers steeple with his elbows on the desk.
This feels like a trick question—no matter how I answer, it’s wrong. I don’t think that, but then why would I barge into his office. I can’t lie. A small part of me did believe it because really, why, in-all-the-calming-crystals-in-the-world, am I here?
I’m an idiot.
“It seems you’re having an epiphany regarding your behavior.”
“No excuses. I didn’t think.” My chin hits my chest, and I stare at my fingers twisting in my lap. If only I could learn how to control my impulses. “I feel so guilty, and I’m afraid of being the reason something bad happens to Lucky.”
Lucky is an All-Star and our first-line right winger. I’m the backup goalie. A nobody. This team needs Lucky to win The Cup. They don’t need me.
“Mr. Benz, look at me.”
My eyes flick up, but I keep my head down.
“I am trying to create something new. I don’t believe degrading or punishing grown men will bring out the best in them. As long as I’m here, no one will be reprimanded formistakes such as accidentally picking up the wrong drink or bypassing my assistant and interrupting a confidential meeting.” He stares, and when I gulp, every muscle from my neck to the hollow of my throat tightens, making it hard for my Adam’s apple to get back to its rightful place.
“Do you understand?” he asks, tapping his finger pads together.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m happy to speak with you, but you must allow my assistant to do his job.”
“Of course.”
And on cue, his intercom buzzes. “Mr. Dimon, can I send Mr. Griffin back in, or do you need a minute?”
“Send him in,” he instructs, and I stand on shaky legs.
“You and Mr. Griffin should have a discussion. Stay.” He motions for me to retake my seat as Leo enters.
“I have practice,” I say lamely. The drive is over forty-five minutes, and in my panic, I didn’t plan ahead and order a ride. Coach is going to kill me. Playing time won’t be an issue because I’ll be benched. Worse, not allowed to dress.
“Even better. You and Leo can practice one-on-one in the arena.” He picks up the phone to confirm the ice is free, then calls Coach. My heart works overtime at the thought of being alone with my dream man. I do breathing exercises to calm myself down.
Leo stands beside my chair with his hands behind his back and stoically doesn’t object to this insane whim. If I can’t walk like a normal person in Leo Griffin’s presence, there is zero chance I can function as a goalie. The spontaneous aneurysm I experienced when I burst in uninvited should’ve killed me, but now I’ll suffer,again,as he witnesses me embarrassing myself. Some divine being hates me. It’s the most logical explanation.
After his phone calls, Mr. Dimon focuses on Leo. “Is Mason on board with the plan?”
Leo nods but doesn’t verbally respond. If I know my best friend, he’s not okay with whatever this is. I’ve always been able to pretend that Leo, Mason’s dad, is separate from Leo Griffin, the hockey legend who led me to my bi awakening.
Beads of sweat form on my forehead. If my worlds are colliding, Mason will feel blindsided. The press attributes his success to his father and has only recently given him credit for his accomplishments. With Leo here, it will be a step back for Mason.
My loyalties lie with my best friend, not his hot, insanely talented dad.
Chapter 2
