Page 20 of Penalty Zone
“Have a seat. We’re wrapping up and licking our wounds. We could use an outside perspective.” He motions to the empty seat at the table.
I greet the others but don’t offer my opinion until they ask.
“You’re our goalie expert. What do you think of Liska’s performance?”
I review the defense’s breakdowns. “Your goalie isn’t your issue.” I don’t shy away from Ari’s displeased stare.
Ari raps the wooden table with his knuckles. “That’s a fair assessment. The right defender will provide an improvement, but I haven’t found someone who fits the team dynamic. We sent players back down to the AHL for a reason.”
We make small talk for a few more minutes before the others leave.
Ari reclines in his seat and runs a finger along the rim of his whiskey glass. “Why do I have the feeling you have bad news for me?”
He’s excellent at reading people.
“I’ve made a mistake in joining the team as a consultant. It’s not the team, but it’s hurting my attempt to reconcile with my son,” I confess.
“I see,” he says and waits for me to continue.
It’s hard to admit my failings as a father, but I owe Ari an explanation for backing out of our deal.
He listens attentively, then steeples his fingers. “I won’t argue with your logic.” He pauses, and I brace for what he has to say next. “But the gossip sites and online press in New York are relentless. Even if you do an interview and reveal your reasons for taking the job and then leaving it with your heart on your sleeve—which is not your style—people will dig into your past.” He goes on to explain all the negative outcomes of leaving.
I deflate as oxygen leaves my body in a whoosh. The media’s reaction never occurred to me.
“I suggest talking to Mason and figuring out what will work best. I don’t mind not paying your consultant fee while allowing you to keep your team credentials.” He grins with a raised eyebrow.
“I owe you my assessment before we negotiate a zero fee.” I fold my hands and lean forward. “Benz has unique skills, which are the opposite of mine. He plays on instinct and intuition, whereas I studied patterns and used players’ statistical probabilities for shots. He’s important in your locker room for emotional support. Liska keeps to himself,” I say honestly.
Ari remains silent, thinking. Caleb’s been flourishing with his new routine, and I secretly enjoy the messages he sends for accountability. I don’t reply but like his texts.
“He can compartmentalize and play at the level you need.” Benz deserves my professional opinion.
“Do you think he can withstand the pressure of becoming the starter and carrying the team?” He’s leaned in, so we’re speaking quietly, inches apart.
“There are no guarantees with anyone. We’ve both seen men who were bred to be NHL players choke and fizzle out while the least likely rise to the top. Benz is a solid bet. I believe he’s capable.” I hold eye contact so he understands I’m staking my reputation on my words.
Ari leans back and takes a sip of his drink. “Time will tell.”
It will. I’m not a man who lets emotion guide his decisions, and I hope I haven’t miscalculated by doing it now. It would devastate Mason if Caleb got traded. And Caleb. My emotions surrounding him are a tangled mess, best left hidden since he’s off-limits.
However, the part I’ve pushed aside rejoices over potentially having more interaction with Caleb.
Chapter 10
Caleb
“So sexy it hurts,” I sing, teasing Mason in an effort to make him forget his pain as I waggle my eyebrows and finish wrapping his leg.
“Dumbass.” He smiles weakly, sprawling out on his hotel bed.
No matter how much I plead, he won’t tell Grayson the extent of his leg injury. He’s the dumbass, but I won’t kick him while he’s down. I rummage through his duffle and find the bag with pain relievers. “Take acetaminophen in an hour, then in two hours more ibuprofen. I can stay here, if you want.” Poker night was my idea, but he’s more important than a game.
“Stop smothering me.” He tries to sound annoyed but fails.
“You love it.” I fall on his chest and hug him, rocking back and forth. It’s possible I overdo it when he’s hurt, but everyone should have help when things go wrong.
After rechecking Mason has everything he needs, I find Drake’s room.
