Puck Drop: Utah Fury

by Mulliner, Brittney

  I glanced over to see her smiling at me. “Yes, Coach.”

  “Consider yourself lucky that I’m not.”

  “Oh yeah? You think you could do his job?”

  She smacked my arm. “I’ve been watching hockey since I was three. I know the ins and outs. I can spot weaknesses in a player that they’ve never known. I know the plays as well as Erik. Nothing against Coach Romney, he’s amazing, but I could do it.”

  She was sure. I had no reason to doubt her. “Good to know we have backup if we need it.”

  She laughed again. “I always wanted to do a twin swap back when we were kids. I wanted to prove to Erik I could play as well as him, but he never went for it.”

  “He probably didn’t want to prove you right.”

  I looked over at her as she shrugged. “Probably.”

  “Did you ever play?”

  “No.” She sighed. “My mom thought it was too dangerous for me.”

  “But not Erik?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s quite the double standard.”

  “Oh, I know. I fought her about it constantly, but eventually I got over it. Erik had to work really hard and I was more interested in playing with my friends. I got to have sleepovers and go to the movies, but Erik was always at the rink.”

  I knew exactly what she meant. “My friends didn’t understand why I couldn’t play after school. They thought I didn’t like them, but I was always at practice.”

  “It takes a lifetime of dedication to get to where you guys are.”

  It did, and it was refreshing to be around someone who understood that. Every girl in high school and college ended up breaking up with me because they said I didn’t give them enough attention. I never tried to ignore them, but I was busy. Between classes, homework, practice, and games, I barely had time to sleep. I didn’t have to explain that to Chloe, though.

  She raised her arm and pointed. “Turn here.”

  We drove through the downtown area where the arena was located. I’d managed to find an apartment a few blocks away, which was near where she lived.

  “Down this road is an outdoor shopping area.”

  I nodded as if that interested me.

  “Turn left at the light.”

  I followed her instructions as we drove farther from the arena.

  “There’s the convention center. Down that road are two theaters. I’m not sure if you’re into that.”

  “Actually.” I smiled and turned down the street to where she pointed. “I’ve been wanting to see where that was.”

  “Really?” Her surprise wasn’t completely unwarranted. I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the theater, but if it made her happy I was willing to pretend.

  I stopped the car in front where the marquee was lit with The Founders’ sign.

  “What are you doing?”

  I pointed the to the entrance. “Have you seen it?”

  She shook her head. “I wish.”

  This had worked out better than I could have imagined. I planned on giving her the tickets at the office, but this was perfect.

  “Well, that’s good.”

  She chuckled. “Not for me.”

  I opened the center console and pulled out an envelope.

  “But it is for me.”

  I handed her the envelope and watched as she took it. She looked at me with narrowed eyes and broke the seal. She pulled out the two tickets and shrieked.

  “Reese! How?”

  She looked from her lap to me, grinning like I’d just given her the world.

  “I heard you hadn’t had a chance to see it, so I used my connections.”

  “Thank you!” She threw her arms around me and squeezed. It took me a moment to respond. I wrapped my arms around her slim shoulders.

  “I hope you enjoy it.”

  She leaned back. “I will.” She looked back at the tickets. “Thank you so much. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t want you to. I just wanted to make up for the problems I’ve caused. I promise I’m not normally as gruff as I’ve been lately.”

  She smirked. “Sorry about that.”

  I laughed. “I deserved it.”

  I merged back onto the street. “Now where?”

  We drove around for another hour. She covered everything. The best grocery stores. The best gas station to use without being hounded by fans. Touristy places to avoid. The best restaurants. Even though I knew she’d gone through this with almost every other guy on the team, she made it feel personal.

  “Any questions?”

  “You mentioned dinner.” I’d appreciated her taking the time to show me everything, but my stomach was growling. I wasn’t used to waiting so long to eat.

  She smiled. “Sorry. Turn left on the next street.”

  Minutes later we pulled into a parking lot in front of a Mexican restaurant, Los Gatos.

  “The cats?” I chuckled as we walked in.

  She laughed with me. “The owner is a past player. He let the team name it when he opened it. They voted and thought this was the funniest name.”

  “That was brave of him.” I opened the door and waited for her to walk in.

  “Phil is pretty laid back. He didn’t care about the name, just the food.”

  The hostess greeted Chloe by name. “I’ll take you back.” She smiled briefly at me. It was nice to be treated like a normal person. No staring or giggling. She must be used to athletes if the owner was a past player.

  I was wrong.

  She wasn’t fazed because the back room was packed with almost the entire team.

  I glanced at Chloe, but she was already walking to two open spaces at a nearly full table. Erik and Hartman nodded a greeting when I took the seat across from her. A few of the players yelled hello to us. She brought me into the lion’s den and judging by the guys’ reactions to her being there they expected her.

  “Is this a regular thing?” I asked with an even tone. I didn’t want her or anyone else to know how uncomfortable I was.

  She hid behind her menu. Coward.

  Erik answered for her. Shocker.

  “We come almost every Tuesday. Unless there’s a game.”

  Chapter Nine

  Chloe

  I listened to their conversation from behind the menu like a coward. I just wanted Reese to see that the team was on his side.

  “That must mean it’s good.” Reese sounded a bit more relaxed after Erik spoke to him without threatening injury. My brother is a bit rough around the edges when he first meets people, but it’s just his way of protecting himself. He isn’t the type to let people in.

  “It’s the best in the city. Phil’s done a great job.”

  I peeked up and nearly sighed when I saw them sharing chips and salsa. No one would fight over that. It would be un-American.

  A waitress came to take our order, and Erik even made suggestions for Reese. See, they could play nicely.

  “Will I get to meet Phil?” Reese asked Erik, then noticed me staring.

  “I’ll go see if he’s around.” I shot up and hurried out of the room. I had a feeling Reese would make me pay for bringing him here and leaving him alone, but he was a big boy. He needed to feel like he was a part of the team, and fast. The first game was next week.

  I peeked into the kitchen and saw Phil at the window, shuffling plates.

  “Hey.”

  He turned to me and smiled. “Hi, Chloe. I should have known you’d show up at some point.” He walked over and wrapped me in a bear hug.

  He’d retired from the team when I was a child, but he was still considered an honorary member. It was a bit unusual for a former player to stay around, but he said this city was his home, and Canada was too cold, so we were stuck with him.

  “I was showing a new player around.”

  “I heard.”

  Of course he had. The team gossiped more than a group of school girls.

  “He’s in the back room with
the rest of them if you want to meet him.” He led the way back and immediately introduced himself to Reese.

  If there was anyone who could make someone feel comfortable, it was Phil. He was my pseudo dad, although most of the team felt that way.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Reese. I’ve watched you for the past few years. The Fury is lucky to have you.”

  I stole a glance at Erik to gauge his reaction, but he didn’t reveal anything. It wasn’t something most people would argue. Reese was an excellent player, and as long as they learned how to work together, he and Erik would be unstoppable.

  “Thank you. I’m glad to be here.”

  He was? I looked at him and he smiled back at me. Maybe he was getting over being traded. That was the first step to getting on the team’s good side. Be grateful and excited to be here.

  Two waiters walked in carrying trays of food. “I better get back to the kitchen to make sure all you guys get fed. I’ll see you all later.”

  I returned to my seat and remained quiet. Reese resumed a conversation with Hartman and Olli. This was just what they needed. I had to resist the urge to pat myself on the back. Reese needed a few days to adjust and the team needed a chance to get to know him.

  Mission accomplished.

  I should have known the peace would be short-lived.

  * * *

  I brought my laptop with me to work during practice the next day. The Pride was sitting around me talking and watching the guys. I was writing an article about the gala when Sasha shook my shoulder.

  “What?” I looked over at her, but she was pointing to the ice.

  Erik and Reese were staring each other down, just inches from each other. I couldn’t hear what they were saying but I guessed by their expressions they weren’t exchanging pleasantries.

  I stood, but Sasha pulled me down. “You can’t get involved. Whatever is going on between those two needs to be settled by them.”

  I closed my laptop and watched. “They were fine last night.”

  She scooted closer to me and leaned in. “Porter mentioned this morning that some of the guys were saying Erik threatened Reese when you weren’t around. I guess they only played nice in front of you.”

  Why didn’t that surprise me? “What did Erik say?”

  “That you were off limits and to stay away from you.”

  I fought the urge to run onto the ice and fight my brother myself. “Why does he feel the need to do that? I haven’t had a date in three years because of him.”

  Sasha gasped. “Oh, honey.” She rubbed my rub with a look of genuine concern.

  “He’s been threatening guys since we were twelve. I’m a grown woman and can spend time with whomever I wish.”

  Her lips turned up. “Now that’s what I like to hear. It’s about time you stood up to him.”

  “What?”

  “Oh, don’t get mad. I’ve just watched him dictate your life since you guys moved here. I’ve been waiting for you to get fed up and tell him to back off.”

  We’ve been here for four years. She’s been waiting for me to get my crap together for that long?

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “It wasn’t my place. He’s the only family you have. I wasn’t going to try to mess with your dynamics. I figured you’d figure it out yourself…eventually.”

  I sighed and leaned into her.

  “Granted, I thought it would have happened a lot sooner, but we all do things in our own time.” She patted my head like a child, and suddenly I felt like one.

  I was sick of Erik bossing me around, even if it was indirectly. I could make my own decisions.

  “Oh, Chloe.” I turned and three of the women behind me pointed to a woman walking down the stairs a few sections away.

  Great. I was not in the mood for this.

  I stood and marched down the row where I intercepted the intruder.

  “Can I help you?”

  She looked at me and smiled. “I’m just here to watch.”

  I looked her over. She didn’t strike me as a reporter. I knew most of them anyway.

  “This is a closed practice.”

  Her smile faded. “Oh well.” She looked to the ice. “I was invited.”

  “By?”

  She crossed her arms defiantly. “A new guy.”

  I smirked. “Does he have a name?”

  She glanced away again. “Murray?”

  I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. Reese was currently in the corner closest to us. His jersey was the easiest to read.

  “What’s his first name?”

  She tilted her head. “Why does it matter to you if I’m here?”

  “Because these practices aren’t open to the public. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

  “You have no right.”

  Oh, honey. I looked up the stairs to the security guard and nodded.

  “I do actually. You can either leave now on your own, or I’ll have my friend Rob escort you.”

  She looked over her shoulder. Rob was halfway down the steps.

  “What’s your problem?”

  “Right now? It’s you.”

  “You’re such a b—.”

  “Alright, ma’am. Time to go.” Rob took her elbow and led her up the steps.

  I watched her leave and let out a frustrated breath. What was with people’s attitude? They were trespassing, yet I was the one in the wrong.

  When I got back to the Pride, I didn’t bother trying to work again. I was too distracted.

  “Good job, girl.”

  “You showed her.”

  I acknowledged the comments with a wave but kept my eyes on the ice. Emma left me alone, giving my shoulder a squeeze when she left.

  Instead of heading back up to my office when practice ended, I waited. I sat on a foldout chair outside the locker room so there was no chance he could slip away from me.

  I greeted the other players as they trickled out. None of them seemed surprised to see me there. They probably knew what the fight was about. I debated asking Hartman when he left, but he just shook his head and passed me. Even the captain was over the fighting.

  When Erik walked out, I remained in my spot and waited for him to see me. He was almost in front of me when he looked up from his phone and paused.

  “What?” Oh good, he was in an even worse mood than I was.

  I stood and looked up at him. He might have six inches on me, but I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me. “We need to talk.”

  He signed and threw his head back. “Later.” He pushed past me, but I caught him arm.

  “No, we need to talk now.”

  He looked down at me with narrowed eyes. “Outside.”

  I followed him through the tunnels until we were into the parking structure. Most of the team and front office parked here, so it wasn’t exactly private, but I wasn’t willing to wait until I got home.

  “What was that about?” Erik looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. “The fight. What was it about?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You got into a fight during practice, Erik. With a teammate.” I attempted to keep my voice level, but he wasn’t just making me angry, he was scaring me. This wasn’t who he was. He’d never had a problem with another player before. What about Reese was driving him so crazy?

  “It was nothing.” He turned to leave but I stopped him. I moved around him to face him.

  “It wasn’t nothing, Erik. You’ve been a different person since Reese got here. You’ve been rude and mean and completely irrational.”

  His stare should have melted me. “You don’t get it.”

  “No, I don’t. Explain it to me.” I hated feeling like there was something between us. We’d always gotten along. We were two halves to a whole.

  “Reese…” He sighed and glared over my shoulder. “He’s…”

  I stayed silent while he worked through his own thoughts.

  “You need to stay away from him.�
�

  “What?”

  “I don’t want you going near him. Just stay away, Chloe.”

  “Excuse me?”

  There was a flash of guilt in his eyes before he turned back to stone.

  “You don’t get to dictate who I do or do not spend time with. You don’t get to fight people because of me. I’m a grown woman. I can make my own decisions.”

  He glared at me, but there was no way his anger matched mine.

  “I’m done, Erik.” I stepped back and turned back to the tunnel.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  I spun around. “I’m moving out. I’m not going to let you keep controlling me.”

  His façade cracked. “No. You don’t have to do that.”

  “I think I do. It’s time.”

  He shook his head. “Chloe, you’re being dramatic. You don’t need to move out.”

  “If I don’t, nothing will change.”

  He sighed and rolled his shoulders. “I won’t get into any more fights.”

  “And?”

  His jaw flexed. “I won’t tell you who to see.”

  “And?”

  He looked confused. “What else?”

  “You need to give me space. I need to live life on my terms.” I paused. Maybe he needed the space just as much as me. “I can’t always be around for you. You need to be able to live on your own as well.”

  The look on his face reminded me so much of our father I almost cried.

  “I’ll try.”

  “That’s all I can ask.”

  He nodded and walked toward me. He hugged me so tightly I was sure he’d popped my back. “I’m not ready to lose you.”

  I wrapped my arms around his torso. “You’ll never lose me.”

  He mumbled something into my hair, but I couldn’t understand it. He released me and stepped back. “Get back to work. I’ll see you tonight.”

  It may not have been a total victory, but I hoped he’d really heard me. I wasn’t going to tolerate it anymore.

  Chapter Ten

  Reese

  Hartman was sitting by my locker when I walked in for practice. At least it wasn’t Coach. That would have meant trouble. Though judging by his expression he wasn’t about to go easy on me. I was hoping he would have cooled off overnight.