Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance

by Karley Campbell

  He had tried to explain that the chimney had been blocked up years ago but she wasn’t listening and simply left as the smoke set off the fire alarms. Like a puppy he followed and at her car she offered him one more chance. She wanted more information on Cooper Graves and if he fucked up again she would burn the house down with his mother inside. He believed her too, when you got past the egocentric public personality Birgetta Growler was fucking insane.

  Later the firemen had berated him, the police had fined him and his mother had made a complete fool of herself before kicking him out. She claimed to be beyond all endurance after the Cooper Graves scandal, now this.

  He was sleeping on a friend’s couch, unsure how to organize a place of his own with no permanent income. So he got drunk and waited at the bar, praying for more dirt on Cooper. He wanted to hurt the girl, this was all her fault. She had tricked him and he was now a laughingstock with little hope for the future. He was as good as washed up because of that bitch.

  He slunk lower in his seat when he saw her enter the bar. The shaggy manager was already inside so Fisher couldn’t corner her now. He would be patient and wait.

  He had nothing else to do thanks to her.

  Chapter Ten

  At work Dani was tired and cranky. She had managed a couple of hours sleep, a little studying and then she had called Marcus about his investigation. Someone was out to get Cooper, Dani was sure of it but that didn’t explain why she still cared after he had cut her out.

  Marcus had been grumpier than usual, growling that he had no leads. If Fisher refused to admit who paid him there was nothing Marcus could do. Legally anyway.

  Cooper would be fine, the talkback shows which had been so scathing in the past were having a change of heart. The focus had moved to the media, specifically social media where everyone had an ill-informed opinion. Reality shows were being debated too. They fed on young, vulnerable people that craved attention and edited them to whatever the producers chose. The bimbo, the jock, the nerd, the slut, the friend, the aggressor. There was growing concerns at the amount of suicides and the faceless bureaucrats that manipulated and ruined lives for ratings.

  It was even more topical when the latest teenage singing sensation from ‘Think You’re A Rock Star?’ had attempted suicide after nudes of her parents had surfaced online. Society appeared ready to discuss and question the merit of these shows and the people who aired them. Dani didn’t see how anything would change when people still signed up to appear and millions tuned in to watch. Everyone wanted their piece of infamy, the outcome unimaginable until it was too late.

  JD’s good nature was infectious and bored of being unhappy, she smiled when he slung an arm around her shoulder. It was a half-assed smile but she managed it.

  “Just heard from your boyfriend.” JD told her.

  Confused, she said, “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

  Laughing as if she were an idiot, he said, “Cooper’s interested in some property developing and your father mentioned I dabble. Me and Cooper are catching up to talk about it. Cool, huh?”

  “I guess he’s staying then.” Dani grumbled,

  Giving her a last squeeze, he said, “Who would leave such a fine woman without a fight?” He was mocking her but Dani had no reply so returned to serving, trying not to think about Cooper Graves.

  Much later Dani was serving at one of the bars and came face to snarling face with Birgetta Growler. The older woman stretched over the bar in her too tight dress, resembling a peacock enlarging to impress. Dani knew she could show no weakness and would need to face Birgetta head on.

  Dani grinned, “Where’s Cooper? I thought you two were inseparable.”

  With a penetrating and assessing gaze, Birgetta nodded once as if accepting Dani’s unspoken challenge. “Purely professional, Miss Something. I don’t enjoy violent men, you never know when they might snap and kill someone.”

  “Exactly.” Dani clapped, “Well done you.”

  Birgetta was annoyed that Dani was in no way intimidated. “I’m sure with your father’s history you’d steer clear of men with sexual impulse issues.”

  “Care to explain?” Dani felt her blood pause in her veins.

  “No need.” The Growler sung, finger waving at some princess who pranced closer. “I don’t rehash old ground unless someone really upsets me or if they forget who is queen of this town.”

  “Are you serious?” Dani growled, “You’re a has-been with nothing better to do than ruin people’s lives with your trashy column.”

  “I don’t threaten. I complete my undertakings.”

  “Was it you that spiked Cooper’s drink back then?”

  The young princess heard this statement and froze, her perfect mouth open in surprise. She backed away, her horrified expression showing something she had been trying hard to suppress.

  Flashing perfectly white teeth that were slightly too big, giving her a horsy appearance, Birgetta said, “You have now officially pissed me off, you little bitch.” She leaned closer again to hiss over the music, “Prepare your family because what Cooper Graves went through will be nothing compared to what I’ll do to them.”

  Without a thought in her head Dani leapt across the bar to snag a fistful of hard, dry hair from the perfect coif, grimly satisfied at the mess she was making.

  JD was at her side, calling, “Whoa, whoa, Dani. What the hell are you doing?”

  “This fucker just threatened my family.”

  “Fine.” JD soothed, untangling Dani’s fist from the Growler’s hair. Birgetta had the sense to stay quiet as JD added, “I’ll ban her from the bar. Just calm down and I’ll get one of the guys to push her out the door.”

  As soon as Dani let her go, Birgetta sneered, “You’re fucked, girlie.”

  “Let’s play, old woman!” Dani spat in reply.

  As a bouncer approached to escort her from the premises, Birgetta peered regally down her nose. “Don’t even think about touching me, you pig.” She growled.

  JD followed her out and soon returned, finding Dani pacing in the back room.

  “Are you alright?” He asked first, which placated Dani. At least JD didn’t question her at every turn, at least he cared about her thoughts and feelings. She should be falling for JD, except she felt nothing for him but friendship.

  Dani nodded, “I’m fine. Sorry, I overreacted.”

  “Explain what the hell that was about. Is Cooper Graves making you violent?”

  “This has nothing to do with him." She snapped knowing that was a lie.

  “Okay, now I know you’re on drugs because you’re making no sense.”

  “It was Birgetta, she drugged him and found a girl to take him down.”

  “Why? Why would she do that?”

  “I don’t know but I’m going to find out.” She sagged, “That isn’t true. Cooper doesn’t want to see me.” She looked at JD, “You’re meeting him soon?”

  JD put his hands up. “Keep me out of this.”

  “Just tell him it’s Birgetta screwing with him. He can sort it out himself. But if she comes for my family I’ll hold him personally responsible.”

  “I’m not telling him that. I’m going to have to talk to your father too. His bar is going to be called the worst place in town because you had some weird girl fight.”

  “I’ll tell Dad. Did you tell her she’s barred?”

  “Of course, and if she tries to sue you I promise to lie and say she started it.”

  “She did start it by coming here to threaten my family.”

  “Well, that really worked,” JD was sullen, “You were terrified.”

  “I really am sorry, JD.” She swiped a tear away, feeling keen embarrassment now at her behavior. She was tired and stressed from her exams and Cooper but that woman’s nasty, hollow threats shouldn’t have sent her over the edge.

  “Christ, don’t cry.” JD pat her awkwardly. “Do you want to go home?” She knew he didn’t want her leaving, he was already two staff down. />
  “I’m fine, don’t fuss. Just give me a minute and I’ll be back out.”

  Finally alone in the staff room she scrolled through her phone, finger hovering over Cooper’s number. She should tell him her suspicions about Birgetta but the hurt of being discarded was deep. She didn’t want to feel like the desperate groupie finding any excuse to call him. She didn’t call her father either. Instead she played mahjong for a few minutes then returned to work, keeping her hands busy to still her frantic mind.

  ◆◆◆

  JD made a quick phone call before Dani could return and find out.

  “Jacob. Birgetta Growler was just in threatening Cooper and your family.”

  “How did Dani handle that?” Jacob asked, wondering what the hell he had thrust upon his family with hiring Cooper fucking Graves. The boy had better start showing some massive improvement in the scrum. He was beginning to feel like a bad investment for the team and a liability to the Maxwell family. Jacob hated to be wrong and he still thought he was right about Cooper. He plain liked the boy too.

  “She’s out back picking peroxide extensions from her nails and crying.”

  Jacob sighed, feeling old and tired. “What did you do about Birgetta?”

  “I’ve banned her. Listen, Dani thinks Growler is the one causing all Cooper’s problems. If she’s right, and Birgetta could get that photo front page, then I’m guessing you and your family might be wise to prepare.”

  “You could be right. Thanks, JD, I appreciate it. Do you want me to come down and talk to my kid?”

  “I’ve never seen her react like this, she just went off. Maybe someone needs to talk to her, but I think it’s more Cooper’s territory.”

  “Jesus. Is everything else okay?”

  “The tills are ringing.”

  “Long may it reign.” Jacob chuckled. “Have a good night and thanks for letting me know. I’ll sort it out.”

  JD put the phone down as Dani emerged from the back room, her smile small and sad. JD had a moment to feel mean for calling her dad but this was not like her and he wondered if Cooper was a healthy option for the feisty Dani Maxwell.

  ◆◆◆

  Cooper was seated at his table with a pen and paper, listening to music while working through some training drills, still trying to strengthen the scrum. What he had instigated was an improvement but the scrum was now twisting and not staying up as often as expected. A collapsing scrum could break backs or necks, there were endless stories of kids with untrained coaches that didn’t focus on technique and were maimed for life. Even one of his good friends in his grassroots team was permanently wheelchair bound. Thankfully he was a tough man with a supportive family, Cooper knew plenty that weren’t so lucky.

  It was the new rule of packing down then holding, it just didn’t flow but Cooper thought if he kept drilling it and forcing the guys to take more weight on the scrum machine it would eventually flow like a dance. The problem with not working on real opposition was that when another fierce team entered, the players improvised and that could go very wrong. Cooper had to prepare them for every eventuality and so was watching plenty of recent international matches.

  It was exciting being back at high level rugby. He wanted to be holding the scrum together but felt a certain joy at dictating how it worked. Even Andrew had grudgingly admitted that Cooper was making it better.

  Lifting his t-shirt Cooper rubbed the emerging bruise. Fuck the kid could hit. The only thing that got Cooper off the ground so fast was his players watching on. If he showed any weakness now they would never respect him, especially if some new kid, the boss’s kid, could push him around. So holding back bile he had stood and punched the little fucker back with as much force as he dared. He held back at the end, not wanting to hurt him but hot-damn it had felt good. He was embarrassed now, it was unprofessional but thankfully Andrew held no long-term malice and Cooper got the impression Jacob was glad someone else had pulled his kid in line.

  When the phone rang Cooper thought of leaving it, expecting a reporter, even this late. Seeing the name he answered on a terse greeting.

  “Cooper, its Jacob.”

  “Old men like you should be tucked up by now.”

  “Watch it, boy. I could still out party you.”

  “Figuring I don’t drink you might be right. Bet I could outrun you the next day though.” Cooper was grinning, glad to be back in Jacob’s good books.

  “You got me there, son. Look, I just got a call from JD down at my bar, the one in the city. Dani’s had some trouble . . .”

  “Is she alright?” Cooper snapped.

  “Cool it, boy, she’s fine. There was an altercation with Birgetta Growler. Dani has it in her head that Birgetta is the one that’s been framing you. Does that make sense or should I be calling the men with the white coats?”

  Cooper blew out a long breath. “Is Dani hurt, did that bitch hurt her?”

  “It sounds like she had a tussle with the Growler’s hair.” His distaste of Birgetta was obvious.

  “She’s a tough one your kid.” Cooper wanted to sigh but held it in.

  Unconvinced, Jacob said, “Not as tough as you think.”

  “Do you want me to go check everything’s okay?”

  “I would appreciate it. It’s fifteen minutes for you this time of the night. I’m stuck at this fucking event. I’m sure its fine but I’d like someone to go look.”

  “Do you really think it would help if she saw me?”

  “You two will have to face each other at some stage and I figure if you can become friends she may deal with it better.” After a long pause, Jacob added, “If this is going to be too hard I’ll get Andrew to go down. It’s just the little prick is nursing some bruised ribs and I’d rather he got over that quick.”

  “I understand and I’m sorry that happened.”

  “Don’t be.” Jacob laughed, “His ego needed some tending, as far as I’m concerned you made your money right there.”

  “What time does the bar shut?”

  “About two but it takes time to get everyone out. If you could pop in I’d be grateful. The Growler’s been banned so you don’t have to worry about facing her.”

  “Sounds like me and the Growler need a private conversation soon.”

  “That old slapper’s been a thorn in everyone’s ass for years. I wish someone could shut the bitch up once and for all. Fuck knows where all the bitterness comes from. It’s like she’s got a vendetta against the world.”

  “Sounds like she’ll do anything to ruin a man.”

  “I better go, and thanks for this. I know it’ll be awkward but I trust you.”

  Cooper paused, “Thanks, I appreciate that.”

  “I don’t trust you with my daughter. We talked about what I’ll do to your balls, right?”

  “Yeah, and my kneecaps.” Cooper was chuckling.

  “Then I won't explain again. See you at the gym.”

  Disconnecting, Cooper sat back with his hands behind his head. Wow, that was a conversation. Jacob was nonplussed that Cooper had punched his son, he trusted him with his bar, he had given him information about the Growler and he had asked him to check on Dani. It was wise the man didn’t trust him with his daughter. Cooper didn’t trust himself with Dani Maxwell either.

  It was just after midnight but he had a full day tomorrow, gym, pool session then some one on one with the flankers. He was booked to attend some media event too but nobody was upset when he didn't show up so he would continue avoiding them until Jacob forced it.

  Refusing to admit the excitement he felt at seeing Dani again, Cooper showered and changed into black dress pants and a blue shirt and was illegally parked outside a dark and clearly shut bar by one in the morning. He checked his phone in case his car clock was malfunctioning. This was weird, Jacob had said the bar was open until two. He contemplated calling but instead left his car to try the door. It was locked and no one answered his hammering so he tramped around the block, searching for a service
entrance.

  It took some time but he eventually found a skinny alleyway. The cobbled path was long and poorly lit and there was no signs to confirm he had the right place other than a space marked as a drop off zone and a wall of overflowing recycling bins.

  When he tried the door and found it unlocked he knew something was all wrong here. He had the right place, it reeked of stale beer. Would this lead him into more trouble? It was a pointless argument, Dani was in there and he needed to ensure she was safe.

  On edge at the silence, he was thankful the metal door was well oiled and the storage area was brightly lit. He pulled the door quietly behind him and stood for a minute to orient himself and listen for any hint of what was going on. Hearing nothing, he stalked silently to the bar, past the bathrooms and the stairs to the cellar, past a refrigerated storeroom and JD’s small office.

  Stepping into the bar it was obvious something big had happened. Glass littered the floor and several chairs and a table were broken. He peered up to the higher levels certain some of this furniture had been tossed over the iron banisters from up there. The lights had been dimmed meaning the bar had been closing. Then where the hell was Dani and JD? Where was the staff? Bouncers and bar staff should be tidying this mess, and why was the back door unlocked if all the staff had left.

  Hands on hips, Cooper took a deep breath, scanning the eerily silent bar for an idea of what to do next. Just as he decided to call Jacob, his eyes found a shoe behind the main bar to his right. It took a moment to realize it was still attached to a leg.

  Numb, he moved, finding JD lying face down. Noting all the blood, Cooper gingerly rolled the man over. There was a large gash above his eye, a broken spirit bottle nearby. Someone had bashed JD over the head. But where was Dani?

  Cooper pat JD’s cheek gratified when the man quickly woke. He was confused seeing Cooper then his eyes became round.

  “Where’s Dani?” He husked. “He was here for her.”

  “Who?” Cooper’s guts began roiling in fear.

  “That fucking photographer. He snuck in after the brawl. He wanted Dani, then . . .” He glanced at the broken bottle and touched a finger to his bleeding head in obvious agony. “Please tell me she’s still here.”