Page 94 of Boards & Betrayal

“Thank you, Tom.” Her eyes met mine, sincerity in their depths. “It means a lot coming from you.”

We continued our tour, moving through corridors adorned with memorabilia from past glories and into areas designed for future victories. Everywhere I looked, there were signs of Seraphina’s vision and dedication.

As we reached the end of our walk, Seraphina stopped and turned to me. “I hope this place feels like home for you as well."

"Me? "

Seraphina’s eyes sparkled with determination as she continued. "Yes, you, Tom. When I inherited this team, it was at its lowest point. The players were disheartened, the fans were losing faith, and we hadn't seen a championship in… well… ever. But I knew there was potential—so did Cherney and the rest of the staff. Even my grandfather…" Her voice trailed off, and he could detect pain in her tone. "He knew he had something, even if he didn't live long enough to see it." Her hand reached for the swell of her stomach, and my heart clenched again. “We started from scratch, rebuilding the team’s morale and structure. Cherney was instrumental in that process. His experience and leadership brought us together when we needed it most. And now... well, now we’re Stanley Cup champions.” Her pride was evident, but so was her concern. “But Cherney is ready to retire,” she admitted, her tone softer now. “And finding an adequate replacement isn’t just about filling a position; it’s about continuing a legacy.”

She paused for a moment, searching my face for any sign of resistance. When she didn’t find any, she pressed on. “You have everything we need, Tom. Your coaching record speaks for itself—taking teams to new heights, pushing players beyond their limits. You understand what it means to win, not just games but hearts and minds.”

I shook my head slightly, still processing her words. “Why me?” I finally asked.

“Because you’re not just a coach; you’re a leader,” she replied without hesitation. “You know how to inspire people, how to get them to give their all even when they think they have nothing left. That’s what Cherney did for us, and that’s what you can do, too.”

I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of something—was it hope? Ambition? It had been so long since I allowed myself to dream beyond my current circumstances.

Seraphina’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Your ability to connect with players on a personal level is unparalleled. They respect you because they know you’ve walked in their shoes—you’ve faced the highs and lows of this sport firsthand.”

She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. “And let’s not forget your strategic mind,” she added with a smile. “Your game plans are legendary. The way you analyze opponents and adapt on the fly—it’s exactly what we need to stay on top.”

I felt the weight of her words settling in my chest—a mixture of pride and apprehension. She believed in me more than I believed in myself at that moment.

“Tom,” she said softly, reaching out to touch my arm gently, “this is about building on what we’ve achieved and taking it even further. And I think—no, I know—you can do that. You already have with the Titans." She gave me a long look. “Unless there's something holding you back?"

I pressed my lips together, feeling the weight of her question. “I… I don’t know,” I finally said, the words heavy on my tongue. “I don’t see myself upending everything, even to coach in the NHL.”

Seraphina tilted her head to the side, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Ah,” she said softly. “You’re in love.”

My eyes snapped to hers, my first instinct to deny it, but no words came out.

“Is she hesitant?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing. “Does she not want to move?”

“Quite frankly, ma’am,” I said, exhaling sharply. “I’ve got no fucking clue.”

She pursed her lips and led me into her office. It was spacious yet simple, with a large mahogany desk dominatingthe room. Right in the center of the floor was a dark stain—unmistakably blood. This must have been where her grandfather was murdered.

Her eyes followed mine to the stain as she took her time sitting down. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I haven’t replaced that,” she said, her voice steady but laced with emotion.

“The thought had occurred,” I admitted, taking a seat opposite her.

“It’s a reminder,” she began, her gaze fixed on the stain. “No matter how hard my day is, no matter how much I want to give up, this team was built on blood.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “And it’s… it’s going to sound morbid, but it’s a reminder that my grandfather’s here.”

I nodded, absorbing her words. My eyes drifted to a wedding photo on the wall—her and Brandon fucking Thorpe. The scene looked serene and uncomplicated.

“So,” Seraphina continued, drawing my attention back to her. “This woman… Have you told her you love her?”

The question hung in the air between us, heavy and unavoidable.

"She knows."

Seraphina gave me a long, assessing look. “What is it then?”

“You’re very direct,” I muttered.

“I have to be,” she fired back, no hesitation.

I blew out a breath, feeling the weight of my own confusion pressing down on me. “It’s complicated.”

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