Page 71 of No Pucks

“You both must get the sarcasm from your mother.” Because their father is nothing like this.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Mrs. Cox says as she walks in, and I pray to God she didn’t hear most of that conversation.

“It was meant to be one. Thank you for inviting me.”

She gives me a bright smile. “Thank you for helping me.”

“It’s a pleasure.” I shove my hands into my pockets, because this feels like the weirdest meet the parents I’ve ever experienced.

Logan laughs softly. “Can I get you a drink?”

“I’m gonna need a big one.”

“Whiskey?” he asks, giving away he knows what I like to drink.

I scan the room like I’m about to be called out, but no one says a word. “Sure. Thank you.”

Logan asks the bartender for drinks and returns with them a few moments later, leaning in to say under his breath, “Calm down.”

I stare and mutter, “Don’t talk to me.”

He chuckles, taking a sip from his glass.

A moment later, Cox Sr. throws open the door to the box. “Why did you leave without me?” he says harshly before he realizes there are more people in the box. He narrows his eyes, assessing each of us, and when his gaze lands on me, he freezes. “What are you doing here?!”

“I invited my new coach to the game.” Logan rubs a hand down my back, getting way too close. “He used to play for Grandpa’s team. I’m sure you know.”

I don’t say anything. Mr. Cadieux did tell me to stay out of it, and honestly, I don’t know what Logan is doing. He’s walking a fucking line, pissing his dad off but also nearly giving away to his mother and grandfather there’s something going on between us. Maybe he doesn’t care? The politics of this family are wild, and I’m happy to shut the fuck up.

Cox Sr.’s nostrils flair. “You allowed this, Claire?” he asks his wife.

“I thought it would be nice to invite him when I realized you wouldn’t be able to make it,” she says coldly, but I don’t think it quite registers with Cox Sr.

His lip curls in confusion. “I’m fucking here. Why wouldn’t I be able to make it?”

Mr. Cadieux steps forward. “Because you’re no longer employed by The Dragons.”

Cox Sr. sputters. “What? I’ve taken this team to an incredible place. What grounds do you have to fire me?!”

“Adultery,” Claire adds. “If you remember, there’s an adultery clause not only in our prenup, but also with the team because of your past transgressions.”

“Precisely,” Mr. Cadieux chimes in.

“This is preposterous! Claire forgave me.” He’s not even looking at his wife, only Mr. Cadieux. It’s clear who he respects. “And you know what I do for this team.”

“Claire forgave you because you claimed to stop, that never happened. And you don’t add anything anyone else can’t. You were a good player, but you’re a mediocre manager.”

“I gave my career to this team. I am a fucking asset. My number is on the fucking wall. You retired it.”

“To appease you. Your over-inflated ego has no place here. Security will escort you out. Don’t come back, or I’ll make sure you’re seen for who you are.” Mr. Cadieux looks almost bored saying it.

“You invited him here on purpose, didn’t you?!” Cox Sr. yells.

“Happy coincidence,” Mr. Cadieux says.

While everyone’s attention is on Cox, Logan subtly steps closer to me, brushing our shoulders. I wouldn’t think anything of the gesture if I didn’t catch Cox Sr.’s reaction.

“I’m going to have your fucking job, Hawke. They may be taking my team, but I have pull in the community.”

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