Page 118 of Body Check

Gavin sighed. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”

“Look, I don’t have any official stake in the Harriers ownership,” Declan said. “So my feelings on it are only worth so much. But I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed about. You made some bad choices, you dealt with the consequences, and you overcame them. There’s no shame in redemption, Gavin.”

“I hope the ownership group will feel the same.” Gavin looked down at his green tea. It still tasted like grass to him but Dakota—and his doctor—swore it was good for him, so he was trying. “And, frankly, they hold you in high esteem and value your opinion. I need to know how you think this will all go over with them. And if you’d be willing to put in a good word for me.”

“Of course I’ll put in a good word. As for the rest, do you intend to tell them the truth about your past?” Declan swirled the whiskey around in his glass, the large, spherical ball of ice inside clinking pleasantly.

“I think Ihaveto tell them,” Gavin admitted. “Both because I don’t want anything hanging over my head anymore, and because I think the stress of worrying about it being discovered can’t be doing my heart any favors.”

“True,” Declan said, his brow furrowing. “Well, I think it’s a bold move, but you’re known for those.”

Gavin smiled faintly. “But is it arecklessmove?”

“No, not reckless,” Declan said thoughtfully. “You know what the possible consequences are. You’re choosing to lay your cards out on the table.”

“Fully aware if they call my bluff I’m fucked.” Gavin sighed.

“You’re not fucked,” Declan said with a small laugh.

“They could decide to let me go,” Gavin pointed out.

“They could,” he agreed. “But that’s why you need to make the Rafael Moon trade happen.”

Gavin groaned and rubbed his head. “Tell me about it. Damn the holiday roster freeze.”

Declan looked at his watch. “You’ve got about three hours before its up.”

“Believe me, I know.” Gavin rubbed his head again. “I’vegotto get him on board with a trade.”

“Is Cannon amenable to the discussion?”

Gavin nodded. “Yeah, he’s not the hold-up. Moon is.”

“Well, this wouldn’t be the first time you’ve sweet-talked a reluctant person to get on board with your plan for this team,” Declan said with a laugh. “Use that considerable charm to your advantage.”

“Why, Declan, are youflirtingwith me?” Gavin teased.

Declan threw his head back and laughed. “Not seriously. Catherine would have my balls if I was.”

Gavin grinned. “Well, we wouldn’t want that.” Though that wasn’t actually a no …

Declan sobered, though mirth still lingered around his eyes. “In all seriousness, I have complete faith in your ability to manage this situation.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.” He leaned forward. “Approach the ownership group with confidence. Let them know your recent health situation has made you take stock of some things in your life. Give them the simple version of your past and that you are dating Dakota, explain you would like to step down as president of hockey ops, and give them a suitable candidate to fill the spot.”

“And who might that be?” Gavin asked with a lift of his eyebrow. Because he’d like to have a hand in picking his replacement, buthe’d run through list after list of possible candidates and come up underwhelmed.

“Well, this is going to be extremely self-serving of me, but one comes to mind immediately.” Declan chuckled.

Gavin blinked at him. “Don’t tell meyou’replanning to throw your hat in the ring?”

“Ha! Absolutely not. Catherine reallywouldhave my balls if I did. Don’t think I’m not tempted, but my wife and I agreed I won’t take on any jobs that eat up that much of my time. After all the sacrifices she’s made for me, this is one I can make for her. Besides, I enjoy helping train my grandchildren to be the next generation of pro hockey players.”

“Fair enough. But who do you mean then?”

“Finn. I want you to consider my eldest son for the position.”

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