Page 10 of Behind the Bench

He’s made it clear he thinks I only got this job because of my dad. I’m going to do everything in my power to gain not only his respect, but the respect of every coach on the bench and every player on the ice.

That’s why I’ve been at the rink since five this morning watching game tape from last season. No one is going to know this team inside and out better than I do. When official practices begin, I’ll know the strengths and weaknesses of each and every player. There’s nothing I want more than this team to be successful, especially with the way last season ended. I’ll prove just how valuable I am to this team, and then both Lincolnand Grayson can suck it, DX style. I’m a closet WWE fan, don’t judge me.

I’m about to grab another tape from the top shelf when the lights suddenly turn on in the film room. I look over my shoulder to see who is here so early.

Our video coach, Hunter, jumps a little when he sees me. “Shit, sorry, Ellie. I didn’t think anyone would be here. Wait, why are you here? It’s barely seven.”

Hunter is a good looking guy. He’s not quite as tall as Link, probably around six-foot-two, and you can tell he stays in shape with how he fills out his suits. He has these intriguing eyes, but they’re also kind and warm. His eyes sit behind black-framed glasses, giving him more of a “boy next door” look.

He sets his stuff down on the small table next to the door and walks over to me. He must’ve seen me struggling to reach the box on the top shelf because he leans over me and grabs it.

I take a step back. “Oh, thanks for getting that for me. I’ve been here since five watching game tape. I was just about to start another one, but I’ll get out of your hair.”

Hunter looks at me and his head tilts to the side like he’s trying to figure me out. “No need to leave on my account. Do you mind if I join you? I mean, considering it is my job and all.”

His words are teasing, and I can’t help the chuckle that escapes my lips. “Right, of course. I’m just trying to get to know the guys on the ice before I meet the rest of them in person. If it goes anything like meeting the other coaches, I’m gonna have my work cut out for me.”

Hunter sticks his hands in his pockets and looks down at his feet. He looks back up and holds my stare.

“About that. Ellie, I’m sorry you weren’t invited to the bar last night. Grayson said he would handle inviting everyone. I didn’t know he was going to exclude you.”

I’m not sure what it is about Hunter, but I believe him. He has been nothing but respectful toward me since we met yesterday, and he’s here right now, apologizing for something that isn’t his fault.

I flash him a smile and shake my head. “Hunter, you have nothing to apologize for. I know it wasn’t your idea not to include me. But I appreciate your apology anyway.”

He looks relieved and relaxes his shoulders a bit. We both take a seat at the table in the middle of the room. He looks over at me and it’s like he has something else he wants to say but decides to keep it to himself.

That’s not going to work for me, so before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “What? Do I have something on my face?” I rub my hand across my mouth, searching for any lingering crumbs from my breakfast.

Hunter laughs. “No. That’s not it. I want to say something but I don’t think Lincoln would be too happy if I opened my mouth.”

Well, that’s interesting.

“I think you already did open your mouth. So spill.” I raise my eyebrow, hoping he’ll continue.

It must be my lucky day because he gives in. “Damn it. Okay. I’m sure you already know this but I was Lincoln’s teammate our first two years in the league. We were rookies together and nothing bonds teammates like being scared shitless your first year going pro. Lincoln is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He has drive and determination that outmatches most guys I’ve played with.”

I’m not sure where he’s going with this so I sit quiet and wait for him to continue.

“What I’m saying is, Lincoln is going to do everything in his power to make this team great again. He’s not going to let anyone stand in his way. He hasn’t said much about you, but I do know you were a part of his past. And for whatever reason, you get under his skin more than anyone else.”

I go to fill in some of the blanks, but Hunter holds his hand up to stop me. “But, you should’ve seen his face when you called Grayson out for his dickhead comment. You may not be Lincoln’s favorite person, but he has zero tolerance when it comes to derogatory comments, especially when it’s coming from a coach on his staff. I want us all to be able to work together and I’m hoping you two can get over whatever it is that happened between you when you were kids.”

He’s waiting for me to respond but I don’t want this to be a thing. Being a woman in a man’s world, I’ve heard too many times how women are too emotional or complain too much. I’m not about to start my second day of work by explaining our ridiculous childhood rivalry to Hunter, or that I think the other assistant coach is a misogynistic asshole. I’m sure he’ll find out soon enough, anyway. If he hasn’t already.

“That’s all I’m hoping for too, Hunter.”

He nods his head and looks at the film in my hand. “What are we watching next?”

After flipping the lights back off, we spend the next hour watching our team’s power play and taking notes on what we think works and what we think should be adjusted.

At some point during our video session, I could’ve sworn I heard the handle of the door open to the video room. It’s so damn dark in here besides the projector screen, I don’t know for sure. When I look up from my notes to see if someone had come in to join us, the door is still shut. Maybe I’m imagining things.

Hunter and I work well together, and he takes all my suggestions seriously. He’s also extremely smart when it comes to the game. I’m excited to have him on the staff as our video coach. He’s also seriously funny and reminds me a bit of Sadie with his positivity. It’s kind of like a piece of her is here with me.

For the first time since arriving in Green Bay, I don’t feel so alone.

After Ellie held her own against Grayson, we all ate dinner and called it quits early. I made my way back to the rink for my truck and went for a drive. The walk back to the arena was good to clear my mind, but I wasn’t quite ready to sit in my depressing hotel room all alone.

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