Page 38 of Behind the Bench

I nod in my agreement, and Lincoln finally looks up from his notes.

He lets out a loud sigh, and for how angry he just was he seems pretty composed right now. “You’re right. Let’s not pretend it’s okay that we lost but I’d rather stay positive and fuel their fire for our next game. Let’s go do the damn thing and then get that damn press conference over with.”

So far, Niko and Lincoln have taken the majority of the questions from the reporters, which I am eternally grateful for. It has allowed me to get my bearings and sort out my emotions after such a disappointing loss.

I’m mid-sip of water when none other than Roger Park stands to take the next question.

“Ms. Montgomery, could you comment on the rumors going around regarding your involvement with Coach Sanders being fired?”

Before I can respond, I’m surprised to hear Lincoln’s deep voice. “It’s Coach Montgomery.”

Okay, that’s hot. Annoying that he cut me off, but still hot.

“And we’re here to discuss the game tonight. Nothing more.”

Roger gives him a sleazy smile before turning back to me. “My apologies,CoachMontgomery.” The way he says it, I know for damn sure he’s not even a little bit sorry.

He looks down at his notes before asking his next question. “It looked like you were in charge of the six-on-five situation after pulling the goalie.”

I lean forward toward the mic on the table. “I’m sorry, Roger, but I didn’t hear a question.”

They do their best to hide it, but I hear both Lincoln and Niko snicker next to me.

Roger doesn’t look as amused, though. “You drew up the final play that inevitably led to your first loss of the season. How are you feeling about that? A bit out of your depth in the big leagues?”

Is he fucking serious? I count to three and let out a deep breath like my therapist taught me to do in these interview situations and do my best to stay composed. I tend to make a habit of bottling up my emotions until they pour out in an unhealthy way. After the loss, my emotions are about to bubble over, so I take one more deep breath and count to three again before responding.

“Actually, I think our guys executed that play almost perfectly. I say almost, because we obviously didn’t get the job done. We have to put the puck in the net. There’s nothing else to say. But kudos to Chicago’s goalie for standing on his head out there.”

I pick up my glass to take another sip when Roger raises his hand for a follow up question. “So you actually think you’re qualified to be in those situations and not just a pretty face to distract the press from last season’s scandal?”

I swear to god I almost choke on my water. Thankfully, I swallow it down at the same time I squeeze the pencil so tight in my hand that it snaps in half. I’m clenching my jaw so tightly the pressure builds and my ears start to ring. Taking a deep breath, I count to three again before responding.

“Considering I have just as much playing experience—if not more than the men sitting next to me…” I pause to look down the table before continuing. “And I’ve coached and trained some of the world’s best athletes, I’d say I’m more than qualified. Roger, let me ask you this, do you question every coach who fails to execute on a six-on-five opportunity? Or just the ones with a vagina?” My heart is pounding out of my chest, but I maintain my composure as I wait for the asshole to answer my question.

He bites on the end of his pen before pointing it directly at me. “No, Coach Montgomery. I don’t. I usually don’t have to question a coach’s worth like I do yours.”

I can feel Niko’s stare as the reporter’s words sink in.

Stay calm. He’s trying to bait you.

Just as I’m about to respond, Lincoln cuts me off.Again.

He pounds his fist so hard on the table that everyone’s water and papers go flying. “That’senough! I will not allow any member of the press to speak to Coach Montgomery, or any member of this organization for that matter, that way. Especially not a sexist man who is really bad at their job. Security, can you please take the trash out and escort Mr. Park from the building?”

Within seconds, two security guards have Roger by the arms and they’re escorting him from the building.

My hands are shaking and my pulse is racing. I’m not sure if I’m more pissed at dickhead Roger or the fact that Lincoln interrupted me because he thought I needed saving. While I’m trying to decide what’s the root of my anger, I hear his voice again.

“Let me make myself clear. Postgame press conferences are for postgame discussions only. If anyone tries to humiliate or degrade one of my coaches or players again, you will not be allowed back in this arena. We’re done here.”

Thank god.

I scoot my chair back and am on my feet, making my way to the door. I think I hear both Lincoln and Niko call my name but I’m too worked up to care.

Hunter is waiting outside the coaches’ room when I come barreling down the hallway. “Whoa, Ellie. You okay?”

I shake my head and open the door. “I need five minutes.”

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