Page 16 of Puck King
Most of the guys laughed. “She’s got a heart?” Gunnar muttered and again, I was surprised by his guts.
“But Miss King will get it. I know her better than anyone, and she is going to make it her life’s mission to turn this team around. We’ve got a fresh start, with new trainers and a new GM. The plays tonight were a little rocky, but they’re going to be solid. We’ve got this.” I clapped my hands together, but didn’t receive an enthusiastic response. I took a deep breath, knowing that I needed to address the accusations against me. “I’m going to fix things with the press. None of it is true. I hope you all know that. Honesty, integrity, truth; these are all part of being a sportsman and I wouldn’t lie to you. You are like my brothers.”
“I believe you.” Tony nodded.
“Me too,” Smitty agreed. “I don’t know how you’re going to fix it, but I can’t wait until the truth comes out. We all stand by you.”
His words warmed my heart. “Don’t you worry, boys. I’ve got a plan. You just focus on getting ready to hold that cup over your head,” I shouted. Mention of the cup lit up the players’ eyes and the room erupted in cheers. I had convinced them. Now, I just needed to convince myself. I had no idea how I was going to fix the media clown show.
When I gotout of the shower, the dressing room was eerily silent. As I rounded the corner, I realized that everyone had left. Well, almost everyone. Everleigh sat on the bench examining her fingernails.
“What was that all about?” I couldn’t hide the anger in my voice.
“What?” She spread her fingers in front of her and stared at her hand. “What was what about?” She closed her hand and stared at me.
“You’re lucky if you escape a harassment suit. You can’t come in here and treat the guys like that.”
She rolled her eyes and stood. “Oh, please. They love it.”
“I beg to differ.” I pulled a t-shirt on and twirled my finger to get Everleigh to turn around. Surprisingly, she did and I was able to step into my boxers and workout pants. “You have to get them to respect you, not fear you.”
“Fear breeds respect.” Everleigh turned to face me. “Are you hiding out in here until the paparazzi leave?”
I was.
“No. I’m always last man out. As GM, that’s something you should know.”
“Noted.” She stood. “We’ve got to sort out your PR problem. It’s a nightmare.”
“I know. I was hoping the story would just get old and they’d move onto the next thing.”
Everleigh crossed her arms. “Don’t worry. I have an idea, but you’re going to hate it.”
Eight
Alison
My head hungand my cheeks burned, but the tears didn’t fall. I was too mad.
“Alison?” Hollie whispered.
I shook my head, embarrassed at my reaction to the call from my attorney. “I shouldn’t have thrown my phone.” I started to stand, but Hollie put her hand on my forearm.
“I’ll get it.” She reached her arm under the chair and held up my phone. “It’s in one piece.” She handed it to me and I set it on the coffee table.
“Could you hear my lawyer?” The water in my glass shook as I tried to hold the glass steady.
Hollie took a deep breath. “I couldn’t hear all of it, but I think I got the gist. And, I’m so sorry, Alison.” She drew her arm over my shoulders and squeezed. “How is he stalling?”
“He’s contesting my income.” I still couldn’t believe it, even as the words came out of my mouth. “He’s essentially stealing my money,” I corrected. “And, he’s claimed bankruptcy.” My voice trembled. “I know for a fact that we had equity in that apartment and the business one month ago. I don’t know how he managed to pull it all out and either spend it or hide it, without forging my signature.”
“We’ll figure it out.” Hollie’s mouth smiled, but her eyes seemed concerned.
My mouth had gone dry, but I managed to drink the glass of water. “I appreciate all of your support, Hollie. And if there were anyone I would want to come with me on a new venture, it would be you. But I can’t bring you down like this. I won’t hold it against you if you go back to work for Brian.” Bile rose in my throat as I said his name. “You need to do what’s best for you. I thought this would be fast, but it looks like it’s going to be a long, drawn-out procedure.”
Hollie smiled. “I still think that we can figure this out.”
“I wish I shared your positivity.” I couldn’t be responsible for Hollie. My heart sank as the wider repercussions of Brian’s betrayal seeped into my body. I felt heavy, like my arms and legs were trapped under dumbbells. Hollie would be okay, but what about my parents and their farm? I doubled over and rested my face in my hands, but couldn’t stop the sob. “What am I going to do?”
