Page 29 of Pucker Up
“That’s exactly the same one I got.”
“Hmm.” I finished my protein shake and grimaced at the chalky finish. “I wonder what’s going on.”
Ethan looked at his watch, a Rolex he’d bought the first time he won the Cup. When I lifted the Cup above my head for the first time, I wasn’t going to buy myself a watch; I was going to buy myself an autographed guitar—straight from Angus Young. “Put on your shoes, rock star—and let’s go find out.”
TEN
GOLDIE
The tiresof Dad’s car rumbled on the icy streets, and we were jostled by the streetcar rails as he changed lanes. Even though it was the coldest day of the winter so far, Morton panted heavily over my shoulder.
“Are you too hot, Mortman?” Dad adjusted the temperature and cracked the rear windows. For someone who said he didn’t like dogs, Dad had turned into the biggest Morton fan.
“Are you sure you don’t mind watching him while I talk to the players?” I shivered and zipped up my jacket.
“Of course not. Morty and I are going to hang out in my office until you’re done. He told me he’d like to go to High Park afterwards.”
“Oh, he did, did he?” Morton groaned as I reached to scratch his ear. “Did he tell you this at the same time he asked to come to work with us?”
Dad opened the rear window ever further and Morton abandoned my scratches to stick his head out. “Why would we leave him at home, when he’s welcome at the arena?”
A tuft of dog fur floated through the cabin and landed on my lip. I pulled it off and dropped it out the window. “Are you surethe custodial staff will welcome him with open arms? There are going to be tumbleweeds of fur floating around the hallways.”
“He’s a service dog. They can’t say anything.” Dad winked at me.
“Dad,” I squeaked. “You can’t do that. He is absolutely not a service dog.”
Dad shrugged. “Don’t worry about it, Goldie Girl. Focus on your session and let me deal with anyone who dares question Morty’s service skills.” He patted my knee. “It’s fine. I cleared it with the GM. As long as Morty doesn’t pee on the floor, he’s welcome to hang out in my office.”
“Phew.” I let out a breath. “So many people take advantage of the service dog thing, it ruins it for the people who really need them.”
“Are you all set for your introduction to your lab rats?” Crinkles formed beside my father’s eyes as he smiled.
“I’m not experimenting on them. I’m going to ask them questions about their history and then some other questions that will help with my hypothesis. I’ve got an undergrad student helping me. She’s going to compile the data.”
“There’s a few in there that could benefit from some experimentation. Do you want me to see if I can get access to a cattle prod?”
I shook my head. “Dad, you can’t joke about stuff like that.”
“Who said I’m joking? That one Bailey brother is as stubborn as a bull. You might need a prod to get any information out of him.”
Gideon Bailey was one of the players that I hoped would participate in the study. There were two documented concussions in his file, and one had been fairly recent. If he was open with me about his experiences, it would be really helpful for my work. “It’s stubborn as a mule.”
“Right.” Dad’s eyes glinted. “To get the bull to buck, they tie the rope around…”
I held up my hand and tried not to giggle. “I won’t be tying up anyone’s balls either.”
“Too bad.” He signaled to turn onto Tiger Tail Way. “You can do whatever you want, Goldie, but I agree with your advisor. I don’t think it’s a good idea if you tell the team that you’re my daughter. I don’t want that to impact anything they might tell you.”
I hadn’t gone to any games yet, and since Dad was new to the team, I was pretty sure that none of the players even knew he had a daughter. “They might be on their best behavior if they know I have the coach’s ear.”
Dad smiled. “A few of them might try to kiss your ass, but the ones I’m having trouble with…” His voice trailed off, but I knew that he was talking about the Bailey brothers. “They don’t care about being in my good book.”
It was my turn to be supportive. “I’m sure that they will come around, Dad. You’re the best coach in the league. And if they don’t…” I gestured with my thumb out the window. “They’re outta here.”
“You’d make a great ref.” Dad signaled and pulled onto the steep ramp of the underground parking entrance. He stopped and put the car in park. “You’re outta here.” He mimicked my baseball gesture and pointed to the passenger door. “You can’t be seen arriving with the coach. Rumors will fly.”
“Ew.” I squealed and got out of the car. I had been mistaken for Dad’s girlfriend on more than one occasion. He was young when I was born, and in his industry, it wasn’t uncommon for a guy like him to date women half his age. “I’ll meet you at the conference room.”
