Page 16 of Puck with Karma
“I know you have two more years on that contract,” Coach Harris adds with a pensive look on his face. “But there are ways to get out of it sooner now that the date is approaching.”
I stare at him, scared to comment, worried that I’d say something that I shouldn’t. Despite the fact that I know Coach hates my father’s guts, and the feeling is mutual between the two, I still worry that I’d somehow fall into a trap if I trusted the wrong person. I did trust my father after all, and look where it got me.
“Talk to Mitzi,” Coach continues. “She can take a look at the contract. And she’ll give you an honest opinion on what your options are.”
Mitzi is the team’s legal representation. She gets us out of trouble when we get into fights on and off the ice. She is not directly involved in contracts for the players, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know her way around them.
I just nod but still don’t say a word about it, refusing to get my hopes up or give myself away.
Coach Harris waits me out until it’s clear that we’re wasting daylight here.
“Dismissed,” he sighs. “Don’t forget what I said,” he warns one more time before I’m out the door.
I take my helmet off and push my damp hair back when it falls into my face. I take a moment to lean against the wall, gloves under my arm, helmet in one hand and stick in the other, skates still on my feet. I stare at them as if it’s my first time seeing them.
I’ve been living and breathing hockey for my entire life. This is all I know. The glimmer of hope that I might be able to get out of it sooner rather than later is not bringing me the relief I thought I’d feel when the time came.
For the first time ever, I have no purpose.
Chapter 7
Abby
Not having a phone this morning was a stark reminder of what happened yesterday. The dirty face of the stranger from yesterday who destroyed my phone without a second thought floats from my memories.
As I took my shower and got dressed, I realized how irresponsibly I acted when I never said a word about it as security tried to haul him away. I should’ve pressed charges.
But now that I am walking into the building that houses my new place of temporary employment, I decide that I will mention it to Human Resources. They’re the ones who got me the apartment in the building across the street after all, so they should be held responsible in some way.
The smile on my lips fades away when I follow the instructions in the folder I was given before getting here and walk into a room that is full of people just like me. I have no idea why I thought I was special and scored some amazing opportunity by getting this internship.
“Miss Bennett.” Laura, the lady I’ve been dealing with, smiles at me in greeting. “Have a seat and make yourself comfortable.” She points to a small desk right at the front of the room. “I saved you a spot.”
I nod in understanding and head that way. As I walk by her, I decide to mention my phone situation.
“Uh, I was wondering if I could ask you something before you start.”
“Of course,” she smiles and turns to give me her full attention. “Everything okay?”
My hands feel clammy with sweat, so worried that I’ll be getting in trouble somehow. I don’t want to start on the wrong foot with the company. But I do need to stand up for myself, I decide.
“Uh, I was touring the building yesterday,” I say, referring to where I now live.
“Yes, how do you like it? I hope your apartment was clean. I had someone go in there on the day before yesterday, and…”
I place a hand on her arm to stop her from talking. “It’s perfect. I love it.” My smile is genuine when I say that.
“Problem with the building then?” Laura looks at me, unsure of what to expect.
I take a breath in. “There was someone in the gym, he broke my phone.”
“A resident?” Laura’s forehead wrinkles in a frown.
“I’m not sure to be honest.” And I really don’t. “He may work there?”
“I will have security check the tapes so we can identify who it was,” she assures me. “Meanwhile, I will get you a phone. Hold tight.”
With that, she walks off, leaving me to stare after her, unsure of what to do next. I make my way to the desk she assigned to me and look nervously over the papers in front of me. Theyare legal and they speak about confidentiality and proprietary information.
