Page 57 of Puck with Karma
“Learn what?”
“Learn how to communicate with a client who is potentially losing his job and throwing his hockey career out the window because he cannot control his temper.”
She sounds very proud of herself when she spits that out, leaving no doubt about the direction of today’s meeting.
“Do you understand where this conversation is going, Mr. Hamilton?” she makes sure to ask.
The way Xander is just staring at her is making me squirm in my seat. I just want to run out of this room, go to my apartment, pack my bags and leave the state.
“I do,” he murmurs in an even tone that only gets on her nerves.
“And?”
He smirks again, but this time it jump-starts my heart back into rhythm.
“And I don’t give a fuck,” he informs her, sounding way too cheerful about all of this.It’s like he is asking for trouble.
“That’s enough!” Coach Harris’s voice thunders in the room, making me jump in my seat. “This is not social hour,” he addresses both Laura and Xander. I want to laugh at the offended look on her face.
“Coach,” she tries to take charge. “This is my meeting. And as such, I…”
“This ismyplayer,” Coach booms over her. “And you will show him respect.”
That is sure to get her going.
“He will be shown respect when he shows it toward everyone else,” she raises her voice when she speaks. “Especially his teammates.”
“You can’t let him go, so whatever point you’re trying to make,” Coach Harris’ tone drips with sarcasm, “is moot.”
She snorts and rolls her eyes toward the ceiling. “I actually can let him go. And I plan on doing just that.”
She turns her head to smile sweetly at Xander when she says the words. The smile falls off her face when Xander returns it. It’s as if he is daring her to fire him. Since I have no idea what kind of authority she has over the players, I can’t tell how far she is willing to take this.
“Do your worst,” he challenges her. I watch his face when he says it, and I swear he is serious about it. He wants her to release him from his contract with the team. This can’t be good for anyone involved.
“Mr. Hamilton,” she clears her throat. “Your contract clearly states that any incidents on or off the ice that compromise not only your reputation but also the team’s will put in a position where the terms of the contract will need to be renegotiated by your employer, placing you automatically in theat-will employeecategory. That means…”
“We all know exactly what that means,” Coach Harris cuts her off. “I’m assuming this rule applies to everyone on the team.”
Laura looks stunned for a second, surprised by his question.
“Well, yes, of course,” she finally answers.
“Ah, good,” Coach nods in agreement. “What time are we meeting with Samson?”
There is another awkward pause.
“Uhm, it is later.” She sits up straighter in her seat. “But that is not why we are here today.”
“We are here,” Coach starts again, “because you decided to target my best player. And, arguably, one of the best players in the league.”
“Coach Harris,” Laura gives him a polite smile, “with all due respect…”
“With all due respect, Miss Cantor,” he cuts her off again. “The contract clearly states that the player in question needs to have at least two written incident reports documenting what the issues were leading to the termination of their contract.”
“We have that,” Laura responds, sounding very sure of herself.
“May I please see them?” Coach stretches his arm out and waits.
