Page 11 of My Brother's Enemy
I was quickly learning that Jesse Ray was the team’s go-to man. He was the greeter. He was the one people went to for questions or favors. He checked on the younger ones. It made sense why he was wearing the C. He’d tried reaching out to me a few times over the last couple days, but I’d been with Ski and Zoey. Correction, I was in Zoey’s hospital room. They’d put her in a coma to help her recover, and Ski refused to leave, so yeah, my sleep had sucked over the weekend.
At least my niece’s overdose hadn’t leaked to the news. I was grateful for that. I’d been hesitant about being there so much, but Ski insisted she didn’t care. She needed her twin, and she needed her daughter, and that was that. My sister was beyond reason. Though, who wouldn’t be in her place? I just really fucking hoped my presence wouldn’t make things worse for them.
I looked over again at Jesse. “You just mean am I ready for practice?” I asked.
He lifted his chin, watching the doorway. “Something’s up. That chick is back. I saw her earlier, talking to the new owner.”
I felt my eyes widen. “The owner?”
“Mal Benoit.”
“I thought his dad bought the team.”
He shook his head. “Nah, man. Mal’s got the money. He got the approval from the league, but I think they’ve tried to keep it quiet. You didn’t know when you came here?” He studied me.
I blinked, trying to clear away whatever he might see on my face. “No.”
His eyes narrowed. “I kinda assumed that’s why you were here. Like, he made you some big, huge offer and you couldn’t resist, you know? He just took over, and he’s motivated.”
“Ha. No. That’s not why I’m here. But they did well for me, considering the cap and all.” I’d taken a small hit compared to what I’d previously been earning. But I had to be here. Simple as that. Ski never wanted to relocate to New York, and I was done being away from her and Zoey.
“Huh. I thought for sure it was because of… You know, never mind.” He flashed me a grin and patted my arm before going back to dressing. “Lots of changes going on around these parts. I’ll catch up one of these days.”
Bruge came in and gave me a look as he went to his locker in the corner. Sunny was there, half suited up. Brick and Meester, the other goalie, were already dressed and waiting for the rest of us schmucks to finish. From what I’d seen, Meester was young and eager, but he got in his head too much. His eyes were bright and shining this morning.
The others filtered in around us, and chatter filled the locker room, along with music. Just when it was time to head for theice, the locker room door opened. Coach Hines came in, followed by Benoit and the chick from Friday night’s game.
I sat up straight. She’d been at the Sunday game too, sitting ice-rink level. I’d caught glimpses of her a few times. There was never much time to ruminate or stare at her, but I had been hoping she’d make another appearance at a game. If I got the opening, I was going to shoot my shot.
She was hot. End all, in my opinion.
But her coming here this morning changed things. Brick was right. She was here because she was affiliated with the team. Social media, maybe? But no. I remembered meeting the social media team. And no offense to her, but she didn’t have the social media vibe. Her eyes were haunted, her hair pulled back in another tight braid.
“Fellas. Listen up.” Coach got our attention, shifting to the side and indicating Benoit. “I know the goal is playoffs this year and I believe we have the bones to get there. We’ve got a good amount of talent and tenacity in this room. It’s going to take work and a solid team unit, but we’ll be helping you build all of that. And with that said, Mal here’s got something to say.” He inclined his head, giving the woman a small nod. “Someone to introduce us to.”
Mal Benoit cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Yes. Hello, everyone. Most of you are aware that I represent the team’s new owner, and I want to tell you that we believe in you guys. We believe in this team. And we are dedicated to doing everything we can to make you the best you can be.” He glanced to the woman beside him.
She was captivating. I could finally give her the attention she deserved. All up close and personal. Yes, thank you. Her physical strength had gotten me last time, but now I could see she had strength inside her too.
She settled her shoulders back, raised her chin, and just like that, all emotion was gone. In its place was something that commanded attention. She was a good-looking woman, but it was that, whatever was inside of her, that kept my attention. I did a quick scan around the room, and half the guys were trying to listen to Benoit, but a good chunk of them were losing the battle, because all eyes were on this woman—whoever the fuck she was.
Benoit extended his arm toward her. “I’m here to introduce you to someone who will be assisting us for the foreseeable future.” He smiled at her. “We didn’t discuss this. Would you like to introduce yourself or for me to say a few words?”
She smiled, the epitome of professional. “I can give my name, but why don’t you explain my function and your reason for hiring me?”
It was deftly put. I could understand her move. Hockey was a male-dominated field. Sure, there were women who worked behind the scenes, but she washere. She was in our locker room. The coach had brought them in, and the owner was saying she was some sort of resource for us? That meant she’d be workingwithus. Not around us or for us. With us. There was a difference, and I had to give her props for handling a first critical move, whether Benoit had any idea at all. My guess was no because he didn’t blink an eye, just smiled and addressed us again.
“Right. I first heard about Ms. Connors?—”
Connors? The name sent an alarm through me, and I wasn’t the only one. A bunch of other guys shifted. This world was small, and Connors was a big name. We were all looking at her a little differently now. I knew I was.
She seemed to notice the shift in the room, and I caught a quick grimace on her face as she reached out toward Benoit and stepped forward. “Thanks, Mal. Change of plans. I’ll take it from here.” She looked around the room, going from guy to guy, andwhen she got to me, she held my gaze for one beat before moving on.
I felt singed.
“My name is Rain Connors,” she began. “Call me Rain. If you call me Ms. Connors, I will not answer. Not just because of theTerminatorreference, though my name has an S, but also because I’ve learned not to use that last name. People start assuming things, like that I’m related to two other Connors in this world.” She waved that away. “Trust me, I know hockey, and I am not a fan of those guys either. Any concern or worry you might have, it’s not necessary. I actually come from a football background. Mr. Benoit was about to explain I am a sports psychologist.”
She paused and looked around again. “Long answer, I’m hired by teams and individuals to help them achieve their optimal potential. My degree is in psychology because I have to understand you in order to locate whatever is holding you back, and then I will help eliminate that obstacle.
