Page 13 of Hot Puck
“You’re Natalie Redding.”
“Yep. We established that before your call.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t connect the dots then. You own Rogue sportswear.”
“KAW owns it and I’m one fourth of KAW, so yes, I own Rogue sportswear.”
“You’re the COO.”
“Correct.”
“What the hell is the COO of Rogue sportswear doing in my”—he jolts back a step—“Do you want to buy Limitless?”
“No. That’s not why I’m here but if you were thinking of selling, I’d be interested in talking.”
“Why else would you be here? Did you know Mom and Dad? I don’t recall seeing you at their funerals but then I don’t remember much of those few weeks. Hell, lately I don’t remember what I had for breakfast most days.”
“No. I didn’t know your parents, although I did know of them. Limitless does stock our products after all.” I smile. “I’m here to see you.”
“Me? Why?”
“How informed are you about the latest in the league?”
“I haven’t watched a game since…” he trails off, but he doesn’t need to say the words. I know when he stopped taking note of NHL news.
“Well, the league announced the newest franchise.”
“Yeah, that was before. Baton Rouge Rogues. Seems weird to have a team in the south but as it’s not the first and the others have been successful, I guess they know what they’re doing.”
“Yes. The Rogues.”
“Aren’t they due to enter the league this coming season?”
“They are.”
“Have they announced the team?” There’s excitement in his voice and I hope it remains when he hears why I’m here.
“No. Well, that’s not true. We’ve announced?—”
“We?”
“KAW owns the franchise.”
“Ah, right. Makes sense. You own a sportswear business, why not a sports team.”
“Yes. But my involvement is more than owning the team. I’m the general manager.”
“Female GM?”
I don’t think he’s against it, but he is surprised by it. “Yes. Our assistant coach is female too.”
“I think I remember Blake Watts being mentioned.” He shakes his head. “Honestly, most of what I know about the hockey world has been shoved into a back corner of my mind.”
“Let’s not force you to figure this out. I’m here, as the GM of the Rogues, to offer you a contract as our starting goalie.”
His mouth drops open. If his jaw could unhinge it would be on the floor, I’m sure. And before he can argue about all the reasons why he can’t even think about accepting the offer, I step in his direction.
“Hear me out. I don’t want you to think about the girls or your family’s business or anything else. What does Chase Hawkins, hockey goalie, want to answer?”
