Page 4

CHAPTER 4

Caitlyn (Cat)

The next afternoon practice goes well. Coach had a film of the other team that we were able to watch. I’m feeling good about our chances to win tomorrow. I’m headed out when Coach Baylor steps in front of me, trapping me against the stone wall.

“I hope you aren’t avoiding me. I told you yesterday we need to talk about your play. I have some instructions for you and you’ll do well to know who’s in charge of your career.”

“Last I heard Coach Parley was in charge. He gave us all the game plan and instructions for tomorrow’s game. I’m surprised you weren’t at the meeting.” I hate this loser. Assistant coach Baylor is just like the thugs from my old neighborhood. Pushing their weight around and trying to intimidate. I’ll pay my debts, but I won’t be bullied ever again.

“Look newbie, I’m the coach, you’re just the rookie player. You haven’t even been professionally trained. You’ll listen to me or you won’t be playing at all. I can make or break you.”

My head spins. The last man to say that to me was my stepbrother and it almost got me killed. Never again. I’d rather die.

“Is there a problem here?”

I glance up. Doc Banner is sauntering down the hall, palms hooked in his jean pockets. His gaze is locked on Coach Baylor.

“No problem. Just coaching one of the players.”

“Alone? It looked like you were cornering her against the wall. I know you turned in your new employment agreement, because I checked them off. So I’m pretty sure your posture is a violation.”

“I was trying to not be overheard and embarrass her. She has a habit of being late. I was just advising her that tomorrow is an important game for our new owner and to be here on time, or early.” He turns and stomps back into the facility.

“You okay?” Doc asks.

Swallowing, I try to smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you, Doctor Banner.”

“Just Turk. What was he really saying?”

“It was nothing. I’ve got to go.”

He clenches his jaw and glances up and down the tunnel that leads outside. “We should probably have guards here. I’ll mention it to Clark. I was leaving as well. May I walk out with you?”

I nod. He stays on his side of the ramp, hands still stuffed in his pockets.

Clearing his throat, he glances my way. “Look, I wasn’t trying to interrupt anything, it’s just Clark wants to protect the team members from—from feeling….”

“Harassed? Threatened? Coerced? I appreciate that. I’m sure most of the women do.”

He relaxes. “I’ve known Clark for years. Please believe me when I say you can take any concerns to him. His rules aren’t lip service. He’s protective of his sister, of anyone who’s intimidated.”

“How about you? You have a sister, too?”

“Hell yeah. But I also made sure she could take care of herself. She’s a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and is licensed to carry.”

I laugh. “I should have guessed with her attitude.”

“Do you have any training?”

“No. But I can be pretty mean with a hockey stick.”

“Talk to her. She can teach you. Or I can.”

“We’ll see.”

“Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

My heart thunders. Oh god no. I don’t want anyone to know where I live. I struggle to hold my head up around most of them. Tatum is so down to earth I never would have guessed her brother is a surgeon. She told me she worked in a coffee shop while she was going to college, before she dropped out to follow her dreams of playing hockey.

“Thanks, but I’m not that far. Are you coming to the game tomorrow?”

“Yeah. I’ll be there watching the team win.”

His smile almost takes my breath away. Sooo out of my league.

At the street he goes right, and I turn left. Waving goodbye, I wait until I’m sure he won’t see me back track and head toward the bus stop.

Damn, I’m late. I run, barely catching the next one. At my stop, I sprint the three blocks and race up the steps to my room, pull on my apron, and slide on my old tennis shoes. Grabbing my backpack I head downstairs. On street level I push through the back door of the diner, stow my pack behind the desk in the corner, and head to the wash area. Mel glances my way.

“Sorry boss. Practice ran late.”

He nods. “Heard you got a new owner. You gonna be okay?”

“I think so. He met with all the players today. He told me he was impressed with my play and to keep it up.”

“You got the talent, girl. I-ah scored tickets to the game on Monday.”

“You did? You don’t like hockey.”

“Never said that. Just never saw the need to go before. Now that you’re gonna be a star I’ll be there when I can.”

Tears fill my eyes, and I study the pan I’m supposed to be scrubbing. Meeting Mel was the best thing to happen to me. He found me in a bad situation and stepped in without a thought to the trouble it could cause him. He’s the closest thing to a family I’ve ever had. “You being at the game would mean a lot to me, Mel. Thanks.”

I hear him clear his throat before he rings the bell. “Order up.”

Hours later I glance at the clock and see its almost closing time. There’s about eight people still finishing their meals, but no more orders are coming in so I can finish up the pots and pans. One of the guys has been manning the dishwashers and he’ll do the grills. When the customers leave, I’ll clean tables and scrub the diner floor. If we’re lucky we’ll be done by midnight. I should get a solid six hours of sleep before I have to be back for the breakfast shift.

A few minutes later I hear the bell over the front door. Seconds later Mel’s growly voice reaches my ears. “I told you to stay out of my place. What the hell do you want?”

My heart drops when I hear the response.

“She’s got a payment due. I’m just here to collect,” Ratface replies.

“Bleed her dry you mean,” Mel growls. “Robbing her.”

“You got really good insurance on this tinderbox, old man?”

I grab the money I put aside from my backpack and cross to the galley door peeking through the glass panel. All the customers are gone. Mel is almost as wide as the door, but the other guy is taller. I don’t want Mel fighting my battles. He already does enough for me.

“I got it, Mel. Thanks.” I hold up the five-hundred dollars and Ratface reaches for it. “My receipt, first.”

He laughs and hands me a wadded-up ball of paper. Smoothing it out I check it then hand over the money.

“See you next week, sweet cheeks. Let me know when you decide to work off your debt.”

I can’t meet Mel’s gaze when I brush past him to finish my job. I can’t bear to see his disappointment. He lets me live in the apartment above the restaurant in exchange for doing dishes and helping to clean when I’m not off with the team. He’s always making excuses to feed me and watching my back when Ratface shows. Mel never asks questions. Never judges. I’ll never be able to repay him for what he’s done for me.

Someday I’ll be out from under this, and my life will be my own. I’ve only been part of the hockey team for six months and I was untested, so my salary is less than the other players, but someday. Someday the hockey will pay off.

Oh damn, I never thought to ask if the new owner was going to honor the other team’s salary agreement. Will Mr. Davies pay me the same or is he going to try to renegotiate? Damn.

Grabbing the mop, I get busy on the floors. I work a shift in the morning and then practice tomorrow afternoon before the game. I need to get done so I can get some sleep and be ready for good work out at practice.