Page 8 of The Game
Shy and introverted will be perfect.
“Noah, on the other hand, will probably try to flirt your pants right off. He’s a notorious playboy and will make a pass, but as soon as you draw the line, he will back off. You should be more afraid of his best friend and the captain, Alexander McGregor.”
At the mention of his name, I feel a slight tingle deep in my stomach.
Alexander is the team’s commander, both as a captain and in his overall presence.
Whenever he’s on the ice, he’s thrilling to watch.
Off the ice, he’s usually a broody guy who doesn’t spend much time elaborating in interviews with the media.
He does what’s required of him, but it’s obvious he’s there for hockey and not to socialize with reporters.
I guess when you’re the biggest star on the team, you can get away with quite a lot before anyone dares to say anything.
He’s also as handsome as sin.
He has dark brown hair and a slight stubble along his jaw. Piercing blue eyes that are so vivid and intense, even in pictures, that I got a little flushed just looking at him the other day when I was researching the team.
“What about him?” I try to keep my voice steady.
“He can be a tough nut to crack, and doesn’t really appreciate new people all that much. But I’m sure he’ll be alright when he learns your position on the team.”
Even though I really shouldn’t, there’s something about the captain and his demeanour that draws me in differently from any other player.
It doesn’t matter, though; I’ll be meeting with him like any other player, and knowing he prefers to spend as little time as possible doing media, I probably won’t be seeing much of him.
As the day goes on, I get to meet the rest of the team I’ll be working with. Samantha is the perfect sidekick, introducing me and helping me remember names and positions.
Wayne, the image and management supervisor, is a delightful man who brought donuts into the office, making him a favourite already.
Miriam, Henry’s assistant, is another headstrong female, rocking the team jersey around her shoulders as she said Mondays are for comfort. She argued that a more professional take on comfort was to wear the jersey, and ever since she did, it’s become her own little Monday routine.
I’m grateful for the team I will be working with. They’re welcoming and kind, yet incredibly skilled at their craft.
I couldn’t imagine a better place to learn the ropes of hockey media.
~
On Tuesday, I’m heading to the part of the arena where the players usually hang out. It’s closest to the gym and the rink and has all the essential features for top athletes.
I’m meeting with Caleb first, and even though I’m nervous, I feel well prepared and excited.
We’re meeting up in one of the lounge areas to talk about his social media presence, or rather, the lack of it.
When I arrive, he’s already waiting, although I’m five minutes early.
I walk up to him, and he gently shakes my hand as he introduces himself.
“I’m Caleb, nice to meet you, Sarah.”
I shake his hand, thanking him for meeting with me.
We sit down, and I get straight to business without wasting any of his time.
He likely has a lot on his plate, so I decide to avoid chit-chat and small talk. I’ll hopefully get to know them better as time goes by.
“I went looking for your social media profiles and couldn’t find any. Is there a reason you don’t have any social media accounts? It’s not a problem if you don’t want to; I’ll work around whatever you prefer,” I say, and Caleb relaxes into the chair he’s sitting in.
