Page 114 of Slapshot Obsession
The Cove Knights won four-zero against the Shell Cove Thunders. Mack scored a hat trick, winning the tournament’s overall MVP trophy. Colsen scored the other goal, assisted by Nash.
The mayor and Brett Bergen, Genevieve’s father, talked to the media about the importance of hockey tournament's in our town and how we’re going to bring the NHL to our shores.
Once all the awards have been handed out and the players are off to celebrate getting a couple of weeks off before the beginning of the fall semester, it’s crunch time for us.
The air in the cheerleaders’ locker room is thick with tension. We know the announcement that we’ve been waiting for is imminent.
The door opens and Marianna, the team coordinator, pops her head inside the room.
The nervous chatter that was buzzing around the locker room dies down, and you could hear the proverbial pin drop.
“Carole and Lexi would like to speak to,” she looks at her tablet. “Talia, Jodie, Genevieve, and Taryn. Everyone else, congratulations. You’re officially fully fledged Shooting Stars. You’ll receive your contracts this week.”
I file out of the locker room behind Gen with Talia and Jodie by my side.
If I’m getting cut, I’ll be disappointed, but it isn’t the end of the world. I got the results of my nursing license exam, and I passed it with flying colors. Making the team would be a dream come true, but I won’t sign a contract that would mean hiding my relationship with my guys for the better part of a year. Tucker, Colsen, and Nash are nonnegotiable in my life.
As we walk down the hallway, followed by two cameramen, I feel Talia’s hand bump mine.
She laces her fingers through mine. “I’m so nervous.” She whispers. “I feel sick. Are they cutting all four of us? I thought they wanted thirty-two dancers. If we’re all cut, they’ll have thirty.”
“They’re just cutting two dancers today.” Gen turns around to look at us with an evil smirk on her perfectly made-up face. “My mom told me they’re also naming the team captain and her alternate. That’s why they called four of us.”
Judging by the look on her face, she’s sure she has the team captain position in the bag.
I guess it’s possible since her father is one of the team’s sponsors and her mother is one of the choreographers.
We walk outside the arena and into the main building where Carole’s office is located.
“You can all go in together.” Marianna says.
When they let people know that they had been cut in the past, the meetings had been one-on-one. I guess they’re mixing things up for the last episode of the show.
I’m about to knock on the door, but Gen hip checks me out of the way and opens the door.
Carole’s office is modern minimalist; every surface is glass or chrome.
The team’s director is sitting behind her glass desk with Lexi and her side. Adrianna Bergen, Gen’s mom, and the uniform designer Ruth Browning are standing on either side of the desk.
“It feels like we’re about to face a firing squad.” Talia whispers to me and Jodie.
She isn’t wrong. This is very stressful, and the thought of all the viewers seeing what happens doesn’t make it any easier. I feel bad for all the girls who were cut since we started camp.
“Girls.” Carole’s expression is serious, her tone solemn. “It’s been a long road to get to this moment. There have been good, bad, intense, and funny moments. As you can imagine, we have bad news for two of you and good news for the other two. Before we get into the specifics, Lexi, Marianna, Ruth, Adrianna and I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. As you know, after every training session and after every performance, we give each dancer a score. At this point, you’re all exceptional dancers, and the two who won’t be offered a contract this year should know that our decision has been down to literally decimals of a point. It has made our decision that much harder, but that’s a testament to your skill as artists.”
Lexi nods in agreement. “Tonight’s performance was incredible, and it feels especially hard to let two people go. We’re really nitpicking at this point. But you knew when you signed up for tryouts that we have the highest standards and making the team would be hard.”
“With that said, I would like to start with the not so good news.” Carole’s eyes land on Talia.
Tucker’s sister begins shaking even before Carole says the words that will seal her fate.
“Talia, I’m sorry. But we aren’t able to offer you a spot on the team this year.”
She squeezes my hand hard enough to make me wince in pain, but I don’t react.
“Carole, I…” her voice breaks. “I need this team. It isn’t just my dream; I need it to survive. I quit my job at Joe’s to come to camp, and employment opportunities in Star Cove dry out once the summer ends. Without this team, I’ll be in huge financial trouble, and this is my senior year.”
The team’s director’s gaze softens. Her tone is maternal, but firm. “You knew you were taking a risk when you signed up, Talia. I’m sorry.”
