Page 81 of Shootout
“Ungrateful? Shouldn’t you be grateful to hire one of the best female skaters and coaches in the business?”
“Jessie, calm down. You’re not qualified. I’m making the best offer I can. You and I both know the score.”
“Do we? And what will my duties be? Typing up rosters, cleaning the bathrooms, handing out uniforms?”
“Of course not. You’re being unreasonable and emotional.”
“Am I? Why can’t I expect the same treatment and consideration as someone with a penis?”
Rick ran a hand through his hair and signed in exasperation. “I don’t make the rules, Jessie. I’m trying to help you.”
“I don’t need your help. I need to be hired based on my credentials and skills, not because you feel sorry for me and assume I’ll be so grateful you can get in my pants.”
“You’re being difficult. Is it that time of the month or something?” he muttered, but I heard him.
“Fuck you, Rick. I don’t need anyfavorsfrom you or anyone else. Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.”
I stomped out of the bar and down the street. My fury didn’t dissipate until I’d walked several blocks and paused to get my bearings. I’d taken out my frustration on Rick. Whether he deserved it or not, I wasn’t sorry. He’d insulted me, and I wasn’t going to settle any longer.
I turned on my heel and headed for the SHAC.
As a hockey player, there were scoring droughts. All players knew this. We also knew that once you hit that puck into the net, lit the lamp, and broke that drought, pucks started falling. I’d broken my scoring drought, and the second I walked into the SHAC, the next puck fell.
I had a message to meet in Lauren Schneider-Parker’s office in an hour. She rarely dealt with the amateur skating side of the business. With butterflies in my stomach, I took the elevator to the top floor, where the executive offices were located. I’d only been here one other time when given a tour of the facility.
Her assistant glanced up and smiled. “Lauren is ready for you.”
“Thank you.” I wiped my sweaty palms on my thighs and pushed open her office door. The room was large, with expansive windows and views of the Space Needle and Lake Union.
She smiled in greeting and gestured toward a seating area in one corner of her office. I turned, surprised to see Robert Lozona already seated in one of the plush leather chairs. He smiled and stood to shake hands. Robert was Pete’s boss and the director of amateur skating at the SHAC. He ran the entire amateur program, including hockey and figure skating.
Lauren joined us. “Have a seat, everyone.”
I sat down and primly held my hands in my lap.
“You’re probably wondering why I called you into the office today.”
I nodded.
“Normally, we’d have waited to do this, but I’ve heard through the gossip channels you’ve been offered a position as a coach at Tyee U.”
“I have but—”
Lauren held up a hand. This was a woman who’d fought her way to the top of this man’s world we both found ourselves in, and she had the utmost confidence in herself. I’d be smart to learn from her.
“Jessie, this hasn’t been officially announced yet, but Pete is retiring next month.” She waited for my reaction, but I had none. Pete hadn’t done me any favors, but he hadn’t been awful to work for either. Lauren looked at Robert, and he picked it up from there.
“The obvious choice for Pete’s successor is Mike, but we’ve been urged to consider a different direction.” Robert’s gaze held mine, and I resisted squirming under his intense scrutiny.
“Urged?” I asked.
“Boris Spechek, who needs no introduction, has spoken highly of you. We’ve reviewed your credentials and compared them to Mike’s. In light of possibly losing you, we’d like to better whatever offer Tyee might make and offer you the Director of Youth Hockey position. We’re committed to keeping our premier staff.”
Boris had vouched for me? I was stunned at this revelation.
“We want you in this organization for a long time to come,” Lauren added. “We’re committed to offering the best coaching our money can buy and to provide opportunities for growth within our organization.”
“I don’t know what to say.” I looked from one to the other. They stared back in earnest. My answer was important to them. “I already turned down the position at Tyee,” I added, needing to be completely honest with them.
