Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I may not have been around for as much of Bella’s early baby days as I would’ve liked, but I was still there enough to know sleep tends to be optional for the parent actively involved.
People think playing hungover is hard?
Try playing when you haven’t had more than a pregame nappy in three days due to your little princess refusing to close her eyes in your vicinity.
Trailing behind Adelstein over and up to Hennington’s office is done in absolute silence. While she opens the door to grant me access, she doesn’t come inside.
No.
She does what I’m assuming is the smart shit and gets the fuck out of dodge.
“Ah,” Hennington sardonically smirks at the same time she leans back in her seat exposing the skin her bra-like top intends to be seen, “just the fucking pylon I’m looking to yell at.”
Coach briefly shuts his eyes and shakes his head in disapproval. “You said you wouldn’t say that.”
“Did I?” She feigns a forgetful expression. “Let’s blame me still saying on the baby brain then.”
“Pretty sure that’s not the way that works,” Coach mutters more to himself than to her.
“Welcome back, GM,” I politely greet while pulling out a chair for me to sit in. “We-”
“No.” She points to the space I’m halfway folded into. “Stand.”
My spine lengthens itself to put me back in that position. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you know how long I was gone, Alexeyev?”
Knowing that the question is rhetorical is what keeps my lips screwed shut.
“Two months!” One leg is thrown over the other, exposing her bare toes, proving some shit will always stay same. “Two months I wasn’t allowed in this barn and barely allowed to work outside of it. For two months I fully entrusted this team to Blanc and you. And one of you hasn’t been doing their goddamn job!”
Given her tone…I’mma go ahead and assume that’s me.
“Becks’s piss test came back positive for oxy and cocaine. He’s now on leave to enter the program for assistance per the leagues requirement in order to possibly play again.” Her hands fold villainously in her lap. “Tell me you didn’t know shit about it.”
I don’t bother denying the truth. “I knew he was struggling with pain pills.”
“And?”
“And I suggested he get some help.”
“And?!”
“And…I…” a hopeless shrug bounces my shoulder, “let it go.”
“You fuckin’ let it go?!” Hennington howls in outrage. “Do you know what kind of fucking danger you put him in? This team in?!”
“I-”
“Protocol, Alexeyev.” Additional ire burns in her eyes. “What is it?”
My hands find their way to my suit pants pockets as I answer, “Player rules of conduct dictate that if there is a suspected issue, the captain will take it upon himself to address it, and if said issue is confirmed, he is to take it to the coach for further assessment to prevent putting the player, the club, and the league at risk.” I shoot Blanc a slightly sympathetic stare. “I should’ve brought it to you right away, Coach. That was my mistake.”
“One of many,” the owner seethes. “Did you know Cooley is under investigation for violating the league’s gambling policy?”
“What?!” This time the information truly does shock me. “I mean I know he’s obsessed with his fantasy NFL team but-”
“They’re claiming he’s been using insider information regarding injuries in this league and the NFL to assist friends of friends in winning bets on both sports, something that came to light – according to the document we were sent – post the Superbowl due to someone going back and tracing his incredible track record for predictions for the entire last season.”
Disbelief leaves me speechless.
“He’s suspended until the investigation is complete,” Blanc informs in a defeated tone.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
First Becks.
Now Cools?
If this is anything like the way we’ve taught my daughter sequencing events that means, there’s still one more fucking bombshell to go.
“Which brings me to you…” Our boss slowly begins.
Consternation swiftly washes over me. “I haven’t done anything.”
“Oh?” Her hand dramatically touches her white top covered chest prior to snatching up her cell. “Is this not you?”
One click of a button reveals to me a scene I didn’t need to see to relive considering the fact I’ve been rolling that playback around in my mind for the past couple of hours.
“My doveryali tebe!” my pointed finger jabs itself in Joey’s direction. “How could you fuckin’ turn you back on us like this?! How could you just leave us when you know how hard it’s been for us to rely on anyone?! How could you fucking betray our family?! Me?! Mne!”
Hennington hits the pause button and meets my gaze with a sarcastic smile. “I’m so, so sorry, Alexeyev. Is this not you?” She shoves the device closer to me. “Is this not you having a very fucking public domestic dispute with your girlfriend?” There’s no time to think let alone talk. “Your girlfriend who is also your fucking nanny?!” Tossing the phone across the desk causes a thud to echo around the room. “Your girlfriend who is also your fucking nanny who you physically assaulted once already-”