Face Offs & Cheap Shots (CU Hockey 2)

But if being with Jacobs has taught me anything, it’s that you can still succeed and be happy without disposable income.

I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I choose fulfillment over money.

I choose giving instead of taking.

But more importantly, I choose my own path in life.

“It’s a great plan,” Jacobs says. “And if he says no, we still have the next two years to come up with something better.”

I haven’t told Jacobs yet, but if my dad says no to this plan, I’ve decided I’m going to chase this future anyway. Even without Dad’s financial help. It will take longer and will be a lot harder, but it’s something I want to do.

Coaching is the only thing I’ve ever found true passion in, and it’s not something I see as a passing high. It’s not a temporary feeling. It’s my calling.

“I’ll be right here when you’re done.” Jacobs gives my arm a squeeze and sends me into the intimidating boardroom where my father sits at the end of the long, empty table with his business persona in full force.

We arrived in New York last night, and I was ready to pitch it to him then and there, but he decided he needs to make me sweat by asking for a full presentation while his offices are empty.

I know it’s an intimidation tactic, and I know he’s doing it because he’s still hoping I will fail to impress him so he can try to push his original idea of my future onto me.

I have a folder with all the information I’ve gathered over the last three months, and I slide it over to him.

“Growing up, you and Mom always wanted the best for Baby and me. We attended daycare that cost more than rent. We went to the best schools. Had every opportunity handed to us. And I can speak for both Baby and myself when I say we’re incredibly grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

He looks like he doesn’t believe me. “So that’s why you’re turning down your position here?”

Snarky much?

I don’t let him get to me. “I may not want the future you’ve mapped out for me, but I can appreciate my upbringing. I’ve never wanted for anything other than the choice to do what I want when I grow up.”

“And what have you come up with?” He opens the folder of information and must get stuck on the first page. “Hockey? Really? Please don’t tell me you’ve come all this way to pitch ideas of being a hockey player.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I mutter. “I don’t want to be a professional hockey player. I want to be a coach. Not just any coach. I want to run a non-for-profit camp to help underprivileged kids receive a little of what you gave me growing up.”

“That’s … noble of you. This is surprising. How do you expect to get funding for this or live the lifestyle you’re accustomed to?”

“It won’t make me rich. Not by a long shot. And I’m okay with that. In terms of funding …”

I slip into all the stats and tax benefits and give him as professional a pitch as I can.

“I will still technically be involved with Beckett Enterprises, which is what you’ve always wanted.”

His fingers steeple under his chin. “I will need to take it to the board of directors for their approval which will be a hard sell.”

“Think of the tax write-offs.”

I could be wrong, but I swear that’s pride shining in his eyes.

Dad sighs. “Such a waste.”

My heart skips a beat and starts to sink into my gut.

“Waste?”

“You came up with this plan in three months, and it’s a better pitch than a lot of the shit we see here. I’m disappointed we won’t have your brain where I still believe it should be, but I made a deal with you. I gave you my word, and even though I expected you to come up with something I could easily shoot down … something selfish …” He shakes his head. “I can’t in good conscience lie and tell you your idea is stupid, because it’s not.”

My chest puffs out with pride, but I can’t take all the credit. “If it makes you feel any better, this wasn’t just my idea. It was a group effort. I came up with the coaching and the camp, but Jacobs and a friend from school helped with the business side of things, and guess who I called for all the information on business tax?”

He blinks at me.

“Baby. You really need to give her a chance, Dad. She’s brilliant.”

“I know she is, boy. I’m not blind.”

“Then why—”

“I’m old-fashioned, I know it, but it’s not only that. I want to protect her from this world.”

I narrow my eyes. “Huh?”

“It’s harder for women to rise to the top. There’s misogyny and the pay gap, and there’s a lot of obstacles she would have to face. I want to protect her from it all.”