Baden (Pittsburgh Titans 1)

“Let’s go on a tour of the facility. Then we’ll head up to the executive suite,” I suggest, motioning for him to precede me out the door. Drake is here to talk. Nothing more. Like I told Sophie, we’re more on tryout than he is.

As we’re walking down the corridor, I ask, “How old are the boys now?”

Drake’s expression lights up, his blue eyes twinkling. “Jake is six, and Colby and Tanner just turned four.”

Three boys, including a set of twins. I can’t imagine raising three kids on my own, especially at that age.

“And Crystal?”

“Don’t even get me started.” We’re, of course, talking about his ex-wife. “Nothing’s changed for the better is the best I can say.”

“Sorry, man” I commiserate.

“It is what it is,” he replies, fatigue heavy in his tone. “But I’ll admit you piqued my interest. Never thought I’d consider coming back, and the only reason I’m here is because I trust you.”

“I appreciate it—”

“But I need to know that management believes in me, not just my abilities, but my integrity.”

“Don’t blame you a bit,” I reply, not at all surprised he’s setting out expectations that I’m not sure the Titans can meet. Matt Keller felt Drake being on this team was a smear by reputation alone.

I give Drake the ten-cent tour, but even that’s impressive. As one of the newer arenas in the league, the amenities are all first class. While Drake and I stayed in touch during my recovery, he hadn’t known about my decision to take this coaching position. We spend some time talking about that as well as the good old days when we played on the Wolves.

On our way up to the executive suite, we talk about the Titans. Specifically, he wants my honest opinion on whether the current management group has the ability to put this team back together.

My answer pulls no punches. “I don’t know, man. But I know the people here are dedicated to doing the right thing.”

“That starts at the top usually,” he replies.

“Brienne Norcross wants what’s best for this team. But she’s learning as she goes.”

I lead Drake to the conference room where I first met the other coaches, and I pray that Matt Keller keeps his opinions to himself. When I open the door, I’m surprised to see Brienne Norcross in attendance. She’d already signed off on the offer, as had Callum Derringer. This was just supposed to be a “getting to know you” meeting between Drake and the coaches.

Brienne and Matt are discussing something, but they swivel our way as we enter.

Everyone stands, but it’s Callum Derringer who moves forward to welcome Drake into the room. They shake, and Callum claps him on the shoulder. “Thank you for coming on such short notice, Drake.”

“Of course,” Drake replies, and then lets Callum finish the introductions. Drake shakes each coach’s hand and then finally, Brienne’s.

She motions to the chair to her right. “Please, have a seat, Mr. McGinn.”

Drake sits as indicated, and I take the chair to his right.

“You’ve been out of league play for almost a year,” Callum says, clasping his hands on the table. “What kind of physical shape are you in?”

“Excellent,” Drake replies confidently. “Physically, I’m in the best shape of my life. I play in a rec league, so I haven’t lost my ice legs.”

This leads to questions about injuries, workout regimens, and time on ice. On paper, he seems perfect, but he’ll have to be tested in action. However, I know Drake wouldn’t be here if he didn’t think himself capable of stepping back into this level of play, so I’m not worried.

Brienne, who’s been quiet up until now, eases into the conversation. “I understand you have three young boys.”

“Correct,” Drake says but doesn’t elaborate.

“Do you have any concerns about being a solo parent as a professional hockey player?”

Drake leans his forearm on the table, giving me his back to face Brienne fully. “That’s a sexist question. I’m curious if you ask any potential employees who are single mothers if they’re concerned about their ability to work and solo parent as well?”

Brienne flushes, and I want to kick Drake under the table. That was unbelievably rude, but he’s also not wrong.

An apology is quick from Brienne’s mouth. “I’m sorry, Mr. McGinn. I didn’t mean it as a reflection of your parenting abilities. I meant it as a lead-in that we can help you find resources here to help.”

“Poor lead-in, if you ask me,” Drake drawls, and I’m wondering if he’s trying to get fired before he’s even offered the job.

This time, Brienne’s cheeks flame red, but I can see by the flash in her eyes it’s from anger and not embarrassment. “As owner of this team, I have the right to ask questions to make sure you’re a good fit—”

“Why don’t you just ask what you really want to ask?” Drake growls, cutting her off midsentence.