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What? I glanced at Reiner, the urge to know every detail bubbling up. “What do you mean?”
“Not my story.” He waved his hand. “I wanted to talk to you about that, actually. How have guys on the team been?”
“How you would imagine.”
Most of the guys were dicks or didn’t acknowledge me. Two in particular, Price Charming and Jaxon Beers, were decent. But everyone else seemed team Quentin. Their goalie Alex Hannigan or their defensive star Liam Levers were probably my favorite teammates so far. They were quiet, focused, and pushed me to be better in the gym.
But Quentin’s crew, they were trouble.
“You ready to address what happened with Hawthorne yet?”
“Is that what this meeting is about?” I didn’t want to discuss that night or that play. It wouldn’t help anyone.
“Please, have a seat. You’re too uptight right now, and it’s stressing me out.”
I moved toward the chair as him and JD sat too. They seemed relaxed and at ease. I forgot what that felt like. “I’m not uptight sir, I just would rather not talk about that injury, it wouldn’t help anything.”
“But we both know the truth of that night.” His eyes flashed. “And yes, I’m talking about the fact Quentin deserved what you did.”
“Fun fact about Reiner, he likes pet projects.” JD hit my shoulder.
“JD, Jesus.”
“What? Theo’s not the problem, you know this. We lost the senior leadership last year, and the guys are too young and not disciplined enough. Q reminds me of Cal Holt a bit, before he grew up.”
“I forgot Cal Holt went here.” I smiled. “He’s having a hell of a career right now in California.”
“He’s coming to visit in a few weeks, actually. Let me know if you want to chat with him separately. Might be nice to hear about the pros.” Reiner tapped his fingers together and leaned forward. “When you approached me about wanting to transfer here, two things came to mind. The first—I want you to elevate the guys we have. They are rough and need a strong role model. That is you. Secondly, I have some guys who I need to have an intervention with, and they are Q and his crew.”
“And I help with that?”
“Yes. Quentin is a dirty player. We both see it. But he’s young and can change. You’re assigned as his mentor this season.”
“Jesus.” I ran a hand over my face. First Audrey, then him. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” I pinched my nose and met his gaze. “I’ll do it. It won’t be easy. I also feel like I should admit that I’m also paired with his sister for clinicals. That’s a lot of Hawthornes.”
Reiner winced. “Shit. I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, this could go terribly,” JD said, hitting the side of the desk. “Might fail entirely.”
“Would you shut up?” Reiner glared at his assistant before meeting my eyes again. “I’m having regrets hiring my brother-in-law.”
“That’s on you,” I said without thinking.
He tossed his head back and laughed. “This is gonna work out great. I’m going to announce the pairs next week, and I’ll continue to check in with you. I’m also naming you captain. This team needs a shift, and you’re going to lead it.”
Captain.
Clinicals.
Mentoring the guy I injured.
Audrey.
My siblings.
