Page 210 of Cross Check

I think so.

I’m dreading talking to the media, but I know it’s part of the job.

Jude

You don’t owe them anything.

But you’re going to kill it.

I’m so proud of you, Amelia.

Me

Did you all send me this gorgeous bouquet?!

Lainey

We wanted you to have something special for your first day!

Sienna

Wish we could be there, but we’re cheering you on from here!

Me

I can’t to see you all soon.

Lainey

Us too!

Sienna

Kick ass, sweetie!

“Hi.” I sit across from Darcy in the conference room and smile. With the coffee in my hand and the red lipstick on my mouth, I can do anything. “Today is finally here.”

“And we’re kicking things off by being busy as hell.” She flashes me an apologetic look. “Sorry for throwing you to the wolves in the media right off the bat.”

“That marketing and publicity training you suggested is going to come in handy.” I take a sip of coffee. “I’m ready to give the media the politest non-answer answers I can.”

“I hope you’re ready now because it’s time to get going.” Darcy taps her phone and stands. “I listened to Brody Saunders’s press junket yesterday, and not a single reporter asked him how he felt about being a man in this league. They better extend the same courtesy to you.” She holds the door open for me, and I step into the hall, clutching my cup tight. “But if you feel like diving into the unfair expectations women affiliated with professional sports are held to, I’ll pay the fines you accrue.”

“The power you have is remarkable, Darcy.”

“It’s fun to step on men on my way to the top.” She swipes her ID and punches the down button on the elevator. “After your time with the media, you have your first practice on the ice, a full team meeting, then a welcome reception with our most prominent season-ticket holders. Things should slow down by November.”

I chuckle on our way to the lower level of the Hutchinson Center. Darcy and I walk to the media room together, finding it packed with reporters. I can barely hear myself think when I slide into the chair in front of a dozen microphones and hide my coffee behind the dark blue table cloth.

“This might be a record for interest in an expansion team that has yet to have a winning season,” Darcy announces, projecting her voice. The noise dies down, and she puts a hand on her hip. “That must mean you’re excited to hear from our new head coach. Amelia Green comes to Baltimore with years of experience, most recently working in Denver as an associate coach with the Goldminers where she won two Stanley Cups. Her time under Jude Hunter and her impressive college career have prepared her for this next step in her journey. Our organization is honored to be her landing spot as she makes history, so please help me to officially welcome Amelia Green to the Sea Crabs.”

“Hi,” I say, addressing everyone when the applause dies down. “Thank you, Darcy, for the introduction. I’d love to answer some of your questions before I head to our first practice, so let’s get started.”

Phones whip out to record me. Every hand in the room rises. My heart rate kicks up, and I point to a man sitting two rows from the front.

“Morning, Coach Green. Stetson Barber from the Baltimore Weekly,” he says, introducing himself. “You worked alongside Jude Hunter for many years. Have you spoken to him about your transition into this new role?”

“Just this morning, actually.” I smile. “He was the one who encouraged me to interview, and I’m immensely grateful for my time in Denver. It allowed me to build my confidence, learn my preferred coaching style, and most importantly, how to fail. I’m excited for our matchup against the Goldminers in January.”