Page 3 of Home of the Brave

“Victoria, I haven’t had a chance to read––”

“I’m not calling about that,” I interrupted.

“Is everything okay?” He sounded distracted.

“Have you heard about the summer hockey tournament? Men’s and women’s––”

“Yes,” he cut me off this time. “How did you already hear about it? The announcement was only sent out a few minutes ago.”

“I never reveal my sources.” I couldn’t stop my smile. If he was just hearing about it, he hadn’t had a chance to assign it yet.

“I’d like to take it.”

He sighed. “Of course you would.”

I ignored his exasperation. “After the Olympics, I ha––”

“You did a great job, yes, I remember. But with it being a special event, I’m only sending one person. I’ll need them to cover both the men’s and women’s teams.”

I cringed. I preferred to work with the women, but for this opportunity I could push that aside.

“I’ll do it. I know the guys really well, too.”

“You just hate them.” His tone was flat.

I cringed. “Hate is such a strong word.”

“That you frequently use to describe your feelings toward them.”

Oh, so he did listen when I vented? “They can be such divas!”

I could see him closing his eyes and punching the bridge of his nose, his go-to when we had this argument.

“Look, the network already decided it’s a one-person assignment. I might not even be able to swing a videographer.”

“They want text only?” That seemed incredibly stupid and a huge missed opportunity for video content.

“As of right now,” he paused. “Look, we don’t have any information on what this is. Just that something is happening, not when or where or how long. I won’t be making any decisions until we have more details.”

“Please, Chris,” I whined. I was not above begging. “I’m here watching basketball for you.”

He chuckled. “The horror.”

“It is.” I shivered. “You owe me.”

“You got the Olympics.”

“Because I earned it. Just like I’ve earned this.” I crossed my fingers. “Please.”

“I’ll think about it.”

I fell back onto the bed. It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but it wasn’t a no. “I’m sure you’ll pick the best person to represent our department at such a monumental event.”

“I will.”

He hung up, and I let the phone slip from my hands.

I wanted this. I really, really did.