Page 44 of Coach Sully
Damn, you’d think she memorized her own answers. The girl knows how to think on her feet, that’s for sure. “You said there’s a person you connected with on the show. Without naming any names, what do you like about that person?”
“She’s intelligent, funny, beautiful… I think we could have a lifetime of insane se—”
“Insane seats for hockey games? I hope that’s what you were going to say.”
It wasn’t.
“Something like that.” I smile.
“Yeah. That’s one perk. And moving to the topic of hockey, how—”
“Ope, it’s my turn to ask a question… You sought me out to be on a dating show you were working on. What made you think I would be a good candidate?”
“You know, I’m starting to ask myself that same question.” It’s a sarcastic answer, but I grin and accept it. She’s doing well keeping up with this.
“Good answer. My turn again!” I smile. “When was the last timeyouwent out on a date?”
“Couple months ago.” Assuming she’s being honest, that means I was her last date. She continues. “How has it been transitioning from player to retirement to head coach of a PWHL team?”
“It’s been awesome. I love coaching. Obviously, I loved playing for the Lakes. I played alongside some of the greatest players in the league, it was something I always wanted to do, and I feel incredibly lucky that I had that opportunity. Retirement was tricky. I tried playing golf, tried traveling. Most of my friends were still playing or in the workforce. The days could be lonely. But when Whit Moreau called me up and saidthe words head coach, I knew then and there this was what I was meant to do. I love this team, these players are hardworking and skilled. Practice has been going great. I’m so very honored to be a part of their team.” I grin. “What is your ideal sandwich?”
“Scallion cream cheese, roasted red peppers, cucumber, shredded cabbage, tomato, onion, lettuce, black pepper, sesame oil, and vinegar on stirato,” she says.
My eyebrows shoot to my forehead. I really thought I could trip her up on that one. Impressive. “Maybe you can make it for me sometime.”
“I’m not making you a sandwich. Unfortunately, we’ve only got time for one more question. I think I speak for everyone in the studio and, probably, a lot of the viewers, but what exactly were you hoping to achieve by being so… rebellious, perhaps, in this interview?”
“You wanted real television. This is real. Life is full of unexpected surprises.”
The fake smile on her face falls, and she bites her lip, then her eyes become glassy, and I feel like a dick. “Well, that, it certainly is. You never know what you’re going to get when you interview Lee Sullivan, people!” She wraps it up with a lighthearted send-off, and as soon as the recording light goes off, she’s gone, storming off toward the dressing room.
The studio is silent, making me look like the biggest asshole. One of the assistants ushers me off set and speaks into his headset, but I couldn’t make out what he said.
“Think she’ll ever forgive me?” I ask him.
“Good luck,” he answers.
I’ve never felt so out of control! The tears were ready to leak out of my eyes as soon as he hit me with those parting words.This is real. Life is full of unexpected surprises.He has no fucking idea. I grab another wad of toilet paper and wipe my cheeks.
“Asshole,” I mumble.
I’ve never had a cast member put me in a position like that. I’m still shaken up. Live television and he made me look like an idiot. My boss is going to kill me, but not before I kill Sully for that stupid stunt. I’m mad—big mad—and I will make sure he knows it. I hurl the ball of toilet paper blotted with mascara in the trash and throw the door open.Where the fuck is he?
At six-foot-five, he’s easy to spot in one of the prep rooms, unhooking his mic. I stride over to him and grab his arm, yanking him into the attached hallway, out of sight.
“Don’t you ever do that again!” I whisper-yell. “Your behavior reflects poorly on me. I could lose my job for that, Sully. Do you get that?”
He has the nerve to roll his eyes, as if I’m being overly dramatic. “They wouldn’t fire you.” The jerk turns his back to me and reaches back to unclip the battery pack. “You’re a fantastic producer,” he mutters. I grab his arm and wrench him back, getting a little rough.
“They should fire me! I couldn’t control the character on my own fucking set!”
I glare up at him towering over me. He doesn’t look very happy with me, but I gulp down any fear I have. He glances at the empty hallway, then steps forward, and I step back. He encroaches until my back is to the wall.Shit.
“What are you doing?” I ask, my chest rising and falling.
He braces a palm on each side of my head and lowers himself until he’s eye level with me. It’s intimidating as hell, but I stand my ground.
His right hand brushes behind my ear, and I shiver. So much for looking unaffected.