Shattered Ice

A meeting with the boss

*Caleb*

I stand in front of James Rutherford’s office, my heart pounding in my chest. The polished wood door looms before me, and I can almost feel the weight of the team owner’s disapproval pressing down on my shoulders, after all this is not my first rodeo or my first talk with a team owner.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady the darkness inside me. Last night’s escapades are still fresh in my mind, and the memories are a cocktail of shame and regret. I know I messed up… big time.

I raise my hand and knock once, the sound echoing in the stillness of the hallway. “Come in,” Rutherford’s voice calls from the other side. I twist the knob and step inside, my stomach churning.

He’s sitting behind his massive mahogany desk, the kind of desk that practically screams authority. James is a formidable man, but also younger than most owners, his sharp features set in a serious expression as he looks up from the papers strewn across his desk. His piercing blue eyes lock onto mine..

“Caleb,” he says, his tone neutral but firm. “Have a seat.”

I lower myself into the chair across from him, my palms sweaty against my jeans. “I’m really sorry about what happened last night,” I begin, my voice steadying as I speak. “I know I let everyone down, and I’m prepared to take responsibility for it. It was a stupid mistake.”

James leans back, steepling his fingers as he studies me. “You think you’re the first player to make a mistake like this? You’re not. But I had high hopes for you, Mackinnon. You’ve got talent, charisma… everything a team needs. But this kind of behavior? It jeopardizes not just your career, but the entire team’s reputation.”

I nod, swallowing hard. This is somehow worse than if he had been yelling… often they are yelling. “I know. I can’t express how much I regret it. I just… I got…” I can’t say hurt, so. “I got caught up in the moment. It’s no excuse, but I didn’t think about the consequences until it was too late.”

“Exactly. You didn’t think,” he replies, his voice growing more intense. “And that’s what concerns me the most. You’re not a kid anymore, Caleb. This is a professional league, and you need to start acting like it. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir. I do,” I respond, my heart racing. The idea of being traded has never scared me like this before. “I promise this won’t happen again. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove that I can change.”

He studies me for a moment, and I can feel the weight of my mistakes pressing down like a boulder. “I hope you mean that. But I’m not the only one you need to convince. We both know that Ginnie is involved in all of this. I’m counting on her to help you get out of this… and help you get your act together.”

“Ginnie?” It comes out before I can Think, I had not expected him to use her nickname… are they that close? “Yeah, Ginnie, she’s…”

“Smart, capable, and she cares about you making it,” James interrupts, cutting me off. “You need to listen to her. This isn’t just about you anymore, Caleb. You’re a part of a team, and your actions affect everyone. I can’t have you running wild and jeopardizing our chances this season. You need to take this seriously.”

“I will,” I assure him, my voice earnest. “I want to make things right. I don’t want to let the team down. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

James nods slowly, seeming to measure my sincerity. “I hope so. Because we can’t afford any more slip-ups. Not now. Not when the season is right around the corner. You need to show me that you’re committed to getting your life back on track. I want to see you in the gym, putting in the work. And when the time comes, I expect you to talk to Ginnie and let her help you.”

“I will,” I promise again, determination coursing through me. “I’ll go see her right now.”

“Good,” he replies, his expression softening just a fraction. “I know you have it in you, Caleb. You just need to focus. Show me that you can be the player we all know you are.”

I stand up, the tension in the room easing slightly as I leave the chair behind. “Thank you for giving me another chance. I won’t waste it.”

As I turn to leave, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I’m not going to let my mistakes define me… I’ll show everyone, starting with Ginnie. I have to make her see that I’m not just a reckless playboy.

Walking through the corridor, I can’t shake the feeling of jealousy… I mean I like Rutherford, after all the guy is giving me a second chance before I have even proven my worth… but some part of me did not like the way he seemed so personal with Ginnie.

Why do I care? I am not a jealous guy, and also I have no right to be, she is my team lawyer, my neighbour and my kinda sexy Jiminy cricket… but that is it, she can be cozy with whomever she wants.