Breaking Ice

Chapter 1

Chloe

My hands tremble a little as I do the buttons of my shirt up, leaving the top two undone not wanting to feel trapped. First day of a new job, the first job that I got all by myself. I've decided to use my mum's maiden name so my surname isn't a clear indication of who I am. I am worried a little about them finding out and firing me on the spot. Some might consider it a conflict of interest taking into consideration who my father is.

Getting into the car I put the address into Google Maps of the rink, I am still not familiar with Miami, moving across the country only a mere four days ago. Did I pack up my whole life to move to sunny Miami to start my new marketing role with the biggest rivals of my previous employment where my father is indeed the coach? Fuck, this might have been a dumb idea but what's done is done and finally, no one will look down on me for being the daughter of the coach and the only reason I probably got the job in the first place.

Now that I have three years of experience in the field I managed to get one without the influence. I finally did something by myself. No one can tell me that it's not my credit to take. Obviously, my new boss knew where I had moved from but thanks to always staying out of the press and the mum's maiden name, hopefully, they won't find out how close I was to the inner circle. I know most probably won't care, but I'm not taking that chance.

No matter how good I was at my job back with the LA Falcons, no one let me take any credit for my work, saying I didn't need the promotions or the money because I have my dearest father. I tried to fight against it but the seniors did not believe me calling me a liar. Choosing to believe the older staff than a spoiled little graduate.

Miami Vipers are a new and upcoming team that has been slowly progressing up the rankings and now they just need more publicity to draw in more sponsors, more media, and more attention. This is exactly what I was hired to do. I intend to do it well. I just want to prove to myself that I am worth it.

As the stadium comes into view, I start giving myself the pep talk. Repeating over and over again that I am worth the job and the team. I put the car into park sooner than my heart which is beating way too hard probably wanted but there is no point in delaying my entrance. Besides being late on the first day of work would not boost my chances of keeping the job.

I look at myself in the mirror, my green eyes full of worry stare back at me. Fixing my blonde bun that was nicely slicked back an hour ago but now it feels like it's a tangled mess. Putting the last touches of the lip gloss I take my bag from the passenger's seat and get out.

The walk to the rink is short but every step feels heavy, I just need to go through today and not get fired and I'm sure I will be safe to keep the job. As I walk inside I spot a girl behind the front desk typing furiously on the computer.

"Hello, excuse me. Would you be able to help me out?" the girl looked up and instantly smiled jumping out of the chair.

"You must be Chloe King? I'm Katherine, but everyone calls me Kate so you should too. We are so happy to welcome you to the team. Don't tell the others but I'm so happy to see another younger girl as I need a work best friend. Besides me, there is too much testosterone from the players and the rest can be my parents. Or wow I am rambling, right? Sorry for that I'm just super excited." I tried to wrap around what just came out of her mouth but with the speed she was talking I barely managed to understand and digest the information. At least she's excited to see me?

"Hi Kate, it's super nice to meet you. Would you be able to show me to the manager's office?" I smiled in hopes that I come out as friendly as well but if she's a talkative ray of sunshine from what I just witnessed, I'm more of a rain cloud. I don't want to dull her brightness so I try my best to match the enthusiasm.