In Dirty Rhythm

Chapter 3

Aspen

"The Original Six, but for women. Why can't that happen?"

"I'm just saying, I don't want you to get ahead of yourself."

"Ahead of myself?" I repeat dryly. "And how many teams would you suggest? Two?"

The stupid man, named Clark, in front of me tilts his head to the side. "I was thinking three."

"And what the hell am I supposed to do with three teams?"

"Two teams make it to the playoffs, one is out. Easy." He shrugs, folding his hands together.

"There wouldn't be playoffs, it would just be the Finals." I sit up straight. "Listen, Clint–"

"Clark."

"Whatever." I wave my hand. "Do you really think it's wise to tell me? A professional hockey player, with a former professional hockey player-dad, who is now an NHL coach by the way, how to run my hockey league?" I place my hands on the table. "You know, the league that I bought, with my money, that I earned from playing hockey?" I smile brightly at the man who is now adjusting uncomfortably in his seat.

Clark pushes his glasses up his nose. "I never meant to offend you–"

"Oh, but you did. Which is why you're fired."

"Aspen–"

"Zip it, Robert." I glare at my attorney beside me. "Why would I want an investor who wants a three-league team, with no playoffs, because six is apparently too big for my britches?" My tone is full of sass and sarcasm and I've never felt more powerful in my life, if I'm being honest. I turn back to Clark and smile. "You may go."

When Clark hastily exits the conference room with sweat beading on his forehead, I lean back in the spinny chair and twist it from side to side. "Your father would be proud."

"He would, wouldn't he." I sigh happily. "Well, that's lunch." Standing, I grab my purse from the floor and stretch my neck. "Three teams, really? Crazy moron."

Robert snorts, following me out the door. "Yeah, he wasn't the brightest."

We walk out of the conference room and head for the elevator. 

One of my favorite things that came with this league is the shiny new office building that came with it. Okay well, I don't get the whole building because that's owned by the Vipers Sports & Entertainment Partnership, but I get a whole floor to myself without paying rent because of our partnership with them. 

I step inside the elevator before Robert and hit the button for the Lobby. "Got any special plans while you're here?"

"I'm gonna go surprise my parents for lunch. I didn't tell them I was in town." I say excitedly. "And I'm sure at least one of my siblings will be there." We step out of the elevator and head for the glass doors. "What about you?"

"Meeting up with an old buddy of mine for lunch. We went to college together and haven't seen each other in years."

"Aw, that'll be fun." I run my fingers through my Brazilian blowout before flicking my hair over my shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

We bid goodbye and I dig my keys out of my purse as I walk through the parking garage down the street. The rental Caddy I'm in is nice. I'm usually more of a Lexus girl, but I could be persuaded after this to change it up next time. 

I type in my parent's address because no matter how many times I've been here, I still don't know my way around downtown L.A.. 

My excitement only grows the closer I get and as I pull into the driveway and see four cars parked in front of the garage, and I'm ready to fly out of the car while it's still in motion.