Page 42 of Puck Fest
“Ouch,” he says. “Look, I’m trying to make amends here, okay? Just coffee, I promise.”
My lips stretch into a tight line. He’ll keep pressing until he gets what he wants. Meeting him gives me the opportunity to shut him down. and I let out a sharp sigh. “Fine. One coffee. Tomorrow. Then you leave me alone.”
“Deal. There’s a place near the arena. Blue Bottle on Polk. How does ten work?”
“Fine.”
“Looking forward to it.”
He hangs up, and with a roll of my eyes, I pour myself another drink.
The next morning, I show up at Blue Bottle at exactly ten. Alex’s already there, sitting at a corner table with two coffees and that easy smile that used to make me think I could trust him.
I know better now.
“Noah.” He stands and moves in like he’s going to hug me.
I sit down before he can. “Let’s get this over with. I know you’re here for more than redemption.”
“Still direct. Some things don’t change.” He sits back down and pushes one of the coffees toward me. “You look good. This city agrees with you.”
“What do you want, Alex?”
“Can’t I just want to see an old friend?”
“We’re not friends.”
“We were more than friends once.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Three years. Not that long.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “I heard you landed the Raptors job. Director of Communications. Big step up from the firm in Chicago.”
“It’s a good position,” I say shortly.
“Bet your dad’s proud. Being the head coach with his son running communications. That’s a nice family business you’ve got going.”
The jab lands exactly where he intended. “I report to the GM, not my father.”
“Sure. But still, it must be nice, having that kind of access. It’s a great insider connection.”
“I got the job based on my qualifications.”
“I’m sure you did.” Alex leans back. “So. The Raptors are having a solid season. That Masterson situation must’ve been fun to handle.”
“It was handled appropriately.” I fold my hands together and rest them on the table.
Alex nods. “I read about it. Player assaults a fan at a charity event, gets a slap on the wrist. Two games, community service. Could’ve been way worse.”
“The league reviewed all evidence and made their decision.”
“And you managed the PR. Personally, from what I heard. Lot of one-on-one time with Masterson. Media training, community service supervision, all that.”
My jaw tightens. “It’s my job.”
“Right. Your job.” Alex watches me carefully. “I’m coveringFriday’s game. Thought I should let you know. Wouldn’t want things to be awkward.”
“Why would they be awkward?” I ask.
