Page 191 of Over the Line

I took the reins this time. “Apparently we weren’t as discreet as we’d hoped. Instead of approaching us about it, someone took the initiative to post a fake AI-generated video of me confirming the relationship.”

I sensed Travis bristling, but I didn’t look at him. He was probably sure I was going to drop Jack Arlen’s name. It was tempting, not gonna lie, but in the interest of not getting sued into oblivion, I restrained myself.

That didn’t stop anyone from digging, though.

“Who created the video?” a voice asked. “Has the responsible party been identified?”

I looked pointedly at Travis. I didn’t dare say anything, and anyway, as the team’s PR director, this was his responsibility, not mine.

Travis shifted his weight and cleared his throat. “The individual in question has been identified, admitted to creating and posting the video, and has had their League press credentials permanently revoked.”

That prompted a ripple of hushed conversation. I managed to keep a poker face despite wanting to grin at the knowledge that I’d never have to deal with Jack Arlen again. Fuck that guy. And fuck the team’s owner for needing his idiot stepson to cross a big enough red line before he finally did something about it.

A reporter then asked Chris, “So, Kanes, is it true that you and your father were estranged prior to this season?”

My hackles went up. Didn’t matter that I was used to their audacity—I fucking hated it.

Chris shifted in his chair. “We, um… We had…” He swallowed.

Garrett took the reins. “I made a lot of mistakes as a father, and I’ve been working hard to make up for that. I’m grateful that Chris and my other kids have been willing to give me room to do that.” He shrugged tightly. “They had every right to be angry and not want anything to do with me, but…” He gestured at Chris. “We’re getting there. All I can do is continue to do everything I can to show them I’m a better man and a better father now.” He paused, then added pointedly, “Which is why Liam and I wanted to come out to Chris on our own terms. Privately. I’m just incredibly fortunate that this hasn’t been as much of a setback as it could’ve been.”

“It’s not a setback,” Chris said quietly. “It wasn’t your fault.”

They exchanged smiles, and Garrett squeezed his son’s shoulder. Several cameras snapped. I had a feeling that image would be all over the internet before we even left this table.

The questions continued. Some were about the dynamic between Chris and me on the ice. Others were about my relationship with Garrett—not too personal, but trying to suss out a few details. All the while, even with the cameras and microphones pointed at us, I was more relaxed and calm than I’d been in a long time. This press conference was just tying everything up in a neat little bow, and then the reporters would have their stories and we could all move on with our lives. Chris and I would keep playing together. He and Garrett would continue repairing their relationship. Garrett and I would keep dating. All was as it should be.

As the press conference wound down, I basked in that calm. In this settled feeling. Even as some renewed nerves twisted in my stomach, I was both relaxed and determined. This was right. Now was the right time.

And before long my opportunity came.

“If that’s all the questions,” Travis told the gathered media, “thank you to these gentlemen for their time.”

No one asked any more questions. Before Travis could fully wrap up the press conference, though, I said, “There is one more thing.”

Everyone stilled. All eyes were on me, including the two men sitting next to me.

I took a deep breath and looked at my boyfriend and my teammate. Was I sure?

Yeah. Yeah, I was sure.

Then I faced the sea of camera lenses and swept my tongue across my lips. “As long as I’m already in front of all of you, this seems like the best time to say this. My contract with the Pittsburgh Phantoms runs through the end of next season. And of course, I’m committed to being everything this team and these fans have asked of me for almost two decades.” I paused as a sense of calm settled over me. One I hadn’t known I needed since God knew how long. Voice even, I said, “After next season, I will be retiring from professional hockey.”

I sensed both Garrett and Chris tensing, and the room was instantly full of camera flashes, murmurs, and movement. Hands shot up, and the questions came fast.

“What are your plans after you retire?”

“Who do you think will be the new captain?”

“Is this because of the issues that prompted this press conference? Or something else?”

That last one was more personal than I would’ve liked, but not unexpected either.

“The recent issues got me thinking about it,” I said. “But I think it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been playing hockey for almost thirty-five years. It takes a physical toll, especially at this level. I love the sport, and I love the Pittsburgh Phantoms, and I love the fans. But I have to keep living in this body, and if I push it much harder than I already have, the daily pain is going to become unmanageable.” I smiled my best media smile, but it really was genuine. “I’m sure I’ll still be around, though. You can take the hockey rink out of the hockey player, but…”

That got a chuckle out of everyone.

Travis wrapped up the press conference after that, and Chris, Garrett, and I filed back out into the hall.