Bear Meets Girl
Page 112

And that was why Dee hadnt simply found out from the girl where shed picked up the Callahan kid and let her go. That sort of information took time to pull from a person. Thanks for the warning. Dee handed the girl a business card.
Sophie turned it over in her hand. Its just a number.
Its my number. You need me, you call. Understand?
Yeah. Sure.
Good. Dee started the car. Now, lets see if we can track down a White Castle before I let you go.
You want to track down a White Castle in the Hamptons?
Dee grinned. I believe in livin large.
Yeah. I can see that.
Cella stood outside the locker room staring up at a bear-canine hybrid who could barely look her in the eye.
You dont have to make any decisions now, Hannah. But you should at least think about it.
Yeah, its just ...
Just what?
If I say yes, will they continue to follow me everywhere?
Cella glanced over at the twin She-foxes. They waved, identical bright grins on their pretty faces.
As it is, I cant get rid of this one.
She pointed at Abby, whod been hanging out at the Sports Center all day, begging food off people.
I dont know. No one follows me anywhere. Cella shrugged. Im a cat. This sounds like a bear issue. Ask Crush, I think hes getting coffee.
Yeah, okay.
But youll think about it, right? Maybe go to a few practices just to see?
Ill think about it.
Cella nodded and watched the girl walk off, stop, glare at the foxes now following her, along with Abby, walk, stop, glare. Assuming it would go on all the way down the hall, Cella walked into the locker room to change her clothes and clean out her stuff.
This had been a good way to end it all. A good way for her to move on. What did they call that? Closure or something? Whatever. It worked out well.
But as Cella came around the corner, she found Ric Van Holtz standing there, waiting for her.
Whats up? she asked, hoping he wasnt here to give her some pathetic hug good-bye. Cella hated the hug good-bye unless it was from her kid or her father. Otherwise, it just annoyed.
Ive got your final player payout.
Oh. Okay.
She took the manila envelope, opening the flap enough to look inside. She didnt let her eyes bug out at the size of the check, but honestly, she wanted to.
Thanks.
No problem. You earned it.
Ill miss you guys, she admitted, opening her locker for the last time.
Yeah, about that ... I have a job offer.
I dont need your pity job, Van Holtz. Thanks, but no
For head coach.
Cella froze, eyes wide. What?
Eventually, Van Holtz quickly added. I mean ... He took a breath. Coach Reynolds is retiring in a year. We havent announced it to the team, but Id already put out the word to a few agents I know and had gotten in some r-sums from a few interested parties, including the coach for the Alaskan Bears. And he was my first choice, really. I mean, he handles a team full of bears and two foxes. Theres gotta be skill there. But Id forget him in a heartbeat if I could get you.
Cella ran her hands through her still sweat-drenched hair and slowly faced the wolf. You want me to be coach?
Assistant to start and when Reynolds retires ... head coach.
Cella just had to ask, Why?
Theres lots of reasons. I can sit here and rhapsodize about your skill on the ice, your ability to train and get the best out of the rookies, your amazing eye for talent ... I mean, I love Hannah, but I would have never thought of her for the team. But really, it comes down to one thing ...
Cella couldnt help but smile a little. Novikov?
You handle Novikov and he lets you. That alone is worth its weight in gold. Because if you can handle that man, you can handle anyone.
Thats true. I can handle anyone.
And Novikov isnt going anywhere. Blayne wants to stay in New York and whether he disgusts me or not, he loves her. So hes not going anywhere. And even if I wanted to fire him, I cant because he flippin wins.
Yeah, but were probably not going to quite hit the play-offs this year.
I know, which means hes going to be hell to deal with next year. Which is the reason Im sure Reynolds is getting out while the gettin is good. You cant desert me, Cella. You cant. Were friends. Youre friends with my mate. Im a nice guy. And unless Berts around, I have trouble separating that idiot and Lock. So you cant go. You might not be able to play on the team with your knee, but you can coach and you are probably the only thing that will keep us from ganging up on Novikov and beating him like they did to Vincent DOnofrios character in Full Metal Jacket.
Cella laughed, her body relaxing against her locker, her hand covering her mouth.
Yeah. Sure. Funny to you. Youre the only one I know, besides Blayne, who gets along with Novikov. And no matter what other offer you get, Ill beat it.