Chapter 20

" H ow are you feeling?" Rachel asks. "Nervous?"

"No, I'm good," I say. We're using the local network's studio to record the interview today. It's a mix between the people I'm used to being around when we do the show and the network since they are running the control room.

"It'll be just like the confessionals, except, you know, you already have your answers. Kendra said your responses were great, by the way."

I'll bet she did. They were basically the same as the "safety sentences" she gave me.

They usher me under the LEDs inside a room with a raised floor that begins halfway in. On the stage are two upholstered chairs and a step-and-repeat backdrop that includes the network's logo, Rogues's logo, and Scoring with Sully . Seeing my name on it is surreal.

Before long, Kendra walks in from hair and makeup and looks stunning. As usual. She takes the chair across from me.

Rachel gives Kendra a questioning look. "You good?" she asks.

Kendra smiles confidently. "I'm good."

"Need any TUMS?"

Her nervous gaze meets mine for a split second. I tilt my head and narrow my eyes. What's she hiding?

"Nope," Kendra answers. "All set."

We get a two-minute warning from somebody on the camera crew.

"Just like you rehearsed," she says.

Wow, not even a hi .

"It's nice to talk to you again. Been a while."

She ignores the comment. Jesus, she won't even speak to me outside of this stupid promo. Even now, every question and answer has been scripted and rehearsed. She's taking this professionalism to a whole new level.

My eyes land on the backdrop again. Rogues. The word on the step and repeat plants a seed in my brain. I could take the show into my own hands. Fuck it, maybe if I look like a big enough dick they'll decide somebody else should do this show. Like Whit. He's single.

Vault Productions maintains a firm no-fraternization rule, but I feel like she's slipping away every time I'm filmed with another woman. She needs a reminder of how good we are. When I see something I want, I do whatever it takes to get it. I'm stubborn… or perhaps I just don't know when to quit.

"Thirty seconds!" one of the studio staff announces.

"You look nice today," I say to her. She's preoccupied with the question cards in her lap. I pretend she gave me a compliment back. "Thanks! Yeah, I did something different with my hair today."

She looks up at me, lifting one eyebrow, and I flash her a smile.

"Countdown. Standby, camera one," someone says off to the side.

They countdown and we're live. She looks more nervous than I am, which is unusual for her. Kendra introduces us and summarizes what the new show will be about. Despite the tension coming from her, she has a big smile on her face. God, she's good at faking it.

"So, what has been the most fun about filming Scoring with Sully ?" she asks.

My answer was supposed to be: The dates. Definitely. I've met so many fantastic women, I have no doubt I'll find somebody to spend the rest of my life with.

Does she really expect me to say that?

"Honestly, working with you has been really great. You're a terrific producer and this show is something that's normally out of my comfort zone. You've made every day we film much more enjoyable."

Her smile is frozen. "Wow, thank you so much! I wasn't expecting a compliment like that!"

"You said it's normally out of your comfort zone, have you noticed that the women on the show seem different from the type of women you usually date?"

That's an easy answer: they're not, but it's a rude thing to say, so I go in a different direction—which is also out of my comfort zone—but if it'll shake her up, it's worth it. I want her to see me again. I could understand if there was anger, because it would mean she still was affected by me. Apathy is so much worse. I need a reaction.

"Having my life filmed has taken some getting used to, that's out of my comfort zone. Have you ever experienced that?"

"I can't say I have. Is it—"

"Why don't you experience it for yourself. How about I interview you instead? What do you like most about working on television?"

Her nervous laughter is cute. "I think viewers are more interested in you and Scoring with Sully . Let's talk about—"

"Let's talk about you." I narrow my gaze on her.

"That's not really what we're doing here, Mr. Sullivan," she utters.

"Mr. Sullivan… that's new. I like it more when you call me Sully. How about for every one question I ask you, you can ask me one? Is that fair?"

She laughs again, trying to act casual, but she's staying calm, which can't be easy, considering I'm going off script. Not once does she look toward Jeremy or Pierce for help. She's determined to get me under control.

"I mean, if you'd like to talk after the interview, I'd be happy to answer any of your questions. Right now, we need to hear your update on coaching and—"

"Should I take my mic off and walk out, then?"

There's a gasp from somewhere behind me.

She clears her throat. "I don't know if the network is going to like that," she teases. "You might get fined."

"I'll take that fine." I rest my elbows on my knees. "What are you going to do with your remaining time on air?"

We're at a stalemate. The fire behind her eyes is only rivaled by hell itself.

"Alright, you win. Looks like we'll be interviewing each other today." She claps. "By the way, that last one counts as your question, so it looks like it's my turn. What challenges do you feel the Minnesota Rogues will face this season?"

I smile wide and sit back in my chair. "Lots of challenges from an organization standpoint. The PWHL is a new league, and there are always a few kinks to work out. But overall, it's been very positive so far. We have an incredible team. They're talented, but more importantly, they are good people and I'm very grateful to be their coach." Even though that was one of my scripted answers, I mean every word. Now it's my turn to ask a question. "What song is stuck in your head right now?"

"What song—"

"Be honest."

"The Liberty Mutual jingle."

"Wait, seriously?" I bark out a laugh. "The one with lyrics that consist of saying liberty four times?" I speak-sing it. The corner of her mouth tips up with genuine amusement at my impression, it's not the fake smile she's been sporting for the cameras.

"That's the one, perhaps they should contact you for their next commercial… What has been your favorite date so far?"

"Easy. One time I shared a hotel room with a woman, we sat around eating calamari pizza and—"

"Sorry, let me clarify: what has been your favorite date you've had while filming Scoring with Sully ?"

"Technically, I still gave an answer, so it's my turn now. Next time, be more specific. What is your death row meal?"

"Like if I could only eat one more thing? Paella." Good answer. "Are you feeling a connection with anyone on the show so far?" she asks.

"Yes, one woman. What is your favorite part of filming this show?" I want her to say it's me.

She rattles her answer off quickly. "Personally, I've really enjoyed interacting with the women of the Minnesota Rogues hockey team. In addition to being tremendously talented, you can really see their dedication to the game when they're on the ice."

Damn, you'd think she memorized her own answers. The girl knows how to think on her feet, that's for sure. "You said there's a person you connected with on the show. Without naming any names, what do you like about that person?"

"She's intelligent, funny, beautiful… I think we could have a lifetime of insane se—"

"Insane seats for hockey games? I hope that's what you were going to say."

It wasn't.

"Something like that." I smile.

"Yeah. That's one perk. And moving to the topic of hockey, how—"

"Ope, it's my turn to ask a question… You sought me out to be on a dating show you were working on. What made you think I would be a good candidate?"

"You know, I'm starting to ask myself that same question." It's a sarcastic answer, but I grin and accept it. She's doing well keeping up with this.

"Good answer. My turn again!" I smile. "When was the last time you went out on a date?"

"Couple months ago." Assuming she's being honest, that means I was her last date. She continues. "How has it been transitioning from player to retirement to head coach of a PWHL team?"

"It's been awesome. I love coaching. Obviously, I loved playing for the Lakes. I played alongside some of the greatest players in the league, it was something I always wanted to do, and I feel incredibly lucky that I had that opportunity. Retirement was tricky. I tried playing golf, tried traveling. Most of my friends were still playing or in the workforce. The days could be lonely. But when Whit Moreau called me up and said the words head coach, I knew then and there this was what I was meant to do. I love this team, these players are hardworking and skilled. Practice has been going great. I'm so very honored to be a part of their team." I grin. "What is your ideal sandwich?"

"Scallion cream cheese, roasted red peppers, cucumber, shredded cabbage, tomato, onion, lettuce, black pepper, sesame oil, and vinegar on stirato," she says.

My eyebrows shoot to my forehead. I really thought I could trip her up on that one. Impressive. "Maybe you can make it for me sometime."

"I'm not making you a sandwich. Unfortunately, we've only got time for one more question. I think I speak for everyone in the studio and, probably, a lot of the viewers, but what exactly were you hoping to achieve by being so… rebellious, perhaps, in this interview?"

"You wanted real television. This is real. Life is full of unexpected surprises."

The fake smile on her face falls, and she bites her lip, then her eyes become glassy, and I feel like a dick. "Well, that, it certainly is. You never know what you're going to get when you interview Lee Sullivan, people!" She wraps it up with a lighthearted send-off, and as soon as the recording light goes off, she's gone, storming off toward the dressing room.

The studio is silent, making me look like the biggest asshole. One of the assistants ushers me off set and speaks into his headset, but I couldn't make out what he said.

"Think she'll ever forgive me?" I ask him.

"Good luck," he answers.