40. Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty

T he first of the year is finally here, and I'm beyond excited to get back to work. But getting back to work means it's time to disclose my relationship with Dean and Mac, so I don't lose my job.

My hands are clammy as I try to get my nerves under control. I refused to let the guys come with me, they would have fought any negative decision, and I need to do this for myself.

My fingers curl into a fist, and I knock on the head-coach's office door. A meeting between Mason Fernandez and Max Spencer is a bit intimidating. But I need to discuss this with them, considering Max is my direct manager in a way.

"Come in," Mason's deep voice greets from the other side.

Slowly opening the door, I greet the two of them with a smile. "Good morning."

Max smiles. "Morning, Elizabeth."

Mason gestures to the chair in front of his desk as he says, "Have a seat, Elizabeth."

I nod as I do as requested. I take a deep breath before diving into the reason I'd asked for this meeting. "So, I asked for this meeting because there is a situation that needs to be addressed within the group of guys I am in charge of." I look down at my sweaty palms in my lap as I continue, "A... romantic relationship has grown between me and two of the players I train. I would like to request those players be traded to work with Danni, and in turn, I would train two of her players of equal status."

"Who are the two players you wish to trade?" Mason asks. My eyes jerk up to meet his. He's arching a brow in question, and I'm surprised they haven't heard about our relationship yet.

Clearing my voice, I say, "Mac Oliver and Dean Lewis. I can discuss with Danni which players she wants to trade. I have notebooks on all my players, so she won't have an issue taking over. She's also been taking care of my guys alongside Max while I've been... away."

Max jumps in before Mason can say anything. "Danni has been doing great with Elizabeth's players, and I don't foresee an issue with this."

I bite my lip as I nod toward Max in thanks. I didn't expect him to go to bat for me, but I'm thankful he is.

Mason is quiet for a moment before he leans back in his chair. His dark eyes meet mine as he says, "I get the feeling this relationship has been going on much longer than just a few days."

I hesitate before nodding. "It has, sir."

His fingers tap on the top of his desk before he turns to Max. "Has she been professional and treated all of the players equally?"

Max nods. "I haven't seen her show any favoritism toward Dean and Mac compared to the others." His gaze turns to me before a smirk pulls at his lips. "All of her players love her and speak very highly of her."

Mason hums before he turns back to me. "I want you to understand that in these situations we would normally put you on probation as an investigation is conducted." He huffs out a sigh. "But I have a feeling I will have a riot in my office, if I do that, and I need my players focused on the game instead of how I put you on probation because of protocol."

"I understand, sir."

He knocks on the desk before grunting. "Your relationship doesn't appear to have reached the ears of the higher ups, so I'll make you a deal."

I nod. "Anything."

He points at me. "You get together with Danni and switch two of her players with Dean and Mac. And make sure your quality of training doesn't suffer just because you are switching around players."

"Yes, sir," I say enthusiastically.

"Talk of your relationship will not enter my locker room, is that understood?"

I agree immediately. "Yes, sir."

His tapping increases on the desk before he pushes away and stands. "Alright, as long as we are all in understanding. Dismissed."

I jump up from my seat as well. "Thank you, Coach!"

He hums before clapping a hand on my shoulder. "It's been hard to find an athletic therapist who can match Danni's gusto for the team. But it seems we've found her equal, and I'm not about to lose you over matters of the heart. We can compromise."

"Thank you," I breath out.

He claps my shoulder again with a smile. "You better get to work, Elizabeth. I have it on good authority that your boys have missed you."

I nod and rush out of the room. The first place I head is to find Danni. The moment I burst through the doors of the training room, twenty pairs of eyes turn their attention to me. Danni is helping Trav, one of her players, in mid-stretch as her eyes fall on me. Her mouth gapes in surprise before shifting into a smile. "So... did it go well?"

My grin is wide as I yell, "Yes!"

She squeals in excitement, but in turn accidentally presses down too hard on the Trav's legs, making him grunt. "Danni! You're going to bend me in half if you keep doing that."

She jumps away before muttering, "Sorry, Trav."

He groans and lets his legs fall to the ground. "It's fine, Danni." His attention shifts to me. "So, what's the verdict?"

My grin is still plastered across my face as I explain, "Two of my guys for two of yours. As long as our relationship doesn't enter the locker room everything is fine!"

Danni claps in excitement. "I prepared for this very thing!" She rushes off to the closet where we keep all our equipment and medical stuff. It only takes her a few minutes before she rushes back to me, holding out two notebooks. "I made sure I had journals made for them just the way you like it. Everything from previous injuries and stats to their favorite snacks and color."

My eyes widen as I grab notebooks with Manny and Langly scrawled across them. "You... you made notebooks for your players?"

She shrugs. "It was a great idea actually. After weeks of looking over your notes, I decided to make some of my own."

I throw my arms around her, wrapping her in a huge hug. I can't believe how supportive the team has been and how they've been in my corner every step of the way. I never thought that the Washington Wraiths would become my second family, but here I am. "I fucking love you," I whisper to her.

She chuckles and pats my back. "Love ya too, girl." With a harder pat, she barks, "Now, we need to get back to work."

I release her as I nod. "Right. Back to work."

She smirks. "You have been slacking lately. Do you even remember how to do your job after so much time off?"

I'd throw the notebooks in my hand at her, but then I'd just have to go pick them up. I roll my eyes as I clap to get my guys' attention. "Let's prove to Danni that I haven't forgotten."

"Yes, boss!" they yell in unison.