CHAPTER 11 LINCOLN

I have until the afternoon to prepare for the press conference, and Jack let me know he put out a call to several players that the new coach was hired. I'm on my way to the locker room to introduce myself.

This first meeting is important.

First impressions are important, too, and that goes both ways.

I spent last evening trying to come up with what, exactly, I want their impression of me to be, and then I worked backwards from there to devise a speech that encompasses everything.

But I'm speaking from the heart with those talking points in mind instead of giving a speech from memory.

I'm not nervous to talk to my players. Instead, I'm excited to meet them.

When I arrived at the Complex, the parking lot was much more filled than it had been the other times I've been here.

This is it. It's the start of something new, and I could not be more excited about what's in store for this team this season. My team.

Jack and Steve walk me down to the locker room to introduce me before I talk.

"I'd like to introduce you to your new head coach, Lincoln Nash," Jack says, and he holds out a hand to indicate me while the men gathered in here clap.

I look around at the group, ensuring I make eye contact with each person gathered here. I want them to know I see them as individuals even though this is a team effort. "Good morning, and thanks for coming in today. It's an honor to be part of an organization with so much talent, and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together this season. The Vegas Aces have built a legacy, and it's our job to hold onto that legacy and continue building it with the same determination that led to a championship season last year. We will face challenges, particularly as we fill a lot of big positions." I nod toward Jack. "But each of you in here brings something unique to this team, and my job as your head coach is to sharpen those skills through motivation and hard work so we can see through to the goal we all share. We will step onto that field with confidence, determination, and grit. We will show the world that we're here to fight for our title. It's Aces Wild Vegas Style, so let's fucking go."

Aces Wild Vegas Style is a slogan that came to me the second I agreed to the interview for the position. Aces Wild tells the world we're aggressive and ready to take risks. We're not afraid to go for the win. AndVegas Style tells the world we're proud as fuck of our home and fan base and we're committed to playing with style and excitement.

"Let's fucking go!" the men gathered all chant back at me, and I move toward the center of the room and hold out a hand. The men huddle around me, everyone placing a hand in the center, and I yell, "Aces Wild!"

"Vegas Style!" They yell back at me.

"Let's fucking go!" I yell, and they yell it back at me.

And just like that, our huddle before games is established in our very first meeting.

It sure as fuck feels like home already.

Everyone in the locker room stays for a personal introduction with me, and I can already tell these guys are a classy group of players. They're here because they fucking love this game, and they want to win.

I'm here to help guide them to do that.

They welcome me with open arms, and while I know their former head coach was very well loved by this group, I still get the sense that they're ready for this change and whatever challenges lie ahead of us.

It's a business. It's how it works, and I'm sure some guys on the team will like me and others will hate me. Still, it feels like Coach Thompson left me a great group of men who are united in our goals.

After I talk one-on-one with everyone in the room, I grab lunch from the cafeteria, where I sit with Steve and he fills me in on some of the front office staff. After lunch, I head up to my office, and Jack pokes his head in just before my interview is scheduled.

"That went well," he says, and I nod.

"It's an incredible group of men, and I can't wait to fill out the rest of the roster."

He nods and slides into the chair across from me. "I've got some ideas on that, and so does Steve. He's been working hard, watching Combine footage, looking at potential trade deals. We'll need to focus on those holes first and then we can tackle everything else. Around here, the three of us will make decisions as a united team. We'll talk about every player ahead of time."

"I appreciate that," I say, because I know how not every head coach gets to be a part of those decisions. The owner is usually responsible for operations, the general manager is responsible for the team, and the coach is responsible for performance. But I can't do my job well without a cohesive relationship with both the GM and the owner.

He nods. "Different topic, but fair warning for you."

My brows dip as I wait for him to hit me with it.

He glances at the clock and we both see my exclusive interview is set to begin in another ten minutes.

He clears his throat. "Your interview today is with our newest local Vegas Aces team correspondent. Over the years I've found this person's talents to be incredible in helping promote the positive image of players in particular but also in the organization. I imagine you'll form a close relationship since she will be present at virtually every Aces event both during the season and outside of it. OTAs, press conferences, practices, games, post-game…you name it, she'll be part of it."

"She?" I echo as a sinking feeling hits me right in the stomach.

"She's been with VG-oh-three for years but when half the team retired, so did our old correspondent. The sports editor and I talked a bit and agreed it was time to get a woman in there."

"A woman?" I echo, unable to form longer sentences since I have a gut feeling I already know who it is.

Of course it's her.

It would have to be her.

"I believe you have a history with her. Jolene Bailey?"

Her name is a punch to the gut.

Ah fuck.

Yeah…a history.

I guess you could call it that.