When Spencer walked into the locker room the next morning, he was greeted with wolf whistles and laughter.
“Well if it isn’t the sheik himself,” someone said.
He raised a hand and laughed in acknowledgement of the jibe, even if he had no idea what it meant.
Gideon nodded at him as he sat down next to him.
“Did I miss something?” Spencer asked under his breath.
Gideon shrugged. “Some disreputable website collected pictures of you and Maggie and you and Taylor from somewhere and accused you of having a harem.”
Just when Spencer didn’t think he could be surprised by stuff about him online, something like this happened. The offensive headline read, “Dragon Spencer Corbett Takes a Page from the Book of Mormon.” What followed was two percent fact and ninety-eight percent speculation. The so called reporter insinuated that Spencer was enjoying nightly threesomes with his young son in the next room. It was so disgusting, he texted his lawyer and asked if there was something they could do about getting it taken down.
While he was online, he decided he’d better check the Hockey Today piece. While their article was factual and technically accurate and he’d done everything he could to make sure the reporter understood that he and Taylor were not a couple, the wording implied otherwise. Damn it. Times like this he wished he could refuse all interviews. He hoped Maggie didn’t see this. If she did, he’d have some explaining to do.
The coach let them off easy because they needed to conserve energy and heal up for the game against Vegas. The Knights were on a five-game winning streak and predicted to win the Western Conference title, but the Dragons weren’t going down without a fight. No one currently on the team had their Stanley Cup ring and they all yearned with every cell in their bodies to obtain one. So it was annoying to all of them when a meeting was called after the morning skate.
When the players were all sprawled in the seats, an attractive Chinese woman came forward. She was in her late twenties and wore a grey skirt and white blouse. Her shiny black hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
“So hi, guys. I’m Emma Liu with the Dragons Foundation. For those of you new to the team, the Dragons Foundation is dedicated to harnessing the excitement of professional sports in order to fill the needs of the community. We offer grants to organizations in San Francisco who do tremendous community work, we sponsor fitness programs throughout the Bay Area and offer encouragement and support to San Francisco youth who face health and wellness challenges.
“Part of my job is to oversee the Dragons Fashion Show, and as you may or may not know, we depend on your wives and girlfriends to model for us. I know you players are focused on the playoffs, but we are starting plans right now.
“Invitations are going out shortly so I’d really appreciate it if you would encourage your significant others to participate. There are flyers in your mailboxes and thank you so much for helping out. The event can’t go on without your support.”
Emma approached Spencer directly after the meeting broke up. “Hey, Spencer. Congratulations on finding your son and his birth mom.”
Spencer had worked with Emma now and then at various events. She was organized and a quick thinker. Once at a signing event, the van carrying the tables and supplies got into a pretty bad fender-bender. No one was hurt, but the van wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Immediately after receiving this news, Emma headed to the Walmart across the street, bought four card tables, some folding chairs, and a pack of Sharpies, saving the day.
“Thanks,” he said. “It’s kind of crazy, right?”
“Like something out of a rom com, for sure. You think you can convince Taylor to do the fashion show? That’s her name, isn’t it?”
“Oh, ah, yes, but we’re not together or anything. I know that article made it seem like that, but Zach’s the only thing we have in common. I’m actually involved with someone else.”
Emma nodded. “Oh, I see. I’ll tell my assistant to take her name off the list. Sorry. What about your new lady then? What’s her name?”
“Maggie.”
“You think she’d be up for it? It’s a ton of fun. Lots of glitz and glamour and we always create some very nice gift packages for all the models. Make-up, perfume, spa gift certificates, designer purses… If your girl has ever wanted to feel beautiful or strut the catwalk, I’d love to invite her to join in.”
Spencer shook his head ruefully. “That all sounds great, but Maggie’s not the kind of woman who gets excited about a new eye shadow. I’m not even sure I’ve ever seen her wear eye shadow.”
“Okay, as long as you’re sure.”