Torn Between Two Seductive Star Strikers

Field Heroes' Stadium

Athena looked up at the huge edifice where she was asked to come to. The structure was like an arena, so huge that she felt how small she was if a drone would capture the whole arena and she was standing outside. There was also a huge name above it—Field Heroes est. 1897.

Yes, she was finally there. It was just three days ago when she watched the game between two teams she didn’t know with the ticket that she bought with the last bit of her money, and was offered a job as a coach. She had called Mr. Giovanne Johnson yesterday but his secretary was the one who answered and told her to come to the Field Heroes’ practice field to meet the team because obviously, without any further discussion of the terms and conditions, she was already accepted.

Beatrice had already briefed her about things that she should know about Field Heroes, and that included their history. She was even in awe that she always watched hockey but didn’t know such historical facts about teams. Maybe she was more like the one who focused more on the present rather than what they were in the past.

“Woah. I am stepping foot into a historical place that I don't even know exists until now.”

However, what she had learned about them made her shocked and thankful for Beatrice for actually telling that to her. Apparently, this Field Heroes was not just simply known for being losers now but being the champion of Hockey Cups before. The previous members of the Field Heroes were so huge and powerful that they were known all over the world and had won a lot of trophies individually or as a team.

As she stepped inside, the first thing she saw right in front of her was the whole cabinet of field Heroes’ history and trophies with the evolution of their uniforms. It was really cool and she guessed, this team was the only team who had this kind of practice stadium to themselves. She wondered how come they had become this powerful, famous, and strong to the loser that everyone knew already right now.

Was it because of the changes in players and the players now were way weaker than before? But looking through the pictures of the players from the oldest to the newest, Athena saw this certain person— Evander Guiller—the younger him, around twelve years old of him, sitting on the ground while holding the ball and a toothy grin was plastered on his face.

So, Evander Guiller had been part of the Field Heroes since he was a kid? But then, Athena’s eyes shifted to the man standing right behind the young kid, and there he saw, even when he was way and way younger than how he looked right now, she could certainly tell that it was Mr. Giovanne Johnson, who was handsomely smiling widely holding their trophy for winning as the champion of the entire cup.

“Excuse me, Athena Freeman?”

She looked beside her and found a woman frowning at her as she scanned her body from head to toe that which somehow caused her to be a little conscious of what she was wearing. She was only wearing simple faded tight jeans and a white blouse tucked inside which made her look clean and bouncy, but it was like the woman was not as pleased as she was with her way of clothing. Probably because she was expecting her to look more formal just like what she was wearing? Nonetheless, she looked disappointed.

“Yes. I’m here to meet Sir-”

“I know. And that’s señor for you. Have some respect for the person you are being under the supervision of next.” The woman rolled her eyes at her and started walking. Though she was shocked at the attitude, Athena immediately trailed behind her while still looking around the ever-so-fascinating stadium solely for a single team.

“I don’t know what that old man saw in you but you are the new coach of the Field Heroes’ hockey team. You didn’t even go through the traditional interview, there’s nothing even special in you. You’re not even beautiful or attractive, you look… simple.”

Athena had to hide her frown. Her friends had always been amazed at how simple she was. They considered it as her best trait, but it seemed like it was not enough to please this woman.

But anyway, his rash judgment is not mine to think about and your performance is not my problem, when you’re fired, it’s not my fault. I think it will take you about a week before then you are no longer an employee here so make the most of your time… That is if you can.”

Athena could already feel the heaviness pf pressure that she was putting her only through her words. As they took the elevator and ascended to the higher floors, it was becoming more suffocating for her. She was didgetung her fingers, tapping her shoes on the floor and restless, enough to tell that she was anxious about her future journey.

The woman did not say anything anymore after that seemingly introductory threat. She just observed her, much to her chagrin. She couldn't help but focus more on her anxiety than the positive side. It was just not so her.

She was known for being always strong. She had always been the front of her friends whenever they were going on for something new and had no experience with it. She was always the one who asked and talked to strangers to answer their questions. She was the go-to person when her friends needed something.

But right now, that skill seemed to be nowhere to be found at the moment. She was feeling numb… and dumb.

Until they reached their destination, the person who welcomed them as soon as the elevator opened was the old man who was sitting comfortably on the couch in front of the huge television with a hockey game playing live from the same cup but with other teams. Could it be that he was analyzing them or it was just really his past time?

“Señor, Miss Athena Freeman is here to see you,” the woman, who didn’t even introduce herself to her, informed the old man. “I’ll leave you alone. Please be gentle with her.”

Be gentle? She paled upon hearing that word. She didn’t know what was happening but she didn’t like the word and the way the woman turned her back and started leaving her alone with the old man. Could it be that she was right about what she thought of him and he was really a p*****t? Should she start running and backing out? She forgot to bring her pepper spray. Gosh!

The old man turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder, that friendly and constant smile on his face was slowly fading its effect on making her comfortable, especially after hearing the threats and seemingly double meaning words.

“Why do you look stiff? You’re not thinking about something, are you?” She didn’t answer because yes, she was really thinking about something wrong with him. But she was only guarding herself. “I won’t hold you here for long. Marina is just waiting for you outside to send you to your workplace. I just want to give you a few of my words so you should come close here.”

She frowned. She didn’t really trust this man right here, but what would be his old bones compared to her slightly athletic figure, right? She could certainly punch this old man to sleep before he could even do something to her. Yeah, and there were a lot of possible weapons around, especially that chain on the table… wait. Chains?

“Miss, you are taking much of my time. If you don’t want to walk here then just listen carefully,” the old man said impatiently. “Being here means you have accepted this job. You have a year, and that is renewable but not breachable. You are just simply going to coach Field Heroes, by any means, your own way and without anyone questioning you. You can ask for anything, though almost everything is here already, but who knows what methods you’ll try to do. Your salary is the same salary as head coaches with benefits and a flexible schedule. Do you have any violent reaction?”

Athena opened her mouth but closed it again. Those were too good to be true. From just the salary of a known team’s head coach ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, it was already mind-boggling. And having a flexible schedule according to when she was available? It was like a dream job for almost everyone, especially inconsistent persons like her.

That it had already become very skeptical to her. Who would pay someone a million dollars just to coach a team, not to mention not a professional one and certainly without any experience? Maybe they were so rich that they were just wasting their money on someone like her. Just how lucky she was.

“What… is your expectation of me? I don’t think my worth is that much.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not expecting much. Your only goal is to be their coach and tell them everything you see that could improve them. That’s all. I don’t care if they win or not. I just want to see improvement. If they lose in this cup, then I expect to see them winning a game in the next cup. All I want is progress for my boys.”

Athena creased her forehead. Something just didn’t make sense to her. “You were their coach before. You managed to make the team’s name famous. You can certainly do that again. What’s stopping you? Why can’t you coach them? And why me?”

The old man turned off the television, and the team in orange uniform won the game. He took his expensive cane and faced her completely. He fixed his glasses and brought another wider smile toward her. “Aside from my age, I am dealing with personal issues. I have had enough years spent with hockey, it’s time now to focus on a more important thing at my age. And why you? I don’t know. Show me why.”

She squinted her eyes. Both of his answers to her questions were vague, and she was not just satisfied. She didn’t know why, of all people, and of all more experienced coaches there was ever in the planet, he had chosen her. Was it fate? Or was it just him trying to mess with her?

However, she could only say one word right now. Whatever. Que sera, sera! She was already, it was even her first day now What could she do? She would just try this and see if things would go right. After all, it was just one year, and all that this old man asked for was progress and improvement. She saw a lot of needed to improve in their team so it would be easy.

Hopefully.

The old man walked toward her and patted her shoulder. “One more thing, I am your boss. I am the one who hired you, you will only follow me. Keep that in mind.”

He walked past her and opened the door, showing Marina waiting for them outside. She turned to them with a smile, and darted her scrutinizing eyes at her again before going back to Mr. Giovanni. “Are you finished, sir? Did she agree with your terms?”

The old man smiled and cheerfully nodded. “Of course, she will, Marina. Now, you might as well send her to the stadium and let her see what she needed to see and know what she needed to know. Also, call the men for practice and also to meet their new coach. Everyone is required to be there, if not, then they would not be able to play for the next game. Anyway, Miss Athena, you can do all that. You are now in full control of the team. Their loss means your failure.”

Athena frowned at the phrase. Their loss means your failure. That was such a huge rock of a pressure on her shoulder now!

“Copy, señor. Also, Evander is already there since earlier, and also Lennox just passed by. I think they’re practicing.”

However, diligent players practicing was not what she found in the field, but the complete opposite.