Page 8 of Risky Move

Lauren’s known him for years, but just because Dave’s a man and a pro-athlete, Mom blamed him and questioned his motives…Even when Lauren came to Vancouver to deal with the fallout from the bullying, Cassie’s mother treated Lauren like a child, not a successful twenty-something career woman.Thinking about their family dynamics threatened to produce a migraine.

“Hold my hand when I panic?” Lauren asked. “Remind me why I signed on for this? Pull my hair back when I lose whatever meal I just ate?”

Cassie hugged her aunt. “I’ll do anything for you, Lauren. I’m so proud of you for speaking up on behalf of others in similar situations. Just remind yourself how much attention you’ll direct to the problem of bullying. Perfect timing with the Suns just winning the Stanley Cup.”

“I realize that up here.” Lauren tapped her head. “The Suns’ sponsorship should guarantee the program’s success. But my heart and stomach keep forgetting that detail.”

“You told Mom and Grandmother what you’d gone through during secondary school,” Cassie reminded her. “After that,nothingshould phase you.”

Lauren nodded. “True. The hardest thing I’ve ever done—and I survived. You’re right, speaking to a ballroom full of people—piece of cake.”

“You can talk to me. I promise I’ll sit in the front row, and IknowDave will stand right beside you. You’ve got this.”

* * *

Cassie scanned the crowded ballroom, hoping to get a glimpse of Lauren. She didn’t expect the large crowd. Andrew had mentioned that the entire team planned to attend, but hundreds of others had gathered.I’d freeze if I had to speak in front of this audience. Geesh, over five people make me nervous. Maybe someday I’ll have Lauren’s courage.She saw the Stanley Cup up on the stage near the podium and couldn’t estimate the number of people waiting to take selfies with it.

She looked at Caryn, who stood beside her. “Thanks for making it possible for me to come with you today.”

“You need to be here. And you know by now that Tom never turns down an opportunity to have the twins to himself.”

“True.”Wonder if the famous Katie’s helping him with the twins?“Do you mind if I see if I can grab a front-row seat? So many people are here already.”

“No, go ahead. I’ll wait for Drew. He may have had to park quite a distance away.”

“Save you guys seats?”

“Don’t worry about us, Cassie. We’ll find you afterward.”

Cassie gave a little wave as she wove through the crowd toward the stage.I promised Lauren I’d sit front and center. Today can’t be easy for her. Before everything blew up, I never suspected she had such a rotten childhood…same as Mom. But Lauren was just a baby when Mom moved out, so Lauren had no one who cared about her.How could anyone neglect a child? The only positive outcome? Lauren’s childhood had helped shape her aunt into a self-confident and strong woman.

She rose on her tiptoes to scan the front row. She spotted an empty seat and then hustled to claim it. “Is this seat saved?”

The woman on one side said, “Not mine.”

“It’s yours,” a male voice added. Cassie flopped onto the chair before she turned to thank both.

“Thanks so much! I wanted to sit up front. My aunt’s a speaker…I guess one of the main speakers.”

“Lauren Gentry?”

“Yes, she’s my aunt…” Cassie’s voice faded as she came face-to-face with a golden Greek god.OMG! He’s so hot, my face is burning! Messy blond hair, steel-grey eyes…She swallowed before she continued. “How do you know Lauren?”

“We’re friends. We met last summer before training camp, and now she handles my social media. She’s trying to tone down my indiscretions.” He flashed a smile, causing Cassie to giggle.

“Shall I ask the type of indiscretions?”

“Ah…no. I’m Cliff Camden. Just about everyone calls me Cam.”

“Cassie Johnson, from Vancouver.” She saw him checking her out and ran her hands across her hair.Another hockey hunk? He’s spectacular…Hope he can’t hear my heart thumping.

“Here for vacation?”

She couldn’t hold his gaze. “I’m helping Caryn Chadwick with…”

“…the twins,” he finished for her. “I bet they’re a handful. Do you live in their home?”

“Yes.”Why am I tongue-tied?

---