Page 4 of The Game She Hates

“Again, Kendrick, I’m sorry, it’s really not up my alley. If there’s any other way I can help—”

“P, can I please talk to you?” Robyn interrupts me.

“Hmm, okay.” I eye Kendrick with uncertainty. What does Robyn want to say?

We need to get out of here before Kate and Duke see us.

“Pearl, this is huge!” Robyn’s gaze intensifies, and she called me Pearl, a rare occurrence that grabs my attention. “Do you know who Zane Ortiz is?”

“No, I don’t. But why would I care? I never work with adults unless they come with their children.”

“I get that, but Ortiz is like the rock star of the team. He’s as famous as the captain, and if you worked with him, I’d get to meet my favorite hockey player!” Robyn’s eyes light up at the thought.

“Girl, that’s a tall order for me. You know I’m not into sports,” I protest, feeling overwhelmed.

“Will you at least think about it?” she asks gently.

“There isn’t much to consider here.”

“But…you love helping people,” she mumbles, her lower lip quivering slightly.

“I help children who have dealt with trauma. That’s my whole career. Not pro athletes. Maybe Kendrick has too much faith in me because of Gabe, but I promise you, I know plenty of good counselors who could help your middle hockey guy.”

“Center,” Robyn corrects.

“Yeah, same thing. Middle, center. Tomayto, tomahto.” I shrug, glancing back at Kendrick, who’s still awaiting my response.

When I turn to him to relay the same information, I’m unexpectedly bumped by the couple I was trying so hard to avoid.

“Hey, Coach, great game on Friday,” Duke says, patting Kendrick’s shoulder.

“Thanks, Duke,” Kendrick replies, and my eyes involuntarily roll. Of course, he knows Duke’s name. Who isn’t smitten by this man?

Kate comes over to hug me. “I couldn’t wait to show you the pretty ring Dukey got for me.”

Duk-ey. I press my lips together to stifle a gag. Duke doesn’t look like a “Duk-ey.” I would have never called him that if he’d chosen me.

“That’s nice. Congratulations to both of you,” I say through gritted teeth, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace.

“I’m already so overwhelmed with all the preparations,” Kate continues.

“So, you’ve started planning?” I ask, trying to sound casual, though in my opinion, it sounds fast. They should be basking in their newly-engaged bliss.

“Yes, we’ve been looking at reception venues and all. We want a really small wedding with just a few family members and our close friends from church.”

I’m inclined to think I’m not invited because Kate and I aren’t the closest of friends. Then she drops the bomb, “I want you to be my bridesmaid. Please say yes?” Her wide smile freezes on her face, and I glance at Robyn. I don’t make decisions alone. She either has to ask Robyn too, or I’ll graciously decline. “And of course, Robyn. I know she is your other half,” Kate adds, clearly not having thought of her initially.

After another exchange with Robyn, silently beseeching her to do this with me, we both accept. When they leave, Kendrick looks at me one last time, his eyes pleading. At this point, I’m only running on adrenaline.

“I can’t promise that I’ll take him on as my client, but I don’t mind meeting him briefly to see if there is anything I can recommend. I’ll try to find someone with the expertise that I trust to eventually work with him, but send him to my office.”

“That’s my girl.” Kendrick grins, relief written all over his face.

He must really care about this guy. Kendrick’s heart is immense. He and his wife adopted all six of their children when they couldn’t have kids. It’s a story they love to share, not with a hint of melancholy, but as a testament to how abundantly God has blessed them beyond their wildest dreams.

Just before he leaves, he smoothly pulls out a ticket for next week’s game for Robyn, like he’s always ready to make someone’s day. The next thing I know, she’s bouncing around with joy in the church hallway, which still has a few lingering people chatting. Her excitement isn’t just about the game; I’m sure it’s also because I agreed to meet her favorite player, Zane Ortiz.

4

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