Page 53 of One Pucking Wish

The team doctor and our starting forward’s wife, Elena, walks into the room. I like Elena. She’s a strong woman with a lot of integrity. Unlike my relationship with Iris, the one I have with Elena has always been professional. We haven’t crossed into an out-of-work friendship. Much like me, Elena focuses on work when she’s here and leaves when she’s done. She’s not the Chatty Cathy that her sister-in-law Iris is, and I respect that. In fact, the sole reason Iris and I are as close as we are has everything to do with her and nothing to do with me.

“Hi, Penelope. I know there is a fan meet and greet after the game tonight, and I was wondering if I could hold Mr. Lewis back. His hamstring has been a little sore, and I want to make sure he gets in his stretching to keep him in top shape with the playoffs next month. Can’t risk any injuries,” she says.

“Oh, absolutely. No problem. I didn’t advertise which players would be there so we could use who was available. With these guys, you never know. So Jaden is all yours.”

“Great. Thanks so much.”

“How are you feeling?”

She puts her hand on her very large belly. “Tired.” She gives a half chuckle, half sigh. “Pregnant at forty is not for the weak. I just hope the little one holds out until his or her daddy is done for the season.”

Taking her in now, I find it hard to believe she still has two months of pregnancy left. She looks like she could pop at any moment. “It’s going to be close. I really think the guys have a shot of getting to the cup finals this year.”

“I know.” She nods. “And I truly hope they do. It’s going to be interesting. I just don’t want Beckett to miss the birth if he’s away at a road game. I won’t be able to travel with him toward the end.”

“Yeah, that’s tough. Well, hopefully, it all works out.”

She smiles. “Yes. I’m hoping so. Anyway, thanks again.”

“No problem.”

Elena exits my office as a notification for a new email pops up. It’s a project request for our charity Cranes Cares. My calendar is booked for the afternoon, but I make myself a note to look into the submission tomorrow.

“Hey!” Iris singsongs, closing the door to my office behind her.

I raise a brow, knowing that ‘hey’ is not work-related. “Yes?”

“Just checking in.” She clasps her hands in front of her and takes a seat in the chair facing my desk.

“On?”

“Just life.” She shrugs.

“The meet and greet all set?”

She bobs her head. “Yep, my to-do list is done. All the i’s and t’s are crossed. So I thought I’d touch base with my friend Penny. I saw you and Gunner arrive together this morning. Things are getting serious?”

“It’s more efficient. Doesn’t make sense to drive two cars.” My response is met with an expectant stare that makes me grin. I roll my eyes and huff out a laugh. “What do you want to know?”

She leans forward and grasps the arms of the chair. “Uh, everything. I’ve barely seen or spoken to you since this new development in your love life. You can’t leave your bestie hanging like that.”

“I already told you… we’re dating.”

She pouts her lips and shoots me a glare. “Duh. I need details.”

“Like?”

“You are so bad at this.” She tosses her head back in a laugh. “How’s it going? What do you guys do every night? Is he different with you, or does he only communicate in grunts?”

I smile. “He’s different. I mean, he’s not talking my ear off or anything, but we talk. We hang out, watch TV, order dinner, have sex, and go to bed.”

“And the sex is good?”

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “Yeah. It’s pretty damn good.”

“Like how good?”

“The best I’ve had.”

---