Page 110 of The Keeper

I finally fell into a fitful, dreamless sleep.

The next two days passed by without incident. Monday did its Monday thing at the office with unread emails and meetings and putting out small fires. Sophie, Glen, and I handed out media training guides to the rookies. A couple of them looked slightly terrified.

The league officially announced the teams traveling to London in the fall and where they’d be holding the games. Ethan called a staff meeting to introduce everyone to Bennet. Remnants of my night out with him and Hannah colored and shaped the way I viewed him now in his impeccable suit. He already gave off an air of power and control. I’d been given a small look at what lies beneath.

I stole a glance at Hannah during the meeting. She’d be an amazing poker player. Her expression gave nothing away.

Tuesday coasted by with minimal obstruction. I turned down a dinner invitation from Hannah. Politely, of course. I wasn’t quite ready for part two of the Logan Interrogation Show. Especially since the team was scheduled to arrive soon.

So I opted to stay home and watch reality TV.

Lame, I know.

By the time Wednesday morning dawned, I was an assortment of nerves and excitement topped off with a dash of friskiness. Ironically, it was surprisingly easy to stay focused at work. I spent most of the morning with the community relations manager. We finalized several charity appearances for Noah and a few other players in the upcoming weeks, being mindful of the off-season workouts that started mid-month.

In fact, I was so busy when I returned to my office, I answered my phone without checking the caller ID.

“Hey honey. I’m not interrupting, am I?”

My heart almost stopped. “Dad.”

“You sound surprised to hear from me.”

“I am.”

He laughed softly. “I won’t keep you long. I’m in New York for the next few days and would love to see you. Are you free for lunch or dinner at all?”

He’d love to see me? I haven’t laid eyes on this man in, what, three years? My palm flattened on the desk. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, love,” he answered in his faint English accent. “Everything is fine. Your mom is fine. I’m fine. I just wanted to see you is all.”

I grimaced at the mention of my mother. Thankfully I haven’t heard from her since the day she called at the cottage. I shook myself free from the unpleasantness. “Okay. Let’s plan for dinner on Thursday. Does that work for you?”

“I’m free as a bird, Tori. Thursday is perfect.”

“Great. I’ll make reservations and text you the information.”

A brief, somewhat uncomfortable silence passed between us.

“See you soon, sweetheart.”

Thank God I have an appointment with my therapist in an hour.

“I’ll ask the obvious question first,” Dr. Whitehall looked at me. “How do you feel about seeing your dad?”

I’d spent the first twenty minutes of our session unloading as much as I could about everything that’s happened in the last few weeks.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Fine, I guess. I have a lot of questions for him.”

She nodded. “Try not to go in guns blazing.”

“You know me too well.” I laughed.

“I know you sometimes let your emotions rule your behavior. Maybe lean back and let your dad take the lead for a little bit. See how that develops.”

“Yeah.” I sighed. “I could try.” I laced my fingers together. “I’m more nervous about seeing Xavier.”

“Has the team arrived yet?”

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