Page 14 of The Keeper

“Just thinking about how much I love you.” I rested my chin in my hand and winked.

“Shall I call bullshit for a third time?”

The shrill ringing of my cell phone halted any further discussion. I glanced at the name and signaled for the two of them to hold on.

“Hey Glen, what’s up?”

“Oh, hey, Victoria. Sorry to bother you but Ethan, er, Mr. Caldwell wanted to know if you finished those media packets for Tre Gideon. We’re introducing him today.”

“Yes, I did. I left them in a box next to my desk. Is everything all set for the press conference?”

“Good to go. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous.”

“You’ll do an amazing job. I have no doubt. Just keep Jake Kellerman in line.”

Glen had been my assistant in the media relations department at the New York Legends for almost two years. His savviness earned my trust from the start, so I’d been utilizing him more as an assistant manager rather than just someone to fetch stats or schedule meetings.

Our team landed the most sought after wide receiver in the league during free agency and it was the biggest sports story to hit New York in years. That’s saying a lot since the sports media there was fickle and never really wowed by anything. In fact, they seemed pretty bored with championship number six. But the idea of having the league’s golden boy throwing touchdown passes to Tre Gideon whipped them up into a frenzy.

As media relations director, I missed being at the center of the action at work on days like today.

“One more thing,” Glen said. “Mr. Caldwell wanted to know if you were free tomorrow night to attend an event in London. It has something to do with expanding the number of teams playing there in October. He’d like it if we had someone there to represent the Legends since Hannah can’t make it.”

Tomorrow was supposed to be a day trip to Scotland with the boys but now that the sale fell through I had my mother to deal with, which promised to be a rip-roaring good time.

Maybe going to London would be the escape I needed.

“Yeah, I’m free. Send me the info. Thanks Glen.”

Killian pounced the second I ended the call. “Free for what?”

“Just some league thing in London.”

“Ugh. A night with football executives. Sounds riveting.”

“A little dose of predictability never hurt anyone.”

Killian feigned concern, reaching across the table to feel my forehead. “Who are you and what have you done with my Tori?”

Max chuckled. “You’re not one for predictability, Victoria. Even I know that.”

“Wait. We’re going to Glasgow tomorrow.” Killian pouted. “I was really looking forward to it.”

“Nobody’s stopping you from going,” I said. “I have to deal with Helena tomorrow anyway so it’s probably better if I’m here alone.”

“We don’t want you to be alone. Especially here. And with the anniversary coming up.” Killian’s concern rolled off him in waves. They both reached across the table and grabbed my hands.

The tears came without much of a fight on my part. I didn’t deserve this much affection from anyone but I was so grateful to them.

“I know,” I said quietly. “And I love you guys for that but go on your trip. I’ll be okay. I promise.”

Killian gave me the look he’s been giving me for years. The one that said no wallowing, no dwelling, no beating yourself up over things you can’t control.

“Think of it this way,” Max interjected. “Now we all have an excuse to come back and play in Scotland together.”

I smiled, squeezing their hands.

“Let us know when you’re going to see Charlotte when we get back to New York. We’ll come with you,” Killian offered.

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