Page 13 of Holding The Reins

“Okay, Sonny.”

“We’re a pretty relaxed group around here.”

“My new friend works here, so I’ve heard. Avery Pope?”

“Yes, she’s a doll. Boss says we’re lucky to have her, she skated with the 2018 Olympic team you know.”

I nod, impressed with my new friend. I did not know that.

“Come on down to my office, and we’ll have a chat.”

She shows me all the immediate changes that have been made to the arena as we wander slowly to her office. There are parents drinking milkshakes and watching their kids’ classes. One is just finishing up as we go through the waiting area so the space fills with loud, happy kids as we duck inside her office.

“So, how’re your Mama and brothers?” Sonny asks. Small town interview at its finest.

“They’re all good. We’re all adjusting to life now,” I say honestly.

“And why are you here? Last time I saw Mama Jo, she said you had some lawyer fiancé and you were staying out west.”

I laugh and tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. It’s like I’m having a friendly coffee visit instead of a job interview.

“Well things weren’t what they seemed and I made the decision to end it and come back home.”

“So he was a jackass, is what you’re sayin’?”

I laugh in spite of myself, because that’s exactly what Andrew is.

“Pretty much.”

“Well, your resume looks incredible. Handling the finances for the Seattle and Grommet Women’s Shelter is a big feat. I think we’ll seem like small potatoes compared to that, but we’ll keep you busy. I haven’t had near the time I’ve wanted to spend on our books and Boss simply doesn't have the time.”

I nod taking it all in as she explains their programs, their summer camps, the way they lend out the rink for a dollar to the community to house hockey tournaments. I’m liking the sound of it more and more and when she mentions the pay, I’m in. It’s more than generous and I feel elated as she pretty much offers me the job on the spot.

“You may have a lot to go over with us. Like I said, Boss isn’t the least bit handy when it comes to the business side, old Mrs. Cutter is his accountant for his other business and she simply won’t take on any more work.” She winks. “He just brings the talent.”

“And what talent is that? Is he a trainer?”

She looks at me and shrugs.

“Well, it’s Nash Carter, honey. Didn’t you know that? He’s the owner, I’m sure you were close with him when y’all we young, weren’t you?”

“I-what? He owns the bar—” I begin to say but I’m interrupted.

“Twice in one day… you following me around, Rae?” I hear from behind me as I turn to see Nash, leaning against the door frame fully suited up to skate, helmet in his hand. Hockey gear clads his body and a heavy, navy jersey with white writing that says Olympia across his chest and Coach on his sleeve.

The view of him like this takes up all the air in the room, especially from my lungs. There is no scenario where he doesn’t look overwhelmingly good and it pisses me off, because I really wanted this job.

CeCe scoffs at me and rolls her eyes.

“You couldn’t be so lucky.”

But I am, because here she is.

This could just work out perfectly. Partly because I know that CeCe is ridiculously smart when it comes to business and finance, and also because the annoyed look she’s wearing fuels me to try to get her to stay even more.

“This—I feel like… this may be a conflict of interest, Sonny.” She looks over at me and I notice the effort she put in to be professional. She looks dressed for a high-end firm in a big city. “You own this place and the bar? I didn’t realize… although, I don’t know how I didn’t, who else would do this or have the time or money?” CeCe mutters, almost more to herself than me. Her pretty emerald eyes ping-pong between Sonny and me.

“He’s a great boss, kind of a hard ass on the details… but great,” Sonny says, trying to convince CeCe to give me a chance like she’s being asked to work for Dracula himself. Sonny shrugs. “If you can get him to keep the music at a reasonable level all day while you’re trying to work, I’d say he’s damn near perfect.” She shoots me a little smirk and I chuckle.

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