Page 72 of Totally Opposed

“Dennis is under contract. I don’t think that particular situation could be perceived as having any kind of conflict. Regardless, with you and Mr. Tanner, there could have been some perception oftaking it easyon one another out there. But I’ve seen that in every game for weeks, you both go out to win and never let your relationship affect your job.”

“Exactly. And I didn’t mean, like if you and Dennis—” Oh my god, just shut up.

“I think we’ve covered everything we need to,” he says, moving a few papers around on his desk. “Again, thank you for coming in. If there is anything you need from us, just reach out.”

I feel like this meeting took me in a whole other direction than I expected. I thought for sure I was coming in to be giventhe rules of having a relationship with another player, the do’s and don’ts, but somehow, I made it even more awkward by suggesting Bart and Dennis would…could… Well, he didn’t seem disturbed by the suggestion. Now that I think about it, he almost seemed more annoyed that I suggested there could be a conflict if they were to date.

“Thanks, Mr. Erricson,” I say, standing and reaching across the desk to shake his hand. I’m about to turn on my heel and leave, but I stop myself. “Actually, there was one thing I was hoping you could clear up for me,” I say, and he looks up from the papers Infront of him to meet my eye.

“Yes?”

“Well, we’ve been hearing these rumors all season about the teams, and well…”

He’s shaking his head as his lips pick up on one side in a devilish smirk.

“Rest assured, both teams are staying in the league next year.”

“So, you knew about the rumor?”

“Of course.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything? The guys have all been worried about it almost all year.”

“I honestly didn’t think you all put so much stock in rumors. Especially one so ridiculous as that.”

“How do you mean?”

“We might appear to be all about the fun, but we are a business, too. Do you honestly think we would spend all that money and effort and time building both the Funky Monkeys and Animal Control into the league only to send one right out again?”

“I guess I never thought about it that way.”

“Well, feel free to spread the word, Mr. Beaker.”

“Thanks, Mr. Erricson, I will.”

I walk out and find Ryan sitting in the waiting room, his hands nervously clasped together in front of him.

“Was it bad?” he asks.

“Nope, they don’t care. We’re good. He just wants to make sure no one is being dicks about it.”

“Wow? I thought for sure they would have like a bunch of rules and stuff we have to agree to now that we’re together.”

“Nope, I guess they see what I see.”

“And that is?” he asks, standing and coming to wrap his hands around my waist. Even through the thick fabric of my shirt, the warmth of his touch spreads through to my core.

“That we’re perfect for each other.”

He kisses me softly and quickly.

“Oh, and guess what?” he asks, bouncing on his toes.

“What?”

“The rumor is just a rumor. He’s keeping both sides next year.”

“Oh my God, that’s amazing,” he replies, wrapping his arms around me and squeezing me tight. “I was dreading going back to marketing other people’s dreams.”

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