Page 19 of The Game Changer

“Sounds like things might be getting serious between the two of you?” she questions.

“Maybe. I took her out the other night on a date and then she came over last night and I cooked for her. Things got heated and she ended up here for the night,” I tell my sister without telling her everything about last night. We don’t have many secrets, but I also don’t feel the need to tell her all the details. I’m sure she can read between the lines.

“I’m glad that it appears to be working out for the two of you then. I look forward to meeting her if things continue to progress.”

“Don’t be getting ahead of yourself now. We’ve been on two dates, if you call me cooking for her a date.”

“And spent the night together,” she sing-songs.

“Why do I tell you these things?” I groan.

“Because I’m your best friend and you can’t keep secrets from me,” she states matter-of-factly.

“I guess. But just chill about it, okay. It’s new and, yeah, it’s something that I’m hoping evolves into more than a few nights wrapped up in one another, and that’s something that I’m not used to. So, I’m proceeding with caution. I’m also about to become unemployed, so not sure how appealing that would be to someone.”

“Please, like you need to work a day again in your life with the contracts you were lucky enough to get over the years.”

“That’s beside the point.”

“Hold on a minute,” Cindi says as she steps away from the camera. I can hear her in the background getting Mason set up with his lunch, probably at their kitchen table. “Okay, I’m back. Now, this Jill girl, she’s obviously nice since you’ve taken her out on a date, and you’ve known her for a few months now. Is she after you because of your bank account balance or the fact that you played a sport for a living?”

“Nope, definitely not a puck bunny. And I’ve never gotten the feeling from her that what I’ve done for a living is something that puts me up on a pedestal like it does for some people. She’s pretty amazing, Cin. A little young, if anything. But she’s got determination and drive. She started her own business almost right after college and it’s a successful business at that. She’s big on giving back and charity functions. That’s one of the ways we first met. Her best friend is Beckett’s girlfriend, so she’s been around hockey players for a long time.”

“She sounds amazing and I hope that things work out. You seem a little smitten. And there’s nothing wrong with a little age gap. If it doesn’t bother the two of you, then no one else should have a say in things. If she’s been out of college for a few years and has a successful business, she can’t be that much younger than you.”

“I think she’s around twenty-five, so ten years,” I tell her. I should probably ask her just how old she is one of these days. “I joked with her last night that I was an old man compared to her, but she didn’t seem to agree.”

“Aww. My baby brother is growing up. About damn time you do that. I need you to hurry up and settle down so you can make me an auntie. I’ve been nice and made you an uncle, it’s about time you repaid the favor.”

“Slow your roll,” I laugh at my sister. “Remember, we’ve been on, like, two dates. T-W-O.” I spell out the word and hold up two fingers to the camera. “I’m not ready to be popping no questions and walking down aisles or having the stork arrive on my doorstep. Give us some time before you start planning all that.”

“Fine. But I’m calling it now. In all your thirty-five years, I’ve never seen you so gaga over a girl, so I think this one already has you tied up, even if you’re not able or willing to see it just yet. The fact that you invited her over and cooked for her is very telling,” she says as she dips her sandwich into a bowl of soup and then shoves it into her mouth.

“Hey, Greg is calling me back, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later,” I tell her quickly.

“Love you!” she calls out just as I hit the end button and accept Greg’s call.

“Hello,” I greet as I put the phone to my ear.

“Johnathan, I talked to the powers that be and they are available this afternoon at two if that works for you?” he asks.

“I can be there,” I assure him.

“That’s what I already told them, but just wanted to verify with you, first. I’ll meet you there, say ten minutes beforehand. We can go over the standard things that they’ll want to discuss and if there’s any other points you’d like negotiated on.”

“I’ll be there,” I tell him before we hang up.

I grab my keys and wallet and head for my truck. I remember to slide my sunglasses over my eyes before I get outside, keeping me from having any light sensitivity issues today. I really hope it goes away over time, but I’m also prepared if it doesn’t.

I swing in to a local sub shop, picking up a couple sandwiches, chips, pickles and two drinks. I head over to Jill’s building, hoping that she’ll be able to have lunch with me, and if not, hopefully my delivery will help her out today since she was late this morning and I feel a little responsible about that. The thought didn’t even cross my mind last night when we finally fell asleep, well after midnight.

“Hello, can I help you?” a woman behind the front desk asks when I enter the office.

“I was hoping to catch Jill before she left for lunch,” I tell her, flashing her my kindest smile.

“She’s in with a patient but should be done in the next ten minutes. You can have a seat and I’ll let her know you’re here when she comes out.” I don’t miss the once over she gives me.

“Thank you,” I tell her before I take a seat. I set the drink holder down, then the bag filled with the food. I pull out my phone and scroll through some pictures posted on Instagram while I wait. So many of my teammates and friends out doing cool shit during their time off this summer. Beckett and Julia are off in Sweden. She’s meeting his family for the first time as he shows her all around for a few weeks. Their pictures make me want to visit there and see it firsthand. Maybe one day I’ll be able to whisk Jill away for a fun, romantic trip like that.

---