Page 26 of The Roommate Remodel

She’ll work closer to Alexandra, which means she’ll have to bend to her every whim. Plus, she’s the breadwinner for her and Sloan now, shouldering the bills. This position isn’t just a job; it’s survival.

As I gaze at her across the room, she glances up suddenly, like she can feel the weight of my stare. My heart skips, and I give her a smile to acknowledge her. Her eyes widen before shelooks back at her computer, like she’s trying to pretend I don’t exist.

“I’d like to start with good news,” Alex begins, folding her hands. “It’s a new season. Another chance for a winning record. A shot at becoming the best in the AHL.”

Everyone from the team erupts in cheers, but Alex instantly smothers it by holding up her hand for silence.

“I won’t sugarcoat this. Last year we had a losing record, and our community support has dwindled. We need to turn things around. That’s why we’ve hired someone to take over as community relations manager. I want you all to meet Jaz Summers.”

Everyone claps as Jaz slowly rises from her chair, nervously glancing around the room.

Alex touches her shoulder, stopping her from sitting. “Jaz, can you tell us what your plan is for community engagement?”

This woman does not mess around. A flicker of fear crosses Jaz’s face. “Well, I just started today...”

Alex raises her eyebrows like she’s not letting her off the hook. I want her to look my way, but she avoids me at all costs.

She clears her throat. “Community engagement begins with the simple act of giving back as a team. It means we’ll be volunteering with local organizations and becoming more visible in the community. Only then will we be able to get our fans to see us differently.”

“We don’t have time to volunteer,” a player named Rourke says from the back of the room “We’re here to play hockey.”

“Well, I haven’t worked out the details yet, but studies show that when you volunteer in places like nursing homes and schools, community support skyrockets.”

“We’re going to hang out with old people?” Dawson asks, and everyone laughs.

“I don’t know yet,” Jaz replies.

“If it takes time away from practice, that means we’ll lose more,” Leo complains, his arms crossed.

A few guys nod in agreement.

“It won’t interfere with practice,” Jaz assures him, looking at Alex for help. But the owner lets her flounder, like she’s enjoying seeing her squirm.

Already I don’t like this woman because something about her seems...off. If she cared about the community supporting our team, wouldn’t she be fighting for Jaz’s ideas?

My eyes skirt over the team, who look as friendly as a pack of pit bulls.This needs to stop now.

I raise a hand to address the team. “If we’re going to turn things around, we need to trust the people who are helping us. We should at least try Jaz’s ideas before complaining about them.”

I glance over at Jaz, who’s staring at me with wide eyes.

“Then maybeyoucan be the first to volunteer,” Leo suggests with a gleam in his eyes. “What would you like Brax to do first?”

He’s just opened the door for Jaz to pick sides in front of the entire team. If she really wants to get me back for not calling her, this is the perfect opportunity.Public humiliation.

Leo goes on, “I’m not sure which Brax would like better. Kissing up to old ladies or cleaning up trash? Oh, wait. That’s what I’m going to do with him when we meet up on the ice later today.”

The guys burst out laughing.

I turn to Leo with a smug smile. “Where’d you learn to trash talk, Leo? Junior league?”

Vale snickers.

Alex looks a little too pleased about our banter, like she’s enjoying the tension. “Okay, boys. Save your insults for the ice.”

As Jaz takes her seat, I notice her relief. Her eyes flick to mine with a quickthank you.

After we plow through team introductions and reminders, Alex dismisses us for practice.

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