Page 34 of In Too Deep

I bury that unhelpful train of thought just as the elevator arrives on the third floor. Arranging my face into what I hope is a pleasant, unbothered smile, I push through the doors to the Public Engagement office. I find Dee already sitting at our glass-top conference table. He’s shuffling through manila folders, pulling things out to set on the surface among the other pieces of paper he’s already prepped, and doesn’t look up when I sit down.

“Wasn’t expecting all this,” I say with a low chuckle, glancing at the many small stacks of paper.

“Well, you wouldn’t. Half of these projects are need-to-know, and you never needed to know,” Dee explains, his deep voice smooth as velvet.

“Until now?” It’s a question that has my heart racing. He’s put his trust in me, and I’m about to rip the rug out from under him.

He looks up after placing the manila folder down with a fond smile. “Until now.”

My head spins after an hour of conversation. I couldn’t have imagined how far in advance the team plans, and how many contingencies are prepared for. Logos and graphics for eachstage of the playoffs, all ready to go for the next five seasons, including ones for if the Mystic wins the Stanley Cup. Contracts with vendors for fan events. The designs for next year’s Mardi Gras floats and costumes, even though the ones for this coming year haven’t even finished production. On and on and on until I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to keep any of it straight.

We’ve barely touched half the stacks of paper when Dee finally calls for a break, and we place an order for po’ boys from the shop I go to with Oli. Logan put the kibosh on us going to lunch for the time being, but hopefully, if Dee doesn’t banish me from being within a thousand feet of the team and its players, we’ll have a bit more breathing room to make that a standing date once again.

As the thought occurs to me, I have to stifle a heavy sigh. I don’t want to do this, but we’ve got such a busy afternoon. It’s best to rip the band-aid off before things get any messier.

“While we’ve got a sec, there’s something—”

“Do you know what I’m going to do? The first day of my retirement?” Dee asks over me, as if he didn’t hear me speak.

I deflate slightly, but shake my head and sit back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other as I focus on my boss. He looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him, his bald head shiny after a fresh shave, smile lines etched deep into his ebony skin.

“I’m taking Sandy to Europe. I’ve got the tickets booked, and everything. She doesn’t have a clue, but she’s always wanted to see Paris.” His face softens at the mention of his mate.

My stomach twists unpleasantly, and I shift in my seat as I look away. Not that Dee notices. His eyes are firmly fixed on the bright New Orleans skyline visible through the plate glass wall of windows.

Dee goes on for a while, detailing the surprise trip he’s booked, which includes almost two months of relaxation in almost every part of mainland Europe. He talks the entire time we wait for ourdelivery, and I practically sprint out of the office to retrieve it. Anything to have a few minutes to gather myself.

On my way down to the side entrance, I pull my phone from my pocket, swiping to unlock it and read my new messages.

Oli

Good luck with your boss today. I know you can do this.

Frowning, a pit of guilt rolls around in my gut with each step.

He’s so excited to retire, Ace.

And he still gets to, if he’s not a prick about this.

I don’t want to ruin this for him.

You being happy has nothing to do with your job performance. If he’s as good of a boss as you say he is, then he’ll see that.

The PE department is going to be in good hands with you.

And if he doesn’t think so, then just show him the dozen or so viral videos you’ve made since Christmas break.

I giggle to myself, my nerves settling slightly at his reassurance. He’s right, of course. Dee would be a fool not to see how much I care about this department, and recognizehow much good I’ve done for the team since starting. Not that Rachel, or Tony, or Monroe don’t care, but none of them are chomping at the bit to climb up the ladder like I have. Hell, before the season started, and my life still made sense, I wanted to make my own sub-department. This is what I want, and I’ve proven that I can do my job without my personal life impacting my performance.

Feeling more confident than ever as I head back up to the office with our lunch, I allow the silence to continue as we eat. I finish about half of the massive sandwich before I sit back to digest a little. Dee does the same and looks at me with a similarly fond smile as he wore when he was talking about his upcoming trip.

“I’m glad you said yes, Tori, you know that?” he starts, a new seriousness in his tone.

I give him a curious look, not sure what to make of this line of conversation.

Dee shrugs, gazing out over the city again. “I probably still would have retired this year if you passed, but that would have meant getting someone else in here.”

“What about Rachel? Or Tony?” I ask, more confused than ever.

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