Page 49 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Melissa gives him a judgmental look. “How many cups of coffee have you had?”

“Two,” Ryan replies, sounding surly. Melissa raises an eyebrow. “Okay, fine. I had five, but I don’t know why you’re looking at me like that.”

“I think you should all go home. I spoke to the doctor, and he said Lachy is fine.”

“Yeah, I’m ready to get out of here, but... why did you come?”

Her expression turns serious. “I had to see what I was dealing with. News you’d been admitted to the hospital broke last night on a gossip site. They didn’t know the reason, so the rumor mill is going crazy with absurd theories.”

“Crap on toast,” June blurts out. “I think that’s my fault.”

Melissa tilts her head. “How so?”

“A teenager approached me when I was getting snacks from the vending machine and asked if I had come in with Jake and Ryan. I said yes without thinking, and when he started askingmore questions, I sort of panicked and ran. I’m sure my reaction was super suspicious.”

“And that’s why you need media training,” Melissa replies. “It’ll help dealing with fans too.”

“Give June a break,” Jake interjects. “We were all stressed out.”

Melissa narrows her eyes. “I’m not chastising her.”

“It’s okay, Jake. Idowant the training sooner rather than later.”

Melissa pulls out her cell phone. “I was going to schedule a meeting with our PR manager, but considering your case is different, I’ll train you myself.”

June’s relief is obvious. “That’s perfect. Thank you.”

“It’d be great if you trained June before our trip to San Diego this weekend.”

“Why?” Melissa frowns. “Wait, is she going with you?”

Ryan steps closer to June and throws an arm around her shoulder. “Yeah. I want her to come.”

Melissa closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose. “You guys are stressing me out.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t need to go,” June replies.

“Hell no. Yer coming, lass.”

Melissa looks at her phone. “June, can you meet me tomorrow after work?”

“Yes. What time?”

“Hmm.” She taps her phone. “At the arena at five? The game doesn’t start until eight.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Oh hell,” Jake blurts out. “We didn’t call Coach Haagen.”

I twist my face into a grimace. “For fuck’s sake. You had one job.”

Ryan and Jake turn to me, sporting equal glowers. “We hadonejob?” Jake asks.

I laugh. “It was a joke, you eejits. Now, can I have another donut, please?”

“You’re going to have another bellyache,” June argues.

“Lass... I’m fine. The quinoa allergy was a fluke.”

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