Page 133 of If You Need Me

Hemi

That makes twoof us.

Dallas

Ash and I will meet you, Shilps, and Hammer at the office so we can go to the Watering Hole together.

Hemi

Perfect. I love you.

Dallas

With all my heart.

I slide my phone into my pocket and fan my face. This probably wasn’t the best conversation to have right before a meeting with upper management, but at least I have something to look forward to after the Watering Hole. Today has been all about the scramble with Connor Grace and Alexandria Forrester joining the team and Spencer having left for New York.

Communications has fed out the trade, and I’ve been tasked with liaising with New York’s director of PR so we can make this transition as smooth as possible. I anticipate that this meeting has to do with the trade, so I’m surprised to find Fielding and Vander Zee sitting at the conference table alone. Normally their personal assistants attend to take notes.

“Is everything okay?” I ask as I slide into the chair across from them, my palms suddenly clammy.

“Yes, this is an information meeting only, no fires to put out yet,” Fielding assures me.

I rap on the table. “Knock on wood.”

They chuckle.

Jamie leans back in his chair. “We wanted to talk to you before we share the news with the rest of the team. We performed an internal review, and Topher Guy has been let go.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I look between them, my shock impossible to hide.

“Topher is no longer working for the league. We’ve been building a case for a while. We’re aware of his unprofessional conduct, and its escalation in recent months. I know you didn’tcome to us directly with this issue, and that you’re very capable of handling yourself. You’re used to managing problems. But you’re a valued member of the team, and the reports regarding his unfair treatment and lack of cooperation were not something we could allow to continue. We hired you because you’re smart, effective, and you don’t deal in bullshit. We want you to be able to do your job.”

“Who’s taking his place?”

“We’re looking at internal movement, and Odette in Office Operations is at the top of our list.”

I nod. “She would be fantastic in that role.”

“We think so, too.”

First Alexandria Forrester and now this. Two more women in administrative roles inside the Terror is a huge win. Sure, it will be a little hectic with so much change at the beginning of the season, but there’s so much potential.

After the meeting, I head down the hall to my office, feeling lighter. I stop in to formally introduce myself to Alexandria.

She pushes her chair back and rises, a warm smile on her face. “Hi. Hemi, right?”

“That’s right. I wanted to pop in and welcome you to the team. Looks like you’re getting settled.” There are boxes in the corner, but she’s already put art on the walls.

“I am,” she agrees. “Everyone has been welcoming so far.”

“The team is fantastic, and the head office is super supportive,” I assure her. The one who wasn’t is no longer working here, which is a huge bonus for all of us.

She nods. “I’ve heard great things. I’m looking forward to working with you and Shilpa. I really love what you’re doing with the women’s team.”

“That’s been such a passion project for me.”

“Well, it’s incredible. And last year’s gala was out of this world with the money you raised for all those charities.”

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