Page 62 of Unbroken Promises

“Excuse me, miss?” I freeze, mouth half-full of popcorn that I had just fisted in my face and turn my head to see a security guard standing just past Tony, at the end of the aisle.

Hastily, I swallow, before offering a plaintive smile. “Hello.”

“I’m going to need you to come with me.” The guard tilts his head towards the steps, reaching out with his hand to gesture that I should follow him.

Tony frowns, as I look between him and the guard, confused.

“I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?”

The security guard just smiles, his eyes warm and inviting.

“No, ma’am. Not at all. Your presence has been requested in the owner’s box.”

Well, now I really am confused. I turn my head to look back at the rink, and watch Theo as he whizzes past with several teammates, passing the puck between them towards the goal.

I shake my head, smiling in bewilderment. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. The owner’s box? As in, the owner of the Seattle Sabretooths?” I really am confused. I don’t know the owner, and Theo never mentioned anything to me about this.

“Ah, yes well. They said it may cause some confusion, but they noticed the attention that Mr. Giovanni was giving you at the start of the game and you caught their eye. They asked me to inform you that they are huge fans of yours, as an Olympic Gold Medalist and would love the opportunity to meet you in person if you are willing. They said it is an honor to have such a celebrity attending one of their sporting events tonight.”

Oh. Huh. It’s weird that they would have noticed me from all the way down here, even with the attention I was gaining from the fans seated around me. At the security guard’s words, Tony leans over to whisper in my ear. “I think you may have ended up on the jumbotron a few times. You have been so focused on the game that you didn’t notice, but it makes sense that they would feature a celebrity in attendance at the game.”

Ah. Well, I guess that makes sense. I turn to look back at the ice, hoping to gain Theo’s attention, but he is clear across the other side of the rink with his back towards me. I shift, facing the security guard. “Would it be alright if I brought myfriend with me? I don’t feel comfortable going by myself in new places.” With that, I try to charm him with my brightest smile.

He just smiles amicably in return. “I’m sure the owners would have no problem. Please, if you don’t mind following me?” And with that, he guides us out of our seats, and we follow along up the stairs, and clear to a different part of the arena where private boxes are located for VIPs in attendance.

Opening the door with the scan of his badge, I walk inside at his motion to enter, glancing hesitantly around me. Tony, noticing my discomfort, takes my arm and threads it through his own in a show of support. For all the events where I have had to make public appearances, and meet new people, it has always been anxiety-inducing for me. But still, this is the owner of the Seattle Sabretooths and their party. Literally the people that Theo works for, albeit, indirectly, and I would like to make a good impression. Pasting a smile on my face, Tony squeezes my arm gently closer to his side in reassurance as we walk forward, and the door is closed behind us, the security guard waiting outside rather than following us along into the room.

The box is crowded, men and women in various levels of business attire milling about as they snack on hors d'oeuvres and cocktails that are clearly beyond what is offered to the public for general admission. Most of the people are talking in small groups amongst themselves, with only a few seated and actually paying any attention to the game. The view from up here is nice, I guess. It offers a good perspective of the entire rink, which would certainly make for easier viewing of the fast-paced sport as players move around the ice. But it is colder up here, and I don’t mean in the literal sense. There is a general lack of excitement, the animated electric vibe from the crowded arena is lost with a distinct level of detachment, if the bored expressions on the wealthy patrons is any indication.

“Ms. Ellis! What an absolute honor it is to have you here! Millie, Alexander, please, I simplymustintroduce you!” I freeze in horror, terror that I haven’t felt in years filling my every pore at a voice coming from behind me.

Tony, noticing how I stiffen, glances down on me in concern. “You okay?” He whispers out the side of his mouth as we slowly turn to face what has to be a waking nightmare. There is simply no other explanation for it.

Standing before me, crisp black suit, and blue and silver tie to match the team colors, is Mr. Bradley Oakley Sr., and his wife, arms linked together in a similar fashion to how I am now connected with Tony. I feel the color drain from my face,smile frozen in place, as two new people, whom I’m assuming are Millie and Alexander, walk up to join our little group.

“Darling! Look at you! Aren’t you so. . .” Mrs. Oakley gives me an appraising once-over, eyes causally cruel in their assessment. . . “cute, in your little sports top.”

Raising a glass of amber liquid to his mouth, Mr. Oakley takes a sip before responding in a bored tone, “It’s called a jersey, dear.”

Her laughter is tinkling, and it grates under my skin.“Of course! Silly me!Well, you look just adorable in your little jersey. Though I must say, it does appear to be a bit. . . large on you.” She leans closer, as if to confide a deep secret. “Now dear, if you need a good tailor, I can give you the name of my gal. She is simply the best in the city.” She smiles brightly at me, but her eyes are hard.

I swallow, forcing a polite smile, while Tony gives my arm a reassuring pat as he takes this all in, confused, I’m sure, about the weird dynamic that we just walked into.

“Thank you, Mrs. Oakley. That’s very kind of you to offer. This jersey belongs to one of the team players, Theo Giovanni. So unfortunately, I can’t have it tailored. It wouldn’t fit him for his future games.” My smile remains polite, but my words have a sharp edge to them. I’m not sure what is going on here, but I am not the same girl they pushed around all those years ago.

I turn my head to the newcomers and extend my free hand in a polite offer. “I’m Danica Ellis, and this is my friend, Tony. It’s nice to meet you.” Alexander and Millie introduce themselves to me, and I shift uncomfortably under Alexander’s leering gaze as he gives me a blatant once-over.

“Danica here, is a two-times Olympic Gold Medalist in gymnastics, and was previously engaged to our dear son, Bradley, before he tragically passed away.”

Millie gasps with exaggerated shock, placing a hand over her heart. “Oh, my dear girl! I am so sorry for your loss. How tragic! I only had the pleasure of making his acquaintance a handful of times, but Bradley was certainly quite the charmer. I am so sorry, for all of you. His passing must have come as quite a shock.”

Tony’s eyebrows have shot up into his hairline, and he looks over from Mrs. Oakley, to Millie, then at me with concern written all over his features. Goodie. I take it he has heard a little about Bradley then. Or maybe he is just concerned that I am now standing in an Owner’s box at his cousin’s big hockey match while making polite conversation with some obviously wealthy individuals that I used to be connected to through an engagement.

My smile is tight, and I keep my words short as I respond. “Thank you for your condolences. It was a long time ago.”

“Yes, and it’s clear to see she has moved on with her life and is doing quite smashingly.” There is a harsh bite to Mrs. Oakley’s words, despite the smile that seems to be permanently etched on her features.

“Mrs. Oakley, Mr. Oakley, it was very nice to see you both after such a long time. I should probably get back to my seats to finish the game.”

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