Page 72 of Cold Carnage

As I parked, I noticed a small crowd had already gathered. A couple of sports journalists and paparazzi loitered near the entrance, their cameras poised and ready. They were a nuisance, but they weren’t my main concern. I focused on the parents and children milling around near the entrance, their faces lit with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

After I quickly did all I could do with the makeup I had to cover up the mark Ryker left on me, I stepped out of the car, straightening my jacket. I approached them with a warm smile. A young boy clutched his mother’s hand, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked up at the towering store.

“Hi there,” I said, bending down to his level. “My name’s Paige Adams. Are you excited for today?”

The boy nodded shyly, his grip tightening on his mother’s hand. The woman smiled at me gratefully.

“We’ve been looking forward to this all week,” she said. “Thank you for organizing it.”

I stood up and extended my hand. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot to us.”

I moved through the small crowd, introducing myself and thanking each family for being there. The parents seemed relieved to have someone acknowledge their presence amid all the chaos. The kids, though nervous at first, began to open upas I chatted with them about their favorite sports and what they were looking forward to in school.

A little girl with pigtails tugged at my sleeve. “Will we get to meet the players?”

I smiled down at her. “Absolutely! They’re just inside getting ready.”

Her face lit up with excitement, and she ran back to her friends to share the news.

Seeing their enthusiasm lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. This was why I did what I did—to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how small.

I glanced back toward the entrance where Ryker was supposed to meet me soon. The thought of facing him again sent a shiver down my spine, but I squared my shoulders and turned back to the families.

I stepped into Rylan's Department Store, the buzz of anticipation filling the air. The players were gathered near the entrance, their expressions a mix of excitement and nerves. I could feel Ryker’s stare boring into me, glaring at my throat, but I focused on the task at hand.

“All right, everyone,” I said, clapping my hands to get their attention. “Thank you all for being here. This is a big day for these kids, and we want to make it special.”

The players nodded, some shifting on their feet, others glancing around the store.

“We’re going to partner each of you up with a child,” I continued. “You’ll be their buddy for the day, helping them pick out school supplies and clothes. It’s important to make them feel comfortable and included.”

I scanned the room, making sure everyone was paying attention. Ryker stood at the back, his arms crossed, eyes locked on me. Ignoring him was easier said than done.

“Does anyone have any questions?” I asked.

Asher raised his hand. “What if the kids want something that’s not on the list? Are we supposed to stick to a budget?”

“Good question,” I replied. “We do have a budget, but there’s some flexibility. The goal is to make sure each child leaves with what they need for school. If they want something extra within reason, go ahead and get it. We’ll sort out the details later.”

Asher nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.

I looked around at the rest of the players. “Anything else?” No one else spoke up, so I smiled. “All right then. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to address the press outside and then we can begin.”

The players started to disperse, chatting amongst themselves as they prepared for their roles as mentors for the day. Ryker’s gaze never wavered from me, but I refused to let it rattle me.

Stepping back outside into the fresh air, I approached the small cluster of journalists and photographers waiting eagerly for a statement. Today was about making a difference for these kids and showcasing the positive impact our team could have on the community.

I took a deep breath, pushing thoughts of Ryker and our earlier confrontation out of my mind. I stepped back out into the cool evening air, the press immediately turning their attention to me. Cameras flashed, and microphones were thrust forward as reporters called out questions. I held up my hand for silence, flashing them a bright smile.

“Good evening, everyone,” I began. “Thank you all for being here today. We’re excited to kick off this back-to-school event and make a difference for these wonderful kids and their families.”

A reporter from the local news channel raised her hand. “Ms. Adams, what inspired you to organize this event?”

“Well,” I said, glancing at the families gathered nearby, “we believe that every child deserves to start the school year withconfidence and the necessary tools for success. Actually, the suggestion was from Ryker Kane himself. This event is about giving back to the community that supports us and ensuring these kids have everything they need to thrive.”

Another reporter chimed in, “How do you think events like this impact the team’s relationship with the community?”

I smiled, considering my words carefully. “It strengthens our bond with the community. It shows that we’re not just about what happens on the field but also about making a positive impact off it. It’s about being role models and mentors for these kids.”

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