Page 107 of Playoff

“The no…” She cocks her head. “I thought that was taken out? I told them I didn’t think it was fair, especially considering I’m married to our starting goalie. The clause was supposed tobe changed to say that any relationship has to be disclosed to HR within thirty days.”

“I… what?” Now I’m confused. “My contract is very clear—no fraternization with anyone, including players, coaches, and support staff.”

“Oh,shit.” She looks appalled. “Is that why you broke up?”

“No.” I shake my head miserably. “He lied to me.”

“About?” She waits patiently, as if she has all the time in the world.

“There’s interest from the team in Boston, and he never told me.”

“There’s interest… he’s entertaining offers from other teams?”

Despite how heartbroken I am, I still feel the need to defend him.

“He doesn’t have a two-way contract, and whenever he’s been called up in the past, he’s sent right back down. He has no job security here, so yeah, if there’s a chance to play in Boston, he’s going to take it.”

The look on her face is inscrutable as she stares at me.

I stare back defiantly, feeling a little more secure now that she’s said the clause is a mistake.

“I’m going to talk to legal,” she says after a moment. “I want to renegotiate your contract before next season so we can take that out. I’m also giving you a raise.”

“Oh. Thank you.” I’m still a little confused. “Are you… mad?”

“A little. But not at you. Not even at Blake, really. I’m just frustrated at the ongoing messes I’m having to clean up that Edward’s sons left me. They ran this team to the ground and no matter how many times I finally think I’ve fixed them, more pop up.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” She pauses. “Is there no fixing the relationship?”

“We have a history of lies and half-truths and miscommunication,” I admit. “And while I might have been a little hasty in ending things, I thought we couldn’t be together no matter what. Frankly, I’m not giving up my dream job so I can follow him around the NHL.”

“You know, your career is important. I don’t discount that at all. But sometimes you have to decide what’s most important—your job or your family. Your life. Yourfuture. In ten years, you’ll be close to forty and most likely will have Gene’s job. But what else will you have, Rowan? Will you have the love of your life? A family? Something—and someone—to go home to at the end of the day?”

“You think I should quit?” I gasp in surprise.

“Of course not. But I don’t think matters of the heart are ever black and white. As your boss, I absolutely don’t want to lose you. But as a woman? Your friend? Are you sure you’re making the best decision? Obviously, you loved him as a teen, but it seems like you love him even more now. Is your career worth losing him?” She holds up a hand to stop me from saying anything before I can respond. “You don’t have to tell me, but you should really think about it. The love of your life only comes around once. I can tell you that for certain.”

She gets up.

“Clear out your desk and take a few days to think. I’ll be in touch.”

And with that, she slips out and disappears around the corner.

Leaving me with a lot to consider.

Even if I was willing to give up my job—which I’m not sure I am—I don’t know if I can be with someone who… keeps secrets. He truly didn’t lie. A lie of omission is a lie, but since the Bostonthing was just gossip at that point, it’s a little petty to call it a lie. He did keep a secret, though. And I have to think about how I feel about that.

Was he truly trying to protect me during a time of so much uncertainty?

If actions speak louder than words, his actions over the last month tell a much different story than our argument. The man I was with the last month is kind, thoughtful, and caring. He’s attentive, warm, and loving.

Because he loves me.

He said so, more than once.

He was even willing to be patient while I got my head out of my ass.

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