Page 111 of Playoff

Rowan

I was havinga few drinks with my dad last night when I got the message from Autumn, requesting my presence for a meeting with Harper. I’m curious but not overly concerned since we left things on good terms the other day. I drop Dad at the airport and then head for the arena. It feels a little weird coming back now that the season is officially over, and no one is working beyond the sales team.

I park in my usual spot and notice a car I don’t recognize.

It’s not Autumn’s, though she usually parks in the executive parking lot, so I’m not sure whose it is.

I walk down the hall and wave at the elderly security guard who watches the elevators before getting on the one that will take me up to where Harper’s office is. I don’t come up here often, since my office and the training areas are on the ground floor, and the locker room and ice level are actually in the basement.

It’s eerily quiet so it’s jarring to hear laughter coming from Harper’s office.

It sounds like she’s talking to a man, and I wonder if Gene is here.

Are we having another meeting about my position in the fall?

“Harper?” I knock on the door even though it’s open.

“Rowan! Good morning.” She motions for me to come in.

I walk inside and freeze.

Blake is sitting in a chair in the small sitting area adjacent to the main part of her office.

Blake?!

A feeling of unease spreads through me and I look to Harper in confusion.

“Would you like some coffee?” she asks. “There are bagels too.”

“Oh, uh, no thank you.” I look around. “What’s, uh, what’s going on?”

“Relax. Get some coffee. Have a seat.” She’s smiling so I don’t think I’m in trouble, but what the hell is going on?

Since it seems to be expected, I pour myself a cup of coffee. I skipped breakfast because Dad had an early flight, so my stomach rumbles when the aroma hits me.

Maybe a bagel isn’t a bad idea.

I grab one off the counter and put a dollop of cream cheese on it, before going over to join them.

I’ve managed to keep from looking at Blake since I’m pretty sure I’ll either burst out crying or smack him if I do.

“So. I thought the three of us needed to have a talk,” Harper says, looking from me to Blake. “First, I have something for you.” She hands me a file folder. “That’s your new contract. I’ve had the no fraternization clause replaced with the disclosure clause we talked about—and there’s a document in there for you to sign if it’s pertinent after the meeting.”

I take the proffered documents and scan them briefly since I’m not sure how to respond to that.

My salary has gone up ten thousand dollars.

“Is this… you gave me a raise,” I say finally.

“I told you I was going to. And you deserve it. You worked harder than anyone else on the support staff,” she says, “and you deserve it. It’s also a good faith measure to let you know that you’re not being punished in any way. Gene is coming back for a couple of years or until his health no longer allows it, but it’s in no way a reflection of the job you did while he was out. You went above and beyond. I want to make sure you know that.”

“I do. Thank you.” I nod graciously.

“Also, I asked Blake to come in a few minutes before you because I wanted to discuss a few things with him as well concerning next season. And a recent trip he made to Boston.”

“That, uh, has nothing to do with me,” I say quietly.

“Actually, it does.” Blake speaks up for the first time. “It has everything to do with you.”

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