Page 30 of Playoff

ROWAN: Great! Thank you. Can I ask what it’s about?

HARPER: Nothing bad, don’t worry. Just want to check in, see how you’re doing now that you’re doing your job and Gene’s.

ROWAN: All right. See you then.

I pick up speed, trying to think about what I should tell her.

I’m doing fine.

Except my body is sore and I’m a lot more tired.

Not only am I doing all the work now, but our intern was also out sick yesterday. She swore she’d be back today, but we don’t want her here if she has a fever or something contagious, which might mean another day of doing it all.

It’s exhilarating, but it’s hard to manage the whole team.

The team chiropractor is coming in today, and I’m also bringing in one of the masseuses we use, because I truly can’t take care of all the nagging problems everyone is dealing with. It’s part of the playoffs, and it’s part of hockey, but there’s alsosome minor whiplash and other unexpected issues stemming from the accident.

“Hey, Ro.” To my surprise, Ivan walks into the gym.

“Ivan! How are you?”

“I’m good!” He grins. “And the doctor cleared me to play tonight. I’m going to try a light workout, but I think I’m ready.”

“You looked good at practice yesterday,” I say. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too.” He gets on the treadmill next to mine. “By the way, I’m not sure I had a chance to thank you for what you did the night of the accident.”

I shake my head. “No thanks are necessary. Not only was it my job, but it was also the human thing to do. You guys are my friends. I’d like to think you would have done the same for me.”

“A hundred percent.” He nods. “But regardless, you went above and beyond, especially in getting everyone’s luggage, Gene’s pills, keeping everyone calm. You are truly a rock star.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Do you have a favorite store or restaurant?”

I frown. “Oh, no. Ivan, really. You don’t have to get me anything.”

He chuckles. “Look, here’s the deal. A few of us are going to go in on something anyway. Itisgoing to happen. I thought it would be easier if I got the info on something you actually like or want. But if you’d rather wind up with a thousand-dollar gift card to McDonald’s, don’t say I didn’t warn you. We’re generous, but not overly creative.”

I stare at him for a moment, and then we burst out laughing.

“Please, no,” I say, waving a hand. “I can’t remember the last time I ate fast food. I’m not a food snob, but I don’t do fast food either.”

“Then give me some ideas. If you want to be surprised, give me a bunch and I’ll take it from there.”

I’m uncomfortable with this, but also, the guys have been known to buy gifts for people on the support staff for all different reasons. I got the most amazing gift certificate for a spa day for my last birthday and my cash Christmas bonus was pretty epic too.

“I like Michael Kors, Coach, or Tory Burch,” I say. “I’m also a big fan of Nordstrom and Neiman-Marcus. Does that help?”

“Absolutely.” He nods as he starts to jog. “Anyway, how’s everything? You doing okay now that you’ve taken over for Gene?”

“I am,” I say thoughtfully. “It’s a ton of work, and I’ll need an assistant if I keep going at this rate, but hopefully Sunny is over the stomach bug and will be back tonight.”

“If you need anything, let us know. We can’t help during the game, but I’ll do anything I can to make your life easier while we’re in the playoffs.”

“Thank you, Ivan.” I smile, a little overwhelmed at his thoughtfulness and generosity. “I appreciate it so much. But I think I’ll be fine. I have a meeting coming up with Ms. Barrowman, so I’m going to go shower. I’ll see you later.”

“Later.”

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