Page 8 of Pucking Secret

I suck in a deep breath.

“Is there no way you can reschedule, Lilah? I’m in a bit of a bind today.”

“Sorry, no can do. It’s a group project.”

My fingers tighten around the steering wheel. Lilah goes to a nearby community college, and she’s a wonderful babysitter… most of the time. Sometimes, she’s like this. She can be flightyand cancels work at the last minute because she forgot she had something else scheduled.

“All right, could you just bring her to the stadium, then? She can hang out in my office. Maybe even go skating. She likes to do that since the team isn’t around yet,”

“Cool, I can do that,” Lilah says. “I’ll see you later, then.”

“Sounds good.”

I end the call, groaning. At least she’s good with Millie, who adores her. Whatever. It’s not the first time I’ve brought Millie to the stadium. Everyone loves her, and she knows how to behave.

Grace calls me a few minutes later.

“Good morning, gorgeous. How’s it going?”

“Oh, dandy,” Grace replies. “On your way to the stadium?”

“Yep, are you coming in today?”

“Not today. I’ve got meetings with a few brands for Carson to potentially rep during the season. However, I was thinking we could all get dinner together tonight with Skyler and the guys. You in?”

“I wish I could, but my babysitter bailed on me tonight. Maybe we could meet up sometime later this week?”

“Sure thing,” Grace agrees. “We’ll nail down the details later. Have a good day!”

I pull up to the stadium. The employee lot is barely half full since it’s still the off-season. Right before parking, I make one last call to Grandma. It’s early, but she’s always up practically at dawn, so I know I won’t be waking her.

“Good morning, Stacey,” Grandma says in her usual cheery voice when she answers the phone. “How are you, dear?”

“I’m fine, Gram,” I reply with a smile. “How are you?”

“Oh, I’m good. A little bit of indigestion this morning, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Are you sure? Do you want me to bring you anything? I can be a little late for work…”

“No, no, no. You don’t need to be fussing over me, sweetheart. I’ll be fine. You focus on your work and on Millie. If I really need anything, I’ve got the staff here and my friends. I’m just fine.”

“Okay… if you’re sure.” I know she’s happy where she’s at. Her assisted living facility is lively and well kept, and she has a community of friends there. If I’m honest, I’m the one who doesn’t want her there because I miss her so much. Our house doesn’t feel like the same home without her around.

“Shouldn’t you be focused on your residency instead of this old lady? You’ve worked so hard to get this far, sweetheart.”

“I will always have time to worry about you, Gram.”

“I know, dear, but today, enjoy work and all the exciting things you get to do. Oh, and give Millie a kiss for me, okay? I know it’s her first day of school.”

I laugh. “Sure, Gram. I’ll be sure to do that.”

“Love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you, too.”

Despite her assurances, as we hang up, I feel guilty that I’m not doing more for her. I know if I pushed the issue, though, she’d just get stubborn and worked up, and I don’t want that either.

I lock the car and head inside. Making my way through the doors, I flash the security team my badge then continue on toward the PT offices. As I approach the therapy room, two huge figures rush to intercept me before I can go inside.

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