Page 128 of What If I See You

“Ollenberg!” I turn around slightly, one foot up on the next step when I see Coach Hicks jogging toward the plane with Marlee Remington at his side.

“Yeah, Coach?”

He motions for me to come down the steps, his expression void of emotion.

What the fuck?

What did I miss?

Did I leave my phone on the bus?

Does he not like the pajama pants I chose for today?

I’ve been wearing them since I walked into the arena.

He could’ve told me then.

The guys who hadn’t started up the stairs yet scoot over for me to get by as I step back down onto the tarmac.

“What’s up, Coach?”

His face ashen, he places a supportive hand on my shoulder and says, “It’s your brother, Griffin. There’s been an accident.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

LAYKEN

“So, you can see we have state of the art facilities here after the reconstruction of their new pediatrics wing,” Julie tells me as we tour the hospital. “And with the amount of money that flows through Miami, coupled with your ability to put on a great fundraiser and garner community involvement, you would be a perfect fit for the job.”

My phone has been buzzing against my leg incessantly.

I know it’s Griffin probably giving me more book ideas as that’s what he does when he’s sitting on the team plane on the way to a game.

Or Napa Valley…

And if it’s not book ideas, he’s probably reminding me how much he loves me and that I’m beautiful and not to forget it. As much as I know his messages would make me smile, I’m currently on a tour of Bayside Children’s Hospital not only with Julie, my old boss, but also three other members of the hospital board. I can’t just ask them to excuse me while I check my boyfriend’s goofy messages. Thoughts of him make me smile though. He’s been on a kick lately of making sure I know just how crazy about me he is, and if I’m being honest with myself, I feel the exact same way.

When I got on the plane to come here yesterday I asked myself why I would even entertain moving across the country to take a job when I’m perfectly happy where I am. I have the man of my dreams who seems to enjoy making me happy. His family is one of the best I’ve ever met. They love me and support me in everything I do. My very best friend in the whole wide world lives in Anaheim and has been my ride or die for years. And the guys on the team are top notch friends to not only Griffin, but to me as well. They treat me like I’m their own family and I love them all dearly.

Corrigan and Scarlett were right, though. This job has the potential to be a great opportunity for me and even if it’s not something I take for myself, who knows what kind of other doors it could open for me down the road. And even just being able to see how other hospitals or businesses operate and work closely with their charitable boards is a learning experience in and of itself.

“It really is a very beautiful facility,” I tell the board members. “You should be extremely proud.”

“Layken helped Pacific Children’s hospital back in Anaheim raise over ten million dollars last year,” Julie explains to them. “And that was at just one of our annual events. Never mind the sponsors who pledge to the hospital every year.”

“That is also impressive, Ms. Hobbs.”

“Oh, it’s Mrs. Ollenberg, now.” The words fall from my lips before I hear myself to stop them. The confused board members stare at me with arched brows and then they glance at Julie for explanation.

“Uh,” she startles. “I hadn’t heard this, Layken. I’m so sorry. Please accept my apology. You got married?”

I nod with a kind smile. “Yes, not too long ago. It’s been a few months now.”

“Ollenberg.” Julie’s brows pinch together. “Why do I know that name?”

“Because my husband is Griffin Ollenberg,” I tell her. “Of the Anaheim Stars.”

A wild smile grows across her face. “Oh, my gosh! You and Griffin? I had no idea you were even seeing each other!” She gives me a short congratulatory hug as the board members look on happily.

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