Page 129 of What If I See You

“Yes.” One of the men, I think his name was Anthony, nods. “Congratulations indeed. I follow hockey a little, myself, and I hear Griffin’s name often while watching sports news. He’s the guy with the uh…” He gestures to his legs. “With the pants.”

“Yes, sir,” I chuckle. “His penchant for pajama pants is something to behold and also, comes from a place of love for his brother. Griffin is truly a great player on the ice and great man off the ice. He has a very giving heart.”

“That’s great to hear,” he says. “So, knowing this now, how do you see this job working out for you with a husband on the road a lot?”

“Oh, I don’t see it as a hindrance at all. Griffin is very busy for about nine months out of the year and when he’s on the road, if I have reason to stay behind, that’s what I do. So, there would be no problem with him traveling with the team while I’m working here.” I bob my head. “He’s also mentioned a potential trade interest if this were to be the right fit for me. We’re committed to making it work either way.”

“Very good.” Anthony nods. “Well, I think the board and I have heard all we need to hear on our end. You’ve answered all our questions and it seems Julie was right to recommend you for this position. We hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your stay here in Miami and please, if you have any questions whatsoever don’t hesitate to call me.” Anthony hands me one of his cards and then reaches out his hand to shake mine.

“I absolutely will. Thank you very much.” I take a moment to shake hands with each of them and then follow Julie down the hallway. Realizing my phone has gone silent in my pocket, I take that to mean Griffin got to the arena in Portland with the team and is preparing for their game tonight.

I’m looking forward to snuggling into my hotel room bed in Griffin’s pajamas with some junk food so I can stream the game and watch my man play.

“Sooo? What do you think?” Julie says when we get back to her office. She takes a seat at her desk and motions for me to take whatever seat I choose, chair, couch, or otherwise.

I inhale a deep breath and release it nodding affirmatively. “It’s a spectacular facility. Wow! The updates alone are a huge temptation even though it wouldn’t be much use for me. I get that my place is behind the computer or on the phone planning the events.”

“Right but keep in mind, you’ll be able to use part of the hospital for certain events. And also, since you were so successful working with the Anaheim Stars coupled with the Chicago Red Tails, you have several pro sports teams right here in Miami as well. I’m certain with your connections thanks to your husband, you could invite them all in to work with you. The possibilities are endless, really.”

“They are, you’re right.”

Julie’s phone rings on her desk. She raises her finger. “Sorry Layken it’s my assistant. Just one moment.”

I wave my hand dismissively and shake my head. “No, please.”

She picks up the phone and says, “Yes, Sam?”

I try not to watch her face as I don’t want to butt into her conversations but then she looks at me, her brows furrowed. “Uh huh…yeah. I understand. You did the right thing. Thank you, Sam. I’ll let her know immediately.”

Is she talking about me?

She’ll let me know?

Or is this a work thing I know nothing about?

Julie hangs up the phone and folds her hands together, her tone softening. “Layken, I’m sorry, but there’s been an accident.”

My heart drops inside my chest as all the blood drains from my face. “I’m sorry? A…an accident?”

She stands and steps over to me to grab my hand. “Griffin is fine. Corrigan Hicks called the hospital looking for me because they’ve been trying to get ahold of you and she knew you were here with me.”

I spring up from my chair, my chest tightening. “He’s…but he’s okay? Griffin? He’s okay? Was it the plane? They’re in Portland today. Was it another accident on the ice? Is it bad? Did they take him to the hospital?”

I realize as I’m throwing questions at Juie, she’s shaking her head no and when I finally halt my barrage, she tells me, “It’s not Griffin at all, Layken. It’s his brother. Gage?”

I gasp and squeeze her hand. “Oh no!”

“Griffin ended up not getting on the plane at all. I guess Mr. Hicks got him right before they boarded.”

“Oh. Good. Did she say what happened? How bad is it?”

“I don’t know the particulars, I’m sorry. I just know he was life-flighted. I’m sure Corrigan can tell you more. She spoke to Sam who got you booked on the next direct flight back to California today instead of Chicago tomorrow. Our driver will run you back to the hotel to grab your bags. I know Corrigan wouldn’t have called here if it weren’t imperative that you get back home.”

He needs me.

Of course he needs me.

And I need him.

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