Page 68 of Falling for You

“Thank you, baby. It’s alright. I know Doctor Pretty changed your shift,” I say lightheartedly as I grab my bag, trying not to show my anger.

She snorts, “Doctor Pretty,” and I chuckle. “I had words with Doctor James today,” she admits, and I pause my movements. She continues, “I overheard him say he swapped my shifts to see if you’d ended things with me, then he can make a move. I told him the next time he does something like this, then I’ll report him to HR.”

I hum, knowing full well the fucker will try again. Pen is an amazing girl; she just doesn’t see it.

“Okay, enough about that fucker. Did your sister pick you up?” I speak.

“Yep, I’ve just gotten in the car,” she confirms, and I swallow hard.

Alright, here goes nothing.

“Can you get her to bring you to the Bull?” I ask, and she sighs, but I continue, “Please, Firecracker. I know that you’re tired and had a long day, I know Hudson will most likely get grumpy, butthe boys really want to have one drink with the captain’s girl to celebrate getting into the finals, just one.”

The team looks at me silently, the cheering well and truly gone, while Ezra walks over to me and says loudly, “Come on, Pen, have a drink with us," and the rest of the team chimes in, making her laugh, and I grin.

“Okay, okay, one drink,” she agrees, and I fist bump the air, the boys all cheer, making her laugh louder.

“Thank you, Firecracker. I’ll see you in forty minutes, I love you,” I say.

She replies, “I love you too,” before hanging up and I put my phone in my pocket and shake my shoulders out.

“You sure it’s a good idea to have Avery there? Hannah is still pissed, and now your mom has an axe to grind with her after Hannah filled her in,” Ezra asks, and I wince.

“Dad is ensuring they’ll be on their best behavior, not for my sake but more for Penelope’s. Her sister is her world, and while her words were nasty and could have been damaging, I won’t hold a grudge because how is that fair to my girl?” I reply, and he sighs, knowing it’s the right thing to do for Pen's sake and Hudson’s.

The team begins to file out, we follow before the press starts shouting questions while puck bunnies who bought passes all pull their tops down, showing their bras, and fluff their hair.

I roll my eyes but soon chuckle when they begin to complain because not one player stops for their advantage, knowing how important tonight is.

“Taylor, Taylor,” a reporter says, getting my attention but mainly because the fucker shoves a mic into my face.

Ezra scowls from beside me, but I give the guy my professional smile, knowing we can’t have bad press right now.

“Evening,” I say and the reporter beams that I’ve stopped and asks, “How does it feel to be back in the finals?”

I lift my bag up and comment, “You know, it feels amazing. Our team has gelled really well this season and we’ve worked hard to get here.”

The gray-haired guy nods and mentions, “It’s great to see you guys work so well together. Some of us noticed even though your family was here cheering you on, a certain redhead and cute little boy was missing. Where is the lovely lady tonight?” Ezra growls, but I subtly shake my head as the guy continues, “This is an important game, surely she wouldn’t want to miss it unless you know, there’s trouble in paradise.”

Glee shines in his gray eyes, but I don’t bite, keeping my professional smile and I reply, “Unfortunately, Pen had to work today. Being a nurse is no easy feat, and if they need her in, she’s there. Sick kids are her priority, as they should be, with Hudson still nursing, she needs him close, as you can imagine.”

He swallows but nods, then asks, “How do you feel about your former agent being sentenced to seven years in prison?” his glee is back, and I have to grit my teeth to stop snapping at him. He continues, “She attacked Penelope in your apartment, right? Must be hard knowing she could get out in five years’ time for good behavior.”

This fucker wants me to lose it; he wants me to fly off the handle just so he has a good story.

Instead of doing what he wants, I smirk and lie: “Actually, I haven’t given it much thought. My main focus has been on my girl and my son, as it should be.”

While yes, my main focus is on my family, it pissed me off that she’s gotten away with what she’s put me, my team, and my girl through. Though I don’t expect Elena to be released early on good behavior. She loves the attention too fucking much.

The guy’s cheeks redden, and I give him another grin and state, “If that’s all, I have somewhere to be,” then walk aroundhim with Ezra chuckling behind as he follows as fans try and get our attention.

I take a deep breath as I check my watch again.

She’s late.

As I predicted, Hudson got cranky on the car ride to Bulls, they had to pull over so she could nurse him. I get it, but my nerves are shot.

Everyone is here who matters; My team, my coaches, my family, and Pen’s family. The room is decorated with flowers, from roses to lilacs and daisies, Pen’s favorite; now I just need my girl.

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