Page 35 of Love in Overtime

When I look at the screen, I see Estelle’s number. I haven’t spoken to her since the day I came to Maple Falls, other than exchanging a few texts.

“I need to answer this call,” I say holding up my phone. “But I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

“Hello,” I say as I jump on the elevator.

“Hi. I’m calling to check-in. How are things going there?” She sounds relaxed and carefree. I guess a few weeks away from me will do the trick.

She asked how things are going. Hmm … where should I start? I’m practicing like I’ve never been on the ice, and I’ve fallen hard for my new publicist. In other words—not good.

“Things are … okay,” I say when the doors open. I head to my room, shooting a glance at Blair’s room. I wonder if she’s in there.

“Oh, no,” Estelle says.

“What?”

“Cooper, I know you better than anyone. When you say something isokay, it’s not. Please tell me you’re not being difficult.”

“Estelle, don’t jump to conclusions. I told you things are okay.”

“Should I call Blair?”

The mention of her name reminds me of last night.

“No, you shouldn’t because you’re not my publicist anymore. You should be taking care of your family, enjoying your retirement, and playing pickleball.”

“I never said I was going to play pickleball,” she retorts.

“Golf? Tennis?”

“Why does it have to be a sport?”

“Hockey?”

“Quit deflecting,” she snaps. “I may not be your publicist anymore, but you’re still family.”

I smile because I feel the same way about her. “Are you trying to make me emotional? Stop that.”

“Cooper, tell me what’s going on,” she begs. “How’s the team? How are things with Blair?”

I sit on the edge of my bed and kick off my sneakers.

“It’s been a rough few weeks with the team,” I tell her. “Today’s practice seemed to be a little better, so hopefully we’re finally turning a corner. We’re so used to competing against each other, it’s been hard to get into a rhythm as teammates.”

“That’s understandable. And what about Blair? She’s great, isn’t she? She’s determined and spunky—I liked her from the first moment we met.”

I couldn’t agree more.

“She’s definitely been a surprise.”

“So, you two are getting along then? I had a feeling you’d be a good match.”

She has no idea.

“Yes.”

“Okay, please let her guide you,” she begs. “She’s brilliant, and I really believe she’s the right person to manage your career from here on out. Promise you’ll be open to her suggestions.”

I fall back on the bed and throw my arm over my face. I want to tell Estelle about Blair and me, but I’m nervous about what she’ll say. She might tell me to step back before I mess up a good thing, and I don’t want to hear that.

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