Page 9 of Love in Overtime

I nod. “Yes. I just wasn’t expecting everyone to be here already.”

He gives me an understanding nod. “No pressure. Feel free to do your own thing.”

“Thanks.” I pause. “How are you doing with … everything?”

Crap. How do you ask someone how they’re handling the passing of a spouse? Is it even appropriate to ask? I usually try to stay away from the personal questions.

“Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to make it awkward,” I add.

“Don’t worry about it. We’re doing okay—me and my daughter. Thanks for asking.”

I totally forgot he had a kid. Wow, no wonder he stepped away from playing hockey.

“Anyway, I appreciate the free time,” I tell him. “It’s been an exhausting day.”

I guess that’s one way of describing it. I should’ve known Estelle’s four a.m. phone call, informing me she wouldn’t be joining us, was a sign of things to come. I think I need to lie low tonight and get a good night’s rest. Maybe things will be different tomorrow. One thing is for sure, I don’t need to see Blair again today, even if a part of me wants to.

CHAPTER 4

BLAIR

“Dad, I promise I’ll tell Cooper you’re his biggest fan, but not yet,” I exclaim. “We literally got here yesterday.”

Seriously, I’ve barely arrived in Maple Falls, and my father is already harassing me about not sending him a photo with his new favorite athletes. I should’ve known better than to answer my phone this morning.

“Are you with him now?” he asks, ignoring everything I’m saying.

“No, it’s super early here on the West Coast,” I remind him. “He’s probably over at the rink already.”

After the long travel day, I didn’t see Cooper again last night. He sent me a text letting me know he was tired and wanted to be up early to get a workout in. Then he asked if I could just give him his to-do list today. I was both relieved and disappointed, but it gave me time to get organized before the craziness begins. The rest of the team arrives tomorrow, and then practices and activities begin. It’s going to be a whirlwind, but I’m excited.

“Shouldn’t you be there handling the reporters and allthat other stuff?” Dad asks. “I’ll be tuned in to catch you on TV. I’ve told all the guys over at the club about the all-star game, and we’re planning a watch party.”

Who knew all my dad’s golf buddies would start watching hockey because of my job?

“Honey, it might be good for you to get to the rink,” he suggests. “I’m sure there are reporters hanging around there hoping to get some photos and a scoop.”

“TJ, enough,” my mom scolds. “Blair doesn’t need you telling her how to do her job.”

“No press yet, Dad,” I tell him. “Most of the players haven’t arrived yet.”

I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll have to resort to avoiding all my father’s calls over the next few weeks. “I promise I’ll keep you updated.”

“Good,” he says. “This is such a great opportunity for you. We’re so proud.”

I smile to myself. I know my parents are proud of me, and the fact that my client is a professional athlete only magnifies it.

After I’m off the call, I check to see if Cooper has messaged me. He must still be at the arena. At least he’s getting out and about in town. Hopefully he’s getting acclimated to the rink. One of the coaches told me a few of the players have already started doing drills and getting in some solo practice time. Maybe this will give Cooper the chance to get reacquainted with his teammates. I believe he knows a few of them from his years of playing, so that’s good—as long as they’ve had positive interactions. I’m sure the dynamic is different for everyone. They’re opponents in their everyday lives, but in Maple Falls they’re on the same team. At least it’s a good cause that’s brought them together. Happy Horizons is such a wonderful program. I’ve spokento Angel, the woman who runs it, and I’m honored to be involved. Her vision for helping the children is contagious, and I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to assist with that.

I stretch out on the bed and reach for my laptop. As soon as I open it, a picture of Cooper pops up on the screen. That’s what happens when you’ve been studying up on your new client for weeks. My stomach instantly does a flip, which isn’t something that should happen from simply looking at a picture. This is bad, very bad. I had no idea I’d have this strong of a reaction to meeting Cooper. It just proves that interacting in person is so much different than being on the other side of a screen. At least in this case.

I quickly close my laptop. Maybe I should follow Cooper’s lead and get some fresh air or … I quickly scroll through my phone to Keira’s number.

“Hey B,” she answers after one ring. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Can you believe I’m sitting in my room at the Hawk River Lodge in Maple Falls?” I ask.

“I know,” she squeals. “We need to get together asap. Can you meet for coffee this morning, or do you have publicist stuff to do?”

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