Page 95 of Play to Win

I still keep my clothes and most of my toiletries down here, although some of my things are migrating upstairs to Théo’s bedroom and bathroom.We haven’t really talked about what’s going on between us, sleeping together and going out on dates together and living together ...but this isn’t real.It’s temporary.And I can’t start liking this feeling of togetherness too much.

* * *

The restaurant is charming,with lots of windows and a view of all the boats in the marina.The sun hangs low over the ocean which probably means a pretty sunset soon.

Once we’ve ordered—extravagant king crab for me and prime rib for Théo—over glasses of wine Théo tells me, “I had to fire someone today.”

“Oh no.”I lean forward studying his face.Judging from his tone and his expression, it wasn’t a fun thing to do.I guess it never is.“Was it awful?”

“It wasn’t a party.”He grimaces, turning the stem of his wineglass between his fingers.

“You’re the big boss.”

“Yep.That’s my job.It had to happen.”

“Who was it?”

“The head coach of the team.”

“Oh.That’s ...big.”

“Yeah.Obviously, it’s a pretty important position.”

“For sure.Do you know who’s going to replace him?”

“I’ve talked to a few people, but I honestly think the assistant coach we have is the best man for the job.Grandpa’s not so sure.”

“It’s your decision though, right?”

“Yeah.”He gives a short laugh.“In theory.Grandpa’s not exactly giving me the total control he said he would.”

“He’s not letting you make decisions?”

“Well, in the end he is, but it’s taking a lot more work than it should.”

“Is he okay with you firing the coach?”

“Yes.But not for the same reason.He didn’t think he was doing a good job.I wasn’t so sure of that, but in the end, Joe didn’t respect me or my plan.He didn’t come right out and say it, but today it was pretty clear he thinks I’m a punk kid who knows nothing and shouldn’t be doing this job.Wouldn’tbe doing this job if it weren’t for the fact that the owner of the team is my grandfather.”

“Well, fuck him.”

He laughs, this time a genuine one of humor.“Exactly.”

“What does he know?”I wrinkle my nose.“You were the assistant manager in Vegas.It’s not like you havenoexperience.”

“Yeah.”He meets my eyes, and his are warm.“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

I nod firmly.“Also you have hockey in your blood, so you just know stuff.”

He chuckles.“And you will probably be running the Jolie store in no time.”He lifts his glass.

“Ha.As if.Therewasan opening for a store manager, but I’ll start as a beauty advisor.”I pause.“I can work my way up, but I don’t know how long I’ll be here.”

I meet his eyes.

The moment goes static.

“Should we talk about that?”I ask quietly.

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