Page 56 of Play to Win

I smile back at her.There’s always been tension between my family and her family.As I kid, I was kind of oblivious to it, but became more aware of it in my teenage years.Now things are even worse because of the big feud between Dad and Uncle Mark and Grandpa.My dad may be feuding with Everly’s dad, but I’m working for her dad now and we need to be adults and get along.“Hi, Everly.Thanks.I’m stoked to be here.”

She enters my office.She’s all sophisticated in a gray pencil skirt, silky blue blouse, and heels, her dark, layered hair brushing her shoulders.The Condors Foundation is separate from the Condors Hockey Club, but works closely with the team to raise funds to support underserved youth in the area.Having grown up in California, the daughter of the Condors’ owner, I have no doubt Everly has all the necessary connections not only in sports but in government, education, and other businesses.She’s always been super together, mature from the time she was a toddler, smart, and confident.

“When did you get into town?”she asks.

“Wednesday night.”

“And here you are, nose to the grindstone already.”

“Oh yeah.”

“You’re taking time off for your parents’ party on Saturday, though, right?”

I pause.“You’re coming to the party?”

“Yeah.”She elevates her eyebrows, the corners of her mouth lifting.“Your mom invited all of us.Not sure if everyone’s coming, though.”

“Everyone” means almost the entire family—the only one who doesn’t live in California is my cousin Jackson, who plays for the Chicago Aces this year.

I wait for Everly to say something about me being married, but she doesn’t.I guess Mom’s keeping that as a surprise for everyone.

“Should be fun,” I say dryly.

Everly laughs.“As much fun as a 7.0 earthquake.”

Our eyes meet in shared understanding.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to work, boss man.”She walks to the door.“Let’s do lunch one day.”

“Absolutely.”

Or not.

I like Everly.Maybe this is a chance for things to be less awkward between everyone.

Or not.

13

LACEY

I’ve hardly seenThéo since Thursday evening when he told me we should just stay friends.Without benefits.He worked late Friday and went to his office this morning too, even on a Saturday.

It’s okay.I don’t expect him to entertain me.So what if I don’t know anyone here.I’ve been exploring the neighborhood.This afternoon, I’m walking on the beach, soaking up sunshine and sea air, loving the feel of sand beneath my bare feet, my flip-flops dangling from one hand.

“Byron!Byron, come back!”

The female voice shouting attracts my attention.I look up the beach and see a big dog loping toward me, a golden retriever, I think.His tongue is hanging out in a happy smile as he bounds, dragging his leash in the sand behind him.A woman is running behind him with no hope of catching him.

Instantly, I run toward him.“Byron!Hey, Byron, you good boy, come here!”He slows his pace and I drop to a crouch, extending my hands.He stops and eyes me.One hand still out, palm down, I grab his leash with the other hand.

“Did you escape, you rascal?”I ask him.He sniffs my hand and I gently rub under his chin.

“Oh thank you!”The woman chasing him arrives and halts.“Thank you so much!”

She’s panicked, breathing hard, looking nearly in tears.I stand and hand the leash to her.“No problem.He’s a gorgeous dog.”

She swallows, then takes a deep breath and exhales.“He yanked the leash out of my hand to chase a bird.Jeez, Byron.”

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