Page 37 of Win Big

“Your job as an ambassador is to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives. To be a leader in the locker room and a leader in the community. And, of course, a public advocate.”

He nods.

“We’ll be featuring you in public service announcements,” I tell him. “Some print, some video that will be on TV and social media. We’ll need you to use the hashtag on social media throughout the month. There are two broadcast awareness nights, and one of them is at our arena.”

Wyatt surprises me with his awareness of the initiative, actually offering up a couple of good ideas.

We go over who the special ambassadors are this year, leaders from various marginalized groups. It turns out he’s good friends with Baz Chadha, one of the first Punjabi players in the league.

“We played together in Rimouski,” Wyatt says with a grin. “He’s a year younger than me.”

“Wow. The hockey world is small.” I tap my fingers on the table. “I wonder if we could get you two together somehow.”

“He plays for Calgary. Do we have a game against them in February?”

“Don’t you know?” I shoot him an amused glance and pick up my phone. “Oh hey, yes, we do. Okay, let me see what I can work out.” I pause. “If you have time, of course.” I add a little sarcastic edge to my voice.

One corner of his mouth hitches up. “It’s actually an honor to be asked to do this.”

The low, humble tone of his words makes me look at him sharply. I suspect he’s being sarcastic too. He doesn’t meet my eyes for a couple of seconds and when he does I see... he’s sincere.

“I’m glad you realize it,” I say.

“I’m not a total asshole.”

I make a face as if to say that’s debatable.

“I’ll even buy you lunch,” he says, shifting the vibe from heavy to light. “Although you’re probably richer than me.”

I snort. “As if. I have no money.”

“Uh-huh. What about that little shack you’re living in?”

“Oh. Well. I had some family help with that.”

“I bet.”

I glare at him. “Seriously, I support myself. And I know I make about three percent of the money you do.”

“That’s pretty specific.” He rubs his stubbled chin. “You’ve been checking how much I make?”

“It’s common knowledge.”

He nods, eyes dancing. “Sure.”

“Do you have time to come back to the office and meet with Amy? She’s the one in charge of this initiative.”

His bottom lip pushes out. “It’s not you?”

I laugh. “Sorry. I’m involved, though. We can go over the schedule she’s got so far, and you can put things in your calendar.”

He nods. “That would be good.

“How was your shopping trip with your mother?”

Change of subject. “It was nice. I got a new leather jacket.”

His lips twitch. “Sounds hot. Is it black?”

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