Page 98 of Runaway Bride and Prejudice

“That’s smart.” I try to keep my voice even and not betray the thread of panic I’m feeling. “But since I’m focusing more on the writing, I won’t need to interact with the players as much … right?”

“Not as much as I do, since you’ll be working on posts and longer captions for our socials—stuff we’ve already done with the guys. Plus, we’re a few days away from the first playoff game and your dad is keeping them busy.”

“Okay,” I say, relieved.

But then she keeps going.

“You will get some hands-on time with them, though, because we’ve got one project coming up where I’ll need you to do some interviews and a few other things.”

She waves a hand like this is no big deal. The panic tightening all my muscles would disagree with her about that.

I must not hide my horror well because Parker laughs.

“Don’t worry—they’ll behave. They’re good guys for the most part, and even if not, they’re all afraid of me. Plus, you’re the coach’s daughter. They know he’d kill them if they did anything rude.”

She laughs. I pretend to, and my fake laugh sounds a little like a hyena with a case of asthma. I wish Dad hadn’t bought me a lunch sack because I could really use a good, old-fashioned paper bag to breathe in right now.

“Anyway. Today will be pretty boring office introductory stuff. But don’t worry—soon I’ll have you getting hands-on with both the writing and with the guys.”

Cue the real panic.

But before I can run through the nearest wall and leave an Amelia-shaped hole, Parker pulls me through a doorway and into an office area. “Summer has all the boring paperwork ready for you. You’ll love her too, despite the aforementioned boring paperwork. If you ever need to sue someone, she’s got you covered.”

“I already told you,” a strong, female voice says. “I don’t handle lawsuits.”

Parker and I turn as a woman in a dark suit with a lemon-yellow shirt striding toward us. Her dark hair is pulled into a neat updo, and she somehow manages to look fashionable and effortless at the same time. Approachable, yet like you wouldn’t want to tangle with her.

“Are you sure?” Parker asks. “Not even a tiny, baby lawsuit?”

“Nope. Who do you want totiny, babysue anyway?”

“I’ve got a list,” Parker says. “Summer, this is Amelia. I don’t want to sue her.”

Summer smiles and steps forward to give me a firm handshake. “Glad to have you on board.”

“Thanks,” I say, both wanting to bask under the praise and hide under the nearest desk. “Nice to meet you.”

“I’m part of the legal team. And while Idohave your paperwork, I can’t help with any lawsuits.”

“I think I’m good for now,” I tell her.

The moment I say it, I realize I actuallydoneed legal advice. Specifically around how to undo a marriage.

It’s been on my mind constantly, but I’ve avoided even a quick Google search. Like if I don’t type the wordannulmentorhow to get out of a mistake marriageinto a search bar, the marriage needing to be annulled won’t exist.

Similarly, I’m not sure about the validity of the marriage certificate. I didn’t really question it when the officiant said they keep them on hand, and the waiting period is only if both bride and groom are Florida residents. That now sounds a little sus to me, but again—I’ve only gotten so far as to let my fingers hover over the keyboard whilethinkingabout looking this up.

I wonder if this is the kind of thing I could ask Summer. But then I shake off the thought. It’s my first day, and I don’t exactly want to start by confessing to one of the other two women on the Appies’ staff how big of a mistake I just made.

With anAppieno less.

Parker links her other arm through Summer’s and steers us away from the reception desk, which is currently empty. “Come on. Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way so we can get to the fun part.”

“I resent that,” Summer says. “What’s boring to you is my Roman Empire.”

Parker wrinkles her nose, releasing us so we can all walk through the doorway and into a small office. “Your Roman Empire is paperwork?”

“I do love a good contract.” Summer gives a happy little sigh as she sinks down into her chair. Parker and I sit down across from her, leaving the door open. “But that doesn’t make me boring, okay? I’m still super fun.”

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