Page 9 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

“Today I have two ideas for you that I hope you’ll fall in love with.” Pulling up the first slide that highlights the two main events: Bark In The Park and a Thyroid Disease Awareness night. “The first is one that people all over adore, and the second is an attempt to bring attention to an invisible illness that is often hard to diagnose due to its subtle symptoms.”

I glance around the room to get a read on everyone’s faces. Kim is nodding, and Felix squeezes her hand. When she looks up at him, I see a spark of excitement in his gaze.

“You’re going to love these ideas,” Travis says to the group, encouraging me with a nod and a smile

At his support, any remaining tension slides away as I fall into my pitch.

“Iknewyouwerethe right person for the job.” Travis grins. Charles is closing the door behind Hope as she gives the three of us time to talk.

After my presentation I had a ton of questions thrown my way. Everyone was happy with the answers, and Kim and Felix had a few suggestions that would enhance the experience.

Overall it was a rousing success, and everyone was on board and excited.

They loved the idea of supporting Mile High Mutts Rescue and having them have a booth spotlighting the dogs they have for adoption, along with encouraging families of adopted dogs to come. But they really loved the idea I had for the Thyroid Disease Awareness event.

Since it’s more of an invisible illness, I wanted to do something with glow sticks that happen in sections when we talk about the statistics. I still have a few details to iron out, but the image is clear as day in my mind.

“So, tell us what your plans for David James are?” Charles asks once he takes the seat across from Travis.

A flutter races across my stomach, and I roll my pen between my fingers before looking up at Charles. “My thought was just to ask if he’d be comfortable with me spending one day a week with him to capture different situations that are going on with his life. Nothing too invasive.”

Charles gives a stiff nod, and when I glance over at Travis, he covers his mouth with his finger, brows furrowed.

“Okay, so what aren’t you telling me?” My gaze bounces back and forth between the two of them.

“David’s agent suggested something like that to him before, and he wasn’t so keen on having a stranger hanging around him and his daughter.”

“Makes perfect sense.” I nod as my lips curve up. “Good thing I’m not a stranger…kind of.”

When both Travis’ and Charles’ brows shoot up, I give a sanitized version of me and David being neighbors until my family moved.

“I think it will be easier for him with me. And all I want to do is help him get started.”

Now I just need to fill him in. I groan silently. I hope he doesn’t feel like I’ve deceived him by not telling him sooner about my new position at his place of work.

Looking up, I see the time and realize I have to finish up before I leave for my appointment with Dr. Carlson.

“I’m sorry, but I need to head to my doctor’s appoin—”

“Of course,” Travis says, as he and Charles stand. “We will talk more tomorrow.”

As I head toward the door, I rest my hand on the frame and turn to face them. “Thank you again for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

Stopping briefly at my office and then heading back out the way I came in this morning. I find myself once again in the clubhouse tunnels walking to my car.

I’ll park in the upper lot tomorrow, but for now, I need to walk by the locker room on my way out.

Just when I think I’m about to get a clean getaway, something or someone bumps into my side.

Chapter Five

David

“Ooof.”AvoiceI’mcoming to easily recognize grunts. And an ironic smirk lifts the corner of my mouth.

For the second time today, I find myself apologizing to Cat for not paying attention to where I’m going and just rushing out of the locker room door. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“We have to stop running into each other like this,” Cat teases, gently rubbing her shoulder. “Seriously, though.”

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