Page 16 of Pucking Around

I glance his way, slipping my sunglasses off and trading them for my regular frames. “That’s so cool. And now you get to work together?”

“Well, you asked about divas,” he says. “Just know that you’ve been warned.”

“Uh-oh. What’s his name?”

“Compton,” he replies. “No. 42, Jake Compton. Be sure to give him hell. I guarantee he’s earned it.”

He pulls into a parking spot and cuts the engine as I laugh. “Okay, will do. Jake Compton is officially on my naughty list.”

7

After securing me a cup of coffee, Caleb takes me up in the elevator to the managers’ offices on the fourth floor. As we ride up, my phone dings with an automated message. My two missing bags are currently in route to Jacksonville! Who cares if I’m still feeling nervous? I’m holding a coffee, and by the end of the day I’ll have a full wardrobe again.

I take a sip of the liquid heaven as the elevator doors open, revealing a long hallway dotted with doors. Skylights let in bright sunshine and the floor has a cool, custom paint job that makes it look like water. The walls are painted in the Rays colors—a teal base with accents of white, navy, and burnt orange.

Caleb shows me through the first doorway on the left that opens into a small waiting room. There’s no receptionist, just a series of four more doors that lead to offices.

“This is the Operations Managers’ suite,” says Caleb. “Vicki is in here.” He knocks on the first door to the right.

“Come in!” a woman’s voice calls.

Caleb swings the door open. “Hey, Vic.”

“Oh, hi honey.”

I peek around him to see an older black woman in lipstick and pearls wearing a stylish business suit.

“I have your missing doctor,” he says.

“Oh, good gracious,” Vicki cries, getting up from behind her desk. “Oh, Doctor Price, you come here, honey. I heard all about your nasty flight delays.”

I don’t even realize my legs are moving before she’s got me in a fierce hug, enveloping me in her floral perfume.

“What a way to welcome you to Jacksonville. I swear, it’s almost not worth flying anymore.”

I laugh, hugging her back. “Yeah, it was brutal. Two of my bags are still missing. Caleb was great though,” I add. “He picked me up from the airport and got me settled at the apartment.”

She lets me go, giving him a stern look. “Did he behave?”

He rolls his eyes. Apparently, I had his grump persona pegged.

“He bought me tacos,” I reply.

“Good boy,” says Vicki, patting his cheek as she moves back towards her desk. “Submit your receipt if you need a reimbursement.”

He huffs, hands in his pockets. “I think I can spring for a few tacos, Vic.” Then he glances at me. “Well, Doc, you good? I gotta…” He gestures with his thumb over his shoulder.

“Of course,” I say quickly. “Thanks again, Caleb. Really.”

He gives us both a nod and ducks out.

“Well, sit down, honey,” says Vicki, shuffling papers on her desk. “We’ve got a few more things here for you to sign. And I have an update from the dealership. We should have your car ready by this afternoon. They’ve been playing hardball with me on lease prices. I finally had to sweeten the deal with a few season tickets.”

“Oh good,” I say with a mix of relief and dread. I hate driving. That’s the one drawback to Jacksonville so far. The city is massively spread out, so driving is my only real option.

“And the apartment works for you? No complaints?”

I still, my cup of coffee halfway to my lips. I haven’t decided if I want to share my balcony story with anyone yet. Caleb knowing feels like enough of a humiliation. “Umm…yes, it’s perfect.”

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