Page 14 of Just One Season
“Yeah.” Bri leans against the counter. “I filled out the internal application yesterday. And if I get it, it’ll be a significant pay increase, so no more sending back rent.”
Bri works at the University of Colorado in an administrative job and is ambitious to do more.
“Fingers crossed.”
“It is what it is.” Bri waves me off, but I know how serious she is about this. “Don’t you have to get to the gym or something?”
“Actually, yeah.” I check my phone. “Have a to-go cup?”
Bri’s already pulling a Yeti out of her cabinet.
“This is yours anyway. I grabbed it last time I was over your house.”
I kiss Ava and wave at Bri.
Maybe our situation is a bit weird, but everything is good here in Fort Collins. I have a job I love, Bri’s happy at work, Ava’s settled, and we’re close to her trusted doctors.
I don’t want anything to change. I like being single, stable, and a provider for my family. I’m not interested in dating or a relationship, and I don’t have time for one-night stands. I’ve got too much going on. Ava’s depending on me.
And when I did try dating someone last year, it was a disaster. Lesson learned.
I slide into my car and close my eyes for a second.
I need to keep my spot on the team. That means convincing Paul that nothing happened between me and his wife, and that nothing will.
These rumors could be disastrous for my career. I don’t want to get traded. I don’t want to leave Fort Collins or Colorado.
The problem is, I have no clue how to fix the mess I’ve gotten myself into.
CHAPTER 5
Waiting Behind the Door
LUCY
Monday, September 16
Ilook down at my phone again, checking the video feed at the Delightful Doggy Palace, the new doggy daycare I dropped Taco off at this morning. He’s currently running some kind of obstacle course. Through a tunnel, up some steps, down some steps, then jumps over a big log. Looks ridiculous, but he seems to be having a blast. I mean,Ikind of want to go and do it. I let out a deep breath and lay my phone on the desk. Phew. I’m relieved he’s having a good first day.
I don’t care about this dog nearly as much as it appears.
It’s just that I’m a responsible human being. I couldn’t let Ron drop him at the animal shelter just because he didn’t realize Boston terriers aren’t completely hypoallergenic. It’s not Taco’s fault.
And even though I can bring him to work with me, he needs at least some time socializing with other dogs. And exercise, and nice pets from humans, and overall stimulation. The Delightful Doggy Palace was amazing when I went to check it out last week. Taco deserves some kind of fun, doesn’t he?
Anyone would do the same thing.
My onboarding meeting with Coach Jackson, the Blizzard head coach, isn’t for another fifteen minutes, but maybe I’ll walk down early to make sure I can find his office. My scribbled note says he’s in the second to last door on the right. I think that’s what it says, but I might have been paying attention to the continuous reel playing in my head of Taco peeing on the ice instead of details about the office floor plan from Lina. But it can’t be hard to find.
I stand and grab a notebook and pencil, then smooth down my curls—which I’ve hopelessly tried to tie half-back—and straighten my thin green sweater before walking out the door. The dress code is casual in the team administrative office so I’m wearing gray jeans and short heeled boots.
I’m excited to meet Coach Jackson. Atticus said he’s a great guy, treats the players well, and is kind and friendly. Hopefully the coach can help give me some tips on working with the team.
One part of my role while here is to follow up with key publications on getting features written about some of our top players. Then I need to make sure they are media trained—most already are—but department policy dictates we do a refresher before interviews. I’ll also need to ensure we have the right catalogue of photos. Including ones in suits. Apparently, everyone loves it when the hot hockey players walk into the games in full suits.
Not me. Hockey players aren’t my jam.
Obviously, I can see the appeal—I’m notcompletelydead inside—but it’d be best to not get involved with anyone who’s connected to the team I work for.
