Page 78 of Going All the Way (Knights of Passion)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Stacia twirled herhair and studied the contract. Why was she hesitating? It was a completely new job, no politics, no business. Her father had made good on his promise to make sure she never had another chance until she apologized, which she had refused to do. Surprisingly, her boss had supported her and stood up for her against her father, finding a completely different option for her.

“What’s the problem, Stacia? You asked me, no, begged me for this contract. So, sign it.”

She sighed, scanning the details again. “I know, Michael.”

He leaned back in his seat and studied her. “Maybe you’re not ready to get back to work.”

She seized on the excuse like a lifeline. “I guess. I’m just tired from two demanding jobs in a row. A few weeks off wouldn’t hurt.”

“They want you next week in New York. If you can’t do it, I’ll have to assign someone else.” He paused. “Are you sure you want this?”

“Of course, what do you mean?”

“You’re just not… you. This last job, the rumors. Stacia, tell me, did something happen between you and Jason? We know the news reports were bullshit.”

“Of course they were. No, it’s nothing. I’m just tired.” She wiped her hand across her brow, feeling the bone-deep fatigue that had plagued her since she had left Jason. Her pain hadn’t lessened but she was glad she had some closure with him. She had kept her dignity, even as her heart was breaking.

He nodded. “The Knights were very happy with your work. They even asked if I would object if they made you an offer of permanent employment.”

She laughed. “Why? Jason Friar is done in baseball. They don’t need me.”

“They liked your brand of public relations and, let’s face it, ballplayers are young and stupid. Why did you assume it was for Friar?”

“Because that was the contract. He’s gone, season’s over, and he doesn’t need me anymore.” He’d made that perfectly clear. She suppressed the sharp bite of anger that he hadn’t bothered to call, email or anything. She was right to have left.

He leaned forward and put his hand on hers. “Stacia, I’ve known you a long time and I would be sorry to see you go, but I think you should hear them out. And maybe call Jason Friar. He’s only called here about a dozen times looking for you. Is that why you changed your cell and home numbers?”

Her mind whirled at the knowledge that he had called Michael looking for her. She glanced away before she could betray any emotion. “He got confused between the job and reality.”

“Really? And did you?” His disbelieving tone had her jerking up. “Call him. Hear him out. Communication is a good thing. Besides, you left things unfinished there and they have said your contract isn’t complete.”

“What? He got a standing ovation by the crowd. The contract is more than finished.”

“Well, someone doesn’t think so. They want to see you in your office at the stadium later today at three. Hear them out, okay?”

She stood and flung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll do more than hear them out, Michael. Then I’ll sign that contract.” She whipped the paper off the desk and stormed out of the office.

*

It was eeriewalking into the empty stadium. The last time she was here, the place was packed for the Division Series playoff and even before that, armies of workers had swarmed the place, getting ready for a game, cleaning up after a game. Now, it was silent, her heels clicking on the concrete pavement of the parking garage, reminding her of a bad horror movie. Fortunately, there were other cars there or she would have thought the place was deserted. As it was, she felt creeped out by the isolation.

She took the elevator to the offices and then down to her office, which had been conveniently situated near the team offices and locker room. Again, she was struck by the silence, no music blasting, the ground not shaking from the bass, and only an isolated person walking here and there. As she turned the corner to her office, the door was open and the light on.

She stepped in and was greeted by a completely changed interior. The metal desk had been replaced by a dark wood one and a large computer monitor. The walls had a few extra pictures on them beyond the requisite picture of the stadium and team. And behind the desk, Jason Friar was studying a file, his bad shoulder in a sling but looking healthy, happy, and comfortable, a Jason she had never seen before.

She froze, breath caught in her lungs. She started to back out, but he looked up and stood quickly, knocking over the file and a cup of pencils on the desk. He righted everything and strode around the desk, grabbing her hand before she could escape. A spark of awareness darted up her arm from his hand to her heart and she stared at him, eyes wide and uncomprehending.

He drew her into the room and closed the door. She sat in one of the chairs and he perched on the edge of the desk, hand still holding hers. When he noticed, he let it drop. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Kendall. We appreciate you stopping by and hearing our offer.”

She frowned at the formal tone, suspicion blooming. “What the hell is going on? What are you doing here? And where is my stuff?”

“Welcome to the new talent development office.” He spread his good arm and the sling, encompassing the small office. “It’s not much yet, but we’re still new.”

She obligingly glanced around. “You would think they’d offer more. What is a talent development?”

“Well, we’re just getting started. Haven’t hired the staff yet, but we have office supplies. I’ve been asked to come on and help bring some of the young players along in their career. Some of these young guys get distracted by the money, fame, women, and so on. They could use a mentor to help them adjust to life in baseball. That’s where we come in.”

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