Page 39 of Token

Roger did something she didn’t expect. He looked at her and grinned, a chuckle not far behind.

Kennedy’s smile faltered. “What’s so funny?” She was always up for a good joke, as long as she wasn’t the butt of it.

“Nothing. It was nothing,” he said, shaking his head, his smile still in place.

“Oh, come on. Tell me,” she coaxed. Now more than ever sheneededto know. This cat wasn’t dying of curiosity.

“It’s crazy.” He shook his head, a blush staining his cheeks. “But when you said diversity in my personal relationships, it occurred to me that I’ve never dated...you know...someone like you before.”

Caught in a moment of déjà vu, Kennedy bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. “Someone like me?” she asked, giving him the wide-eyed innocent look she employed for these occasions.

Swallowing visibly, he nodded. “I’ve never gone out with a Black woman before.”

“Have that on your bucket list, do you?” she asked drolly, doing her damnedest not to snicker.

“It never really occurred to me until now,” he said with a bashful grin. “You’re beautiful. I’ve never seen eyes like yours before.”

Kennedy couldn’t help but smile. He was so adorably inept at this. “That’s very nice of you to say, but I suggest you put something else on that bucket list of yours. Believe me, you’re much better off with me helping you in this capacity. I’m excellent at my job. And I’m sure a professional hockey player like yourself won’t have any trouble making all the friends you want from all walks of life.”

“It was just a thought. I told you it was crazy.”

“I promise, you’ll be in good company with Zion.”

She paused before laying out the last two items on his reputation resuscitation to-do list. “You’ll need to issue an apology in front of the cameras. The statement put out by the team wasn’t bad, but at the agency, we find situations like this warrant the personal touch. People want to see your face when you apologize. That way they can judge your sincerity for themselves.”

Roger looked as if she’d suggested he swim injured and bleeding in shark-infested waters. But like the trooper he was, he agreed.

“And the last thing I’m going to have you do is sign up as a volunteer for at-risk youths. I already have the organization picked out. It would be two to three days a week while you’re on suspension. Once your suspension is lifted, it can be whenever you can fit it into your schedule, but at least twice a month.”

He gave a brisk nod of agreement. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Oh, and one last question before you go. Are you aware of any other videos or audios that might put you at odds with the public and the league?”

“You mean like a sex tape or something like that?” he asked, brows furrowed. “Because I’ve been with a lot of women.” He gave her a rather chagrinedso sue me, I love women and I love sexlook.

For a grown man making millions, he was incredibly naive. A sex tape would be the least of his worries. Hell, it would probably do to hockey what Tiger Woods did to golf. Make more people watch the damn sport. He might even get an offer for a reality show out of it.

“Actually, I was thinking something more along the same lines as the one out now. Anything with you saying something that could be interpreted as...culturally offensive.”

“No,” he replied adamantly. “I’m not like that. And I never thought calling Wes that name would ever be considered racist.”

“I believe, more than anything, you never thought what you said to your friend in the comfort of your own home would become public.”

How many reputations could survive the public airing of private conversations? The number could probably be counted on one hand.

“You can say that again.”

“Don’t look so glum. Things are going to get better. I’m going to make sure of it.” Then she offered him a bit of dating advice, should the need ever arise. “And, Roger, a word to the wise. If you ever find yourself thinking about asking a Black woman out on a date—actually, this applies to any woman of color—never preface it by telling her you’ve never asked someone of her race out before. Got it?” she asked, fighting back a smile.

“I kind of hoped you wouldn’t remember that,” Roger said, blushing.

Kennedy laughed outright. “Not a chance. I remember everything.”

10

Nate had to school his features, this time to hide his annoyance as he watched Kennedy emerge from the car. Instead of accepting his offer of a ride or use of the company car, the stubborn woman had hired an Uber and refused to let him pay for it.

They’d arranged to meet in front of Chelsea’s Restaurant & Lounge. Kennedy reasoned it didn’t make sense for him to drive to Brooklyn to pick her up, only to have to turn around and drive back to the city. He hadn’t pushed as hard as he wanted—as he should have—fearing she’d balk and back out of their agreement. But this transportation deal they had going needed to be renegotiated.

---