Page 15 of In The Game

For fuck’s sake, I don’t care about social media!That’s why I have her manage everything so I don’t have to!

“Don’t you have like two interns that work for you, Julia? To do this kind of stuff?”

“Well, yeah but—”

“So if my social media needs work, why don’t they work at it?” I don’t mean to be a dick, but these conversations are getting ridiculous.

“They are, but we need a few more pictures of you. I thought we could set up a photoshoot. Maybe some that will draw some interest from women. The organization is trying to build a bigger female fan base or whatever.” She throws her hand out and rolls her eyes like it’s not all her idea. I can see right through her.

“Okay, like what?”

She oscillates in her chair with a big smile on her face. “Like we should do some shirtless photos. Have you picked your player initiative yet? It might attract the attention of donors. We could have profits go to any charity you’re interested in.”

What? No, I’m not doing that shit. This is classic Julia.

“Is Sully doing it too?”

Her smile drops. “No, I haven’t talked to him yet. Thought we could start with you.”

I bet you did. While we’re at it, let’s skip the photographers and photo studio, I’ll take my shirt off in your bedroom.

“My player initiative is going to be with youth hockey. I am thinking about setting up a training camp or some kind of hockey clinic, but that’s not how I want to advertise, that’s more Banksy’s style.” I push off the doorframe, needing to end this conversation before she can say anything else. “Sorry, you’ll have to come up with something else.”

* * *

“Dude, property is where it’s at! I’m buying up houses faster than Banks can make those panties drop!” Wilder says over the group.

“Then what? You just sit on them?” Sully asks.

I’m trying to pay attention to the conversation, but my eyes keep searching the room. I didn’t even want to come out tonight. I’m only here on the off chance she might walk through that door.

“I turn them into rental properties, and they make money. We can’t skate forever, boys. It’s good to diversify. And I’m already seeing ROIs on that shit.”

“This seat taken?” a small voice says.

I scope the room one more time, then see a flash of bright-blonde hair, but when the woman turns around, it’s not her. My shoulders dip back down.Damn.

I look down and see the petite redhead. “Nope. All yours.” I scoot over.

“Thanks! I’m here with my friends, but they seem to be a little busy.” She nods over at Banks and the two women fawning over him. He’s the newest rookie, and is loving the attention.Cocky little shit.

I chuckle. “Yeah, he’s like that—Hey, you don’t know a Raleigh, do you?”

“Like the city?”

Exhaling, I explain for the millionth time, “Like the city, but in the form of a woman with blonde hair, who has a slight southern accent. She’s about this tall…” I gesture with my hand. God, even describing Raleigh makes me feel closer to her.

“Sorry, I’ve never met a Raleigh.”

Shit.

My eyes stay trained on the entrance of Top Shelf. If I think hard enough, maybe I can manifest her strolling into the bar.Come on, Ral. Show up.I wonder what she’s doing at this exact moment. It’s been weeks, but she’s on my mind nonstop. It’s torture.

“No worries. I met her a few weeks ago but we never exchanged contact info. Wasn’t sure if you were running in the same…bunny circles.”

She cringes. “Oof.”

“What?”

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