Page 23 of My Lucky Charm

“I don’t go out during the season,” I say.

“Like, at all?” she asks.

“Nope.”

She looks at Dallas, then back at me.

“No people, no dinner out, no nothing? What in the world do you do all day?”

I admit, she’s a bit like Rosen. She doesn’t mess around, gets straight to the point.

I like that.

I stare right back at her. “Train. Practice. I go over every mistake I made the night before and I work my . . .” I stop myself from swearing. I heave a sigh, because explaining all of this always feels so stupid. “I work. Hard. That’s it. I don’t have time for anyone or anything else.”

She taps the stack of papers on the table in front of her and frowns, like I’m speaking a foreign language. “No dating?”

“Especially no dating.”

Why do I feel like she isn’t asking that question for a friend?

The coach looks at Dallas, who turns toward Eloise and talks about me like I’m not there. “That's why Gray is the best. He’s focused, and it should stay that way. However, there are a few events Rosen expects us to attend.”

She holds up one of the papers. “A Meet the Press night on the ice, a charity gala to support the Comets foundation—” She looks at me and practically sings, “Ooh, a gala . . .”

I force a smile while the rest of my face says Yeah. Great. Awesome. Can’t wait.

“A St. Patrick’s Day fan meet and greet, a Kids’ Autograph appearance. Which of these events will be your favorite, you think?” The way she grins tells me she’s enjoying my misery a little too much.

“I don’t do events during the season,” I say, as firmly as I can. “Period.”

“You do now,” Coach Turnrose says. “You’re a Comet. And every single one of those guys goes out of their way to get involved in the community. It’s why our games sell out, and that makes Rosen happy.”

“And when Rosen’s happy, we get things. Like new gym equipment,” Dallas says.

“And new players.” Eloise smiles, indicating to me.

I hate that I’m annoyed and attracted at the same time.

“So, Eloise,” the coach says. “We all know Gray is going to hate all of these events—”

And everything that isn’t hockey.

“So that’s where you come in.”

“Great,” she says brightly. “I worked at an animal shelter for a long time, and this really isn’t that different.” She tosses a glance my way. “All bark and no bite.”

Dallas chuckles and shakes his head. “Oh, Gray, you’re going to be just fine.”

I hold her eye and don’t let a single muscle flinch.

Finally, she looks away, but she seems unflustered.

“So, you’ll keep Gray’s calendar, but also attend these events with him. Help navigate the demands on his time, his interactions with fans and the press. Make sure he spends an acceptable amount of time at each event, acts accordingly, watches his mouth—” a glance at me— “that sort of thing.”

“We’ll get his full calendar to you with practices and games,” Dallas adds.

“Do I attend those?” Eloise asks.

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