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Chapter Twenty-Six

T ate

I grip the steering wheel and hit the ramp toward home.

The dark sky is filled with millions of silver stars. The air is a perfect seventy degrees. I feel lighter, happier than I’ve felt in a long damn time.

I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

How did I get so lucky to find a woman who’s as brilliant as she is beautiful?

Gannon’s announcement has rolled around in my head nonstop. At first, I was certain I’d just cash out and go home. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized an opportunity was in front of me, and I’d be remiss to discount it altogether.

Hockey isn’t my thing, but business is my jam. I also happen to love the idea of wiping everything Reid fucking Brewer created and starting something new—something I built, something I could make successful if for no other reason than spite.

He never thought I’d make anything out of myself. Out of all the kids, maybe besides Renn, he disliked me the most. So an opportunity to do something he couldn’t do in a world he created? It’s at least worth a consideration … and that’s without considering Aurora.

I wasn’t sure what her response would be when I asked her how she would recreate the hockey team if given a clean slate. I wanted to gauge her interest without putting her on the spot—really feel out the possibility of working together on something of this magnitude.

If it works, how special would that be?

“First, I’d get rid of that terrible Raptors mascot and replace it with something elevated yet relatable.

We’d build an iconic logo that’s fresh and marketable—something that looks great on merch.

That sounds crazy, but it isn’t. Great merch is easy marketing, and the best brands have it figured out. ”

She’s right. Spot-fucking-on.

“New colors that don’t scream Midwestern US high school basketball.”

I laugh. She’s not wrong, though.

“With that said, we’d update the facilities and overhaul the arena. Give people a reason to want to come and spend their money here. Make it a good time.

"We need people who are a draw. People love winners, sure, but they also love people with a story. People they can root for or against. It doesn’t matter.

“Stronger digital platforms. Involve the fans and increase engagement. Start traditions. People love a tradition!”

Every word out of her mouth is inspiring, thought-provoking, and invigorating.

My girl is a superstar. I can’t wait to watch her take hold of this project and mold it into something we’re both proud of … because it would be ours.

“Might as well start building shit together now because I have no plans to ever let her go.”

I’ve fallen in love with her, and I fucking hope the feeling is mutual.