Page 39 of Over the Moon (Rosewood River #3)

twenty-seven

. . .

Clark

“I’m sure you’re feeling the pressure after this past season,” Everly said.

She was the team psychologist, but she only worked part-time now, as she lived back in Honey Mountain with her husband, Hawk Madden, who happened to be one of the best players to ever live.

He was a sportscaster now, so he didn’t work directly with the Lions anymore, as he’d been offered a big, fat contract to be a commentator on all the games.

But he visited the team a few times last year, pumping us up and talking to each of us individually before the final game.

Once a Lion, always a Lion. Everly always came out during training camp and preseason, and then she’d been here during the playoffs, as well.

They hired another psychologist to come aboard full-time, but everyone wanted to work with Everly because she understood the game better than most, due to her husband being such a prominent part of the hockey world.

“So far, it’s been all right. I’ve put in the work the last three months, and I intend to continue to do so the rest of the season,” I said, my elbows resting on my knees as I clasped my hands together.

“And that injury healed up well from what I’ve heard?” she asked, as she sat in the chair across from me, her notebook resting on her lap.

“Yep. I did a lot of physical therapy, and Eloise tailored my training around that. I feel stronger than ever. Physically, at least.”

She studied me for a moment before nodding. “How is it going with your teammates? Is everyone getting along?”

“Yeah, I’m lucky to have guys who feel more like brothers than teammates.” I shrugged.

“That’s how it should be. That’s what makes a team strong. And you’re probably very adaptable, coming from such a large family,” she chuckled. We bonded over that last year because Everly was one of five, just as I was.

“Yes. My siblings have trained me well to get along with others,” I smirked. “My oldest brother missed the memo on that.”

She tipped her back with a laugh. “I get that.”

“Can I ask you something?” I said, trying to find a way to ask her a question about something that could be perceived as too personal.

“Of course,” she smiled. “I’m an open book.”

“When you first came to work for the Lions, were you already dating Hawk?” I asked, letting out a long breath. “And if that is none of my business, you can just say that.”

“I’m guessing you’re asking that for a reason?” she said, the corners of her lips turning up.

“Maybe.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “It’s complicated.”

Her gaze softened. “First off, anything you say in this room is confidential.”

“What if it’s something that breaks my contract?

Or someone else’s contract? Wouldn’t you be knowingly keeping something from the team?

I don’t want to put you in a bad position.

” I blew out a breath. I needed to talk to someone who understood this situation.

My family wanted to understand, but they also thought it was ridiculous that we were two consenting adults, and we couldn’t just be open about our relationship. They didn’t understand the dynamics.

Everly Madden would understand the situation probably better than anyone.

“I mean, if you murder someone and you confess to me, you’d be putting me in a bad position,” she chuckled. “A personal relationship is very different. But we can discuss this without getting specific, if that makes you feel better.”

“All right. I appreciate it.”

“Okay, so Hawk and I had a past. We grew up together. The Wayburns weren’t aware of that when they hired me to work with their star player.

I thought I could handle it, but it turns out, all those feelings were still there, though I fought it so hard.

” She smiled. “I had a lot more concerns than Hawk did, I can tell you that. As a woman in this field, especially a position that is replaceable, it was terrifying to risk everything I’d worked for.

There was no guarantee that our relationship would make it once we returned to the real world here, back in the city.

And with Hawk being as famous as he was, I just didn’t know how it would all play out. ”

“So what did you do?”

“Well, the short version is that it all eventually worked out. But not without a lot of stress, which is tough on a new relationship. We kept it a secret, and then I considered going elsewhere. But in the end, there are relationships that happen in the workplace. You’ve met my sister, Dylan.

She’s the chief legal for the team, and her last name is now Wayburn. ” She arched a brow and shrugged.

“I knew Dylan was married to Wolf, but I assumed she joined the team after they were married.”

“Nope. They worked closely together, and they fell in love, and it was explosive and stressful and passionate all at the same time.” She shrugged. “But at the end of the day, they were able to make it work because they are professional at the office and husband and wife when they go home.”

“He also owns the team, so I’m sure the rules can be bent for the owner,” I said, arching a brow, because we both knew that was the truth.

“Hawk wasn’t the owner of the team when we were dating,” she reminded me. “He was a player, and I was the team psychologist.”

“I’m guessing he had a lot of clout,” I said. “Being the rock star that he is.”

“He did. And I’m sure that helped. But I ultimately made the choice to stay.

I had other offers. I’m sure your…” She paused, tapping her chin.

“Your special friend has other opportunities, but if this is where she wants to be, I suggest you both fight for it. You’re a very valuable player, Clark.

And I believe you’re a free agent after this season, right? ”

“Correct.” I studied her.

“Trust me when I tell you, this team will do whatever it takes to keep you. You are not only a valuable player who scored the winning goal to win the Stanley Cup, but the players love you, Coach Gable loves you, you stay out of trouble, and you aren’t in the press, so you’re kind of the golden boy of this team.

Remember that if anyone is—unreasonable,” she said.

“Because I’ll tell you something that I’ve learned after being married for a long time to a professional athlete, raising our children, and living our life outside of all of this. ” She waved her hands around.

“What?”

“This was just a piece of our life. Yes, I still work for the team part-time because I love the Lions, and it allows me to get out of the house and have a career of my own while still being a mother. A huge part of Hawk’s life is still hockey, and he loves it—but not the way that he loves us.

This team, this sport, it enriches our life.

But my husband, our relationship, our family— that is our life.

It’s way bigger than hockey, so at the end of the day, if someone tells you that you can’t love the person you love, they can suck it,” she said.

I barked out a laugh. “They can suck it. The best words I’ve ever heard from the famed Everly Madden, sports psychologist extraordinaire.”

She smiled. “Life is short. I learned that at a very young age when I lost my mother. And after Hawk came back into my life, I realized how important love is. If you’re lucky enough to find it, you should always fight for it. The question is, is she worth it?”

“Yes. Without a doubt,” I said, no hesitation at all.

“Well, then remember, she has a lot more to lose than you do. Her job, her reputation, and if I’m reading the situation correctly, and it’s who I think it is, it also complicates things for her father.”

I nodded, knowing everything she was saying was true. “Correct.”

“You’re the one who has the most power in the situation.

It isn’t fair, but it is what it is. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to that.

But you could always remind the Wayburns that they’ve had several office relationships on this team that have gone the distance and caused no drama to the organization.

I think that ethics clause is in there to protect teams from lawsuits when there are inappropriate relationships, which, from what I’ve heard from the rumors around here, there is some of that going on, as well.

But a consensual, loving relationship, those aren’t threats to the team from where I’m sitting.

But I’m also just the team psychologist,” She chuckled.

“Sebastian and Wolf are good men. Reasonable men. You can talk to them. They consider the players on this team part of their family. They would hear you out.”

I blew out a breath. “This is all good to know. I’ll talk to—” I paused before saying her name, just to be safe. “I’ll talk to my special friend about these options.”

Her head tipped back in laughter. “You do that. And just know that I’m here if you or she want to talk. And consider talking to Sebastian and Wolf. It might be better than being outed by someone else.”

That was a fair point, but I didn’t know if Eloise would consider it.

“Man, I can’t tell you how much this helps.

I hadn’t realized we had options. You know, I haven’t been in a relationship in many years, since high school really, so this was all new for me when we were back in Rosewood River.

We didn’t want to cause a big uproar by saying anything, but the truth is, I love her.

She loves me. We want to be together. She only helps my career, as she understands the sport and the training as well as I do.

And working for the same team, it should be a good thing. ”

“I agree.” She shook her head. “I think those contracts need to be rewritten. They’re old and dated, and there are always exceptions to every rule.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Everly. This really helped so much.”

There was a knock on the door, and she smiled. “That’s my husband coming now because he knows I’m talking to you, and he’s a big fan.”

My jaw hit the ground. I met Hawk Madden last season a couple of times, but I didn’t think he knew who I was. “You’re kidding me.”

“I kid you not.” She walked to the door and pulled it open. “Don’t go all fangirl over the guy, baby.”

Hawk dipped her back and kissed her.

“I only fangirl over my wife,” he said. Then he pulled back and looked over at me. “And maybe I’ll fangirl a little over Clark Chadwick.”

I pushed to my feet and extended an arm. “Good to see you, Mr. Madden. I’m a huge fan. I know I told you that last year, but I was a little starstruck when I saw you.”

“You’d better call me Hawk. I don’t answer to Mr. Madden unless I dislike you.

” He tugged me in for a hug. The guy was a big teddy bear.

“Clark, my man, that was some season you had last year. And that final game, you came into your own. From what I’ve heard from Wolf, you put in the work this summer, and you’re coming back stronger than ever. ”

“Yes, sir. That’s the plan.” I nodded. “I’m honored that you noticed my games last season, and I hope to make the Lions real proud this season.”

“I’d say you’re well on your way to doing so.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “And did my wife give you some wise advice?”

“She really did. It helped more than I can say. She’s damn good at her job.”

“She’s the best. If you’re lucky enough to find a woman who makes you a better man—you best hold on tight, Clark,” he said, as he wrapped his arms around his wife and leaned down to kiss her cheek.

I planned to do exactly that.

“Such a sweet talker.” Everly winked. “Love you, Hawky player.”

“Love you, Mrs. Madden.”

“All right, I’ll leave you two to it,” I said. My voice was all tease.

“Think about what I said,” Everly said as she smiled up at me. “I’m here if you need support or just an ear.”

I walked out of her office, and my phone vibrated several times in my back pocket, so I leaned down to read the text message from my sister.

Emerson

Hey, superstar. Cutler and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. I texted Eloise to let her know, as well. Can’t wait to see you both. I know it’s tough right now, but I promise, you’ll get through it.

Working on it. Can’t wait to see you both.

My sister knew what was going on, and she was always the voice of reason. My brothers tried, but they would just call me a dickhead and tell me to figure my shit out. Emerson was different. She listened. She was logical and reasonable and understood the seriousness of the situation.

And it was definitely time to figure this shit out.

I loved Eloise.

She loved me.

And anyone who had a problem with it could suck it.