Page 9

NINE

Rowan

I get to the arena early the day of game three. I need to work on Canyon’s shoulder, Gabe’s knee, and check Blake’s stitches. I also need to get in a workout of my own because I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for the team.

I arrive in workout clothes, since I plan to hit the gym first thing. Then I can shower and get ready for my day before any of the guys arrive. There’s no morning skate—Coach wants them fresh for the game—which works in my favor.

I’ve just started to run on the treadmill when I see a text from Harper pop up on my phone.

HARPER: What time are you getting to the arena today? Can we meet?

My heart sinks.

Uh oh.

The only other time she’s ever called me into her office was my first day on the job when she welcomed me aboard.

ROWAN: I’m already here, working out. Do you need to see me now?

HARPER: LOL I’m still at home. How about eight thirty? Will you be done by then?

If she doesn’t mind letting me finish working out, I must not be in too much trouble.

ROWAN: Absolutely.

HARPER: See you then. I’ll bring breakfast.

ROWAN: Great! Thank you. Can I ask what it’s about?

HARPER: Nothing bad, don’t worry. Just want to check in, see how you’re doing now that you’re doing your job and Gene’s.

ROWAN: All right. See you then.

I pick up speed, trying to think about what I should tell her.

I’m doing fine.

Except my body is sore and I’m a lot more tired.

Not only am I doing all the work now, but our intern was also out sick yesterday. She swore she’d be back today, but we don’t want her here if she has a fever or something contagious, which might mean another day of doing it all.

It’s exhilarating, but it’s hard to manage the whole team.

The team chiropractor is coming in today, and I’m also bringing in one of the masseuses we use, because I truly can’t take care of all the nagging problems everyone is dealing with. It’s part of the playoffs, and it’s part of hockey, but there’s also some minor whiplash and other unexpected issues stemming from the accident.

“Hey, Ro.” To my surprise, Ivan walks into the gym.

“Ivan! How are you?”

“I’m good!” He grins. “And the doctor cleared me to play tonight. I’m going to try a light workout, but I think I’m ready.”

“You looked good at practice yesterday,” I say. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“Me too.” He gets on the treadmill next to mine. “By the way, I’m not sure I had a chance to thank you for what you did the night of the accident.”

I shake my head. “No thanks are necessary. Not only was it my job, but it was also the human thing to do. You guys are my friends. I’d like to think you would have done the same for me.”

“A hundred percent.” He nods. “But regardless, you went above and beyond, especially in getting everyone’s luggage, Gene’s pills, keeping everyone calm. You are truly a rock star.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Do you have a favorite store or restaurant?”

I frown. “Oh, no. Ivan, really. You don’t have to get me anything.”

He chuckles. “Look, here’s the deal. A few of us are going to go in on something anyway. It is going to happen. I thought it would be easier if I got the info on something you actually like or want. But if you’d rather wind up with a thousand-dollar gift card to McDonald’s, don’t say I didn’t warn you. We’re generous, but not overly creative.”

I stare at him for a moment, and then we burst out laughing.

“Please, no,” I say, waving a hand. “I can’t remember the last time I ate fast food. I’m not a food snob, but I don’t do fast food either.”

“Then give me some ideas. If you want to be surprised, give me a bunch and I’ll take it from there.”

I’m uncomfortable with this, but also, the guys have been known to buy gifts for people on the support staff for all different reasons. I got the most amazing gift certificate for a spa day for my last birthday and my cash Christmas bonus was pretty epic too.

“I like Michael Kors, Coach, or Tory Burch,” I say. “I’m also a big fan of Nordstrom and Neiman-Marcus. Does that help?”

“Absolutely.” He nods as he starts to jog. “Anyway, how’s everything? You doing okay now that you’ve taken over for Gene?”

“I am,” I say thoughtfully. “It’s a ton of work, and I’ll need an assistant if I keep going at this rate, but hopefully Sunny is over the stomach bug and will be back tonight.”

“If you need anything, let us know. We can’t help during the game, but I’ll do anything I can to make your life easier while we’re in the playoffs.”

“Thank you, Ivan.” I smile, a little overwhelmed at his thoughtfulness and generosity. “I appreciate it so much. But I think I’ll be fine. I have a meeting coming up with Ms. Barrowman, so I’m going to go shower. I’ll see you later.”

“Later.”

He waves, and I hurry in the direction of the showers.

It was a shorter workout than anticipated, but I want to make sure I’m presentable for my meeting, which means blow drying my hair and stuff. Thank goodness I keep a duffel bag with clean clothes and toiletries in my office.

I get to Harper’s office at twenty-five after eight, and she’s just turning on the lights, a big bag in her hands.

“Oh, let me get that!” I take it from her and she laughs.

“I’m pregnant, not incapacitated.”

“Still, you should be careful. Carrying something that big blocks your vision and you could fall.”

“Good grief, you sound like Gabe!” She doesn’t seem mad, grinning as she sets her purse and laptop case down.

“This smells good,” I say. “What is it?”

“Pastries and scones from that new bakery that just opened around the corner. And there’s coffee too. Gabe is bringing it in.”

“Here you go.” He comes in and sets a large cardboard-looking box of coffee on the filing cabinet, along with a bag I assume contains cream and sugar. “I’ll see you later, babe.” He kisses his wife and then leans over and kisses her stomach. “See you later, Baby Phantom.”

A tiny wave of envy drifts through me.

I want kids.

Someday.

When I have the money to buy a house and take care of them.

And a guy I want to go on that journey with.

But that dream seems really far away sometimes.

I don’t even have time to date much less take care of a child.

“Okay, let’s have something to eat and chat.” She sinks down behind her desk, opening the box of pastries.

I get a cup of coffee and add a little cream. Then I peer into the box and pull out what looks like a berry scone.

“There’s butter and clotted cream in there,” she says, “but the clotted cream isn’t that good. I’d stick to butter.”

“I like them plain,” I say, sitting across from her.

“Okay, so let’s cut to the chase.” She cocks her head. “How are you doing? And tell me the truth. Taking over for Gene after the accident has to be a huge change.”

“It is,” I acknowledge. “And I’m definitely feeling it with Sunny out too. But the guys are great and it’s such an exciting time for the team, I don’t really notice how tired I am until I get into bed at night.”

She nods. “Understandable. But I don’t want you in over your head or drowning because you’re not prepared to take on this much responsibility. We don’t have a timeline for Gene’s return, so we’re moving forward under the assumption that the job is yours.”

That’s pretty damn exciting.

And terrifying.

“Generally speaking, I’m good. I could use help with some of the menial tasks, like restocking supplies and prepping for games, but the job itself is no problem. I think I’m staying on top of the guys’ needs.”

“I think you are too, and frankly, I’m proud of you. Gene’s been doing this for thirty years. The plan was to have you train under him for five or six years and then potentially take over when he’s ready to retire. Getting thrown into the position without warning like this is a risk. For both of us.”

“If you think there’s someone more qualified,” I say carefully, “my feelings won’t be hurt.”

She laughs. “Of course, your feelings would be hurt. Mine would. Which is why I’m not going to do that. Not yet. But you have to promise me you’ll come to me if it gets to be too much, or if you don’t think you’re skilled enough to handle whatever may come up. That’s hard to quantify since we don’t know what’s going to happen until it does.”

“Like a bus accident where your boss simultaneously has a heart attack?” I ask pointedly.

“Yes. Just like that.” She nods. “You were amazing in a crisis, and you’re still firing on all cylinders. I don’t want you to burn out.”

“I don’t think I will,” I say. “But again, I don’t think there’s any way to know unless and until it happens. All I can do is keep moving forward. This is the playoffs. This isn’t the time to slow down.”

“It’s not, but the guys also need you more than ever. So that’s what this is—me checking in to make sure you’re okay. That you’re not burned out. That you don’t go home and cry yourself to sleep every night. That’s not the atmosphere I want for the Phantoms organization. That includes the players, the back office, support staff, even the janitors. I want everyone who works for me to want to be here.”

“Believe me,” I say quietly, “I want to be here. And I can handle the job. I’m ready. The last thing I would ever do is put one of the guys at a disadvantage because I can’t handle whatever comes up. I’m fully confident in my ability to do the job.”

“Then let’s finish breakfast and get ready to kick Alaska’s ass tonight.”

“Sounds good to me.” I pop the last delicious, buttery bite of scone in my mouth.

Not only can I do the job, I will do it.

I’m too close to achieving all my dreams to let anything stop me now.

This is my shot and I’m not going to let it slip by without giving it my all.