“I’ll text you when we are done with interviews tonight.” My voice shakes, sadness still clouding my vision.
After heading downstairs, I hug Lucas one more time before he leaves. I turn to Bren standing outside her car, ready to say goodbye.
My sobs start again and sorrow slowly rolls down my face. Bren pulls me to her in an embrace that instantly tightens. I don’t want to let her go.
“I love you, but you are suffocating me like a boa constrictor,” Bren mutters through clenched teeth.
Hesitantly, I break our embrace, wiping the tears from my eyes.
Bren smiles at me through her tears. “I’ll only be a few hours away, and you can call me any time you need me.”
“Promise you’ll come visit?” My voice cracks on the last word.
“Of course,” Bren assures me, pulling me into another tight hug.
“And I can call you after the interviews today?”
“Of course,” Bren assures me again. “But you won’t need me. You’re going to be amazing, Laur.”
Climbing into her car, she blows me a kiss goodbye and leaves the driveaway of the house we’ve shared for the last year.
Being at West without Nick was difficult for me, but now not having Bren on campus will feel lonelier than ever. What am I going to do?
Opening the note Suz left for me, a small smile breaks through my tears.
Laur,
Remember when we pretty much hated each other? Now look at us—best friends. You can get through anything. Bren is just a short drive and a phone call away. I might be a long flight away, but I’m always a phone call away too.
When you’ve finished interviews, send me an email. I want to partner with you on some content for before the season starts on the Wyverns and on Ryder King. He’s been a hot topic at USA HockeyMagazine. Think you could interview him for me to go along with an article I’m writing about him? Let me know!
The Wyverns PR team is in the best hands it can possibly be in.
Smile. You’ve got this.
xx,
Suz
P. S. Keep any new blondes away from Jaylin for me ;)
P.P.S. Remember you still have Luc, Tyler, and Libby—you aren’t alone.
Suz is right. I’m not alone. I’ve got an amazing support system here and one I can call or text any time I need them.
Taking a deep calming breath, I head into the house to make some coffee and prepare for the first round of interviews.
My shoulders relax, feeling like a weight has lifted from them after completing the first round of PR and marketing candidate interviews. Somehow, it went as smooth as possible. I’m already ready for round two.
My stress has eased, but I could still use something after the long, emotional day. I quickly text Libby to see if she can meet at Hae’s for a quick drink and debrief.
“Thank goodness you’re still here and leading the interviews,” Libby slides into the faux leather booth, “Kat and I would be lost without you.”
“I doubt that,” I laugh but wonder if Kat would be the lead as the only senior left if I never joined. Kat is incredibly sweet and she’s great at taking direction but sometimes struggles giving it. Libby is a born leader, but she might be the least organized person I’ve ever met.
The second we place a drink order the waitress, Libby throws question after question my way. “So, who’s your top contender? Is it that girl Lena that had soccer team experience? How did Lena interview? Do you think it’ll be easy to compile your file list in person?”
A giggle slips past my lips. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, Lib, but take a breath.” I lift my bottle to my mouth and take a sip of my drink. The cool, refreshing light beer trickles down my throat. It’s exactly what I need. “Actually, Lena wasn’t my favorite. A girl named Raven was.”
