Luna pulls away from me so fast there’s almost a breeze, running a hand through the tangled strands of her hair.
“Seraph… I mean, Miss Blanchard?”
Oh shit. Seraphina Blanchard. I straighten my back, turning toward the woman with my most practiced Whitaker smile, but I take a step back so Luna can speak to her.
She’s not in business mode, wearing jeans and a crisp pink button-up shirt. But she still looks like the titan she is. Smooth and polished, but still friendly and open. That’s a skill I need to learn.
“It’s okay. You can call me Seraphina.” She holds out a hand to Luna, who gives it an enthusiastic shake, then turns to me. “Mr. Whitaker.”
“Lovely to meet you. You can call me Beau,” I tell her.
“You’re not what I was expecting,” she says to me.
“You mean I’m not my dad?”
She laughs. “Maybe that’s it. But, Luna, you were amazing out there on the ice. Makes me miss my college hockey days. The thrill of the chase, the high of scoring a goal. Which is why I’m so intent on expanding the women’s league. Give all the female hockey players out there a chance to shine and show everyone what we’re made of.”
“I agree. The work you’re doing is incredible,” says Luna, and I can tell she’s trying to keep the fangirling in check.
“And that brings me back to another piece of business. I want you to know I never authorized cutting Lakeview out of the running for my foundation’s deal. It was an overeager PRassistant who put out that information. I always intended to come out here to meet you two in person. But I’ve been a little busy getting the league in order and didn’t get a chance until now.”
“Oh. I just want you to know it was never a lie. Beau and me. It’s real. It wasn’t a publicity stunt. I love him.” Warmth fills me at those words. I can’t get enough of hearing her say them.
“Yeah, you do.”
She elbows me. “Shush. But really…”
Seraphina gives us a glossy red-lipsticked smile. “Don’t worry, I never believe what the media has to say. You wouldn’t believe some of the lies I’ve read about myself in the paper.”
“I can only imagine.” We’ve had such similar upbringings. I really can empathize.
Luna looks at me, nibbles her lip and turns back to Seraphina. “So then is there any chance? Lakeview is still…”
“In the running for the partnership? My decision was made weeks ago.”
My heart aches at the devastation on Luna’s face, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right for our teams.
“It’s you guys. Lakeview is officially getting the Blanchard Foundation sponsorship. I wanted to tell the two of you in person before it goes public. That’s why I came here today. The charity event and the calendar are really a testament to how well your two teams have come together this year. I love seeing it. We need support and cooperation between the men’s and women’s teams.”
“Really?” Luna’s mouth falls open, and she turns to me. The shock on her face mirrors the feeling rippling through me.
“Yes, really.” She reaches out for a handshake.
A man in a dark suit steps up behind her, whispering something in her ear. “It was lovely to meet you, but I do have to head out. I’ve got a plane to catch.”
“Thank you so much.” Luna has stars in her eyes, and I can almost see her vibrating with excitement.
“My pleasure. I’m looking forward to working with Lakeview next year and also seeing where your careers take you after graduation. Perhaps we’ll get another opportunity to work together.”
“Absolutely,” Luna says, and I nod my agreement.
Seraphina gives us a wave and mouths an apology as she answers a call then walks away.
Luna claps her hands and hurls herself at me, and I reach out to catch her.
“We did it!”
“No, you did it. I was just along for the ride. You’re fucking amazing.”
