“I was thinking things through, and I realized something. I shouldn’t have judged you for your choice. Everyone has the right to make their own choices. And if working for your dad’s company is what you want, then you should go for it. Just because I wish I could play hockey professionally doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.”
I sigh, reaching up to rub at the tightness in my chest. “I don’t.”
“Yeah, I get it. It’s hard on the body. The chances of making it are slim, even for a player as good as you. Your career could be cut short by an injury.” She leans back in her seat, and I can see her scrolling through the mental checklist. As if she’s got it at the ready. Maybe to make it easier to swallow that it’s not an option for her.
“That’s not what I meant.” I drag in another deep breath. This is why I came over here after all. Tracked her down to her lair. Test out the strange concept of openness and honesty. “I meant I don’t want to work for my father, his company. It’s all bullshit. Fake people making money off the sweat and tears of others. Trying to convince the world they’re actually doing something important. Something worthy of the oodles of money they hoard like dragons. I want hockey. Sport brings people together. It’s entertainment and hope and community. I want to make a difference, like you’re doing. That’s what I want. But I made him a promise.”
Her brow is furrowed, and I can’t quite get a read on her.
“What promise is worth more than your life? Your happiness?”
I sigh. This is the hard part. The part I’ve kept locked down tight. Because if she found out, Cece would lose it. “For my sister. I made a deal with my father so she could stay atLakeview. She got into some trouble at her old school. And after she transferred here, she started dating Dev, and that turned into a whole thing. He was threatening to pull her from Lakeview, so I made a deal. I’d work for him when I was done school if Cece could stay here to finish. Stay in her house with her new roommates.” It wasn’t even that hard. I’d always been unsure of the pro route. This just solidified my decision.
“Okay.” She draws the word out. “But she’s your twin, right? She’s graduating at the end of the year. What’s holding you back from bailing out of whatever deal you’ve got going on after you’re both finished college?”
“That’s not who I am. I can’t go back on that promise.”
“Oh, Beau.”
Her warm hand lands on my arm and gives a gentle squeeze. “I admire your integrity. But don’t promises fall apart when you make them under duress? I’m pretty sure blackmail and manipulation are grounds to toss things out in court. Why are you holding yourself to a higher standard than the law?”
“I just can’t do it, Luna. I can’t.”
“Okay. I respect your decision. But just know if you ever change your mind, I’ll be in the front row of your first pro game. Well, maybe not the front row. I’m not some billionaire’s daughter, but I’ll be cheering you on from the nosebleeds.”
If that dream were ever to come true, I think I’d rather see her sitting with the other WAGs, but now might not be the time to mention that.
“It’s okay. I can buy you a box of tissues.”
That smile spreads across her face. The one that lights her up from the inside better than any of her ring lights. “Gee, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. By the way. If you see my sister, could you please not mention any of this to her? She knows I smoothed things over with our father, but I didn’t fill her in on all the details.”
“Like sacrificing your dreams for her?”
“Don’t tell me you wouldn’t do that for your sister?”
“Fair point.” Her eyes flick back to her laptop, and I can tell she wants to get back to her work, but I’m glad we sorted this out. I’m happy I explained this to her, even if I didn’t quite get the entire truth out there.
“What are you working on?” Now, I’m stalling. Her presence simultaneously soothes my nerves and leaves me restless, itching in my own skin. I don’t want to leave.
Her head is already bent as she taps away on the keyboard. “I got the pictures from the photographer for the charity calendar. I was going through them to narrow down the options.”
“You are?” I step around the desk, closing the distance between us. “I can help with that.”
There’s a picture frozen on the screen. It’s definitely not a keeper for the calendar, but I’d put that one on my lock screen in a heartbeat. She’s laughing with her entire body as I’m untangling a kitten from her long hair.
“It’s amazing sour-faced Jared could capture that much emotion. He’s good.”
“Right? I knew I could trust Damien’s recommendation, but when he showed up, I did have a moment of doubt.”
I guess I have a plan for the rest of the afternoon. After grabbing the second chair from the other side of the desk, I settle in beside her, leaning in. “What have you got so far?”
She turns to me. “You don’t have to stay. I got this.”
“You don’t have to do everything yourself, Wild Thing.”
“Kind of feel like it’s my turn to say, look who’s talking.”
