“Right away.”
A few seconds later, my door opened, Grant entered and closed the door. When he turned, his expression was difficult to read.
“Aren’t you on the wrong side of the building?” I asked. As vice president of communications, Grant’s offices were more connected to the football operations section of Maker’s Mark Football Center.
“I came to check on you.”
Walking around to the front of my desk, I leanedagainst it and crossed my arms over my breasts. “A wellness check on your favorite cousin.”
“You’re my only cousin.” He lifted his hand. “I mean, if you’re ready for Drew tomorrow, I’ll leave you alone. I just didn’t want to see my only cousin faltering in front of the team.”
Dropping my arms, I exhaled. “Thank you for your vote of confidence.”
“Vee, you’re great at what you do. I get why Uncle Reid wants you to get your feet wet on the football operations side. It’s that failing won’t instill confidence in the Coopers’ staff or players. I’ve been thinking about it. I’ve been working with the Coopers nearly twice as long as you have. My job is communications. I don’t want a weak link to threaten our brand.”
My lips pursed as I tilted my head. “Why do I have the feeling I’m about to be mansplained?”
“It’s not mansplaining, other than I’m a man and I want to explain.”
Totally different.
“Great. Explain,” I said.
“You excel here, in stadium operations and marketing. I’ve spent the last eighteen years in communications and broadcasting. Uncle Reid has had most of his attention on business operations. Lip is the chief brand officer. We all have our roles. Together we can convince Uncle Reid that your presence in the football side is a waste of time.”
“A waste of time? Your mother has announced she wants to retire. That’s why Dad wants me to step up my presence in football operations.”
“Uncle Reid and Dad aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. When that time comes, we divide up the oversight as they’ve done.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Just so I’m clear on what you’re suggesting, you think that once the team is in my control, I should simply trust someone else with the running of football operations without actually knowing the ins and outs.”
“Vee, you won’t be the sole owner. Dad told Lip and me that the team will be broken into three parts.”
My neck straightened. “I believe you’re mistaken. Besides, why would Dad include you and Lip and not Leigh?”
“You’ll need to ask him. I’ll tell Drew and Royce that you won’t be able to make practice tomorrow.”
“No, Grant, you won’t. I will be there, doing what Dad asked of me.”
“Vee, I’m offering this for your own good. The Coopers rely primarily on the Erhardt-Perkins call system. It’s complicated.”
“If you can figure it out, I doubt I’ll have a problem.” My lips curled. “Grant, I’m so grateful for your visit. I’ll be ready tomorrow, don’t worry.”
“It’s your funeral. The respect you’ve earned over the years will disintegrate.”
“Your confidence is flattering.”
“I saw your expression yesterday when Drew told you to be at tomorrow’s practice. You’ve never been good at poker. You went pale.”
I began walking toward the door. “Thanks for stopping by. It’s kind of you to be concerned.” I opened the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As I began to close the door, I heard multiple deep male voices.
Shit.
A quick peek around the corner and I saw Grant and Fin in Jen’s office. While my cousin was wearing his usual business casual, Fin was wearing very casual attire—a t-shirt and gym shorts. If I was in the mood to smile, I would at the sight of Fin towering over Grant.
I inhaled. “Jen, please ask everyone to leave.”
