Micah laughs. “He just can’t resist hanging around, even in the off-season.”
Kate’s eyes roll. “This is Jay Oliviera. He’s interviewing for the photography team.”
Bobby turns, grin already in place, and for a split second, it’s like watching one of those post-match interviews come to life. “Good to meet you, man,” he says, shaking my hand.
“Likewise,” I manage, shaking his in return. “Big fan, by the way.”
“Appreciate it,” he says, grin widening. “You’re braver than most showing up here before Micah’s had her coffee.”
Micah rolls her eyes. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just here to avoid his rehab sessions.”
“Not true,” he says easily. “I’m here for moral support. And free coffee. So, photography, you say? You know the Knights are a great team, too.”
“Not as killer as my team, Bobby.” Kate laughs and gestures down the corridor. “Come on, Jay, before Bobby tries to steal you for the Knights, let’s get you to the media office.”
“Good to meet you both,” I say as we leave.
As I follow Kate, I mull over her words about stealing me. The truth of it is, I want this job, but if the Knights have an opening, I wouldn’t say no to that, either.
We step into the conference room, sunlight pouring across the table. A man stands, closing his laptop. “Jay Oliviera,” he says, extending a hand. “Cole Miller. Head of media. Welcome to the coast.”
“Thanks for having me,” I say, shaking his hand.
“Trust me,” he replies, nodding toward the window, “it’s us who feel lucky that you fell into our lap, your portfolio is sensational.”
Heat creeps up my neck at the compliment. It’s been a long time since someone took note of how much care I put into my work. “Thank you, sir.”
Waving me off, he smiles. “Please call me Cole. I’ve been looking forward to this interview since we emailed you, so let’s get started, shall we?”
I nod, still trying to reconcile the idea that someone like him—someone at this level—has actually been waiting forme.
Chapter forty-six
Liv
“Oh,thisisthecutest little coffee shop,” Bethany says as we enter Mug Life.
One wall is filled with plants and succulents, while the neon pink sign hangs over the cashier, framing the coffee cups on the shelves.
“They do the best iced tea here,” I say, pulling her forward.
We order—mine, the usual iced tea but decaf; hers, a hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream—and when our drinks are ready, we find a table by the window. Outside, rain streaks the glass in steady lines. Inside, it’s all warmth and chatter, the scent of coffee beans and cinnamon filling the space. After walking around all morning, it feels nice to sit and just relax for a second.
Bethany wraps both hands around her cup. “I like it here.”
“I’m glad,” I say, and mean it. Bethany seems like a really nice girl, and this morning has been easier than I expected, considering we only met today.
She pulls out her phone and answers an incoming call.
“Hey, Dad, yeah, we’re inside… Okay, see you soon.” She hangs up and looks to me. “He’s just coming.”
“Awesome, I can answer any questions he has, too, if you need me to? Then I can leave you guys to explore together.”
“Sounds great, thank you for today, Liv. I’m sure you had a hundred other things to be doing.”
I wave her off. “Please, I’m happy to help.”
Bethany starts to talk about how she’s got a few other universities to visit after Christmas, and I nod along, listening until the bell above the door chimes, and for some reason, it catches my attention. I don’t know why, because it’s a background noise, but something told me to look over, and when I do, I lose all sense of where I am.
