As a PR agent who is also running the team's social media platforms singlehandedly, I have little downtime. Though, even if I had the time, been there, done that. I have a no athletes rule now.
I need to stay focused, so Andrew recommends me to take his place as head of the department when he retires in June.
Less hours, less labour. More pay; more power.
Emalyn loops her elbow through mine and leads me away.
The players aren’t on the ice yet. They’re still getting ready in the locker room. I check my watch. Perfect.
“The puppies should be back from their walks any minute so it will work perfectly if we get started in about twenty minutes. Think you’ll be set?”
“Yes, we can do their ice shots with the pups for socials first. Then everyone's photo op with their month’s props and back drops in the flex room after. Sounds good?”
“Sounds great.” I flash a grin. I love how efficient Emalyn is. The girl doesn’t play around.
“Allison? TJ asked me to let you know he couldn’t be in today. Apparently, he has comedown with the flu. Coach Randall told him to stay home so he doesn’t spread it to the other players.” My assistant Talia informs me with a grimace.
My ex-husband, TJ, who has my phone number because we share a son, decided to go through my assistant last minute?
I take a calming breath. If he had the flu, then there’s no way he can take Hudson for his weekend. They were supposed to go away for the weekend, and I had made plans with Emalyn and Dakota.
Obviously, I can easily cancel them but that’s not the point. He seemed fine at yesterday's practice. Of course he didn’t text me himself. He always finds the easiest way out of anything that requires basic communication. And now Hudson’s weekend is probably off, which means mine is too. Great. Exactly what I needed today.
“Thanks, Talia. Let’s just get this show on the road without him. Do we have any other willing players? Maybe Ronan?”
Emalyn scrunches her face at the suggestion. “Ew, please no. Anyone else.”
“Actually, Em, He’s already in the lineup. Viktor had a previous sponsorship obligation,” Talia says slowly. She takes a cautious step back when Emalyn narrows her eyes.
“Okay, I’ll just have to go ask Coach Randall to choose someone else. Be right back.”
“Ooh,or you could ask Coach Randall to participate.” Emalyn's eyes actually twinkle as she bounces her brows and bites her lip. “What I would give to see that man shirtless. Talk about a silver fox.”
My jaw drops open even as a surprised laugh falls from my lips. She’s never been so brazen in her ogling before.
“Emalyn!” I cover my mouth to stifle my giggles.
“I don’t think he’s old enough to be a silver fox. His hair is still brown.” Talia frowns.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I shake my head trying to tamp down my smile. I shouldn’t indulge her inappropriate jokes, amusing as they are.
I turn to head to his office but run into a hard chest. I let out an oof as the brick wall doesn’t even move. The goalie is looking past me with his ice blue eyes narrowed on Emalyn.
“He’s a little old for you don’t you think Emmy?” Ronan's face contorts into a fake smile.
She is the picture of mock innocence as she fiddles with her schedule. She tilts her head and taps her pen to her mouth in consideration. “Hm, maybe but I think I'd like a man withexperience.”
Ronan scoffs and leads me away by my elbow before I can protest. He raises his voice loud enough that Emalyn can hear, “Come on, Alli. Let’s go pick out an age-appropriate stand in.”
He practically drags me down the hall, past the coach's office and muttering under his breath all the while. “That girl is something else.”
He picks up speed, which is just rude because my heels are not built for emergencies. I roll my lips in, so I don’t laugh. Those two go at it like cats and dogs. It’s then that I notice the door he’s stopped outside of.
Absolutely not. Nothing good happens past this point. Nothing.
I dig my heels in.
“Oh no, I’m not going in there.” I pull my arm back. He keeps his loose grip on my arm but assures me it’s fine. He pokes his head in first. “Everyone decent? Visitor!” He shouts and not even a second later is dragging me into the room.
