Plus, I have all these questions rolling through my mind, and I can’t seem to stop them. At this point, I don’t know what to think. My head is spinning, and I feel completely out of my comfort zone.
Well, you could have asked him any of these questions, like an adult.
If I were acting like an adult, I probably would have, but for some unknown reason, I chose to act like a teenager. Ugh, why am I such a hot mess? So many reasons this is a bad idea.
Not only am I his boss, but our jobs frequently put us in the public eye. It’s not an issue currently because this year’s season hasn’t started.Once it does, the press and the attention seekers will crawl out from under their rocks and spew their venom.
It happened after Kurt died. Tad handled all the media attention for me because I couldn’t stand there and pretend to be in mourning, so I avoided the press. Even when they camped out in front of our house for weeks, I still refused to deal with it. Tad had to hire a security firm to get the kids to school unmolested. It was so invasive and left me bitter toward the media. Eventually, they left us alone, but it left its mark on our family.
Granted, Damon and I had chosen to be part of a professional sports team, which meant we’d signed up to be part of the media circus. So it’s not like this was unexpected. As an owner, my position is more insulated from public opinion. Weathering that storm would be much easier for me than for Damon. He handles ninety-five percent of our press conferences and is the media face of the Colorado Wolves. It would put him in a defensive position, and I don’t want that for him.
I cross a bridge over the Platte River, feet pounding the pavement in a steady rhythm. This is the point where I typically start heading back, but I’m still lost in thought, so I keep going, hoping the exercise will help me gain clarity. Abby loves to run, so she doesn’t hesitate as we continue. I always feel much safer when she’s with me. Although it’s afternoon right now, so it’s not a concern, early mornings can occasionally be a little dicey.
My phone dings with a text. I pull it out of my pocket, but don’t stop as I check the sender. Jacob.
Jacob:You okay? U left early.
I slow down to a walk to send a response. Is he concerned or looking for gossip? Ugh, that’s not fair to him. He’s just being nice.
Jos:Is this your way of saying you miss our EOD chats?
Jacob:More worried that Abby missed her treats.
Jos:ha ha like she misses any treats between you and Damon.
Jacob:Well she is the bestest girl
Jos:Yes she is. Srsly Im good. Got dinner with the bestie tonight. Needed a run first. All good here.
Jacob:If you say so…
Jos:Nosy
Jacob:Of course
Jos:All good here
Jacob:Sigh Fine. See ya tomorrow
Great. I’m sure he knows something is going on with us. Leaving me a copy of the HR manual wasn’t even slightly subtle. I don’t know how to address it without outing our relationship, if I haven’t already.
Jacob has been back in the office this week, thank goodness, but I’m still concerned. His usual happy-go-lucky attitude is absent. This afternoon, during one of our many meetings, he looked sad and tired. I don’t like it. I’m sure it has to do with his fiancée. I promise myself I’ll check in with him tomorrow, first thing. He’s one of my favorite people, and it hurts my heart to see him like this. Besides, he’s been overly interested in my personal life. Maybe it’s time I return the favor.
Redfin Sushi is one of our favorite restaurants, and my bestie and I usually eat there at least once a week. Lainy is already there, and she’s claimed our favorite booth in the corner. I hug her, holding her tight as all the emotions of the week threaten to overwhelm me. She hugs me back just as hard. The warmth of our friendship fills me up. Somehow, things never seem so bad after a session of girl talk.
“Oh, Lainy. I am so glad to see you.” I sink into the booth with relief.
She looks at me closely, raising an eyebrow.
“Okay, spill!” Concern laces her voice as she reaches for my hand in support. Of course, my bestie can read me like a book. My heart swells because there’s nothing better than talking it all out with your best friend.
“Well, remember when I said I didn’t like sex?” I say tentatively.
“Oh my God! You had sex. Was it the silver fox? Because, damn, girl!” she crows triumphantly. “Finally. Was it amazing? It had to be. He’s too hot to suck in bed. That would be a terrible waste. I need details.”
Why is she so loud? I wince because now everyone is looking our way. Not exactly the discretion I was hoping for.
“Yes, please, let’s shout about my sex life so everyone can hear. Maybe we can ask everyone for their input, too?” I hiss. I swear she doesn’t even notice the attention she draws.
