I get up and move to lean against the front of the desk. It’s impossible to have a decent conversation while sitting in that ridiculous chair.
“I’m already on it. New furniture has been ordered, and it’ll arrive later this week. The maintenance guys are coming tomorrow to repaint andremove most of the old furniture to storage. By next week, it will look brand new and much more appealing, thank goodness.”
He’s giving Abby a big handful of treats instead of just one, something I choose to ignore this time. Pushover much? Well, to be fair, he’s not the only one.
“Color?” he asks.
“I went mostly with white but added some blue accents—a navy blue sofa and chairs alongside a lovely glass coffee table. I’ll probably incorporate a few more touches to make the space feel inviting. I want people to feel welcomed, not intimidated.”
He nods in agreement with my décor choices. We’re doing everything we can to change the office atmosphere.
“I love it. We’re already making positive changes.” He scratches Abby’s head. “Speaking of which, we need to talk about our PA. Damon mentioned I should ask what you call her.”
“Matilda the Hun,” I deadpan.
Jacob bursts out laughing. “Oh my god, that’s perfect. Let’s never repeat it during business hours.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I chuckle. “She’s efficient, but not the face I want representing our leadership.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I’m considering hiring a couple of entry-level positions to assist her. They can help lighten the load and learn her routine. I have a specific candidate in mind—she’s young, just out of college, smart as a whip, and has a great work ethic. She’s the daughter of a close friend. We need some insight into everything Matilda does. I have a feeling it’s more than anyone realizes or that she’s willing to let on. So, we need to be careful about how we approach this.”
I’m relieved that he’s aware of her influence. It’s subtle, and it took me a few days to see it, but it’s definitely not positive. One bad apple, as they say.
“Yes. She’s close to retirement, so let’s get her out the door as soon as possible. There’s a lot about her behavior that’s concerning. I’ll check in with Damon about their interactions, too. From what I’ve heard, not all of them have been pleasant,” I reply, making a mental note to ask him for more details.
“Agreed. Looking into it is on my to-do list, but I got sidetracked. So, what do you think about our new GM?” He gives me a sly look. Whenever he does that, I know he’s up to something, but I decide to take his question at face value.
“I think he’s wonderful. He’s taken charge immediately and already ordered new gym equipment. He’s mapped out a complete floor plan and is blocking off some excess storage space for new offices, with construction set to start next week. Honestly, I’m amazed at how much progress he’s made. Oh, we also need to hire a general office manager soon so he can focus more on the players and less on administrative tasks, but I must say, I’m impressed.”
Of course, I won’t mention how much I’m enjoying the eye candy that is our new general manager. There’s no need to discuss my appreciation of some hot hockey butt on the daily, and good God, does he have a nice backside. He obviously works out, which is something I wouldn’t mind seeing up close and personal.
Yum.
Yeah, I’m not sharing any of those thoughts with my nephew.
“Aw, what a professional answer, Aunt Jos.” He smirks at my enthusiastic praise of Damon. It’s as if he knows something I don’t. He has a secretive smile on his face as he gets up to leave. What is he up to?
At the door, he turns back and asks, completely off-topic, “Are you going home soon? I can walk you out.”
And just like that, I remember why I love him. He’s such a gentleman. I take full credit for that since I practically raised him. God knows hisparents were never around to do it. The kids and I, including Jacob, have all bonded over surviving the Robertson brothers. Believe me, there was a lot of therapy involved. Jacob got the worst of it. He’s been working with his dad for years, and that has to have had some adverse effects.
“I still have some work to do, but I can finish it at home. Give me five minutes to gather my things and get Abby ready.”
“No problem. Meet me at the elevator.” He heads toward his office, still smirking, but I don’t let it fluster me.
I’m watching you, Jacob.
Chapter Six
Damon
“Jonesy, man, how’s it going? Miss me yet?” This is the call I’ve been waiting for this morning. I’m about to poach one of the best scouts in the business for my new team. It helps that he’s also one of my best friends. I’m hoping it will be the tipping point.
“Every day, dude, every fuckin’ day. Your replacement is a complete douche. Fucker never listens to me.”
Oh, this is excellent. I have him right where I want him.
“Well, how would you feel about moving to Colorado, yeah?” I’m laying my cards on the table, but he appreciates honesty. We have twenty-eight years of hockey history together, and you don’t mess with that kind of friendship. It’s in the bro code. I met Jonesy during Pee Wee hockey. We were 10 years old, and the way my mom tells it, we were slightly feral. I’m not sure she was kidding when she said that. After having a child of my own, I’m even less confident.
