At least no one at the event tonight will be able to tell it’s fake, that’s for sure.
Piper
“Cash,do you support the team’s charity initiatives?” a reporter asks him.
We arrived at the event to a slew of reporters hanging out. With this being a team event, they wanted to have all the local and national press here.
I know Cash hates it. In the few weeks we’ve been doing this thing, I’ve realized talking to the press is the worst part of his job.
If he could only play hockey and not have to deal with people, he’d love it.
He takes a minute before answering. My guess is to come up with an answer that won’t be shitty toward said reporter.
“Of course I do,” he tells them. “The charity tonight is one that is close to the team’s heart. I love what they do to support inclusivity in sports. Something we should all work toward.”
“It’s a wonderful thing the Black Diamonds are doing with the gala to raise money.” The reporter turns his eyes to me. I dig my fingers into Cash’s hand and squeeze a bit harder. “And who is this on your arm?”
“Personal questions are off-limits,” Cash snaps at him.
Squeezing his bicep, I drop into the perfect girlfriend role. I know Cash doesn’t want to blast his personal life, but isn’t this the whole point of me being here?
“I’m Cash’s date for the evening.” I don’t give them any more information than that. Knowing them, they’ll figure out exactly who I am within hours.
“And do you support the causes the team supports?”
Okay, what is it with these reporters? No wonder Cash hates them and their repetitive questions.
“I love the work the team does. I’m Denver born and raised, so the Black Diamonds are my team. Anything they do is a win in my book.”
He nods along before moving on to the next person in line. Cash tugs at me as we head inside the double doors.
“That was a good answer.”
“Thanks.” I tilt my head up to look at him. “Hopefully that keeps them off your back.”
A smile slips out before he covers it, shifting his hand to my back to escort me inside. A rush of heat flares up in me, but I do my best to ignore it.
The banquet hall of the event is expertly decorated. Guests in elegant formal wear linger among high-top tableswith candles flickering. The lights are dim as servers weave in and out of the groups to offer champagne. Another offers small canapés. A silent auction table lines one wall while photos of Team Rainbow’s work scroll on TVs spread through the room.
“Seems a bit extravagant,” Cash whispers, his breath ghosting my ear. “A lot of this money probably could’ve gone to the organization itself.”
“Do you know how much money they’ll raise tonight?” I ask, my voice breathy.
“A shit ton.” Cash is now smiling down at me. More butterflies are fluttering my belly. Damn my body and the reaction he causes in me. “That’s why we’re here.”
Giving me a wink, he grabs a drink from a passing waiter and hands me the flute. Photographers are still milling about. Whether it’s the for the press, the team, or whoever else, I know I need to put on a good face for Cash’s benefit tonight.
Which was why Angie dragged me for a spa day to get ready for tonight. I’m so thankful she did. I would not have been prepared to come to something like this on my own.
I know my parents have been to events like this over the years since my dad is best friends with Alex Young, the founder of Team Rainbow, but I’ve never been.
And if it weren’t for Cash, I wouldn’t be here now.
For someone that doesn’t like the press, he’s good with people.
Surprisingly so.
Guests come up and talk to him about the season. About playing for the Black Diamonds. Where they were when the team won a Stanley Cup a few years ago.
