“I believe we’re the only ones,” I answer.
Sean sighs and shakes his head. “You didn’t need to barge down my door to plead your case, but it is commendable that you’d stand up for your teammates. But it’s all been handled already.”
Zhuri smiles at our friends. “Everything is fine. We’re signing amended contracts. The no-fraternization policy has changed within the league, and each team gets to decide how to apply it.”
“Oh,” she says quietly. “I did not know that.”
“Now that I know about the two of you,” Sean says, gesturing between Sid and Bet, “I’ll be taking necessary action the same way I’m doing for Cameron and Zhuri. You’ll be signing new contracts and declaring your relationship with HR. You’ll also each pay a fifty-thousand-dollar fine for breaking your contracts. A suspension isn’t necessary.”
“Did I really not need to make this a big thing?” Elisabet asks.
Sidney laughs and shakes his head. “I told you we should just talk to them.”
When the ink dries on our new contracts, I feel lighter than I’ve ever felt.
I’m keeping my career as well as the woman I love more than anything.
Good things are happening to me, and it’s about goddamn time.
I’ve never felt luckier than I do right now.
fifty
Zhuri
“I’msofuckinghappythat everything worked out,” Isla smiles, sitting next to me on our locker room bench while we re-lace our skates before tonight’s preseason game.
After leaving our meeting with Sean, we met up with Nico, Bodhi, Wes, and Isla to share everything that had happened. Since Nia couldn’t meet up, I texted her the basic details so she’s aware. I’m sure she’ll grill me about it later.
“So am I.” My grin hasn’t left since this morning.
My career is safe.
My relationship is safe.
Those are the two most important things to me right now.
I still wish we knew who sent the pictures, but at least the damage has been contained.
“Have you two decided when you’ll go public?” Bet asks.
I shrug. “Not yet. We’ll figure out the right time, though. We can’t keep it secret for long if we want the team to still trust us as their co-captains.”
“Sid and I aren’t sure either. I’m less concerned about the impact on us, though. I hope the team can accept both of our relationships.”
“I’m optimistic,” I state. I lower my voice now as I look at Isla and Bet. “Cameron told me he loved me last night.”
“What?!” Elisabet practically shouts before quieting down. “That’s amazing!”
“Did you say it back?” Isla prods, leaning forward in excitement. She may not date, but she seems to enjoy a good love story.
I nod and smile. “I did. I know it all happened so fast, but I really do love him.”
“You’ve always been cautious, Z,” Isla says. “You wouldn’t say it if you weren’t sure. Who cares how fast it was? When you know, you know.”
“Speaking from experience, Icy?” Bet teases.
Isla rolls her eyes. “No. Never been in love, don’t want to be either. I do read books, though.”
