And even though I don’t want to, I'm looking forward to finding out what she'll do next.
5
Harper
My team is clustered around the conference table, their eyes glazed from staring at the Renegades event timeline plans for too long.
“Okay, people,” I say, clapping my hands together. “The season kickoff gala is in seventeen days. The Rainbow Room is booked, which means we have the venue, but everything else is still up in the air.”
Jessica looks up from her laptop, a slight frown creasing her forehead. “Catering proposals are coming in, but the numbers are higher than expected. Apparently, everyone jacks up prices when they hear NHL event.”
“Of course they do.” I grab my coffee mug and take a sip, the warmth helping me focus. “Amber, what's our guest count looking like?”
“Requests for confirmations have gone out,” Amber says, scrolling through her tablet. “That includes sponsors and media.”
“James, where are we on entertainment?”
“Three bands shortlisted, all available for the date. I've got meetings set up for tomorrow to hear them play.”
I nod, my mind already racing through logistics. “Perfect. Jessica, handle all the vendor negotiations, don't let them fleece us just because it's the Renegades. Amber, start working on seating charts and VIP areas. James, after you book entertainment, focus on décor and lighting.”
My phone buzzes as I'm heading back to my office. Brett's name flashes on the screen, and I grin. I know exactly what this call is about. Cole must have told him about our little surprise meeting yesterday.
“Hey, big brother,” I answer, settling into my desk chair.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Brett's voice is warm with pride. “The Renegades, Harper? Holy shit, that's huge.”
“Language,” I tease, even though I'm glowing at his reaction.
“Don't deflect. Tell me everything. How did this happen?”
I lean back in my chair. “The company that originally got the contract pulled out at the last minute. Some kind of embezzlement scandal. Renegades needed someone who could start immediately, and apparently, we were their second choice. Sloppy seconds, but I'll take it.”
“Hardly sloppy,” Brett says, and then his tone turns serious. “Harper, why didn't you tell me about this? I had to find out from Cole, and he said he had no idea, and you’restayingwith him. Do you have any idea how shocked he was when you walked into that meeting?”
The memory of Cole's expression when he walked into Jennifer’s office makes me smile. “I can imagine. He nearly tripped.”
“That's not the point. Why keep this from me?”
I set down my pen and choose my words carefully. “Because I wanted to do this on my own, Brett. No connections, no favors, no big brother putting in a good word. Just my company's merit.”
Brett sighs.
“And because I don't want anyone on the team to know about our connection. Everyone in the hockey world knows you and Cole are best friends. If they find out I'm your sister, everything I accomplish will be attributed to nepotism.”
Brett is quiet for a moment. “I just want to help when I can.”
“I know and I love that, but I need to prove myself here.”
“I'm so proud of you,” he says finally. “You've worked your ass off to build your company, and now you're planning events for one of the biggest teams in the NHL. That's all you, Stubbs.”
After we hang up, I try to dive back into work, but my phone rings again.
“Ms. Hayes, this is Noah Ward. I've finished the assessment of your apartment.”
“Hello, Noah. Please tell me you have good news for me.”
“I'm afraid I need to meet with you in person to go over everything. Are you available to meet at your apartment today? I can walk you through what we're looking at.”
