I pay the check and walk to my car. The drive to my SoHo office takes fifteen minutes in light Sunday traffic, and I use the time to push thoughts of Cole firmly out of my mind.
The office building is quiet, with only the security guard and a few other workaholics around. I like Sundays here. It’s just me, my computer, and the satisfaction of turning last night's triumph into actionable next steps.
I settle at my desk with a fresh cup of coffee and open a new document.
For the next four hours, I lose myself in the work. I work on vendor performance evaluations, guest feedback summaries, budget reconciliation, and lessons learned for future events.
My phone buzzes around two PM. Brett's name flashes on the screen.
“Hey, Stubbs.” His voice fills me with instant warmth. “I saw some photos from last night on the Renegades' social media. That gala looked incredible.”
“It was amazing,” I say, pride in my voice. “Everything went perfectly. The sponsors were thrilled, and the media coverage was incredible.”
“That's my sister! I knew you'd knock it out of the park. I'm so proud of you, Harper. This is huge.”
“Thanks. It feels surreal, honestly.”
“Listen, I'm actually in the city with a few guys from the team. We flew down for a charity event.”
“Oh, Cool.”
“Anyway, we’ll be done in a couple of hours, and we’re thinking of grabbing an early dinner before we fly back. Want to join us? I haven't seen you in forever.”
“I'd love that.” The prospect of seeing my brother fills me with unexpected happiness. “Where and when?”
“How about that Italian place you like in Little Italy? Primavera’s? Around four?”
“Perfect. I'll be there.”
“What are you doing now? Please tell me you're not working on a Sunday.”
I glance at my computer screen, covered with spreadsheets and vendor reports. “Maybe a little.”
“Harper Elizabeth Hayes, it's Sunday afternoon. You just pulled off the event of a lifetime. Take a break.”
“Look who's talking. Don't you usually train on your days off?”
Brett's relentless work ethic inspired me to approach my own career with the same dedication. Cole is exactly the same way, spending evenings reviewing game footage and mornings in the gym before dawn.
I wonder what Cole is doing right now. He’s probably at the gym or analyzing plays for next week's practice. The thought slips in before I can stop it, and I immediately chastise myself.
Why does he keep sneaking into my thoughts?
I shake my head and focus on Brett's voice. This dinner will be the perfect distraction. Just me, my brother, and his teammates.
“That's different. That's hockey,” Brett says, jerking me back to the present.
“This is my career too,” I point out.
“Touché. But seriously, you work too hard. Promise me you'll celebrate this win properly.”
“I promise. See you at four.”
After we hang up, I find myself grinning at my computer screen. Brett has that effect on me. He’s the one person who has always believed in my dreams, so having him in the city feels like the perfect way to celebrate last night's success.
I won’t think about Cole or the complications we've created. I'm just excited to see my big brother and share this moment with him.
13
