“I managed to get the TV,” Liam announces, already laughing.
Owen nudges the cart into place, making a great show out of it for the girls. “This is the exact one we use to watch game footage in the locker room.”
The girls are already buzzing.
“What are we watching?” someone calls out.
“Tape from the playoffs last year?”
I cross my arms, leaning back against the table like I’ve done this a hundred times. “We’re going to watch a very important movie.”
Liam looks at me, his mouth hanging open, but I ignore him.
“It’s about jewelry,” I continue, “and how jewelry can play a significant role in a story.”
Now Liam’s really looking at me; Owen, too. Both of them waiting.
“What, likeOcean’s Eleven?” one of the girls asks.
I shake my head. “No. Not a movie about jewelry thieves.”
I step over to the ancient setup, holding up the DVD player like it’s a rare artifact. “I even found one of these. I can’t believe it still works.”
“Pretty sure it doesn’t,” Owen mutters.
“It works,” I say, more confidently than I feel, plugging it in.
Liam leans in slightly. “What are you doing?”
“Trusting the process,” I say, sliding the disc in.
“Ty—”
I hit play and the screen flickers.Pretty Woman.
From the back of the room, Owen lets out a long sigh and immediately turns for the door. “I smell an HR issue coming.”
He’s gone in three seconds flat. But the girls? Hooked and already whispering.
Liam steps closer to me, lowering his voice. “Are you serious right now?”
I keep my eyes on the screen. “It’s Julia Roberts.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“It’s about jewelry,” I add, nodding toward the TV like that settles it. “There’s a necklace. It’s important.”
Liam stares at me. “Did you get permission from their parents?” he asks. ”I think it’s rated R.”
“It’sPretty Woman,” I say.
“That is not a permission slip.”
“They’ll be fine.”
Liam makes a choking sound, shaking his head. “Vivian is going to kill you.”
I let out a quiet breath, something lighter cutting through everything else that’s been sitting heavy in my chest.
