Page 46 of Golden Goal

“Today’s an exception to the rule,” Wes answers, stepping back so Hunter can take his place.

Hunter claps Brody on the back. “Can’t believe you kept this from us.”

Brody shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets. “They didn’t make it official until last night. Congrats, Cap.” He beams at Hunter. “Have you told Caleb yet?”

The door to the conference room opens again, and Caleb comes sauntering in. “I heard the news. Had to stop by and say congrats.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. Something tells me he already knew, which is how he got here so fast.

“When are you going to get a job here?” Elias pipes up.

Caleb throws back his head and laughs. “I think Jenna would kill me.” He turns to Brody. “I’m surprised you agreed to this, considering all of the other changes about to happen in your life. How does Aubrey feel about it?”

Brody smiles at the mention of his best friend turned fiancée. “She’s the one who encouraged me to take the position.”

“This calls for a celebratory lunch,” Wes says, throwing his arms around Brody and Hunter.

“While I’d love to, Hadley’s got a photography gig this afternoon, so I’ve got to get home so she can get to that,” I tell them, grateful I have an excuse to not go.

I feel a little guilty, but I’m not in the mood to celebrate. I’m still reeling from Becca’s rejection the other day. I probably shouldn’t have expected anything else, so I guess that’s on me, but I still feel kind of shitty. Which is why I’ve been avoiding her. It’s easier than having to act as if things aren’t weird and awkward between us. Maybe one day we’ll be fine, but today is not that day.

“Aww, come on, Holt. Go get Hazel and meet us there,” Wes pleads.

“It’s nap time. The whole day will be screwed up if I mess with her nap.” I shake my head.

“True story.” Caleb points at me. “Never mess with their schedule.”

I turn toward the door.

“Bye.” I throw a hand up, glancing at them over my shoulder.

They yell their goodbyes as I walk out of the room.

Chapter nineteen

Rebecca

Three days before Christmas, Dad and Jill arrive. “Merry Christmas, Becca.” Dad greets me with a hug.

“Hi, Dad. It’s not Christmas yet.” I relax into his arms. I’d not realized how starved for human touch I’d become recently.

The last person I touched outside of work was Holt.

When he kissed me.

Three weeks ago.

No, I’m not counting.

Okay, fine. Yes, I am. And now I’m thinking about that night. Again. I push all thoughts of Holt away and instead focus on the fact my family is here for Christmas.

“My turn. My turn,” Jill singsongs, and I giggle as she pushes my father aside to hug me. Although no one could move Calvin Jansen unless he wanted to be moved, even now at the ripe old age of sixty-eight, it’s more like he gets out of her way. “Hey, Becca.”

“We have a little while before we should leave for the arena. Can I get you something to drink or eat?” I ask when we’ve moved into the living room and they get comfortable on the couch.

The one thing my dad requested we do while he and Jill were in town for the holidays, was go to a hockey game. He claimed, and I quote, he wanted to see where I worked and who I worked for. I was happy to oblige and got tickets from the marketing department for today’s game.

“Sit down.” Dad points to the chair next to the couch. “You’re making me nervous standing there. Hovering. We need to talk.”