Page 9 of Hard to Get

I’ve been doing this for a while. I’m used to it, but I’m still depressed by it. I’ve had to work so hard to be accepted and taken seriously. This contract with the NHL went a long ways toward opening doors with other big clients, and I’m grateful for that. I’m not going to fuck it up by sleeping around with the men I work with.

“I’m heading out,” I say to Troy. “It’s been a long day. Actually, it’s been a long year.”

He laughs. “True that. Okay. See you tomorrow.”

I say goodnight to the others and leave the bar. I’m literally four blocks from home, so I set out walking along Nelson Street, then around the corner to my condo. This is definitely one of the reasons I wanted to live in this neighbourhood. It’s safe, close to our offices, the arena, and lots of great bars and restaurants. I definitely splurged on my Yaletown condo now that we’re making money, but it’s worth every penny.

And I have my beloved waiting for me there. Betty.

4

JAYDEN

Training camp is basically over. There’s one more exhibition game in Calgary, but I’m not playing in that game. For camp, we’re divided into two teams and as cuts are made to the roster, the teams get smaller then combined into one. Coach is letting us “veterans” rest rather than travel to Calgary. There’s really only a few guys they want to watch during this last pre-season game before they submit the opening day roster to the league on Tuesday.

So some of the guys are coming over to my place to watch the game and hang out.

Before anyone arrives, I have to take Frank for his evening walk, so I leash him up and head out. The tall buildings in the neighbourhood keep the streets in the shadows of low evening sun. We stroll along Richards Street, Frank pausing to sniff along the way to the park.

“We can’t stay long tonight, buddy,” I tell him. “We’ve got company coming.”

Once on the turf in the park, he does his business quickly, thankfully. I take him to the dog run area for a quick frolic. As soon as he’s off the leash, he takes off running. I saunter behind him and then I see why he was so speedy: he’s found his new buddy, Betty.

And Stella.

She’s crouched down, patting Frank, and looks up for me. I smile as I approach and she smiles back.

I’m still flabbergasted by seeing her at that game. She looked different, dressed in a sharp pantsuit in a blue-grey colour, the jacket fitted to her slender curves, the pants wide, a silky top beneath, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail. She looked like the literal definition of girl boss, ready to kick ass and get shit done.

I’m still trying to get my head around who she is. Obviously, I had to google her when I got home that night. Now my flabbers are even more ghasted. I don’t know what I thought she did for a living, but running a big tech company was not even in my top ten guesses. She has a fucking Wikipedia page!

Well, so do I. But mine is short.

Hers is long and impressive. And intimidating as fuck.

I was also bummed about her rejection the other night. I like women and I like having a social life as much as I can given my schedule, and Stella seemed really cool. She wasn’t wearing a ring, but I guess it’s possible she has a boyfriend. Or she’s just not interested in me.

I really felt like she was, though.

There was something… a little flicker, a little heat. Or maybe I’m a dumbass and I’m imagining it all. Especially now I know who she is.

I keep my expression neutral as I stop near them. “Hi, Stella.” I drop my gaze. “And Betty.”

“Hi, Jayden.”

She knows my name.

She straightens. Today, she’s dressed in navy leggings, a white T-shirt, and a thick white sweater. Back to the casual girl-next-door look. “How are you?”

“Good. You?”

This sucks. I never should have invited her out for a drink. Then our paths crossed at the arena and now things are weird.

“I’m okay. Happy it’s Friday.”

“Rough week?”

“Yeah, a bit.” She shrugs, still smiling, and turns to watch our dogs chase each other.