by Mary Smith
“Did you have a DNA test?” Janan’s harsh tone cut deep with Caryn.
“At my request, yes. And I am his daughter.”
“Why didn’t you tell us immediately?” Nova stood and moved closer to Janan.
“Because I was thirty-one-years-old, at the time, an only child who never knew her father. I had just lost my mother and had to process this life-changing event. I wanted to ensure Oliver and I got along without any distractions.” Confessing to them wasn’t as hard as she thought. In fact, it made her feel better to get it all out into the open.
“Why don’t you three talk it out?” Hamilton motioned for Teo to follow him. Teo picked up Klara, and they strolled out of the bedroom.
The silence almost deafened Caryn, but Janan and Nova said nothing. “You know I’m going to make you tell me what you’re feeling. Although, it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.” Caryn knew the girls well enough to get them to open up.
“I’m feeling shocked and betrayed.” Nova spoke up first.
“And embarrassed,” Janan added.
“Why embarrassed?” Caryn hadn’t expected her to say that.
“I’ve told you some extremely personal things. Now, I wonder if you told Uncle Oliver.” Janan glanced down at the floor.
“You know, no matter what, I would never betray your trust.” Her voice was firm, and she stood taller. She wanted them to know that even though this situation was difficult, she would protect them.
“I think we know that, but we do have doubts,” Nova said.
“That’s completely understandable, but have I ever made you distrust me?” Caryn took a couple steps further into the room.
The girls looked at each other before saying, “No.”
“Not just because it’s my job to uphold patient/therapist confidentiality, it’s also important to me for the people in my life to trust me.” Again, she moved closer to them.
“My life has changed tremendously the past year. My mother—the only person I cared for—died a horrible and painful death.” Tears began to build behind her eyes. “Then I had no one or nothing but a letter. Contacting Oliver was one of the scariest and hardest things I have ever done.”
Again, Janan and Nova looked at each other.
“At that time, I had no one to lean on. Maxima was my closest friend, but I didn’t want to burden her with my troubles. Other than my mother…that’s it.” She stood a couple of feet from them. “Oliver and I have built this relationship, and it’s going well. I’m not trying to impede in your family dynamics, and I definitely don’t want to be involved in Oliver’s businesses. Please know that.”
“I hate to say it, but I thought you might try to take away our jobs.” Janan hung her head in shame.
“I figured.” Caryn touched her shoulder. “I give you my word. The sports teams are all yours. I have no desire to leave my practice or The New Outlook.”
Nova stood and came over to Caryn. “This is a lot to get used to.”
Caryn nodded. “I understand. I’m still trying to get used to it all. I know we can get through it.”
Both the girls nodded in agreement.
“Now, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.” Caryn smiled at them and the three of them left the room together.
Chapter Nine
Cabel sat at the end of Chloe’s dining room table. They had discussed, in great length, the general manager position. He decided he needed to do it. One. He wanted to stay with the Bears. Two. He wasn’t ready to leave the hockey world.
“Are you going to take it?” Chloe asked as he headed toward the door.
“We’ll see.” He kissed her cheek before making his way to the Hummer and heading toward the arena.
The team had a game tonight and he thought about going to watch. It’ll be strange for him to be in the stands and not on the ice. However, it would be his new reality. He’d have to get used to it.
As he pulled into the player’s parking lot, he peeked over at the assigned management spots. One sat empty. The sign read: Reserved for General Manager. He read the words over and over. That could be his spot. His title. His new job.
Easing out of the Hummer, his leg felt a touch better. He went to his physical therapy appointment this morning, and surprisingly it didn’t hurt as bad. His muscles were tight, but it—almost—felt good to move it. He still had a limp, but he hoped, it would go away over time. He made his way toward the elevator without stopping to see the guys.
Stepping off the elevator, he took a second to look at the wall of photos. Oliver had every team photo of the Bears since the first team. He found the one from his first season as a Bear and smirked because he looked like a baby. He studied all the other players in the photo. Not one of them were on the ice now. He was the only one still playing. He knew being the oldest player in the league gave him some respect and a target—of sorts.
“Pops, you okay?”
Cabel turned to see Dag Limon standing next to him. “Yes.”
“You look lost, man,” he commented with some concern.
“I’m good. Just here to chat with Oliver.”
“‘Kay.” He moved to leave, but Cabel stopped him.
“Hey, how’s Twitter girl?”
Dag chuckled. “Good. We’re going on another date.”
Cabel smiled. “Good for you.” He knew Dag’s life was all about his twin boys, but this girl might help him get back into the adult world.
They said their goodbyes and Cabel went to Oliver’s office. He happened to be standing by his secretary’s desk when Cabel approached.
“Afternoon, Cabel,” Oliver greeted him without even looking up from whatever paper he was signing.
“Hi, Oliver. Have a sec?” He tried to make it informal because he still didn’t know what he was going to do.
“Come on in.” He clicked his pen, thanked his secretary, and Cabel followed him into the office. “I guess you have an answer.”
He opened his mouth to decline his offer but stopped. Cabel walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the arena below. He admired the way Oliver located the offices on the top of the arena. No other PHL team had this setup.
“I never grow tired of the view.” Oliver came up next to him.
“How did you get involved in hockey?” Cabel always wondered how someone who didn’t grow up around hockey loved hockey.
“In college, there was a team. I went to one game and was instantly hooked.” He chuckled. “I truly believe hockey has saved me and given me the greatest gifts in my life.”
“How so?” he questioned.
“It helped build my empire as the girls call it. It brought me to Manchester, to Samantha, and gave me Caryn.”
Cabel smiled at the name. “She is special.”
“True.”
They stood in silence for a moment before Cabel said, “I’ll be your general manager.”
The words came out before he could stop them. Nonetheless, saying them felt right. Not being on the ice would be sad, but he’d still have a hand in the hockey world and be in Manchester.
“I knew you would.” Oliver slapped his back. “Let’s check out the contract.”
They moved over to the round table on the other side of the room. Oliver already had the papers laid out and a pen next to them. Cabel knew he was making the right decision. He wanted to remain in hockey, especially with the Bears.
After carefully reading the contract, Cabel signed it without a second of hesitation. He would be the general manager for five years and have a salary similar to his player contract, just slightly less. Nothing he couldn’t survive on, that’s for sure.
“Come with me,” Oliver said after everything was signed.
They strolled together to the elevator and then down to the players’ team room. Oliver opened the door and Coach Long stood in front of the large projection screen going over tapes with the team. No one noticed they had walked in until Oliver cleared his throat.
“
Excuse me, Taden. May I have the floor?”
“Sure.” Taden stepped off to the side as they walked to the front of the room.
“All right, boys, we have an announcement.” Oliver’s voice boomed throughout the room.
Cabel’s eyes scanned the room at his teammates. He always thought to be their equal, now he’d be their boss. The dynamics had definitely changed.
“Cabel, here, is going to have to retire,” Oliver said in his matter-of-fact tone. Cabel noticed the sad expressions on the team. “However…he’s also accepted the position as the Bears new general manager.”
Instantly, the room roared with clapping, whistling, and cheers, which brought a smile to his face.
“Thanks, guys.” Cabel managed to get out after the crowd simmered down. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
Again, the guys clapped.
“Now.” Oliver held up his hand to quiet them. “It’s time for me to address something extremely important.” The tension began to fill the room as Oliver glared at everyone. “I don’t know which of you went off spreading rumors to Jerry Cannon, but I’m pissed. First. My personal business is just that…mine. Second. None of you have any damn right to discuss my personal business without my permission. Third. When I find out who went to Cannon—and trust me I will find out—you will have to deal with me.”
Everyone remained silent. A few even looked scared.
“Caryn Hammonds is a good, decent human being and not at all a gold-digging girlfriend of mine or a gold-digger at all.”
Cabel’s heart raced. Someone had talked badly about Caryn, and he didn’t like it any more than Oliver.
“She’s my daughter,” Oliver simply stated.
There were audible gasps throughout the room.
“I will find out who said it but let me remind everyone in here of something. We’re a team. What happens within these walls stays within these walls. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” the room said in unison.
Now, Cabel wanted to know who said it.
When Cabel finished up at the arena, he decided to call Caryn on his way out.
“Hi.” She sounded breathless.
“Are you okay?” It was a loaded question.
“Not really.”
“What’s wrong?” He wondered if it had to do with Cannon or more than that.
“Everything, which is why I canceled the rest of my day and am heading to The Latte Bean to eat several pastries and drink a large amount of caffeine.”
He heard a car door shut and strained to hear what else was in the background. “I’m at the arena. Would you like some company?”
“Cabel.” She sighed, and he thought she was going to turn him down. “I would love it.”
He smiled even though she couldn’t see him. “I’ll be right there.” The Latte Bean was only two blocks away. He had worked his leg a lot today, but he knew he could handle to walk a few blocks.
It took a bit longer than normal, but as he approached the establishment, he saw Caryn standing on the sidewalk. Her long red hair sat high on her head in a ponytail. She was wearing a green pea coat and a purple skirt which rested just below her knees where her black high boots began.
She took his breath away.
When she turned toward him, a smile grew on his face, and his heart leaped with happiness. She had the same smile when she looked at him, and he walked over to her.
He hugged her and got a whiff of her soft perfume. Daisies. “Let’s get high on sweets and forget your troubles.”
“Please.” She stepped out of his hold.
They walked in hand-in-hand. Cabel enjoyed The Latte Bean. It was a “higher-end” coffee shop, but it had a homey feel. The owners, Joy and Bobbe, are two women who are married to each other, and they’re kindest people around the area. Their staff was the same way.
Standing at the end of the line, Cabel checked over the menu hanging above the cash register. “What are you going to have?”
“The left side.”
Cabel laughed. “All right.”
“And a pot of french vanilla cappuccino.”
“Perfect.” He put his arm around her waist, keeping her close.
“You know I’m only partially kidding.” She bumped her shoulder against his chest.
As the line moved up, Cabel wanted to ask what caused her to be having a bad day, but he figured it’d wait until they sat down. When they reached the counter, Cabel ordered a chicken breast panini with a large black coffee. Caryn asked for a bear claw and pecan roll, along with a cheese danish and a large french vanilla cappuccino. Cabel paid, and the cashier said they would bring out the items to them. He took Caryn’s hand and led her to an empty booth.
“Okay, tell me about your day.” Cabel didn’t want to wait to figure out all the reasons why she felt so bad. He needed to make her feel better.
“Apparently, Jerry Cannon’s latest podcast is about Oliver’s personal life and guess who is the main topic?”
Cabel wanted to tell her he was going to find out who squealed, but she held up a finger.
“Oh, it gets better. Greer called, and we’ve only received half of the RSVPs for the benefit, which means the goal I’ve set won’t be reached. Not to forget that The New Outlook needs to keep running and to do that, it takes money.”
The waitress came and set everything down in front of them. Caryn grabbed the bear claw and took a huge bite out of it. Cabel was about to tell her something encouraging, but she continued to talk around her mouthful of food.
“I’m beyond upset.” She swallows the bite. “I have put a lot of money into this fundraiser in hopes to get a larger return. I have many people relying on me. I sign numerous paychecks for families’ survival. Plus, let’s think about my patients. I’m no Mother Teresa, but I’ve helped people get their lives back on track. They count on me.”
Her voice cracked, and he watched her eyes fill with tears. Taking her hand in his, he gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Caryn, I know people rely on you, count on you, and need you. Hell, I’m one of them. However, there are some things you can’t control.” He knew she didn’t want to hear such blasé comments, but it was the truth. “You still have time to get the rest of the RSVPs. And as for Jerry, I know everything. Oliver told me, and I’m going to find out who leaked the info.”
Giving him a sweet smile, she thanked him. “Truly, I don’t care about Jerry and his podcast. Well, some of the comments were mean, but…” She shrugged. “There’s always bullies in the world.”
“I’ll break his nose.” Cabel’s statement was not a joke.
“No, you won’t do anything.” She smirked as she set down the pastry and carefully raised her drink.
“Don’t be so sure.” He countered.
Shaking her head with a soft giggle, he was happy she seemed to be slightly relaxed than when he first arrived.
“Why don’t you tell me about your day?” She changed the subject.
“Well…” He sipped his drink. “I guess, the best way to put it is, I took the promotion.”
Caryn’s smile grew. “I’m very proud of you, Cabel.”
Pride and elation filled him from her words. Hearing her praise about the decision he made today seemed to put it all into perspective. He wanted her to be happy and make her proud. And he had done it.
“When do you think you’re going to announce it?”
Cabel checked his watch. “In about an hour.”
“That soon?”
“There’s a game tonight,” he answered as if it were an explanation. “I’d like you to come tonight.”
“As much as I’d love to, I’m going to be at The New Outlook.”
He’d forgotten she had to work this evening. “That’s fine. Have you thought about next week?”
“Meeting your girls?”
He nodded, waiting for her to answer.
“Yes, I think it’ll be fun.”
Again, he became elated. “Great. Now
, I have another question.” His voice dropped and he leaned in.
“And what is that?” Her flirtatious tone made his heart race.
“I’d like to take you out on a proper date.”
She beamed. “Tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”
And with that, he didn’t think his day could get any better.
Cabel stood by Oliver as he fielded questions from the media. Since the press release announcing Cabel’s new position, social media had been blowing up. Some comments were supportive but others were not. Cabel had been the subject of social media bashes before and learned to ignore it. The difference in his current situation was the bashing came from the reporters in front of him.
Although he knew he didn’t have any management experience, he loved hockey and Oliver had faith in him, so that made him feel better. The inquiries kept coming at him, and all the while he kept his composure and answered them in the utmost professional manner. Thankfully, it finally ended and he made his way down the hall.
“You did good.” Oliver congratulated him by shaking his hand. “Just remember you’re on the clock.”
Smirking at his joke, Cabel strolled up to the owners’ box. Instead of sitting on the bench with his teammates, he’ll be in a leather, plush seat watching from above. Walking in, his smile grew seeing both of his girls and Chloe. He wished Caryn had come, but he understood she had to work.
“Dad, this is amazing.” Bria hugged his waist tightly.
He couldn’t believe how big his youngest daughter was getting but unable to stop time, he embraced her. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
“I’m happy too.” Leia hugged them both and rested her head almost on Cabel’s shoulder.
“Well, my life is complete then.” Cabel half-joked. He never wanted anything more than his girls to be happy and healthy. “Did you eat?”
“They did.” Chloe kissed his cheek. “Do you want anything?”
“Nah, I’ll just grab something to drink,” he said as the girls released him. They took their seats as he went to the bar. He thought about taking a shot to calm his nerves, but instead, he ordered a club soda with a lemon twist. He took the seat between his daughters as the teams began to take the ice for warm-ups.