Matter of Fact: A Hockey Romance (The Hart Series Book 7)

by M. E. Carter

  I like it. It doesn’t feel stuffy or uptight to me. Just an interesting variety on my next meal. It helps that Annie is really relaxing to be with. Not that we’ve done much talking. We were seated almost immediately and it’s been chit-chat about the menu ever since.

  “I’m excited to try the Coq Au Vin,” she says as she hands her menu to our server who has taken our orders.

  “It sounds delicious.”

  “I promise you won’t be disappointed,” our server reassures. “I’ll go put the order in now. Let me know if you need anything.”

  We thank him and he walks away leaving us to what I’m hoping will be a casual conversation.

  Annie rests her elbows on the table and leans in. “Let’s talk more about this job.”

  I figured Annie would eventually get down to business but part of me was hoping she would forget. No such luck.

  “We can but I don’t really think you’ll change my mind.”

  Clasping her hands together, she leans in closer. “Humor me and let me try.”

  I smile. Even though this isn’t working out, it’s still nice to be wooed.

  “I just want to know what all the hesitation is about. That’s what I can’t figure out. From everything you’ve said, it sounds like you’re excited to have a new opportunity. What’s really holding you back?”

  My smile falls. “I’m trying to leave a company owned by my last boyfriends’ mom.”

  “Ah.” She picks up her goblet of water. “And with you dating Liam, you don’t want to go to another company where your boyfriend works. This makes more sense now.”

  Relief floods through me along with a sense of sadness. I’m glad I don’t have to spell things out to her. The idea of trying to explain the emotional difficulty of this kind of situation isn’t appealing. But that also means she knows there’s no sense in trying to convince me to take the job. These kinds of situations almost never end well. As the head of human resources, I’m sure she tries to avoid drama at all costs.

  “Tell me about this firm you work for.” Annie picks up her napkin and snaps it out before placing it on her lap. “How big is it? How many people work there?”

  “At last count, I believe there were twenty-seven full-time employees. Um, I think we have a couple of part-time people as well.”

  “That’s what I thought,” she says matter-of-factly. “Do you know how many employees the San Antonio Slingers have?”

  Startled by the question, I quickly tell her the truth. “I wouldn’t have any idea.”

  “When you add in food service, janitorial staff, part-time employees, we’re talking thousands.”

  “Wow. That’s large.” And my awe in how capable she is in doing such a huge job increases quickly.

  “Listen, Ellery, I understand your fear and I’m not trying to sway you. Well, maybe a little bit,” she admits. “I’m not here as the HR manager. I’m here as a professional woman who sees potential in another professional woman. I want you to have all the information before you pass on what could be a great opportunity for you and your career.”

  I appreciate her seeing something in me she likes, but I’m still not sure what we’re doing here. Still, I owe it to her to listen to what she has to say. I’m getting a French dinner out of it so I might as well. “What information?”

  “That you will never, ever see Liam Tremblay at work unless you go looking for him. Or he comes looking for you. But in the halls? I am ninety-nine percent sure it’ll never happen because it’s never happened to me. Do you know how I got started with the Slingers?”

  I shake my head wishing I had done more research on her before my interview.

  “Of course, you don’t,” she says with a wave of her hand. “Because everything was kept on a professional level.” Annie shifts in her seat and leans a bit closer like she has a story to tell. “I was dating Ethan Durress. I’m assuming you don’t know who that is.”

  “Should I?”

  “If you follow hockey you’d know he was our goalie. He dropped my name to the then HR director who liked my resume and hired me. And then Ethan and I broke up.”

  “Oh no.”

  She shrugs like the whole situation was just an inconvenience and not what would have been severe heartbreak for someone like me. “That’s all water under the bridge now. But it wasn’t at first and I suspect back then I thought the same thing as you.”

  “What’s that?” I ask quietly, my heart pounding just knowing she understands my fears as much, or more than I do.

  “That we broke up so surely the organization would have to choose between him or me and I was going to be the loser, right?” I say nothing, wanting to hear the rest of her story. “I was wrong. My boss called me into the office, forbid me from pulling Ethan’s files under any circumstances, and sent me back to work. A year later, Ethan was traded to Vancouver where he retired.”

  “Wait…” I’m flabbergasted that she makes it sound so… easy. “That was it? No reprimand or discussion about why inner-office dating is a bad idea?”

  “Please. More than a third of people report dating a coworker at some point. It’s not unusual. Now, don’t get me wrong, there was more to it on the personal side of course. I was still nursing a wound. But on the professional side? It wasn’t that big of a deal. It was just like going to any other job while you’re heartbroken. My boss just happened to be signing Ethan’s paycheck too.”

  I think about what all this means. About how Liam and I could work for the same organization but never see each other in the office. About how if we broke up, his payroll could be processed by someone else and I’d never have to pull his files. About how I could work in a job that’s supportive and happy to help me through a broken heart versus where I’m at now, where my boss seems determined to keep me unhappy for some reason. Still, I have another question for Annie.

  “Why are you telling me all this?”

  She thinks for a second before answering me. “I don’t want you to miss an opportunity like this one because you think Liam got you the job. Or that Liam will eventually get you fired. Neither is true. The Slingers is a great organization to work for. The salary is amazing, the work environment is relatively drama-free, and you can’t beat the medical insurance. And don’t get me started on the perks if you’re a hockey fan.”

  “You think I should go for it.”

  “I think you need to strongly consider how long you want to stay working for your ex-boyfriend’s mother and when, or if, you’ll ever have a job offer like this again. And I also want you to know, I’m not worried about Liam slipping your resume in. I’m glad he did. I think you’re the person we’re looking for. You fit every box I want checked for our newest employee, plus some. Your skillset, your personality, even your concern about potentially creating future drama and how it could possibly hurt the work environment.”

  “When you say it that way, I sound a little ridiculous to have reservations,” I say with an embarrassed laugh.

  “Not ridiculous. Concerned for your fellow co-workers and their well-being too, which is admirable. All these things show you’re exactly right for this job. And I may not have ever found you it if it weren’t for Liam.”

  Biting my lip, I glance down at the table. For all the confidence I’ve gained over the past few months, I still have a long way to go. But how will I ever gain more, how can I ever really discover who I am if I don’t take chances on things I really want? And the truth is, whether Liam was working for the Slingers or not, I really want this job. I want the opportunity to learn from someone like Annie in a place that has coworkers like Jared. I want to try something new and dammit, I want to stop making decisions out of fear.

  “Annie, I’d like to change topics please.”

  Her shoulders slump and her effervescent look deflates just a bit.

  “Can we please turn this lovely evening get together into a business meeting?”

  She quickly perks up, shoulders straightening as she goes right into bo
ss mode. “Really. What do you have in mind?”

  “Let’s talk vacation time.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Liam

  Sipping on my whiskey, I ignore the sounds of the bar all around me. There’s too much on my mind to care about who Dwayne is hustling tonight or which teams are meeting up and blowing off steam together. I have life-altering things happening. Thankfully everyone here seems to be able to read my mood and is giving me a wide berth.

  My meeting with my coach went as well as could be expected for someone facing retirement. Not him. Me. It sucks but I appreciate that he’s had similar conversations before so he knows how to handle us with kid gloves and give us some dignity at the same time.

  Fuck, it sounds like I’m planning end-of-life shit. In a way, it feels like it, too. The only life I’ve known for the past thirty-one years is almost over. And isn’t that just a kick in the gut?

  I’m still not sure what my next steps are going to be. There’s a lot to work out. I still have a year on my contract so I have some time. Technically I’ll still be on the roster and will be required to report to practice, even if all I ever see of game time again is sitting on the bench. That might be the worst part. I won’t just be cut and that’s the end of it. No ripping off the band-aid for me. I’ll have to be there every day watching the younger, faster, healthier guys pass up this old man and take my place.

  This is worse than being traded. There are so many decisions to make and so many harsh emotions I’m going to feel, and I don’t want to do them alone. Sure, Tucker will support me through it. And coach mentioned a guy who can help make my transition easier by making sure all my financial ducks are in a row. But that’s less important to me than having the support of a certain purple-haired pixie.

  I could call her, but I promised to give her space and I plan to honor that. Too many people in her life have pressured her into making decisions before she knew what she wanted, and I won’t be that person.

  Sighing deeply, I bring the tumbler to my lips again, relishing the burn in my gut as I take the final swig of this Johnny Walker Black.

  “Need another?”

  Paul doesn’t wait for my answer, just grabs a fresh glass and pours me three fingers.

  “No wonder you own this place,” I say keeping my eyes downcast. “I didn’t even have to say the word and you’ve already got me pegged.”

  He chuckles under his breath and pushes the glass toward me. “That has nothing to do with my bartending skills.”

  “Then what is it?” I ask and take another satisfying sip.

  “You’re not the first athlete who sat at my bar looking dejected while his teammates are enjoying themselves.” He rests his hands on the bar giving me the impression he’s not going anywhere. “Is it your woman or your job that has you giving off a don’t fuck with me vibe?”

  I huff a humorless laugh. “Both.”

  “Ouch. Double whammy.”

  “Yup.”

  “Or maybe not.”

  I look up at him, brows furrowed.

  He gestures to the front door. “Someone just showed up.”

  Ellery.

  I blink twice to make sure I’m not seeing things but no. She’s here. Her lavender hair stylishly spiked, her lips my favorite shade of red. Her black skirt clinging to her body just enough that I can see her shape, but doesn’t distract from the killer leopard print heels she’s wearing.

  Ellery looks around the room before finally catching my eye, a soft smile gracing her lips. Without dropping my gaze, she walks toward me like a woman on a mission. Oh, how I hope that mission is reconciliation.

  Finally approaching, she stops just feet from me. “Is this seat taken?”

  “I was saving it for you.”

  With a playful wink at me, she slides onto the stool.

  “Nice to see you, Ellery.” Paul tosses a napkin on the counter in front of her. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “I think I’m going to stick with water tonight.”

  He nods and quickly fills a glass. “I’ll leave you guys alone. If you need anything, just holler.”

  “Thanks, Paul.”

  Turning to face me, she scoots in close and leans on the bar. Taking her cue, I reach up and brush a short lock of hair off her forehead.

  “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too. And I’m sorry it took me so long to get my thoughts in order. That was… immature of me.”

  “It’s okay. It was stressful, wondering if you’d ever come back to me. But I wanted to make sure it’s what you wanted. I never want to push you.”

  She grabs my hand and slides her fingers in between mine. The warmth of her touch is exactly what I need and I feel a sense of calm come over me. I’m still stressed and sad in some ways, but this makes me feel more centered.

  “I love that about you—that you want me to have my own opinions and know what they are. But I still shouldn’t have left you like that and not contacted you. It was rude and unnecessary and I’m going to try to do better.” She licks her bottom lip before speaking again. “I don’t want to have a relationship like that. I want to be an adult. A real adult and be able to talk through problems, even when I’m scared. And I’m going to do my best to trust that you aren’t going to push me, and I hope you can trust that I won’t ghost you again.”

  I reach up and pinch her chin between my thumb and forefinger, pulling her toward me. “I do trust you.” And then I kiss her. It’s the first time since before our fight and it’s quick, but it is exactly what I’ve needed. “And I’m sorry I overstepped with your resume. I didn’t even think about what that would feel like to you.”

  Settling into her seat she takes a sip of her water. “You didn’t. You did the same thing any loving boyfriend would do. If it was you, I would have done the same thing. It just spooked me. But when I stopped panicking and got more information about the setup of the office, I realized how it’s different working in an organization like the Slingers. It’s not at all like working at a firm. And I’m so sorry I accused you of trying to get me in the door. I know that wasn’t your intention and I feel so bad to have transferred all my fears onto you.”

  “Ellery, I need to make something clear. I love you.” Her eyes widen. “Yeah, I said it. I love you. You. I never want to change who you are. I want you to have your own opinions and ideas. You’re kind of a free spirit when you want to be and I love watching that part of you.”

  She shakes her head. “I’m still relatively reserved.”

  I lean in with a smirk and whisper in her ear. “Unless I’m sucking on that spot on your neck.”

  A small giggle erupts from her lips. “Yes, until then.”

  “If you don’t want the job, Ellery, don’t take it. You’re the only one who knows if it’ll be a good fit. I personally think it will be, but ultimately it’s up to you and I’ll support whatever you choose.”

  “I’m glad you said that because I’m going to need all the support I can get.”

  Her matter-of-fact tone has me curious about what she’s alluding to.

  “Why? Did you get another offer?”

  “I did. It came with more money and more vacation time.”

  My eyes widen in surprise. “Really? That’s great? Did you take it?”

  Ellery straightens, a look of pride written all over her face. “You sir, are looking at the newest payroll manager for the San Antonio Slingers.”

  “You took the job.”

  She shakes her head. “I negotiated a better job, as a matter of fact. Because I am worth it.”

  “Damn right you are.” I pull her closer so I can feel her next to me. “I’m proud of you, sweets.”

  “I’m proud of me, too.” She leans in, our lips just a breath away, and whispers, “Now why don’t you finish that drink so we can blow this joint and go celebrate.”

  I smile and kiss her. It’s not hurried. There’s no rush to get to the nearest bed so we can maul each other.
It’s just love. Pure, unadulterated affection for each other and an understanding that even a disagreement won’t change our feelings.

  Pulling back, Ellery uses her thumb to wipe lipstick residue off my lips. “So, it looks like we’re going to be working in the same building, huh? Any chance you’ll take me out to lunch?”

  The smile on her face has me pushing down the sadness I’ve been feeling. “I will always take you out to lunch. But only if you want me to. I wouldn’t want your boyfriend to accidentally influence your work ethic.”

  “Smartypants.” She nudges my shoulder playfully. “How was practice anyway? Today was your first day of full-contact, right? Did it go well?”

  I sigh, my mood plummeting again. Not as low as it was, but it’s still hard. Ellery picks up on it immediately.

  “Oh no. Was it bad?”

  I try to smile. Try to play it off like it’s no big deal. But I can tell the forced tip-up of my lips isn’t fooling anyone.

  “No. It didn’t go well.”

  Ellery’s shoulders slump and I know she feels this almost as deeply as I do. “What happened?”

  “It just… hurts. The ache in my shoulder is always there and they were careful with me, didn’t go all out with body-checks. But one hit and I couldn’t move the puck anymore. It’s like my shoulder just gave out.”

  “Oh, Liam.” She places her hand on my arm and leans her head on my shoulder. “What happens now? More PT? Or do they just give you more time?”

  “Retirement.”

  She sucks in a breath, eyes wide in shock. “Retire… that’s just it? It’s over like that?”

  “That might be the worst part. I’m medically cleared to play, no restrictions, but we all know I’ll never be at one hundred percent again. I can’t keep up with my teammates. Hell, I can’t even keep up with some of the taxi squad.”

  “I don’t know what that is.”

  “It’s the people I should skate circles around. But I’m not. So, for the next year, I get to report to work every day, knowing I’ve likely played my last professional game and didn’t even know it at the time.”