by Anna Albo
Allie’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s quite the story.”
“I thought so and they seemed to buy it. Regardless, Tyler wants to see you when you have a second.”
“Was he mad?”
“I don’t think so.”
Allie meandered through the many box-lined hallways to Tyler’s office two doors down from Eddie’s. She knocked and he motioned for her to enter. “Do you mind closing the door behind you?” he asked.
She did and took a seat. “I’m sorry about this morning. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the accident. I apologize.”
“I think your uncle was more disappointed than I was.”
A shot or insult? Both? Allie couldn’t tell. “It won’t happen again.”
He nodded and folded his hands in front of him. He stared at Allie for ten long seconds and she wondered what was going on. She smiled and waited, squirming in her seat.
“Your uncle has increased some budgets. Marketing and HR got an infusion of cash and he’s even allowing some money to shop for players.”
“That’s great. I’m happy to hear it.”
“He’s also asked for detailed reports from all the departments, so you and Kyle will need to do that, but I’m sure you can take care of that.”
“Of course.” She sensed the other shoe was about to drop.
“And then I met with your uncle privately. He had some things he wanted to tell me.”
Allie groaned. “He didn’t tell you to give me another job, did he? I specifically asked him not to do that. Tyler, I apologize.”
Tyler’s expression didn’t change. “No, he didn’t do that. In fact, he had some very kind things to say to me. I’m guessing that might have come from you?”
Allie’s cheeks flushed crimson. “I may have put in a few good words. I didn’t think he’d tell you.”
“He didn’t, but it was easy to guess.”
“I don’t want any preferential treatment. That was never my intention.”
“I only reward people who I feel have done a good job, so don’t worry about preferential treatment.”
Again, she couldn’t tell whether it was a veiled insult or not. He was good at hiding his emotions. “I understand.”
“Now having said that, I like what you’ve done so far with the foundation, so I’d like to add all on- and off-ice Falcons charitable operations to your job description. I think you can handle it, and since that’s an area where we’re lacking, I’m sure you can devote a lot of energy into it.”
Allie’s eyes grew wide. Her job had just quadrupled and she couldn’t have been any happier. She wanted to leap out of her seat and throw her arms around him. “Thank you so much.”
“You are officially the director of financial and support services for the Falcon Foundation. You’re on probation just like everyone else. Henry’s already been notified and he can’t wait to hand this over to you. He’s been stretched so thin these last few years and now he can focus on his own job. He’ll help you with the transition if you need it, but I have a feeling you’ll jump right in.”
“Again, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You’ve just taken on a huge job.”
She got up to leave and stopped. “About an office . . .”
“I wouldn’t push it.”
“Got it. Have a great day.”
CHAPTER 16
He hated how he’d left it with Allie. It was eating him up inside and he couldn’t get her off his mind. He nursed his second beer while he waited for Graham. The Falcons were in New York and they picked Will’s hotel lounge to meet.
“Sorry I’m late,” Graham said, slapping down his briefcase. “I had a conference call that I couldn’t get out of.”
“I haven’t been waiting that long.”
“I was stuck with a twenty-year-old kid with some talent and his parents who think he’s worth a lot more than he is. They want him to hold out next season if he doesn’t get millions. Parents are the worst.”
“I don’t know how you do it. That would drive me crazy.”
“It pays the bills.”
Graham motioned for the bartender and ordered his usual rum and Coke. He took off his trench coat then gave Will a long, hard look.
“Why the sad face?”
“I’m okay.”
“Bullshit. I told you that we can get you out of St. Paul.”
Will shook his head. “It’s not that. Remember I told you about Allie Stewart?”
Graham groaned. “Tell me you didn’t.”
“I kissed her then blew her off. I’m an asshole. And now all I do is think about her.”
Graham brought his hands to his face. “Will, you’re killing me. Let me guess. Now she’s making your life hell? Does she want a pound of flesh? Has she told Eddie? What is she holding over you?”
“She hasn’t done any of that. She hasn’t done anything at all. She’s let me act like an asshole and left me alone. She’s a class act and I screwed it up.”
The bartender set down Graham’s drink and he gulped it down and ordered another before the bartender had a chance to walk away. “This is what you’re going to do. Compliment her, tell her what a smart and gorgeous girl she is, then you’re going to break it to her gently, lie about some ex-girlfriend coming back into your life, that you were confused when you kissed her. That you were on the rebound. Pour on all the syrup you can and hopefully you walk away with your balls intact.”
Will picked at the label on his beer bottle. “I don’t want to do any of that.”
“You cannot get mixed up with her. It’s career suicide.”
“What if we’re careful?”
Graham pulled his stool closer. “What if you’re insane? Will, you’re not listening to me. If the guys find out, you lose their respect. Management will find out and won’t trust you anymore, worried about all the pillow talk. I think you’re nuts to consider this. What is so special about her?”
“I don’t know,” he said, dropping his voice. “She’s smart, funny and gorgeous. And she doesn’t take shit. She’s so different from any other woman I’ve dated. She’s the anti-Jen.”
“Is this about Jen? You guys were together a long time and this Stewart woman is the worst kind of rebound.”
“Stop saying rebound. She’s not a rebound. Jen and I have been history for ages.”
“I’m telling you not to pursue this, but I have a feeling you will anyway.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“I saw Jason sink his career, and I have a feeling you’re going to do the same thing. I know the situations are completely different, but the result will be the same. She must be one special broad.”
Will pushed his beer aside. “Let’s talk about something else. You wanted to meet with me, so I’m assuming something is up?”
“Something is up and I’m wondering if this Stewart woman is connected. I’ve been hearing some rumblings that Washington is interested in your services. I’m not sure if they’ve contacted the Falcons yet, but they gave me a courtesy call and asked if you’d be receptive to playing there.”
“Tell them I’m not interested.”
Graham groaned. “Will, hear me out. I think you shouldn’t dismiss this outright. If you leave St. Paul, then you leave this potential disaster behind. You’ll meet some other broad and this Stewart woman will be a memory. And here’s the other thing, and I just made this connection now. Could she be the reason behind this trade talk? Maybe she’s pissed at you and told her uncle you had to go?”
“I doubt it.”
“Regardless, don’t you want to play with a contender?”
Will leaned back in his seat. “Tell Washington that I’m not excited about any possible deal. I know that doesn’t mean shit. The Falcons can trade me and there isn’t a thing I can do, but if Washington gets the hint, they may back off. In the meantime, I want to know if there is any more trade talk. I do not want to leave St. Paul.”
Graham
threw his hands up in defeat. “Okay, okay, I’ll back off this, and I’ll put Washington on ice, but be careful.”
Will stood up and patted Graham on the shoulder. “I know you’re worried about your commission. Trust me, I won’t screw anything up. Now go home to your family and say hello to Cathy and the kids.”
He went up to his room and was relieved to find it empty. He knew why Burrows paired him up with Jack: Will provided him with stability. He didn’t party, drink much or get into trouble, and for a new kid, on his own with the sudden infusion of cash, danger lurked everywhere.
Will pulled out a book and started reading. He brought at least a couple every road trip. He knew the guys thought he was boring, but he didn’t care. His first few years were a constant party, and looking back, he wished he had a mature influence those days.
An hour into Will’s book, Jack burst through the door, his cheeks blotchy from booze. He collapsed onto the bed without taking off his coat. “What a wild night,” he said. “I just hooked up with this hot chick. We went back to her place and the woman was insatiable.”
“I thought you were with Vikki,” Will said without looking up from his book.
“Nah. We broke up last week.”
“Again?”
“Will, the woman is fucking crazy! She’s always bugging me, trying to find out what I’m doing, who I’m with. Even tonight she called me ten times. She’s paranoid.”
Will wondered about that last statement. “I thought she was the woman of your dreams. The only girl you’d ever love. A goddess.”
“No way. I’m having fun now. I’m done with her forever.”
How many times had Will heard that? At least three since the season began and it was only two months old. “Ease up on the alcohol, okay? These puck bunnies know you’re an easy mark and being hammered makes it a lot easier to get yourself into future trouble.”
“I’m not stupid.”
“I know you’re not, but you’d hate to get a call nine months from now or find out from our doctors that she shared more than just her love.”
Jack was silent for a long moment. “You’re right, but why do you have to be a buzzkill?”
“Because I’m looking out for you.”
“You’re a good guy, you know that?”
“Thanks. Now go clean yourself up and get to bed. We have a game tomorrow and you better be ready.”
CHAPTER 17
With Christmas less than a month away, Falcons operations had started winding down which Allie thought was amusing. Hockey didn’t take a holiday. In fact, the Falcons were playing right before and right after Christmas—fortunately it was a homestand for the players and their families. But around the offices, staff was wrapping up projects, others were planning vacations and some were already talking about January. The Falcon Foundation committee was no different. With the last meeting of the year and only two planned in January, Allie worried about the details.
“Shouldn’t you be getting to the meeting?” Kyle asked.
“I’m in no rush,” Allie said without looking up from her computer. She was still pouring over foundation emails and documents. Her new job as director of financial and support services would start January second, and she wanted to be prepared. If she did well there, she might get an even better job in the organization in a year or two.
“But it starts in a couple of minutes.”
She glanced at her phone. No text from Cavallo to say that he wouldn’t attend. Her heartbeat quickened. A part of her didn’t want him there while the other part was desperate to see him. She had no idea how to handle it. She tapped her fingers on the desk, staring at her phone, waiting for the text. Would he do it with only seconds to spare? Send another infuriating message to say he couldn’t make it?
“Allie. Hello?” Kyle said, waving his hand in front of her face.
She looked up at him. His green eyes were narrowed with confusion. “What?”
“You gotta go. Normally you’re the first one there.”
“Right, okay.”
She gathered up her papers and her coffee. It was her fourth that day and her body vibrated from all the caffeine. Thoughts whirled around in her head, and she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking. Damn Cavallo. Why didn’t he text to say he couldn’t make it? She hated wanting to see him.
Allie entered the boardroom and from the corner of her eye she could see all the usual suspects, including Cavallo. Her breath caught in her throat but she kept her composure. She sat in her normal seat and was glad that Cavallo wasn’t in his. She scanned the room, nodding to all in attendance, refusing to make eye contact with him. She passed out the agenda and started the meeting which, thankfully, Tiffani took over.
For the first time since she’d taken the job, she barely listened to anything going on around her. She pretended to make notes, nodded when she thought she had to and tried with all her might not to look at Will. She could feel his intense gaze on her, but she wasn’t giving him the satisfaction. No way! She sipped her coffee and doodled on her notepad.
“Allie, are you all right with that? Are you even listening to me?”
Her attention snapped back to Tiffani, whose blue eyes had fire raging in them. “Sorry, I missed that last part.”
Tiffani huffed. “I think you missed a lot more than that. I said that since we are so under budget this year, I wanted to purchase small gifts for all the volunteers. I’ve already priced out a few things, and nothing would be more than ten dollars a person. It’s just a token thing. I also thought it would be nice to gift them all some raffle tickets. That wouldn’t cost us a thing.”
“Yes, that’s very nice. I don’t see why we can’t do that. Should we vote? Or is that not necessary?”
“Not necessary,” Cavallo said. “Nice touch, Tiff.”
Allie’s gaze shifted to Will. He stared back and she felt like a surge of electricity was coursing through her veins. The coffee wasn’t helping.
“I think that’s it. Everything else is under control,” Tiffani said. “I think we’re fine until January.”
Allie’s gaze returned to Tiffani. “Wonderful. Then let’s adjourn until the new year. In case I don’t see you all, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.”
Allie gathered her papers while the ladies filed out. Cavallo darted for Allie and her body tensed while blood started racing through her veins.
“Hey, I thought we could talk,” he said, his back to the few ladies left.
She didn’t look up from her papers but put a smile on her face, mostly for the benefit of the others loitering about. None were paying attention, but Allie couldn’t know for sure.
“About what? I thought we said all we needed to.”
“I hate how I left it. Do you have a few minutes?”
“No, sorry. And as for how you left it, really, it’s fine. I get it. Have a good life.”
She side-stepped him and left the boardroom. She wondered if she’d been too harsh, but then again, he’d left her hanging. It was all for the best anyway.
“DO YOU THINK YOU’LL get your own office?” Kyle asked the next morning. Henry, the executive director of the Falcon Foundation, had sent over boxes of documents for her to review. She was thumbing through them, trying to organize it all.
“I didn’t get that impression from Tyler. Right now, I’m just a minion.”
“Henry’s looking at early retirement so that’s probably why they are priming you for the position. He can’t wait to get out of here.”
“How do you know all this?”
“Everyone thinks I’m a big oaf so they tell me shit. I guess they trust me.”
“I don’t think you’re a big oaf, and I do trust you.” She set one of the boxes to the side. “Tell me, do you like your job?”
“I love it. I’m probably the minority around here.”
“Who else likes their jobs?”
“A lot of the new people love it. They’re working for a professional hockey team
. It’s not until upper management crushes their dreams do they realize how bad it really is. I think if a few people were fired, there would be more happy faces around here.”
“Like?”
“McIvor for sure. He’s an ass at the best of times. Dick Johnson is a tool. He thinks his shit doesn’t stink. If you ask me, Strewchuk is the only one around here keeping this team going.”
“How do you know this?”
“I told you. People trust me.”
Allie tackled another box. The foundation wasn’t nearly as badly managed as she thought. Henry kept a tight and organized ship with what little resources he had. His staff of two, well, now three, had a lot to do but managed to keep the foundation respectable. The only downside had been the gala and other wife-sponsored initiatives, and Allie had begun to turn that around.
“One of the great things about you is how likeable you are,” Allie said. “I wish I was that likable.”
Kyle grunted in protest. “I think you’re great. I love working with you, Allie. Other than my guys, you’re the best person around. My job got a lot better once I started sharing an office with you.”
“I love working with you too.”
Someone knocked on the open door. Allie looked up to see Cavallo on the threshold. His hair was damp from his after-practice shower. His tailored suit fit him perfectly. Her body froze.
“Hey, Will. Nice to see you,” Kyle said. “What can we do for you?”
“I came by to see Allie. It’s foundation stuff.”
“Perfect timing. I’m taking my lunch,” Kyle said.
Allie wanted to reach out and stop Kyle from leaving, but he stepped over her and the boxes and disappeared down the hallway. Cavallo walked into the cramped quarters and shut the door, an action that made Allie swallow hard. She got up and sat on the edge of her desk while Cavallo took the chair she normally used.
All she could think about was the speech he was going to give her. The thought of it made her angry. He’d already explained it all to her. How many times did he need to explain it? She’d gotten it loud and clear the first time, so why the need to drag her through it again?