by Robyn M Ryan
Caryn covered her glass with her hand. “Not if I’m getting up to go to work tomorrow.”
“Well, there’s another benefit—you can do the job when you want, where you want.”
“Where I want? Hmmm, this is very tempting.”
“I plan to make this an offer you can’t turn down.”
“I do like your negotiating skills.” Caryn suppressed a smile.
Andrew stood to clear the table. “Just relax, Cary,” he said as she started to help. “I’ll get this. You can look over my accounts. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Should I get my laptop?”
“I’ll bring you my iPad. I have everything open.” He returned in a moment and handed her the tablet. “You can just go from tab to tab. Try not to laugh too hard.”
She cringed at the Facebook profile—the photo showed him in a Leafs jersey; there was no mention of the Blues or the Stanley Cup quest. She read a couple of the posts and shook her head slowly at the misspelled words and poor grammar. Sloppy. Twitter was worse. She read the questions fans posed, but never received an answer. One from a parent asking for a birthday shout out for her sick child caught her eye. She saw the date—six weeks ago—then impulsively clicked on the parent’s profile.
A Toronto resident, her tweets often mentioned the treatments her son was receiving for leukemia; Caryn’s heart broke. She thought about Marie-Therese and the regular contact between her family and Drew. Andrew would have given this young boy so much more than a birthday shout out. She made a mental note to talk to him about the child.
Instagram had not been updated in months. She searched for photos tagging him and quickly glanced through them. Not much. She flipped back to Facebook and read some of the comments others had placed on his page. Most were general thoughts about hockey, some expressed outrage over the trade, and others commended him on his play during the playoff. There were several invitations and declarations of love—lust?—from women. Those should have never made it to the page. Or is because I don’t like reading posts from other women? Maybe a couple are okay, but most sound just sleazy. Drew can make that decision.
“Fixable?” Andrew asked as he pulled a chair beside hers.
“Sure, if a person has any vested interest in your online image. Will I hurt your feelings if I tell you what I think?”
“Of course not.”
She summarized her thoughts and showed him a few examples of the posts allowed on his Facebook page. “You have a persistent female admirer. I’m about to tell her ‘hands off.’” Andrew laughed, but agreed that posts needed to be screened before allowing them on the page. She flipped to the Twitter account and pulled up the mother’s request and handed the iPad to him. “Such a simple thing to ask, Drew. Click though and read some of her recent tweets.”
Caryn watched his face as he complied, dismay quickly switching to annoyance to sadness, then a touch of anger. “I’ll take care of this, Cary. That’s not acceptable.”
She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “I knew you’d feel the same; if someone had just brought it to your attention.”
“Hopefully better late than never. But it’s my own fault for not insisting on oversight…any of this fixable?”
“Of course it is,” Caryn smiled as she gently fingered the hair that brushed against his collar. “We can clean up the worst stuff right away. Then when you’re in St. Louis, see if the Blues PR department has some up-to-date photos. I think they will be glad to help with this. It just makes me angry that nowhere does it mention or show any of the community events you participated in with the Leafs last season.” She looked at him. “Any chance of getting some photos from them?”
“I still have some friends in the front office.”
“Same ones or one that got you those great playoff tickets?” Caryn gave him a playful elbow to the ribs.
“Could be.” Andrew bit back a smile as he set the tablet on the table, and then met her gaze. “So you’ll take on this disaster?”
“There are professionals who could create something really first class.”
“Like you.”
“No, Drew,” Caryn said firmly. “I can do the basics and handle content and learn if, when, and how you want to respond to genuine fans. But I know that the image you need is way beyond my current skills. I don’t know any of the programming languages to create the gorgeous websites and profiles you need. HTML is something that is as foreign as statistics.”
“But you could find someone or an agency that does this and work with them to make that happen.” Andrew kissed her gently, his fingers dancing against the back of her neck. “I need your help with this, Cary.”
She pulled back and held his gaze. “Of course I’ll help you. But, I won’t take any money for this.” She held up her hand as he started to protest. “Not as long as you keep paying for everything around here. You’re paying for two leases right now and you won’t even let me buy groceries. I’ve been driving your car, you pay for insurance, not to mention this beautiful home I’m in.”
“Where I’m going to be freeloading the rest of the summer,” he countered with a smile. “Let’s reach a compromise. How about as long as you have your internship, you can point me in the right directions on cleaning up this mess. Then we can negotiate.”
She smiled. “I enjoy negotiating with you. Counter offer—I’d like to do this for you starting now. Besides getting you the image you deserve, I think I’ll enjoy it a million times more than the bank. I’d quit tomorrow if I didn’t need the credit. We can revisit our negotiations before you move back to St. Louis.”
“Or maybe a few discussions every now and then.” His eyes delivered the unspoken message.
“Hmm…maybe right now?”
“My thoughts exactly.”
THIRTY-SIX
After dropping Caryn at the bank the following morning, Andrew called his agent, Don Wilson, to confirm his appointment, and then placed a call to The Stevens Company headquarters. He didn’t expect to find Caryn’s father in town or willing to see him if he were, but this was an opportunity to have a discussion he’d planned in his mind weeks ago. This would be the perfect time, as he had to meet with Don in Ottawa, and he didn’t want to lie to Caryn about a second trip there this summer. Surprisingly, he reached Bill Stevens’ “gatekeeper,” and after giving his name and waiting on hold, he secured a mid-afternoon appointment. That surprise and the anticipation of the meeting kept Andrew’s mind occupied during the drive to Ottawa.
When he arrived at his agent’s office, Don greeted him and immediately apologized profusely for the social media fiasco and then produced several resumes for prospective replacements.
“Not necessary, Don,” Andrew said. “I have someone who’ll take care of it. How much was I paying this person?” Andrew nodded when he heard the figure. “Tough job to lose when you did no work. Did you give notice?”
“I terminated him after we spoke. I don’t need to remind you to change your passwords?”
“Already done. Pay him through the end of the month. Give him some time to find another cushy job.” Andrew leaned back in his chair and opened the bottle of water he’d picked up on the way inside the office. “Anything from the Blues?”
“They don’t want you to reach restricted free agent status next summer. We opened discussions today. First and most important—what do you want? Stay with the Blues or let your contract run its course? Wait and see what offers you get next summer? Or do you want an extension and renegotiate your contract?” The agent looked to Andrew for his opinion.
“I like the organization. Do I want a long-term contract? Depends on the terms and the pay. What kind of salary cap situation do they face?” Andrew asked.
“Room for a significant bump and multi-year. You had a great season,” Don stated the obvious. “They reached out to me. The ball’s in our hands. You need to decide if you want to pursue that route.”
“See where it goes. At minimum, a two or three year extens
ion. Ideally, multi-year, as in at least five years. You know the range where the money needs to land.” Andrew took a drink of water. “No trade or an approval of trade clause would sweeten an offer immensely—I’ll be interested in hearing their initial offer. Do the best you can.”
“So, I’ll let them know you’re open to exploring options.” Don smiled. “Then we’ll sit back and wait.”
Andrew stood as he nodded. “Sounds good. Keep me in the loop.”
“You know I will. Again, I’m sorry I dropped the ball on the social media.”
They shook hands. “That works out nicely for me, so don’t think about it. Don’t look at the accounts until I give you a call.”
Don slapped him on the back as they walked to the elevator. “Don’t plan to. I’ve lost enough sleep over this.”
***
Andrew grabbed a quick lunch after he’d parked near The Stevens Company headquarters, texting Caryn that he’d be back later than he’d anticipated. Her response assured him she had a ride home and that she’d prepare dinner if he’d call her on his way back. He arrived for his appointment ten minutes early, impressed by the security measures as he was badged and escorted on the elevator to the uppermost floor. Clearly expected, Stevens’ executive assistant greeted him, introducing herself and offering a drink while he waited.
“It won’t be long,” she said with a smile. “This your first visit to headquarters?” Her eyes appraised him and she continued the light banter after he’d answered her question. Andrew knew she was flirting, and was careful to keep his responses light, but neutral.
“How long have you worked here?”
“Five years—love it.” She tried her smile again. “Do you live in Ottawa?”
“No, Toronto,” Andrew replied. “Just up here for the day.”
“Oh, I adore Toronto! Especially the night life.”
Andrew smiled as he shrugged. “Whatever you want, you can probably find it in Toronto.”
“Especially if you have a guide,” she winked as the buzzer sounded on her phone. Andrew actually felt relief when she told him that she’d show him to Stevens’ office. She opened the door and stepped into the office before him. “Here’s Mr. Chadwick. Can I get anything for either of you?”
“Thanks, Lisa. I’m fine. Andrew?”
“I’m good.”
When the door shut, Bill Stevens indicated a chair in front on his desk. “Have a seat.”
Andrew nodded toward the wall of glass behind his desk. “Spectacular view.” He held out his hand. “Thank you for fitting me in at the last minute.”
After a beat, Stevens shook his hand and nodded toward the chair. “Glad I could accommodate your schedule.”
Andrew took the hint and discarded the thought of pursuing any small talk. This man was all business—and he made sure Andrew knew he had no time for pleasantries. “I asked to see you because I am planning to ask Caryn to marry me.”
“You’re obviously not here for my permission.”
Andrew shook his head. “I’m hoping that you and Mrs. Stevens will give your blessing. It would mean a lot to Caryn.” He kept his tone respectful, as Stevens leaned back in his chair, a wry smile crossing his face.
“Does Caryn know you’re here?”
“No, and I don’t intend to tell her.”
“And she’d receive our blessings how?” Stevens countered.
“I’d encourage her to contact you after I propose.”
“When do you plan this proposal, and if she accepts, the nuptials?”
“I’ll propose sometime this summer, before I leave for training camp. I’m hoping we’ll get married next summer after she graduates.”
Stevens held his gaze. “How is she enjoying the change in majors?”
Andrew deliberately kept his expression neutral and waited a few seconds before replying. “She has a gift for creativity—at least in my opinion.”
Stevens smiled slightly. “Just like her mother, very artistic.” He glanced at a photo on his desk for a moment, then met Andrew’s gaze once again. “You don’t want or need my permission to marry Caryn. We’re long past that point. My blessing? That depends. You willing to sign a prenup?”
“I’m not interested in your money. I’ll sign today if you have one handy.”
“You’re going to ask Caryn to sign a prenup?”
“I have no intention of asking her to sign anything more than the marriage license.” Andrew took a breath and reminded himself why he’d requested the meeting. “I’m asking her to marry me, not enter into a business agreement.”
If Andrew’s response surprised him, Stevens expression did not change. “Do you give your word she will complete her degree?”
“As much as I can. We don’t always agree—she makes her own decisions. All I can say is that I am committed to seeing her graduate next spring. It’s always been her priority and I don’t see that changing.”
“Stubborn as always,” Stevens commented, his eyes drifting back toward the photo on his desk. “Tell me this—do you support her pursuing a career if you do get married?”
“I don’t expect her to sit at home while I’m traveling ten months of the year.” Andrew paused for a moment. “If I were asking your permission, I would assure you that I love your daughter and her happiness is my first priority. I will provide for her, but we will be equal partners in the marriage. I will not knowingly put her in the spotlight; our private lives will remain separate from my career. Neither of us will do anything that might track back to your company. I will keep her safe.”
Stevens waved his hand dismissively. “Understood. She’ll make her decision regardless of whether or not Suzanne and I give our blessing. I’ll talk to Suzanne. She too makes her own decisions. I hope you truly understand what you are getting yourself into.” The hint of a smile briefly crossed his expression. “Encourage Caryn to contact us after you propose.”
“Thank you.” Andrew stood and this time Bill Stevens extended his hand. “Nice end run on purchasing the townhouse.”
“It’s Caryn’s home.” Andrew shrugged. “Thank you again for making time to see me today.”
Bill Stevens surprised him by coming around his desk to walk him back to the reception area. Stevens stopped near his assistant’s desk. “Lisa will get you back through the maze.”
“Oh, I’ll be happy to,” Lisa jumped up immediately, her eyes sparkling.
Absorbed in his thoughts, Andrew was oblivious to Lisa’s chatting and flirting as they took the elevator to the lobby. She went the extra step and escorted him to security to sign out.
“Thanks, Lisa. I’m good now,” he said as he returned the badge and signed where the guard indicated. “Enjoy the rest of your day.” He glimpsed the disappointment that briefly flashed across her face and softened his non-response with a smile.
“Nice meeting you.”
***
Andrew called Caryn as he crossed the street and walked to his car. Did I accomplish anything? He didn’t come out and say he’d give his blessing. He said he’ll talk to Caryn’s mom—maybe she’ll be receptive. Asking me to sign a prenup. As if I’d ever take a cent from him. But he didn’t reject the request outright. Guess that’s a positive.
He placed a call to the Blues’ front office. He spoke with the director of public relations and described the situation with the child whose mom had contacted him on Twitter. She immediately agreed to FedEx an assortment of items and assured him she would select much more than normal.
“I’ll also send you both of your jerseys—he can choose his favorite to wear and the other you can autograph. Look for an extra-large box.”
“Thanks.” He gave Caryn’s address, and then tossed the phone on the seat as he got to his car. All things considered, a good day.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Summers always flew by too quickly. As a child, Caryn loved the last day of school—weeks of freedom beckoned. Even the prospect of camp could not dampen her enthusiasm. No book
s, no studying, long days with friends and shopping sprees with her mom when both were in town. Caryn felt the anticipation building when the internship ended. With exams following soon, Caryn felt like a child again, counting down the days until summer break. Andrew caught her infectious anticipation and suggested they plan a vacation trip.
“Where would you like to go?” Caryn asked as they took their time walking home from her last class. They strolled hand-in-hand across campus, enjoying the summer evening.
Andrew shook his head. “I asked you. I travel all the time. Is there some place you’ve always wanted to visit? If you could go anywhere and do anything you want—what would you choose?”
“Definitely not the Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon. And no glaciers either.” She thought a moment. “Nothing where I have to go up high. No zip lines either.”
“I can work with that. Some place warm with a beach? Maybe a cruise? An island in the Caribbean?”
“Can’t you just surprise me?”
Andrew suppressed a smile. “And risk asking you to confront one of your fears I don’t know about? I never would have thought that zip lines were off limits.”
“They’re not on the ground, Drew. They are high above the ground.”
“Can we fly or do you prefer we drive or take a train… or maybe ride a bus?”
Caryn shoved him playfully. “I’ll fly with you so long as you hold my hand—and the plane is very, very large.”
Andrew stopped walking and turned her toward him, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. “Okay, how about I suggest three things and you choose one of them.”
“Sure.”
“Greek islands cruise, secluded private home on a Hawaiian beach, or a five-star resort on the Caribbean Island of your choice, or Key West.”