by Robyn M Ryan
“Have you tried shooting on a solid surface?”
Caryn visualized his face when he laughed. “Yep—felt like when we were kids playing street hockey. If I stand still, I’ll hit the ball seventy-five percent of the time. If I move and try to shoot, I connect about ten percent.”
Caryn’s eyes fell on a picture she kept on the counter. One of her favorites—with Andrew in Toronto the summer they first met. She suppressed a sigh and returned her focus to the conversation. “Are you practicing at therapy?”
“Yeah, I’ve had one of the Suns’ therapists working with me. That ends when training camp begins—at least the daily sessions.”
“You’re still on the same rehab schedule, or have you graduated from any of the activities?” Caryn cringed when Kristen flashed through her mind.
“Nope. Still the same. I’d appreciate your opinion on any progress I’ve made.”
“Be careful what you ask for,” Caryn teased. Like Kristen will put up with me voicing my opinion or “distracting” Andrew.
“Remember, I only ask for something I want.”
When the call ended, a glimmer of hope fluttered through Caryn.
4
The following morning, Caryn sat at the counter with a glass of juice and called Lauren. “Reporting to duty,” she said as soon as her friend answered the phone.
“Wow, you sound like a different person. Toronto must have really agreed with you.”
“I’ve always loved summers there.” Caryn took a few minutes to tell Lauren about Andrew.
“Sounds like divine intervention,” Lauren said slowly.
“Maybe,” Caryn responded. “We have a lot to discuss. Beginning with Kristen.” A chill ran up her spine as she spoke the name. “Maybe that will be a deal breaker.”
“I seriously doubt it, Caryn. He wouldn’t have approached you if he were involved with Kristen. Nor would he call me trying to find you. You know, I wasn’t exactly nice to him.”
Caryn laughed a little. “I think he mentioned something like that.” Caryn balanced the phone on her shoulder as she pulled her hair back in a low ponytail. “Enough about Andrew. Catch me up on work, Lauren. Tell me about California and Vancouver.”
“We’re invited to make presentations to at least six teams around LA. Hockey, baseball, football. ASAP.”
“Seriously? You are amazing!” Caryn hesitated. “I know you can speak baseball, but how about football? American football?”
“Not a problem. We can do this, Caryn. I have a sample presentation to send you. Then, we need to schedule the meetings and book flights to LA.”
“Good for you,” Caryn complimented her friend with a laugh. “What can I do to help?”
“Review the presentation I’ve worked on. I’ll set up the meetings.”
“Of course. Send it on. We can work together on the prep—your place or mine?”
“Hmm…let me think. Tampa, duh! It’s about time I see your home.” Lauren paused for a moment. “Caryn, I don’t mind making the trip to California by myself—if you’ll prep with me first.”
“Lauren, that’s not fair to you!”
“I’m not pregnant,” Lauren retorted. “Nor, am I reconciling with the love of my life.”
Caryn caught the wistful tone in her friend’s voice. “Wishful thinking on your part?” she asked softly.
“Me? Dave? No, I believe that ship has sailed for good.”
Caryn heard the hint of regret in her friend’s voice. “Never say never, if you love him. Do I need to remind you of everything you’ve told me lately?” Caryn spoke softly. “No need to answer that, Lauren. When can you come to Tampa?”
“I’ll put together a definite schedule and make sure to leave plenty of prep time for us. I’ll call you back when I get everything set.”
“Perfect. My brain is on-task and ready to get going!”
An hour later, Caryn sat in front of her computer and marveled at the in-depth presentation Lauren had created, complete with audio-visuals tailored for each potential client. She leaned back in her desk chair, as she reviewed one in its entirety, and knew she could not have designed a comparable presentation. Lauren truly is a marketing genius. So blessed she joined the company. She will take a partnership whether she likes it or not.
Caryn sent Lauren a quick text praising her work, and then walked to the kitchen for some yogurt and water. She sat at the counter and slowly ate the yogurt. The strawberry flavor actually soothed her stomach and helped keep the nausea at bay.
She thought about the upcoming trip to LA. Bad timing, but business runs on its own schedule. She couldn’t put this all on Lauren, no matter what she said, and Caryn realized she might not talk face-to-face with Drew for another week or two. But, what’s another few weeks at this point?
She slid from the stool and brought her water bottle back to the office. She checked her email and found Lauren’s schedule of confirmed appointments. Not bad. Six meetings over four days. Plus two travel days. First meeting next Tuesday…plenty of time to prep. This can work.
She called Lauren and offered to make the travel arrangements. “Do you have a preferred hotel?”
Lauren laughed. “Near the shopping areas—as if we’ll have free time.”
“Oh, I think we’ll have opportunities to shop. I like the way you schedule.” Caryn pulled up the travel-booking site. “When do you want to come to Tampa?”
“I’m totally flexible. How much prep time will make you comfortable?”
Caryn heard the suppressed giggle in Lauren’s voice. “Would you like to come tomorrow? We can take our time, and you can meet Kelly and Terri.”
“Perfect.”
“How about a flight that leaves St. Louis late tomorrow morning?”
“Already packed.” Lauren laughed. “By the way, if you can’t tell—I’m really excited about the LA project.”
“Never have guessed. Aisle or window?”
“Window, of course. Unlike someone I know, I enjoy watching the scenery.”
“You got it.” Caryn completed the transaction and then emailed the confirmation to Lauren. “You’re set. Check your email. I’ll meet you outside baggage claim.”
“Nope, I’ll take Uber. You have too much to do. Just clear it with your security, okay? I’ll call when I’m heading your way.”
“I don’t mind driving to the airport,” Caryn insisted.
“Save your energy for the important stuff. We’ve got a ton of work to do before California.”
Caryn booked the hotel and flight reservations, laughing when she thought of Lauren’s reaction when she realized they had first class seats for the trip. I’ll just tell her I need close access to the bathroom. Her stomach churned at the thought of the long flight. For a minute she wished Andrew could be with her—he had that special way of keeping her semi-calm.
Tears smarted at her eyes, and she brushed them aside impatiently. Her emotions were all over the map. She concentrated on Lauren’s presentation prep. She’d put together an incredible opportunity to expand the company. Surely she could pull herself together and help Lauren close the deals. Personal matters can wait.
A new email caught her attention. McRainey, Inc. She’d been courting this multinational consulting firm for weeks, requesting an opportunity to present the seminars she and Lauren had outlined. Maybe I finally reached the right person. Caryn took a deep breath, said a quick prayer, and then opened the email. She scanned the text, tapping her hand excitedly as she focused on the key statement. The vice-president of marketing, Jim Wesley, requested she call at her convenience to schedule a meeting.
Before she had the chance to get nervous, Caryn placed the call and spoke with Wesley’s administrative assistant. She scheduled a meeting first thing the following morning, then jotted down the instructions for parking.
After texting Lauren with the news, Caryn pulled up the proposals they had outlined and carefully constructed one for the potential new client. Excitement bubbled in he
r chest. This could be the client they needed to establish credibility in the mainstream corporate industry. For a brief instant, she considered sending a copy to her father for feedback and then discarded the idea immediately. Dad could puncture my confidence with one word—or worse, try to influence the corporation to award us the contract. This is a Lauren-Caryn enterprise.
Andrew’s ringtone played just as she finished preparing a guest room and connecting bath for Lauren. She stepped through the bedroom’s French doors to grasp the phone and then swiped her finger to answer the call. “Just thinking about you.”
“Good thoughts, I hope.”
Caryn laughed. “Could be…How’s everything in Toronto?”
“I went for a run over on campus…almost like old times,” Andrew offered.
“Knock anyone down?”
“Nope. Watched every step I took. I’m just a pace away from falling on my own, much less taking someone else down. Also, Tom insists on running with me. So, you know how he feels about me taking off on my own.”
“Maybe he needs the exercise,” Caryn said. “Has he spoken to everyone he needs to sign off on the residency?”
“Almost. He should have everything in place by the end of this week or next.”
“Your parents must love having you both there.” Caryn walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of lemonade. Cravings?
“You know my mom. She’s overcompensating with food. I’m feeling sluggish.”
“Meaning she’s cooking your favorite dishes,” Caryn retorted. “I think I hear violins playing in the background.” She sat on a chair by the counter.
“Hey, I asked you to stay. You know she’d love the chance to spoil you.” Andrew hesitated a moment. “I didn’t tell my folks you’d been in Toronto. They don’t know we’ve had issues.”
“Issues?” Caryn cringed as she heard the bitterness creep into her tone. “Right. My parents know nothing about our issues either. I’ve no desire to discuss this with them.”
“Understood.” Andrew’s voice was quiet.
Caryn switched topics, telling him about the presentation scheduled for the morning, Lauren’s arrival, and then the targeted West Coast clients. “Lauren’s energy exhausts me, Andrew. She’s accomplished so much—appointments with six teams’ front offices out in the southern California area.” She sipped the lemonade and set the glass on the counter.
Andrew whistled softly. “And the meeting you scored with the Tampa corporation. When are these California meetings?”
“Next week. We fly out Monday, and then the meetings are spread over four days. We may need to stay longer if someone wants further discussions.”
“So…should I hope you need to stay another week?”
“No! Definitely not two weeks in California. Terri’s told me enough about living there—I’m hoping for one-and-done meetings.”
“Yeah, I can understand that,” Andrew answered. “Did she tell you where to stand if an earthquake hits?”
“Earthquake? Don’t even put that word out there. I’m nervous enough without adding an earthquake obsession.”
She heard his soft chuckle. “Just keep in mind that mild tremors occur all the time. Just don’t think one of those tremors is the ‘Big One.’”
“That’s certainly reassuring.” Caryn sipped her lemonade, rolling her eyes even though he couldn’t see her. “I’ll consult with Terri on proper tremor etiquette.”
“Let me know how your meeting goes tomorrow?”
“I’ll try to, Andrew. You know things get crazy when Lauren’s on a mission.”
“How could I forget? Group projects at the university…not to mention the wedding. Just text me a thumbs up or thumbs down when you can.”
“I think I can manage that.” Caryn unsuccessfully tried to smother her giggle. “I’ll do my best to keep you posted on this adventure.”
Andrew tossed the phone aside and leaned back against the pillows stacked on his bed. A smile crossed his face as he replayed their conversation. Almost normal. Good to hear her laugh and lob comments right back at me. Except the bit about our “issues.” That will take time to work through.
Obviously, he’d obliterated her trust. His mind flashed back to the summer they met. A university student struggling to escape a sheltered life, Caryn’s youthful innocence had enchanted him and at the same time awakened unexpected protective instincts. More than anything, he’d wanted to shield her from anyone who’d destroy that innocence and trust.
And who’s the one who did exactly what I wanted to prevent? How long will it take me to rebuild that trust…if it’s even possible at this point?
Her words played through his mind. “I believed in us. I never dreamed you’d give up on our love so easily. I trusted you.” Believed. Trusted. Past tense. Had he created an irreparable crack? How many times had Tom tried to make him understand Caryn’s deep hurt? He’d brushed aside Tom’s concerns, too focused on his own recovery. After all, he’s the one who faces an uncertain future. He’s the one who’s fighting to believe he can recover one hundred percent. Getting back on the ice—his only priority. Everything else could wait. Even our marriage.
He’d brushed Caryn’s fears aside, convinced she never wanted him to step on the ice again. The arguments and bitter accusations. Maybe not physical pain, but just as real as his. He refused to acknowledge it or to focus on it. Then, he’d have to deal with her fears—divert energy from his goal.
What the fuck was I thinking? Or not thinking?
Andrew pushed those thoughts aside…he had to focus on Caryn. Make her understand he had his priorities straight. Marriage first; they could deal with everything else together…including his plans once he’d completed rehab. A knock on his door broke into Andrew’s thoughts. “I’m here.”
“Recovering from your run?” Tom asked and then snickered. “Or just reliving your childhood?”
Andrew laughed abruptly as he glanced at the walls adorned with trophy cases, jerseys, and awards that spanned his career. “Yeah, kind of weird.” He glanced at his brother. “I spoke with Caryn.”
“Everything good?”
“As good as I deserve.” He rubbed his hand across his face. “She’s asking for space.”
“Cautious,” Tom said quietly.
“Yeah, I get that. Caryn will dictate the pace.”
Tom shrugged. “Just don’t expect instant results. But, you’ll work things out. No doubts.”
5
Terri spotted Caryn leaving the house early in the day and waved her hand as she crossed the street. “Business formal?” She smiled knowingly, as Caryn made a face.
“I hated pulling this from the closet,” she said. “I haven’t worn heels in ages, and this suit is not particularly comfortable.” Caryn smoothed the light grey linen pencil skirt. “I worried this wouldn’t fit.”
“You don’t look like you’ve gained an ounce. Where are you headed?” Terri asked as they walked toward Caryn’s car.
“Downtown. I programmed the address in the GPS last night. It’s just a preliminary meeting which hopefully will lead to a request to a submit a proposal.” Caryn opened the passenger door and set her bag on the seat. She looked at Terri. “Our first non-sports-related prospect. It could launch the company into a more corporate-based direction.”
“Diversification…always good.” Terri hugged Caryn. “Good luck, though I know you’ll nail this!”
“Keep sending positive thoughts. And say a prayer my stomach stays calm,” Caryn said as she opened the driver’s door and slid into the driver’s seat.
“Call on your way back—I’ll have lunch ready.”
Forty-five minutes later, Caryn took a deep breath before exiting the elevator to the executive suite. Like Dad’s. Decorated to intimidate. Luckily, this didn’t faze her…not too much. She checked in with the receptionist and then took a seat. Early as usual, she had time to mentally rehearse the pitch. She closed her eyes and visualized the meeting, anticipating a succes
sful outcome.
“Would you like some coffee or a bottle of water?” The receptionist interrupted her thoughts.
“Thank you, water would be great,” Caryn replied with a smile. She accepted the bottle and then pulled the bound folder from her bag. She sipped water as she flipped through the presentation one more time. She had it practically memorized. She just had to remember that…and to breathe.
Before long, the door to the reception area opened and a woman made eye contact. “Caryn Chadwick?”
“That’s me,” Caryn replied with a smile as she stood. She slipped the water bottle into the side pocket of her bag and smoothed her skirt as she approached the woman.
“I’m Delia Bouvet, Mr. Wesley’s executive assistant,” she said, a faint French accent tinting her words. “Thank you for coming so early in the day.”
Caryn accepted the offered hand. “It’s my pleasure. Thank you for arranging this meeting.”
She followed as Delia briskly walked to the corner office and rapped on the door. She then opened it slightly to quietly mention Caryn’s name and purpose of the meeting. Caryn stood to the side, concentrating on a deep calming breath, and then entered the office when Delia indicated.
Jim Wesley walked around his desk to greet her. Caryn absently noted he was younger than she’d expected—and that Lauren would definitely lobby to handle this client. Just her type. Reddish-blond hair, handsome, and definitely what she’d consider a “hunk.”
They shook hands, making introductions, and Caryn attempted to ignore Wesley’s not-very-subtle appraisal of her. His eyes lingered a bit too long and Caryn spoke to divert his attention.
“Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Wesley.”
He flashed a one-thousand watt smile as he met her eyes. “My pleasure.” He waved toward a seating area in the corner of the oversized office. “Have a seat and please call me Jim. We’re fairly informal here. May I call you Caryn?”