Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
“Thanks, Simon, I appreciate that,” I say with a warm smile, slipping into the polished persona that’s gotten me through dozens of these conversations in the past year.
Rookie me had no idea how to handle the attention that started coming my way shortly after I joined the NHL, even though Grant did his best to prepare me. But my much older brother is a busy family man these days, with three kids and five dogs. I don’t like to bother him for advice unless I absolutely have to. I’d rather spend our limited time on the phone or in person having fun.
Luckily, several of the more established Badger players took me under their wing last year. They taught me how to nod, smile, and ask the right questions, all while mentally cataloguing everything I’ll need to share with my agent later.
That’s still wild, too, the fact that I have an agent and someday soon, will probably have to hire a contract attorney.
Schwartz, my agent, has handled my contracts so far, but he’s not about to leave a dime on the table. He said when it comes to genuinely impressive money, we’ll need to call in an expert. The numbers Simon throws around are genuinely impressive—a sum that could set me up for life and give Mom the option to retire from even part-time work if she wanted.
Still, my thoughts and my gaze keep drifting to the other side of the courtyard, wondering when my mystery girl is going to rejoin the party.
“We’re thinking a multi-platform approach,” Simon continues, pulling my focus back to his slightly sweaty face. It’s warm in the courtyard, but not sweating-through-your-suit warm. This man might need to lay off whatever’s got him so worked up.
Thankfully, I’m pretty sure it’s not his energy drink. I did my research before putting Lava on my short list. The ingredients aren’t healthy in large doses, but there’s nothing in the drink that would do consumers harm. I’m not about doing harm, not even in the name of seven-figure signing bonuses.
“Social media, traditional advertising, maybe some appearances at key events,” he continues. “The goal is to build an authentic connection between you and our target demographic.”
“That sounds great, man,” I say, meaning it. “I’ll tell my agent I’m interested, and that he should reach out to you on Monday, if that’s cool.”
“Very cool,” Simon says, looking pleased. “Very cool, man. I’ve already got a one-sheet ready. I’ll be waiting for that email on Monday.”
We shake hands. Simon’s palm is thankfully drier than his face, and I’m jazzed, I truly am, but even as I’m lining up what could be a life-changing opportunity, my attention is wandering. It’s like having an itch I can’t scratch, this need to see her again.
To make sure I saw her, that I wasn’t imagining things.
Then all of a sudden, there—by the champagne fountain, a flash of long legs and dark brown hair circulating through the guests. My pulse spikes, and the moment Simon excuses himself to get a fresh drink, I’m on the move.
I weave through the crowd, past conversations about investment portfolios and vacation homes in places I’ve never been, tracking the top of her head through the crowd like a man with a mission.
I’m halfway across the courtyard when Parker appears in front of me, a big, goody grin on his face. “Dude, you’ll never believe who I think I just saw waiting tables. It’s fucking crazy!”
“Who?” I ask, wondering if this coincidence is about to get weirder.
If Parker knows my girl, I might have to visit that tarot card reader my mom loves. Cajuns are a superstitious people by nature, and a bundle of coincidences eventually starts to feel like Fate.
Might be time to check in with Madam Xenia and make sure Fate is on my side…
“My old babysitter,” Parker says, still beaming. “From when I was twelve and my parents made me have a babysitter, even though I was totally old enough to stay home alone. But I didn’t mind because Makena was eighteen and hot as hell. She’s still hot, but way shorter than she used to be.” He hesitates, his brow furrowing. “If that was her. She disappeared into the back before I could catch up with her and ask if she remembered me.”
Short. That means his Makena can’t be my mystery girl. Red Dress is at least five ten in heels, which is a relief. Parker’s crush on his old babysitter clearly isn’t a thing that’s totally in the past.
“Do people start shrinking in their twenties?” he asks, making me roll my eyes.
“Pretty sure you grew since you were twelve, man,” I say, barely resisting the urge to push past him to get to my own mystery woman.
He exhales a wistful sigh. “Yeah, but in my head, Makena will always be an inch taller and the only girl I can imagine jerking off to. I need to get her number before we go. It would be cool to catch up after all these years.”