Healthy Scratch

by Robyn M Ryan

  “Tell you what.” His tone abruptly changed. “Let me know when you make a decision. If the position’s still open, it’s yours if you want it.”

  She cringed at Wesley’s clipped words as he ended the call, then leaned back against Dave, his solid chest a welcome support. Wesley’s irritated. I thought I could work for him, why? She shoved the phone into her pocket and shut her eyes when his arms closed around her.

  “Everything okay?” His voice was soft.

  Lauren shrugged. “Just the usual from McRainey. They want decisions in minutes.”

  “The European job?”

  “Of course. I haven’t even read the offer, and he’s pressuring me to accept. This decision needs Caryn’s input and a lot of soul-searching.” She looked up and turned her head slightly toward him. “Did you like this house?”

  Dave didn’t reply as he turned her toward him. Lauren saw his brown eyes search hers, then he started to speak, but instead shook his head. “You need to get back?”

  “It can wait. I’m not going to let him rush me. Seriously, do any of the villas or houses jump out at you?”

  “They all look alike at this point. I did narrow it down to a house. The noise factor could pose problems.”

  “Like interfere with your pre-game nap?” Lauren felt the aggravation slip from her shoulders as she teased him.

  “Among other things.” She saw the gleam in his eyes as he ran one hand up her bare arm and tried to suppress a smile. “Which did you like best, Lauren?”

  “I don’t know.” She pushed back from him. “I love them all, even though I could never afford one.”

  “So, if money wasn’t a factor?”

  Lauren thought for a moment. “I could picture you living in the second house or this one.”

  “…. because?”

  “Lots of open space if you have people over. Plus, the master suite is on one side of the house and the guest rooms on the other. Privacy and soundproofing if family or friends visit—those nephews or nieces.”

  “True.” Dave chuckled. “You know they have no concept of a short visit. My parents could decide to visit for the winter months.”

  Lauren giggled. “Maybe buy a villa, too, then, for family and long-term visits. You do like your space, Marty.”

  “At times, yes.” He held the door for her to return inside the house. “Let’s head back.” He held up the packet of papers. “I’ll think about it later when my brain’s clear. Take a second look tomorrow.”

  8

  JOHN PETERSON MOTIONED for Dave to join him as he and Lauren walked up the driveway to the Chadwick’s home. “See you later?” Dave asked as she turned toward the front door.

  “Sure. Unless I’m in a mood…you may wish to run the other way.” She stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips across his cheeks. “Thanks for letting me tag along.”

  He watched as she walked to the front door, then greeted John. “Harder than I thought to find a place to stay. Your community has too many options.”

  “I just asked Kelly to pick the house. Much easier that way.”

  “Well, I don’t have that option. Unless Kelly wants to take that project on.”

  “You got a few minutes, Martin? I may have some information that could help you make that decision.” John nodded toward his front door. “Had an interesting conversation with Robert Chapman after practice.”

  “From the front office?”

  “Assistant GM. Come on in, I’ll buy you a beer before I deliver his ‘message.’”

  Dave waited until they sat at a table in the sunroom. “Chapman sent a message via you, Captain Jack?” He contained a smirk as he used the nickname he’d heard at practice. He leaned back in the chair and reached for a pretzel.

  “Not directly, but I’m pretty sure he wants you to know that the Suns hope to sign you before your contract expires.”

  “As in, they don’t want me to become a UFA?” Dave tried to keep the skepticism from his tone.

  “Pretty much.” John lifted his bottle for a long drink before continuing. “I get the impression money will not be an issue here.”

  “There’s no salary cap problem?”

  “Potentially. But, that’s the front office’s problem. Just passing along the info.”

  “Interesting.” Dave popped another pretzel into his mouth. “Hasn’t even seen me play with the team.”

  “Your reputation precedes you.” John shrugged and leaned back. “So, your impression after your first practice with the Suns? I thought our line had good chemistry.”

  “Yeah, we did. Rather see Chad on the other wing than that kid, Camden.”

  John smiled. “When he’s ready, Andrew’s got his spot back. Unfortunately, Cam’s opinion of himself has not changed since training camp.”

  “Just a bit cocky.” Dave finished his beer and set the bottle on the coaster. “And he needs to learn to pass the puck.”

  “Some kids think they need to show they can do it all,” John said. “Don’t worry, he’ll get the message, or he’ll end up back in the AHL.” He set aside his bottle with a wry smile. “I’m pretty good at keep-away. How about you?”

  “Expert. Just signal when.”

  #

  Lauren scanned Wesley’s email as she printed two copies. Just as he’d promised, the markets she’d manage initially included very enticing cities she’d always dreamed of visiting. The job description included much of the language from the consulting contract Caryn and she had negotiated. The benefits listed included stock options, paid healthcare, work visas, and more than her brain could absorb.

  She gathered the pages and joined Caryn in her office. The twins napped and Caryn said Andrew would take care of their needs. “You know, they’ll sleep straight through anyway.” She glanced at the pages Lauren delivered. “Before I read it—what’s your reaction after seeing everything on paper?”

  “Tempted but terrified.” Lauren saw the questioning look in her friend’s expression. “I love working with you as a consultant. But I’d love to spend time in Europe. The pay’s great and I don’t pretend to understand the benefits.”

  “And…”

  “The thought of working directly for Jim Wesley turns my stomach. He’s already called, wanting a decision. I told him I hadn’t even read the offer yet. You know that snippy tone he gets?”

  “Too well.”

  Lauren sighed. “I know I could do the job…and exceed his expectations.” She paused for a moment. “As a consultant, not an employee. You’ve spoiled me. I can prepare a budget, work on-site or at home, make my own hours.”

  Caryn nodded. “Do you think Jim would consider hiring you as a consultant?”

  “I can ask. But read the offer. McRainey has already defined the scope of the project, the budget, the personnel, hard deadlines…”

  “Give me a second. You want something to drink?” Caryn waved toward the small refrigerator she kept in her office.

  Lauren selected water and then wandered around the office as her partner read the contract. While living for months in London or Paris sounds wonderful, how often would I get to visit home...Then again… which home? She chuckled to herself. Vancouver? I haven’t seen Amanda and Cassie in months. St. Louis? What’s there for me? Tampa? Feels like home, but I can’t continue to impose on Caryn and Andrew. And now Marty’s here. As usual, conflicted emotions flowed through her. The previous night felt like a dream. But in the harsh reality of daylight, she knew they had no future. He’s only attracted to me because we hardly see each other. Now with him living in Tampa, he’ll lose interest. No different than when we both lived in St. Louis. He’ll hook up with someone better suited to his lifestyle. A beautiful woman from the right family, with no demons or ticking time bombs from the past. If he knew about my parents or my reputation from secondary school, he’d run the other way as fast as he could.

  “Earth to Lauren,” Caryn interrupted. “I know that dreamy expression. Will that influence your decision?”

>   “What do you mean? Marty? We’re just pals. You know that.”

  “Yep. I do.”

  Lauren heard the skepticism and changed the subject. “So, your opinion of that offer?”

  “It’s more convoluted than the contract we negotiated with McRainey. If you’re interested in the job, please let me ask my dad to have one of his lawyers review it. You did notice the non-compete clause?”

  Lauren nodded. “That bothers me.”

  “It should. If this didn’t work out, McRainey could prevent you from working in this field anywhere in the world where they have offices.”

  “Which would be everywhere.” Lauren released a deep sigh. “What would you do, Caryn? If you were me?”

  “At the very least, insist on an escape clause with no penalties. Say, for the first thirty to ninety days, either of you could walk away. No repercussions. Plus, no non-compete.”

  “You think Jim Wesley would ever agree to that?”

  “If he wants you on his team, he will.”

  Lauren rubbed her hands across her eyes. “Too much to think about.”

  “Then, put it aside for a while. Give yourself time to process this. Talk to your sister. You could even ask Dave to read the contract.” Caryn’s eyes danced with mischief.

  “What good would that do?”

  “You’ll get input from someone who has a contract—and who has a friendly interest in your making the correct decision.”

  #

  Lauren carried the contract to her room and dropped the pages on the dresser. Too much to absorb. Stay, continue to work with Caryn, get an apartment? Spend time with Marty? Could we ever get past the “pals with benefits” stage and maybe see where things go? Or do I move across the ocean for the adventure of my life? Paris. London. Rome. An offer too good to refuse? Would I regret not taking the opportunity?

  Knowing she’d have no backup, like she always had with Caryn, frightened her. As did working for Jim Wesley. The last year had opened her eyes…work could be fun. She could control her own schedule. Caryn gave her opinion, but Lauren could make decisions. They were partners.

  She flung herself across the bed in frustration. She ticked off the key points of the offer. High salary, stock options, bonuses, paid food and housing while traveling. Path to further advancement within the company. Negatives? Thousands of miles from friends, even further from her sister and niece. Stuck in a rigid corporate structure she’d witnessed first-hand. Stepping out of her comfort zone. Torpedoing any chance of exploring a relationship with Marty…not that staying in Tampa changes anything. FWB, that’s all we have—why even think “relationship?”

  Something was different right now. She and Dave actually had a conversation last night before giving in to…lust? He asked her opinions on the homes and villas. Does he trust my judgment? Does he think of me just as a pal? She’d never know if she left the country now. What to do?

  On impulse, Lauren picked up her phone as she sat up against the backboard and dialed her sister Amanda’s number. Amanda gives honest opinions, no doubt there. Lauren glanced at the shared bathroom that separated her room from Dave’s. She slipped out the French doors and walked toward the far end of the pool. Not a conversation I want overheard.

  Amanda answered the phone, apparently out of breath just as Lauren prepared to leave a message. “This can’t be my baby sister Lauren? The one who’s too busy to give us a call, much less tell us her current location…” Amanda’s voice dissolved into giggles. “What a wonderful treat! Can we hope to see you soon?”

  “Maybe,” Lauren answered with a laugh. “Catch me up on everything, Amanda.”

  “You know Cassie’s counting the days until graduation—and expecting you to be there.”

  “Wouldn’t miss that for anything.” Lauren leaned back on the chaise. “Has she decided what she’s going to do next?”

  “University, I hope.” Amanda sighed.

  “She has different ideas?”

  “So many, I can’t count. She’s ready for the school year to end and only wants to travel and explore the world beyond Vancouver. Says she wants a ‘gap year.’” Amanda’s laugh was oddly bitter. “Reminds me of someone else when she was Cassie’s age.”

  “Hey, I did decide on the university!” Lauren’s voice sounded a bit indignant, even to her. “Everything turned out okay, right?”

  “As soon as you moved to the other side of the country.” While they were sparring, Lauren detected something different in her sister’s tone.

  “You encouraged me when I mentioned Toronto. I would have stayed in Vancouver if you’d said anything.”

  “Honey, I wasn’t about to hold you back. You made the right decision—look at the success you’ve achieved. Sisters don’t always know best.” Lauren listened as Amanda paused to take a drink. “Wine o’clock can’t come soon enough some days.”

  Lauren glanced at her watch, noticing it was barely two o’clock in Vancouver. “Bad day?”

  “Just the usual.” Amanda sighed before changing the subject. “Have you completed that huge contract? Will we see you in Vancouver anytime soon?”

  “As of yesterday, that contract’s complete.” Lauren paused and turned her face toward the sun. I could sit like this forever. “But now I have a huge decision—and I need your advice.” When Amanda murmured her consent, Lauren recapped the job offer she’d received and her conflicting emotions.

  “Lauren, that’s an amazing opportunity. How does Caryn feel about it? Would you leave her in a bind? Especially with the twins?”

  “Caryn would never stand in my way. She’ll support me one-hundred percent and has already told me that. I love our business partnership. I don’t want that to end—on the other hand, spending time in Europe is so tempting.” She reminded Amanda how difficult Jim Wesley had acted during their project and her concerns about reporting to him as an employee.

  “Yes, you complained about his attitude and then other times described how…shall we just say hot…he is.” Amanda paused. “Hang on, I need a refill.”

  Lauren frowned as she waited for her sister. This is not like Amanda. Am I that out of touch?

  “So, are you hesitant about the job because then you could not get involved romantically?” Amanda got right to the point.

  “Ugh, no! I’d never go out with him, he’s too controlling. I’m not sure I can work for him.”

  “Not even across the ocean?”

  Lauren considered the question. It’s not like he’ll be around twenty-four-seven. “I didn’t think about it that way, Amanda. If he’s at headquarters most of the time, I could deal with the attitude as long as it’s via phone or email.” She paused, not sure if she wanted to insert Dave into the discussion.

  “So, does that make the decision a little easier?”

  “Maybe…I don’t know. It’s overwhelming. I’d just begun looking for a place in Tampa. No reason to stay in St. Louis when my lease ends.”

  “Not even your hockey friend?” Lauren heard the amusement in her sister’s tone.

  “Marty? No, he’s not playing for the Blues now. Besides, we’re just friends.”

  “I’m glad you realized that. Guy friends are great…but as far as relationships go, men stay as long as the benefits keep them interested.”

  Lauren closed her eyes and swallowed a sigh. “Amanda, you sound more like our mother every time we talk.”

  “Lauren, she has her faults, the least of which her total lack of parenting skills. You have to admit neither she nor I have a good track record with marriage.”

  “You’re nothing like her. Your marriage doesn't compare to the disaster we both endured. You are a fantastic mom. Cassie adores you, and you’ve kept things…cordial…with Trevor. Don’t compare yourself to her.”

  “Now that would depend on your definition of cordial.” Her voice turned bitter. “Now that he’s remarried, the wicked witch of the west controls the purse strings. I’ve had to remind him to deposit the support check six mon
ths in a row.”

  “Do you need money? I have a bonus coming.”

  “No!” Her sister’s vehement response startled Lauren. “I can manage just fine without any help from my baby sister.”

  “Just making the offer,” Lauren replied. “If I can help…anytime.”

  “We’re fine. I just need to ask Trevor to remind the bitch.” She changed the subject. “I should tell you Mom’s started going to AA meetings.”

  “Really.” And I should care? Lauren picked at her nail polish as an uneasy feeling swept through her.

  “Two months sober now.”

  “Well, good for her.” Lauren didn’t try to hide the skepticism. “Do you take her to the meetings?”

  “Sometimes. You know, whatever it takes.” Amanda tried to laugh it off, but Lauren heard something evasive behind the tone.

  She started to speak, then firmly closed her mouth. I can’t go there with Amanda.

  “She wants a relationship with us…now that she’s sober,” Amanda ventured.

  “If that’s what you want. I’m not interested. I need to go, Amanda. Give Cassie my love—once I know where I’ll be living, maybe she can visit.”

  “She’d love Rome or Paris…not trying to influence you…Well, guess I am!”

  9

  LAUREN LOOKED AT her phone for a long time. When did Amanda start thinking so negatively? Drinking in the afternoon? Have I been that oblivious—or too busy for more than a brief text when it crossed my mind? Since when did Amanda want anything to do with our mother? I hope she’s not making Cassie spend time with her.

  Disturbed by her conversation with her sister, Lauren wandered back to her room and read through the McRainey contract offer again. The excitement of working in Europe and the trepidation at the thought of making a—three year?—commitment to McRainey volleyed back and forth in her brain like a tennis ball. Her thoughts wandered to Dave—was there a chance they could develop a relationship? She didn’t believe he personified Amanda’s low opinion of men, especially not pro athletes. Then again, her sister knew the problems Gentry women encountered when it came to men.