by Robyn M Ryan
Does he even think about me in terms of a relationship? Why did I panic when he mentioned an exclusive relationship two years ago? Major reason number one—could someone like me keep his interest? With all those beautiful women available everywhere he travels? Reason number two—there’s enough baggage in my past that could sink the Titanic, much less torpedo Dave’s reputation if it ever surfaced. Not to mention our mother’s sudden reappearance in Amanda’s life. Two months sober…Big deal. That changes nothing.
Caryn had suggested she approach Wesley with a counter-offer to continue to work as a consultant. She reached for her iPad and composed an email detailing the benefits of working with consultants. She reread the email and frowned. It doesn’t sound very persuasive. She took her iPad into the living area and felt a rush of love for Jenna and Daniel when she saw Caryn feeding them both. Jenna lay against her legs, and Daniel greedily sucked on his bottle while wedged against pillows.
“That can’t be comfortable for any of you! Why didn’t you call me?” Lauren scooped Daniel into her arms and took his place on the sofa.
Caryn laughed quietly. “I’m getting better at this—can’t depend on my friends to be available twenty-four-seven. I need all the practice I can get. It's okay until one gets squirmy—I thought Danny would wiggle until he fell off the couch. He’s so stubborn.”
“And you’re surprised? He got a double dose from each of his parents.”
Caryn nodded toward the iPad Lauren had set on the coffee table. “Have you responded to Jim Wesley yet?”
“Trying to. I’m not sure my counter-proposal will sway him at all.” Lauren made a face, then leaned to press her lips against Daniel’s soft baby hair.
“You want me to read it?” Caryn asked.
“If you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. I got a call earlier that may complicate your decision.”
Lauren looked at her, the question evident in her expression.
“The Suns need someone to manage their communications department—Payton accepted another position and gave a week’s notice. So, they want to contract with us while they search for a replacement—Acting Senior Director of Communications.”
“So, they’re screwed…right in the middle of the season? Can’t believe she did that! Totally unprofessional.” Lauren shook her head. “Unless they didn’t want her to stick around any longer than that.”
Caryn shrugged. “Who knows? They are desperate, though, and don’t want to rush the process. Thus, the call with the offer.”
“Wow.” Lauren focused her attention on Daniel. “Obviously, this would require someone in the office, not working off-site.”
“And maybe travel with the team. It could be a month or the rest of the season. Three months guaranteed, even if they fill the position in the interim.”
“Although you’d be perfect, I can’t picture you leaving these love bugs—even to go to work with Andrew.” Lauren teased her friend.
“I couldn’t.” Caryn set the empty bottle on the table, tucked a cloth diaper over her shoulder and lifted Jenna in one fluid motion.” She tossed a second diaper to Lauren. “Don’t stain your shirt.” She looked at Lauren as she patted Jenna’s back. “So, would that assignment interest you?”
“Yes, of course. You’ve worked with the Suns’ communications department—no negatives there?”
“Not a one. Everyone’s enthusiastic and helpful. You’d have plenty of experienced people working with you.” Lauren caught the smile creeping across Caryn’s face. “Now you have two concrete options to consider.”
“Do they want to interview me?”
Caryn shook her head. “We just need to prepare a contract—if you want this. I’ve quoted our rate, no pushback at all. Why don’t you interview them? I’ll give you the contact and number. That way you can gauge the atmosphere, get the exact job description and expectations. Meet the rest of the department; hammer out the details if you want the contract.”
A grin crossed Lauren’s face. “I wonder if I can set up something tomorrow?”
Caryn’s gaze fell on the sleeping Daniel pressed against Lauren’s shoulder. “The information’s on my desk. Just set Danny back on the sofa—he’s not going to stir.”
#
The next morning, as she chatted with the Suns’ Senior Director of Marketing, Rick Tyler, Lauren knew she’d enjoy the Suns’ relaxed office environment. It was a game day, so after their meeting he walked her through the communications department, explaining each person’s role. Some, she knew through Caryn—Angela Robertson, the head of Public Relations/Social Media and Bryce Sterling, Media Services.
“Dallas Cutwater, our video coordinator’s creating the opening video for tonight’s game,” Rick commented.
“For the arena or TV?”
“Both. He’s pretty good at getting the crowd prepped for the game.”
“I’ve seen his work. I’d say it’s amazing,” Lauren said with a smile.
“Everyone meets the day before a game to discuss ideas or issues, then again the following morning to assign tasks to the department associates and interns. Someone from marketing recaps any planned promotions. Basically, everyone gets on the same page.” He looked around. “There are normally quite a few more people in these offices.”
“The chaos began rather early today,” Angela said when they paused at her office. “I’ve got fifteen special requests from VIPs, plus a teen signing a one-day Suns contract—a Make A Wish experience that includes skating with her favorite player and a pre-game introduction.”
“You must love that part of your job.”
“Actually, I love every facet of this job.”
“Good team here.” Tyler led Lauren toward the lobby. “If we work this out quickly, Payton can walk you through her duties. Either way, you’ll find people willing to jump in and help as needed. Some have ten-plus years in the department and have crossed-trained with each segment.”
After shaking hands and assuring Rick she’d get back to him as quickly as possible, Lauren followed the signs to the private parking area beside the arena. So much more relaxed than her meeting with Jim Wesley. You’d never know it was game day. Very professional, calm…and friendly. Lauren pushed the door open and the bright sunlight momentarily blinded her. She opened her purse to grab her sunglasses as she took a few steps forward. Before she could find her sunglasses, strong hands clamped on her shoulders, jerking her backward.
“Hey! Watch it!” She tried to pull away, but relaxed when she heard the soft chuckle.
“Take it easy, squirt. Not a good time to get flattened by a car.” Lauren found her sunglasses and slipped them on as she turned to face Dave. He nodded toward the silver BMW exiting the parking lot. “One more step and it would not have been pretty—for you or the car.”
Lauren shook her head. “I didn’t even hear it.”
“Electric car. Gotta watch where you’re walking.”
“Thanks, I think.” Lauren scowled but fought the smile tugging at her lips. “Would hate to dent that super expensive car.”
“What are you doing here, anyway?” Dave grasped her arm. “Where’s your car?”
“Had a meeting about contracting with the communications department while they search for a new director.” She pointed toward Caryn’s car, parked across the lot. “Good morning skate?”
He nodded as they walked toward the car. “Be back here before l know it.”
“After your nap,” Lauren teased. “Nervous about your first game?”
“Not really. Should I be?” His smile bordered on a smirk. He dropped her arm when they reached the car. “You want to grab some lunch?”
Lauren leaned against the door, hoping she didn’t appear too eager. “Sure. Let me check with Caryn first. I don’t think she needs the car.”
“I’ll let the guys know I’ve got a ride either way.” Dave winked, and Lauren watched as he walked back toward the door. She didn’t know if her heart thumped because of
the near miss with the car or the gorgeous man her eyes tracked. Even with his hair still damp from the shower and in that logo’d Suns T-shirt, Marty made her forget to breathe as she admired his backside. Shaking her head, Lauren pressed Caryn’s name, hoping she wasn’t interrupting her time with the twins.
10
“TWO DAYS, TWO offers. So, what do you think, superstar?” Caryn teased Lauren as they enjoyed the early evening twilight relaxing on the side of the pool.
Lauren started to choke on her wine. “Superstar? How about confused, conflicted, and in over my head?”
“Why? You could do either job. Why are you conflicted?”
Lauren shook her head. “Amanda thinks I need to take the McRainey job.”
“And…”
“I haven’t even decided if I want to do the project as a consultant.” She paused and munched on the cheese and crackers on the platter between them. “I know how big this would be for us if McRainey would agree to our working as consultants—monetarily and stature-wise.”
Caryn reached her hand into the water and sent a gentle splash Lauren’s way. “Neither of which particularly concerns me. Do you think we need higher profits?”
“Isn’t that the point of having your own business?” Lauren flicked water back at Caryn. “The bottom line?”
“I’m quite happy with our bottom line. What’s the point of owning a business if you never have time to enjoy…life? You lived out of a suitcase for over six months. Are you really interested in more of that even further away?”
Lauren didn’t respond, sipping her wine, staring at the water. Finally, she shrugged. “I don’t know, Caryn. What’s home for me anymore? Does it matter if I live in St. Louis, Vancouver, Toronto, Tampa, Paris, or London?”
“Home can be many places, you know. I consider Tampa home, and so is Toronto and Ottawa.”
“You have connections to each of those places. Me? I have Vancouver, but I don’t want to live there. There’s nothing for me in St. Louis. Toronto’s just memories…”
“Your Godchildren live in Tampa.” Caryn reached for a cracker. “We expect you to take your responsibilities seriously. You do realize that?” Her smile indicated she was teasing. “I get that you’d love the idea of living in Paris, but do you want to be separated from your friends and family by an ocean plus a continent?” Caryn caught Lauren’s gaze.
“That’s one reason I’m conflicted. I don’t want to be an ocean away while these angels are learning to crawl, walk, babble…In a year, they’ll be toddling around. Three years and they’re practically grown up.”
Caryn laughed as she shook her head. “Hardly. What about the contract with the Suns? Is it an opportunity you can picture yourself taking?”
Lauren noticed Caryn’s attempt to suppress a smile. “Actually, I can,” she said as she reached for the bottle of wine to refill their glasses. Am I interested for the right reasons? Or looking for a way to explore what could develop with Marty? “Amanda thinks if I don’t take the McRainey assignment, I’ll regret it. I haven’t had a chance to tell her about the Suns opportunity.”
“If she wants you to have the European experience, take your niece with you on a nice graduation trip to Paris. You have the time and the money.”
Lauren smiled in response, debating if she should share her thoughts about the job and proximity to Dave, as well as her disturbing conversation with her sister. “I think I can give it another day’s thought, Caryn. I’m too brain-dead to make any decisions tonight. Hey, did Tom get to meet Andrew at the game?”
She saw Caryn’s expression brighten. “Believe it or not, he did! We’ll get to see him over the next couple days or however long… He’s on-call, so let’s hope it’s quiet in neurology.” Caryn snacked on another cracker. “So, did you enjoy your lunch date with Dave?”
“Date?” she scoffed. “How do you even know we had lunch together? I didn’t say anything.”
“Drew mentioned it when he came in. By that, I mean his typical ‘Oh, by the way…’ comment. Clueless.”
“Too focused on his children,” Lauren corrected with a giggle. “Yes, Marty and I had lunch at the Italian restaurant near the arena. He carb-loaded and I had a slice of pizza.”
“And…?”
“There’s no ‘and,’ Caryn. We’re friends, pals. Just as always.”
“I hear you.” Lauren caught the skepticism in her tone. “You should have gone to the game.”
“Nope, too much to discuss with you about these offers. Besides, you know I need my time with these angels.”
#
They were relaxing on the sofa, drowsy babies in their arms when Andrew entered the house with Tom.
“You’re home early,” Caryn said with a smile. “Not complaining, mind you.”
“Hope not. Tom and I are here to give you a break.” Andrew leaned to kiss Caryn briefly, then pressed his lips against Daniel’s forehead. “Didn’t realize you had back-up tonight.”
“Where else would I be?”
“Hey, you could be anywhere,” Tom said as he sank onto the nearby chair and reached for Jenna. “You’re never around for more than a couple days.”
“I’m between assignments.” Lauren tried to hold back a smirk. “Who knows, I could be off to Paris next week. Or London. Maybe Vancouver.”
“Assumed you went to the game with Terri and Kelly. Martin said he left credentials for you,” Andrew commented, then sat beside Caryn at the other end of the sofa. “The new guy’s buying drinks and food for the team right now. Team tradition.”
“Oh, I do remember that. You got hit with a hefty bill,” Caryn said, then turned toward Lauren. “You should have said something. Dave’s going to be disappointed you’re not at the victory party.” She looked at her watch. “You could still go—I bet he hasn’t even left the arena.”
“Hoard of media waiting for him,” Andrew commented.
“Maybe you could text him?” Caryn prodded.
Lauren rolled her eyes as she picked up her phone to send the text. “There. Satisfied? Bet I don’t hear back.” She dropped the phone beside her. “You going to be around tomorrow, Tom?”
“Unless there’s an emergency.”
“Good, I want to catch up with you. Long time since we chatted.”
“Looking forward to it.”
Lauren laughed as Tom’s eyes never left Jenna’s face. Her cellphone pinged—an incoming text. She saw Caryn’s knowing smile as she reached for the phone. She read the message and typed a reply but didn’t comment.
“Dave?”
“Yes, Caryn. He said, and I quote, ‘Sorry you missed the game. Come on over for the celebration if you want. About thirty minutes before I’m through here.’” She set the phone aside.
“Well, what did you tell him?”
Andrew ruffled Caryn’s hair and scooped Jenna from her arms. “Our cue to go out by the pool. C’mon, Tom. TMI for our peanuts.”
#
Lauren continued an internal dialogue even as the Uber driver pulled up to the curb in front of the bistro. Why did I let Caryn talk me into this? Does she think Dave cares whether I come or not? Though lunch with him was fun today…maybe he does want me here? Just don’t get your hopes up, Gentry. She paid the fare and followed a group inside. She stepped to the side, trying to spot anyone she knew. The dim lights and crowded room made it hard to see. Caryn said they usually have a private area set aside in the back. Hopefully, I’m heading in the right direction.
She weaved through the crowd, declining random offers to buy her a drink. I’m so getting even with Caryn. She’d hate this as much as I do. She caught a glimpse of a player she recognized and moved closer until she could see the private area. She scanned the group for Dave—or anyone she knew. John and Kelly aren’t here—neither are Steve and Terri. Thanks, Caryn. Now I look like another puck bunny.
She watched, amused by different players’ responses to the women who approached them. She did see Cam enjoying the attention of at
least four gorgeous women, causing her to chuckle. Yep, God’s gift to women, just like he claims. Please stay out of trouble, Cam.
Finally, she spotted Dave on the far side of the group. He had his own bevy of beauties hanging all over him, and judging by the smile on his face, he didn’t mind the attention. Her feet felt glued to the floor, and she did not move toward him. She waited for him to look around so she could catch his attention. Doesn’t look like he’s expecting me. He should know I’d be arriving any minute. Maybe my instincts were correct—his invitation meant nothing special.
After about ten minutes, Lauren sighed, then turned and worked her way through the throngs of extremely “happy” customers. She requested an Uber from the inside entry, then waited. Well, that was fun. Not a night for Mr. Martin’s friend with benefits. At least not this friend.
“Lauren!”
She heard the voice as she opened the door to wait outside for the Uber car. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Dave pushing his way through the crowd toward her. Such a stupid idea, Gentry. Now he knows you came. She let the door close behind her and stepped away from the entry, debating whether she should try to disappear in the crowded sidewalks. She felt a hand on her shoulder and tried to shrug it away.
“Why are you leaving, squirt? I’ve been watching for you,” Dave said.
“Then you need to get your eyes checked, Mr. Martin. I tried to get your attention for ten minutes, but you were obviously enjoying your flock of admirers.” She turned to face him and met his brown eyes. “I told Caryn you weren’t expecting me.”
