Page 6 of The Worst Pucking Deal

Not only has he sent me reminders via text, he also randomly changed the background picture on my work laptop to a lone wolf, sent me a scarf with wolf paws, and a box of what looked like tufts of fur. Talk about over-fucking-doing it.

After checking the time, I start gathering my things and shutting down for a quick break. It’s much earlier than I usually have my dinner, but I’m starving and need to clear my head.

“There you are.” I gasp out in surprise as Jo walks up to my desk. She twirls a finger through her blonde hair as she eyes my laptop that’s already shut. “Are you leaving already?”

I’m not sure how to answer her. I mean, yes, obviously I’m leaving. But she’s never paid much attention to when we’re leaving the office as long as we do our job. “Just to get something to eat,” I clarify. “I already finished—”

She holds up her perfectly manicured hand. “Normally, it would be fine, Lucia. But I came by to tell you that the meeting tomorrow evening, the one you asked Nick to take instead of you, has been changed to in an hour and Tom wants you there.”

I’m surprised to hear the GM wants me there specifically. “Why?”

Shrugging, she runs a finger across my desk. “Tom changed his mind,” she replies, which isn’t really answering why he wants me there. But I’ll overlook that. This isn’t like our GM. Normally, he’s a stickler for keeping appointments, and only changes things like this if he has to.

“Okay,” I say, unsure what else I can respond with.

“Well, I won’t keep you,” Jo says, pulling at her tailored suit jacket. “I only came by to let you know so you can be prepared.”

I swallow down the urge to snort. Prepared? I’m not sure how prepared I can be in less than an hour. “Thank you,” I say, schooling my expression. “Oh, is there any news on Sawyer?” I ask.

Having the first game commemorated by a scorned husband showing up and causing a scene is beyond messed up. But to make matters worse, with Sawyer’s arrest yesterday, we don’t know much. Or, at least I don’t. I have a feeling that Jo knows more than she lets on since the Sabertooths’ legal team has been working constantly to get him out.

“Tom will give us all an update during the meeting,” she answers. Leaning closer, she lowers her voice. “Since you work on his account, you should know that the legal team and Tom are still working on getting him out. Plus, Tom’s had to smooth the waters of the entire NHL, as well as our sponsors.”

I let out a sigh. “How bad is it, Jo?”

“From a legal perspective, I don’t know. From ours, it could be worse.” I arch an eyebrow, but Jo just smiles. “As much as it sucks that the entire thing was broadcasted live, it was also Sawyer’s saving grace. Everyone knows he was provoked, attacked. There can be no doubt about that. Though, knowing it doesn’t excuse his overreaction…”

“But it explains it,” I supply when she trails off.

“Exactly,” she beams. “And if we focus on the charities, we might be able to turn it around.”

I get the feeling there’s something she’s very deliberately not telling me, but I already know that it won’t help to ask more questions. Jo isn’t head of PR for nothing. She knows exactly what to divulge and what she needs to keep to herself to get the outcome she wants. It’s part of why I like her and respect her so much. She never asks for something she wouldn’t do herself, and she’s very dedicated to the people on her team.

She only hangs around for a few more minutes. But it’s enough to give me a few hints about what the meeting with the GM will be like. He doesn’t want here and now solutions; he wants a long-term plan and for us to find a way to rehabilitate Sawyer Perry’s image.

“Oh, it’s almost time,” Jo exclaims after checking her phone. “Do you mind grabbing me a coffee and brownie from the cafe?”

I look at the time. “I don’t think I can make it there and back on time,” I object weakly. Although it’s in the building, it’s not on the same floor. And there’s usually always a long line in the cafe at this time. Everyone working late needs their next coffee fix at the same time.

Jo smiles widely. “For that coffee and those brownies, it’s worth being a little late.”

“Okay,” I agree. Then I grab my coat and bag and leave the office. My mouth is already watering by the thought of biting into one of those brownies. Jo’s right, they’re worth being a little late.

Luckily, there’s no line at the elevators on my way down or up, and after promising never to do it again, the guys in line at the cafe allowed me to move in front of them when I explained I couldn’t be late for my meeting with Tom. I guess it helps that most know what’s going on, and the severity of the situation.

As I ride the elevator, I check my appearance in the shiny walls, happy that I don’t look as flustered as I feel. Being part of Jo’s team means always looking our best, something she takes very seriously. Superficial as it might be, I get it. We’re selling the image of the Sabertooths and the players, which means we have to look our best.

Once the doors open, I rush out and along the corridor to the room. I reach the door at the same time as Jo and our GM do, which technically means I’m on time. But the disapproving look in Jo’s eyes tells me she considers me late, which is rich since she sent me on the coffee and brownie errand.

“Hi,” I chirp, holding out her cup and the small container with the brownie.

She takes the items from my outstretched hand. “Nice to see you’re on time,” Jo sniffs, making it sound like I’m prone to being late. Newsflash, this is the first time I’m not showing up at least half an hour before I’m supposed to be somewhere.

“Hi there. Lucia, right?” the GM, also known as Tom Redding, asks while holding out his hand.

Meeting his blue eyes, I shake his hand while nodding. “Yes sir. I’m Lucia Carter.”

Even wearing killer stilettos, I’m used to feeling small around the players. And with Tom, it’s no different. He’s at least six-two and in good shape. Though he’s older, which is evident by his salt and pepper hair, he takes good care of himself. But above all of that, he smiles more than most, so it’s never intimidating to be near him.

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