Page 155 of If You Love Me

“He was given a severance package and offered transfer opportunities, but not in the professional league and not in management.”

“I see. Thank you for letting me know.” I would have managed, but it will make the end of this season less stressful for all of us. “I think Roman will probably be relieved to hear that.”

“Agreed. Hopefully, it will ease any worries.”

“I'm sure it will.” As much as he tries to roll with things, this has been just as hard for him because he didn’t have control over the outcome.

“The team will miss him.” Vander Zee taps on the arm of the chair, pensive.

“They will, but Ryker is up for the job. He has the skill set and a good head on his shoulders to go with it.”

“You’re right about that, and Grace and Madden seem to have settled down.” He raps on my desk. “Knock on wood that trend continues.”

“As long as those two can stay away from each other’s shirts and sandwiches, we should be okay.”

Vander Zee snorts a laugh. “Seriously. I still don’t know what to think about that.”

“I don’t think any of us do.”

His phone buzzes in his pocket.

“Get that, if you need to.”

He pulls it out and frowns as he reads the message. “Well, this isn’t ideal.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s not team related,” he assures me.

“Still, anything I can help with?”

“Tally and the boyfriend had a fight. She was out with friends last night, and apparently, someone saw her talking to some guy, and now the boyfriend is tossing out accusations.” He runs a hand through his hair.

“What kind of accusations?” I ask.

“He thinks she’s cheating on him.” He blows out a breath. “My wife is relaying this through text message, so I’m only getting part of the story. I wish Tally would break up with this kid. I don’t like him. And I definitely don’t like that he’s pulling this shit. Final exams are coming up, and she doesn’t need the added stress.”

This guy sounds like a whole lot of red flags, but I don’t want to overstep. “Sometimes when people are insecure, it’s because they’ve had that experience before,” I hedge.

“I know. But we can’t tell Tallulah that. I don’t get why she’s with this guy. Eline is trying to get her to come to the game tonight. Will Fee be there? It could be a good distraction.”

“I’ll ask.” I send Fee a quick message.

It only takes her a minute to respond. She says she’s in if Tally’s coming, and she’s already messaged her. Within two minutes, the whole thing is arranged.

“She’s always been such an easy kid, and that hasn’t changed, but this boyfriend of hers…” He drums his fingers in agitation. “If this is anything to go by, I’m not sure how I’ll handle it with her younger sister.”

“I feel this in my soul,” I tell him.

“I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Roman last season.” He shakes his head. “I have a lot of respect for that man.”

I only saw what was covered on the hockey sites, but knowing Roman the way I do now, it definitely wasn’t easy for him to see his daughter with his best friend. “He loves them both very much. It helps that Hollis adores Aurora, but it was tough for all of them.”

“Yeah. I just want Tallulah to find someone worthy of her.”

“She will. Sometimes you have to learn what doesn’t work for you before you find what does,” I say.

His phone buzzes, with a call this time. “That’s my wife. I really hope I don’t have to bury this guy for hurting my daughter.” He brings the phone to his ear. “Hi, darling, is our little girl okay? If I take care of him, he won’t be a problem anymore.” He gives me a chin tip and leaves my office.

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