Page 77 of Delicate Storm

Luke: East. Care to weigh in? I can see you’ve read our messages

Fucking technology. While I agree with Luke that he didn’t resign, I know better than to entertain him and his wild ideas. But it’s strange. And the timing couldn’t be worse. It’s our first game this weekend. The start of a new season and now all the media will be talking about is McGuire’s resignation. If he really loved the team as much as he claims he does, he would have made this announcement during the offseason. So no, I don’t think he resigned. He was definitely forced to leave.

The question is why? And the answer is none of my business. I’m staying the hell out of this. But I fucking hate the fact that we’ll garner more negative media attention. I just want to play the goddamn sport that I love, kick ass, and get on with my life. Why can’t it be that simple?

Easton: I don’t know what happened. And I agree with Reed. We shouldn’t be speculating

Luke: I bet you could find out

What the hell?

Reed: Who?

Luke: Easton

Jesus. Fuck. What does he know?

Easton: What makes you think I’m in the know? Why don’t you ask your brother-in-law?

Luke: Good idea. BRB.

Fucking Luke.

I throw my phone onto the passenger seat beside me and move to open the door. But my phone vibrates again, and I can’t stop myself from checking it. Why the fuck would he think I could find out?

Luke: Thomas knows nothing. Or at least, he’s not telling me over the phone. I’m going to head to his place, but in the meantime. East…

I don’t give Luke the satisfaction of responding to his little tension builder. Instead I wait as the three little dots appear. My chest tightens as I prepare to be outed for messing with the owner's daughter.

Luke: Ask Keeley

Jesus. The relief I feel over something I’ve worked hard to keep quiet is immeasurable. Thank God he said Keeley. I had planned to ask her after she finishes work anyway, knowing she’s probably still at the stadium managing the news. The guys discovering Keeley is my sister is painful, and I expect magnitudes of ribbing coming my way, but at least he didn’t say Paige. That’s a secret I’d prefer to keep hidden. For both our sakes.

But if I can’t stop thinking about her naked, and if she’s going to be hanging around the stadium, it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder to hide it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Paige

Ibarely sleep the night before Storm’s season opener with a nervous energy coursing through me as though I’m one of the guys about to run onto the field. When in reality, I’m nervous for my dad. The news of the GM’s departure hit the media yesterday with full force, and the accusations flying around are devastating with most aimed at my dad. Blaming him for the demise of the team. Calling him egotistical. Speculating that he’d cleared the position for himself so that he’d have a more hands-on role.

All the while, he stayed quiet. I’m sure he had lawyers telling him what to do, but it kills me to think that the fans hate him when they don’t know what’s really going on.

Hell, I’m his daughter and I didn’t really know what was going on until I spoke to Keeley. I obviously knew the business side of things. The GM and the previous owner had pretty much run the team into the ground when it came to the finances, but it turns out there was more.

Both the GM and the previous owner received a paycheck from the Storm TV show, but the team itself received little tonothing. He’d also come on to Keeley and other women who work for the team on multiple occasions, despite being married and regardless of their complaints.

Keeley claims he never touched her, but made her feel uncomfortable several times, even insinuating that he could help her rise to the top if she stopped refusing his advances.

Not that she told my dad that. In her mind, Tray was gone so there was no point in her dredging up her issues with him to help the case. It was done.

I’m not entirely sure why she toldme, but I promised to keep it quiet. What’s another secret to add to the list?

After a quick shower, I throw on the unnumbered jersey that Dad gave me and head to the stadium. Dad said I could work on the fundraiser in his office, and I’d rather be there if he needs me than home worrying about him.

Oh how things have changed between us.

I never stopped caring about him. I never once stopped loving him. But when he left my mom, I stoppedworryingabout him with my focus solely on her. If he could leave her knowing how much it affected her, then he didn’t need me. At least, that’s what I thought at the time. Now I’m full of regrets. It’s amazing what a little maturity and perspective will teach you.

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