Page 47 of Playing for Keeps

"How so?" I lean forward, interested despite my exhaustion. Coach growls, clearly not wanting to talk about milk or anything off-ice.

"Family-focused ads with you and Emerson. Show the real story - young couple, whirlwind romance, now supporting each other's dreams. Her work with those music kids? Golden. And Ashley's husband is willing to go on record saying this is all bullshit."

Coach grunts approval. "Thompson's a stand-up guy."

"We need to be strategic, though." Brian pulls out his phone. “I think we do day-in-the-life posts nonstop. Show Emerson at that music school, you visiting the hospital kids. Real stuff, not staged PR garbage."

I purse my lips. “I have zero time to be posting to social media.”

Brian snorts. “Obviously, G-Stag. We have people for that. Hell, the Fury has people for that.” Coach nods in agreement.

I scratch at my patchy beard. “I don’t think Emerson wants to put the kids in the spotlight that way. It’s kind of creepy, right? Plus who even knows if those kids have photo releases and shit.”

Brian rolls his eyes. “We can take care of the paperwork, baby. Better than hiding. Plus..." Brian grins. "Those orchestra board members who've been hassling your father-in-law? They're very interested in hearing about innovative music education programs. Especially programs with gender parity and diverse performers.”

I start to see where he's going. "You want to use Scale Up to hit back at her father?"

"Sometimes the best defense is shining a light on good work." Brian stands. "But first, you need to make sure your wife is on board. None of this works if she's not all in."

I nod, already reaching for my phone. "I need to get home."

"Go." Coach waves me off. "Sort your shit out. I need my goalie focused. Remember, G Stag. Grentley is focused as fuck."

As I head for the door, Brian calls after me. "And G Stag? We’re scheduling a puppies and pucks charity event next week. Hard to look like a homewrecker when you're adopting shelter dogs with your wife."

For the first time since seeing that article, I actually smile. "Now that... that might actually work."

CHAPTER 31

EMERSON

I siton the couch in Gunnar’s jersey and boxer briefs, clutching the mug of coffee his mom thrust into my hands along with a shot of whiskey. “It’ll help, I promise,” she says, treating her mug to the same booster.

I should be embarrassed to be sitting here so unkempt in front of this woman, but I’m so tired from lying awake all night reeling over how my relationship with Gunnar feels so good, but it stands to derail everything Gunnar has worked so hard to achieve.

Juniper grabs a bakery bag and her coffee, then sits with me, staring into my face as she takes a long sip of her drink. “First things first, I know my son, and he’s absolutely gone for you. I don’t understand why he waited so long to bring you into our lives and share you, but anyone who knows him can see that he has taken the puck of his heart and slammed it into the back of your net. Or something.”

I choke out a laugh. “Did you just make a hockey metaphor? Is there a goalie, or am I just…a net?”

She rolls her eyes and rummages in the bag, pulling out a scone and gesturing with it as if it’s a pointer. “You know what I mean. And while I won’t pretend to know you super well yet,I think I might be correct in saying that you care about Gunnar, too.” She arches a brow and waits for my confirmation.

It flows naturally. “Yes. I love him.” I haven’t said that out loud, and as soon as I do, I wish that Gunnar had been the first to hear me speak those words. But there’s more to the story, unfortunately. “I just don’t see how I can stay with him without ruining his life.”

I start to cry as soon as I give voice to the worry that’s kept me up all night, wondering how my father managed to worm his way into this world I’ve chosen, where the stuffy attitudes of the Upper East Side are far away. The people around me care most about helping each other be themselves.

Seeing my distress, Juniper places her coffee mug on the floor and scoots down the couch, drawing me into her arms. She wraps me in a firm embrace that feels so different from the hugs Gunnar gives. “Hey,” she pats my hair. “Gunnar’s life is far from ruined. He’s got a big web of people making sure that doesn’t happen.” I cry harder as I listen to her reassurance. I don’t know what to make of this- of kindness and promises of support.

“But my father!” I sniff and notice I’m getting tears and snot on her shirt, but she glances down and then into my eyes.

“Honey, I have four sons who play elite sports. I’m not afraid of snot.” She places a firm finger under my chin and tilts my face up. “And I’m not afraid of your father. Do you really think my husband is intimidated by yours? We already have our lawyer going after him for defamation and libel. Gunnar’s agent has sent his research to Tim’s legal team. Okay?”

My heart races and sputters as if my body cannot accept that there are forces in the world greater than my father’s influence. I close my eyes and take some deep breaths. Juniper rubs my shoulders. “That’s it, Emerson. Let’s get you calmed down.” She sits with me as I breathe, and when I open my eyes, she hands me the coffee again, which I accept. Juniper watches me whilefinishing her own drink. “Do you have someone you talk to? Professionally?”

I arch a brow in confusion.

She nods her head. “I work in family law. The people who come before my bench are dealing with a lot of complicated issues at home, like divorce, abuse, neglect- you name it.” I sink back into the arm of the couch, physically retreating from those uncomfortable words I’m hesitant to associate with. Juniper taps her fingers on her leg. “One thing I do is connect everyone with social services, mental health professionals, and support groups. It helps more than you might realize.” She smiles. “I’d love to recommend some folks I think you’d click with. Would that help you process all this change?”

My mouth is dry when I open it to speak. I shake my head. “I don’t know. That all sounds really serious.”

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