Page 21 of Pucking Rebound

Steering us back on course, I draw attention to my biggest problem. “First, I need to find a place to stay.”

“You do but I have a spare room, rooms actually, if you need one.” Running his hands through his hair, he looks uneasy suggesting that, as if he’s overstepping. “As a temporary measure.”

“I can’t let you do that.”

“Friends do that for each other, Lola. Of course I can. That’s not breaking any Eagles’ rules.”

“Okay.” I’ve used that same damn word all night. Somehow being in Jordy’s orbit makes me nervous.

“It can be your plan B.”

“I don’t even have plan A at this point.”

Jordy’s deep chocolate eyes stare back at me. “Knowing how you operate, you’ll have it all sorted out by morning.”

Jordy knows me better than Graham ever did and that makes me wonder how long Jordy has been paying attention to all my little nuances and if he likes me more than he’s letting on. I sure hope he does. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking.

He adds, “You’re lucky you didn’t buy a house together. That would have been a legal nightmare, but my mother is a divorce lawyer, and she would have helped you get what was rightfully yours.”

Jordy’s family are legit book smart. And wealthy.

Which is kind of intimidating.

Although I do have a business degree from Harvard.

I’m also a millionaire in my own right, not that anyone on the team knows that, yet. When my father passed away, I inherited his empire; and while I am rich, I’m not in the same tax bracket as Jordy’s family.

“It was stupid of me to go out with you tonight, Jordy. I should have been looking for a place to stay.” Decision made, I announce, “After tonight, I’m going to stay in a hotel until I do.”

“Do whatever feels right, Lola. I can help you move your things tomorrow,” Jordy suggests. “We could do it when Graham leaves to go to work, and you can use my truck. Depending on how much stuff you have, it might take a couple of trips, but we could do it.”

“That would be so helpful.” My muscles relax, knowing that will make my life much easier. “I’m not taking any furniture.” Inever did like the pieces Graham had me agree to buy from that expensive antique shop. As nice as they looked, I always thought they smelled moldy.

“I only want my photos and my personal bits. There’s not much.” I put a lot of my things in storage until we found a bigger place, which I’m patting myself on the back for doing. I also put all of my dad’s furniture in storage, along with his personal belongings, which I hate myself for agreeing to. Today I feel the loss of him more than ever. “One trip will be enough.” My voice cracks but I don’t want to cry again and try to fight back the tears.

“I’ll get the guys on reception to sort out moving boxes for you then. They’ll be here in the morning.”

I can’t stop the tears from falling because no one has looked after me in a while. “You’d do that for me?”

“Yeah, Lola. I would.”

I quickly wipe away the tears that have spilled over and are running down my cheek. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

“Lola, I…” A soft ding interrupts him, causing him to let out a frustrated sigh. “That’ll be Edgar with your toothbrush,” he says, walking to greet him as the elevator doors open. “I’ll ask him about the moving boxes.”

“Thanks, Jordy,” I whisper, removing my jacket and then taking in the stunning view over the city again while Jordy organizes my life for me. It felt like such a huge task before, and now it feels simple.

I’m going to be okay.

I hope.

Looking into the distance, I wish my dad could see this. He would love it. He loved the snow and wintertime. He said it was his favorite time of the year because we got to spend lots of nights together watching movies, snuggled up on the sofa in front of the fire.

I feel the deep ache in my heart. I miss him so much. If only things were different.

But he’s not here. I’m dealing with everything by myself now, and that’s the way it has to be until the end of the hockey season.

Until then, I’m alone. Wade’s assistant. Nothing more.

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