Page 66 of Pucking Rebound

“That’s doable. I’ll pull a schedule together.”

“Excellent. That’s all I have. I think I answered all of your questions at the beginning of the call.”

I’m good.

You did.

All done.

“Meeting adjourned. Except for Elizabeth, I need your help with something.” Lola smiles down at the camera. “Thanks, everyone. Keep up the great work. I’ll be back with you full-time soon, I promise. Happy holidays.”

If she is leaving the Eagles it will mean I won’t get to see her every day, and I hate the sound of that.

“Happy holidays and enjoy your sabbatical, GeeGee.” An older-sounding man bids her farewell, followed by a disconnect chime when he leaves the call, along with another dozen or so more.

GeeGee? Who’s GeeGee? Shit is that Lola’s real name? What’s with all the secrets?

I feel so connected to her, but the more time I spend with her, the more I realize how much she’s keeping from me. A niggling voice at the back of my head makes me wonder if I can trust her, but one look in her brown eyes and all my concerns melt away. She’s promised me she will tell me everything when she can. I just hope she isn’t going to destroy the blind faith I seem to have in her.

“How are you, Lola?” Elizabeth asks.

“I’m good, ish.” She shakes her head. “Not that great, if I’m honest.”

My heart sinks.

“You’re doing a fantastic job. Your father would be so proud.”

I can feel the buoyant mood she was in dissipating in front of my eyes.

“I’ve been so stupid, Lizzy,” she says, which makes me think Elizabeth is more of a friend than an employee.

“How could you have known? Even I bought into Graham’s charm, and I hate all men.”

This makes Lola laugh. “Stick to women, Lizzy, they are much easier to navigate.”

“Amen to that, sweetheart. So, how can I help you?”

Lola looks up at the ceiling as if asking for help from the big man before she says, “You have access to my email, can you please cancel all plans for the wedding for me? Knowing how much Graham has stolen, I don’t want to know how much more I’m going to lose in deposits.”

“That’s not going to happen, Lola. I’m going to get back every cent you put down.”

Elbows on the table, Lola rests her chin in her steepled hands. “What would I do without you?”

“You’d hire another assistant. You’d be just fine, sweetie.”

I’m filled with reassurance that Lola has good people in her life.

“True and maybe they’d make better coffee.”

“I changed my mind, I’m not helping you.”

Smirking, Lola holds her hands up in submission. “I’m sorry. I take it all back. You make great coffee.”

“I don’t, but nice try. Right, I need to get going as I have appointments all afternoon and I want to get these deposits back for you, stat.”

“Thank you, Lizzy.” Prayer style, Lola presses her hands together. “I’ll speak to you later.” Lola waves goodbye, and a chime confirms Elizabeth has left the call.

Closing the lid of her laptop, Lola stares at it, zoning out as if in a daze. “Happy lonely holiday,” she whispers. “Wish you were here with me, Dad.”

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