Page 151 of Make the Play

But before I can open my mouth, she clears her throat. “Anyway, I should probably get some sleep if I’m gonna keep carrying your sizeable reputation.”

I almost laugh, but it catches in my chest.

“Zoe.”

She looks up again, and I hesitate, then say it the only way I know how.

“You’re my favorite part of every day. Even the shitty ones… especially those ones.”

She blinks, and her voice comes out a little unsteady. “You’re not supposed to say things like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because if you do, I might start to believe them.”

I lean in, eyes locked on hers. “I want you to.”

Zoe presses her lips together. Her voice, when it comes, is soft.

“Night, Walton.”

I don’t fight it because I know she knows it.

“Goodnight, baby.”

She hangs up, and I stare at the dark screen, the imprint of her still glowing behind my eyelids.

Chapter twenty-eight

Want you to wear my favorite name on your back

Zoe

I’ve barely taken a sip of my coffee before my phone buzzes for the third time this morning.

Pulse HQ is already loud with movement—phones ringing, laptops open, game-day banners and promos being double-checked like we’re about to launch a presidential campaign instead of a hockey season.

And in the middle of it all: me, juggling three PR decks, two media prep sheets, and a senior manager who just asked if the players could be “more camera-ready” for the sport where they punch each other in the face for fun. I heave a sigh at my desk, tabbing over to my inbox on my computer.

I’m expecting more internal emails from our PR Slack channel, but it’s a Storm memo.

From:John Raines | Head of PR | Colorado Storm

To:Zoe Carlson, Chase Walton

Subject:Game Day: PR Reminder – Media Conduct + Visibility

Hey team,

Quick reminder ahead of tonight’s home opener—great job on optics so far, media sentiment is net positive after the past few “spontaneous” sightings. That said, let’s cool off the PDA for the opener itself. And let’s organize a catch-up at some point soon to discuss an end date for the relationship storyline.

Also, given the recent uptick in social media activity and after your reports of concerning behavior, Zoe, I’ve looped in venue security and Storm ops. They’ll be running elevated checks at both entrances tonight, just in case.

Appreciate you both.

– JR

Great. Nothing says good morning likelet’s discuss when you and your fake-but-not-fake boyfriend are breaking up,and also,we think someone might be trying to kill you, so we’ve let security know.

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