Page 29 of Rookie's Redemption
I sit back, considering the advice.
Blake's not wrong. I've been playing it safe, trying to earn my way back into her good graces through small acts of service.
But maybe what Mia needs isn't another pair of hands cleaning kennels. Maybe she needs someone to fight for her dreams the way she's always fought for everyone else.
"I might have an idea," I say slowly.
"Good." Connor claps me on the shoulder. "Whatever it is, do it big. Do it so she can't possibly miss the message."
As I head for the showers, I spot Sophia and Lucy at a table inside Emma's café, heads bent together over what looks like wedding magazines.
Perfect timing.
The hot water beats against my sore muscles, washing away sweat and the lingering tension from practice. Coach worked us hard today. Montreal's top line isn't a joke, but we're almost ready.
After my shower, I push through the door of Emma's arena café, the bell jingling overhead as I spot Sophia and Lucy still looking over the magazines.
"Ladies," I say, sliding into the empty chair beside them. "I need your help."
Sophia looks up, one eyebrow raised. "Ryder? This should be interesting. What kind of help?"
"The kind that involves making Mia Harper's day."
Lucy immediately perks up. "I'm listening."
I lay out my idea, my grand gesture like my buddies suggested. A fundraising night at The Nest, with proceeds going to Tails & Paws. The kind of event that could raise serious money and give the shelter the financial breathing room Mia desperately needs.
"That's..." Sophia pauses, her marketing brain clearly spinning. "Actually brilliant."
"How soon can we make it happen?" I ask.
"Next home game is Saturday. That's four days." Sophia's already pulling out her phone. "Tight timeline, but doable if we work fast."
"I can handle social media promotion," Lucy offers. "Get the word out, build some excitement in the fan base."
"And I can coordinate with the arena staff, set up the logistics." Sophia's typing rapidly. "But Ryder, this is going to be a lot of work for something you're hoping will impress one person."
"It's not about impressing her," I say, though that's not entirely true. "It's about helping her. She's been carrying this burden alone for too long."
Lucy and Sophia exchange one of those looks that women share when they think they know something you don't.
"What?" I demand.
"Nothing," Lucy says innocently. "Just... this is very sweet. Very thoughtful."
"Don't get ahead of yourselves. This is about the shelter."
"Sure it is," Sophia agrees, but she's smiling. "Don't worry. We'll help you pull this off. But you owe us dinner when this works out."
"Ifit works out."
"Oh, honey," Lucy laughs. "Trust us. It's going to work out."
After finally getting through to Mia two hours later, I'm standing at the edge of Iron Ridge's outdoor skating rink, watching families glide across the ice under the warm glow of string lights. The evening air is cool but not brutal, perfect for skating.
Steam rises from the hot chocolate cart nearby, and the sound of laughter mingles with the scrape of blades on ice.
I check my phone for the third time. Mia should be here any minute, assuming she actually heard me over the din on the other end of the phone when I called.
