Page 40 of Not that Impressed
I grunt in annoyance—even if I’m a little glad that Ellie’s using this as a reason to text me.
Ellie
I’ll talk to my dad about it, but I thought you should know.
If she says something on camera, it won’t take much for people to connect who she’s talking about.
Will
Thanks, Ellie. I’ll talk to Anna and warn her so she’s prepared if stuff starts getting out.
Ellie
I’m really sorry.
Will
Pretty sure it’s not your fault Grayson Hollis exists.
Ellie
I *am* the reason he met Libby Bennet.
Will
It’ll be okay.
Ellie
BTW, great game today.
Will
I smile to myself when she reacts with a laughing emoji to that. I want to punch Grayson Hollis in the face for spreading lies, but even this news can’t dampen my good spirits. I sprawl on my couch and pull up the game, starting my pump-up playlist to listen while I watch myself dominate.
Anna looks surprised to see me when I show up at her office at lunch time on Monday. She’s the top administrative assistant in the personnel office, and working her way to a director’s spot someday was one of the biggest reasons she decided not to press charges against Hollis. She didn’t want to make waves or be a “problem” and give anyone a reason not to promote one of the few women here. After my research into women in football, I’m embarrassed to admit it’s sinking in why she chose that when I thought it was a no-brainer.
“Heeey, Will,” she says, sitting back in her chair. “What’s up?”
“Got fifteen minutes to grab some coffee?” I ask, trying to lean casually against her desk.
She narrows her eyes at me then purses her lips. “Sure.” She taps some keys on her computer, locking it up, and then grabs her purse and leads the way out of the office.
“Great game Sunday,” she says as we enter the hallway that will take us out of the office suites and to a nearby coffee cart.
I grin. “Thanks.”
“You’re working hard, Will. Everyone is so proud.” She puts an arm around me from the side, squeezing me.
“That’s not what I came here for.”
She laughs. “I know. I do have to tell you that Dad got his truck keyed for having a Pumas logo put on it.”
I grimace. My aunt and uncle live in Denver, right smack in the middle of Devils territory. “Oh no.”
She waves her hand. “He’s super proud of it.” That makes me laugh too. We chat about what Anna’s up to at work the next few minutes until we have our coffee and then head for the nearby walking path.
“What’s up,” she asks as soon as we’re relatively alone.
