Page 31 of Aftersome
“I know the basics, like I’m sure most people do, but managing an NHL team’s social media…” I went to say, and immediately all feelings of uncertainty hit me. “I don’t know if I can do that.”
As we approached the end of the hall, James came to a stop at a door with the nameJim Daltonand below that said,Director of Marketing.
My stomach instantly flipped.
“Wren, you got this. You ever need help, just ask. I already talked with Jim and gave him a simplified version of why I needed you to have that job, and he was more than happy to give it to you.”
Oh god.
What does a simplified version mean?
“The guys on the team will be more than happy to help you out along with Kate and I.” Already, I could feel my heart going steady from his reassuring words but the lack of mentioning Mal’s name prevented it from calming entirely. “We’re all on your side here and want what’s best for Mal.”
Peering up into James’s carefree expression, I sighed in defeat.
I was doing this.
I mean, I knew I would do it, but I was actually going through with it now.
No more contemplating.
“I know. I know.” I nodded. “I just… I don’t want to screw up.”
The job, I didn’t want to screw up, but with Mal, I didn’t want to come back home without him. I didn’t want to disappointanyone, and I think James caught on instantly to what I was saying. His eyes immediately softened.
“You won’t screw up.” He placed his palm on my shoulder and squeezed. “I promise.”
My chin dropped but I refused to let a tear fall.
I lacked confidence like most, but being here, I felt as though I had none. But if it meant I was one step closer to bringing Mal home, then so be it.
I’ve come a long way from the closed-off woman I used to be, and this was just a test of how strong I’d become over the years. So, finally, on the lift of my shoulders and a confident shift in my posture, I nodded to James.
I was ready.
Or should I say, as ready as I’ll ever be.
And within seconds, he was opening the door.
11
WREN
“Jim?” James announced as he slowly opened the door and stuck his head through. I couldn’t see anyone yet, but once the door was swung open all the way, I caught my first glimpse of Jim.
“James, I was wondering when you’d come see me.” He smiled as he set down some paperwork onto his desk and glanced over at me. “And you must be our new employee, Wren.”
Immediately, I got good vibes from Jim. Clean cut with salt-and-pepper hair, he reminded me of Rob Lowe. Attractive for his age and a friendliness to him that made me feel more at ease.
Sitting behind his desk, he quickly rose to his feet, giving me his full height and grin.
“Yes, hi. It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled back with my hands clasped together in front of me.
Feeling a tad bit underdressed in my jeans and white blouse, I awkwardly swept my hand down the front of my shirt. Though James was dressed down, I still felt out of place.
“Likewise.” He nodded and sauntered over to where James and I stood. Then, reaching a tanned palm toward me, I slowlyplaced my hand in his as he gave it a brief shake. “Welcome to the Seattle Orchids. We’re happy to have you on our team.”
Happy?
