Page 49 of Just One Season
“No, I’ll do it.” Kellen’s barely holding in laughter.
“Fine. Hurry!” I don’t know how he’s so calm, but he trots down the hall, and I turn back to the open door.
Well. That wasn’t a good start.
“I’m so sorry about that,” I say when I re-enter the room. Claire’s put her tiny dog into a giant crate that contains a fuzzy blanket, food and water, and a pile of dog toys.
“It was unexpected.” She hooks the crate closed and turns to me, looking decidedly annoyed. “Chihuahuas are really protective. She’s fine with people—sort of—but other dogs really make her crazy.”
Lordy. I’m already making a mess of my new life in Colorado. I’m about to lie to the head of HR.
“Sit, sit. How are you settling in?” Claire waves at one of the seats in front of her desk and settles into her office chair, her mask of composure back in place. She gives a meaningful look out the door. “Well, I’m guessing.”
“Yeah, pretty well.” I let out a nervous chuckle. “The work is good so far. Lina’s great, and I’m enjoying the change of working for a hockey team.”
“Wonderful.” Claire smiles at me. “I knew you’d be a good fit for the Blizzard. Lina’s said great things so far.”
Ugh.Now I feel worse about lying.
“Hey,” Kellen says as he pops back into Claire’s office. “Bear is happily waiting in your office for yourreturn, Lucy.”
“Thank you,” I say.
“So, let’s get down to it, as I’m sure you have to get to the gym, Kellen. Why don’t you both tell me what’s going on?”
“Well—” Kellen and I say at the same time, then look at each other and laugh.
“Why don’t you go ahead, buttercup?”
I bite back a laugh as Claire’s eyes widen.
“Sure.” My mind blanks, and I can’t think of one nickname to call him. The only animal names that come to mind are farm animal ones that are decidedly not cute: goat, sheep, horse, cow…
“Lucy?” Claire says, concern etched in her brow.
“Right. I started with the Blizzard just over three weeks ago, and Kellen and I immediately clicked.” I swallow and reach my hand over and place it on his knee, palm up. He takes it right away. “Kellen was at my brother’s apartment a lot, so we got to spend time together… and here we are.” Yup. Just me and Kelley Bassey, holding hands and lying about dating.
“Okay. That’s it?”
“Yes. And we just want to be above board with all this. I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.” Like me. Mostly me.
Claire sighs. “Alright. Fine. I’m glad you came to me. I have a quick paper for you to fill out.” She slides a sheet of paper to Kellen, who immediately signs his name without reading, then passes it to me.
I skim and it’s a short document officially disclosing our relationship. There’s nothing romantic or anything indicated, just recognizing the connection.
“Anything else?” Kellen says, arms perched on the sides of the chair, ready to stand.
“Just… keep it professional. Paul is really focused on ensuring the Blizzard has a great reputation, so any time we get coverage in the hockey tabloids, he’s not a fan.”
“I understand,” I say. “This job is important to me.”
She gives me a funny look as if to say, then why are you doing this?
“Got it. Absolutely. I, too, am very concerned with the Blizzard reputation.” Kellen leans forward. “As the team captain.”
Claire nods and finally looks convinced. After another minute of small talk, we leave her office, closing the door behind us.
“Buttercup, really?” I whisper, laughing.
