Page 10 of Slap Shot
Heather was in her office. The door was open, but her focus was entirely on her computer screen. When she looked up at his knock, the relief in her expression made his protective instincts flare.
"Close the door," she said.
Oliver did, then settled into the chair across from her desk. Charlie flopped down next to him.
"What’s going on?”
"Ivy Hodges from HR." Heather rubbed her temples. "She had some concerns about our collaboration."
"That was who you were talking with during practice.”
She nodded.
“What kind of concerns?"
"She thinks it’s a bad idea to have you distracted from the ice." Heather leaned back in her chair, studying him.
“I appreciate her concern, but I’m fine.” He tamped down on his anger that flared up.
“She said that with Marcus and Stephanie hooking up last season it seems like corporate is running a dating site if you and I go off on business meetings.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“I know, but she doesn’t want you and I to work together on this.”
“If someone is targeting me or using my code, I’m involved whether HR likes it or not.”
“I couldn’t tell her that without risking your past getting out.”
Before Oliver could respond, his phone rang. Andi's name on the screen made him frown. His sister rarely called during the day, and she had just left a text. He hoped nothing was wrong.
"Sorry, I should take this," he said, answering. "Andi?"
"Ollie, I'm so sorry." Her voice was frazzled, apologetic. "I have to bail out of Stomp tomorrow night. Tommy just tested positive for Covid."
“Shit. Is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s up to date on his vaccinations so it’s been mild. But we’re all going to quarantine for a few days.”
“No problem. I’ll see if I can get a refund on the tickets.”
“No. Don’t. You definitely need to get out more." Andi said. "I’m sure you can ask someone at work to go with you.”
"Maybe. I'll figure something out."
"Good. I’ll call you when the coast is clear and we’re no longer contagious.”
“Tell Tommy I hope he feels better.”
“I will.”
"Everything okay?" Heather asked.
"My nephew has Covid." Oliver pocketed his phone. "We had tickets to see Stomp tomorrow.” He took a deep breath. Might as well get this over with. “Do you want to go with me instead?”
"What about HR?”
"I thought... I mean, if you wanted to grab dinner before the show, we could discuss the case away from the office..." Oliver trailed off, feeling like a teenager asking someone to prom. "Somewhere we could talk freely without worrying about who might overhear or see us together."
