Page 18 of Make Your Shot
She reads it off to me and I forward her all theemails sent from the coaching staff with information, when we leave for each away game, return dates and times. There’s also a tentative practice schedule and anticipated events email that I send her. “That should be everything,” I say, locking the screen. “I wanted to discuss pay with you as well and if you have a contract.”
Mia’s eyebrows tug together and she lets out a breath. “I don’t have a contract, but I can have my father’s lawyer draw something together.”
“Perfect. It’s important to have, especially in a case like this with my schedule being insane.” I scratch the back of my neck while trying to figure out how to broach the next subject. “I was paying Gloria $50 an hour. Is that a rate you would be comfortable with? All other expenses would be paid for and I would give you a credit card to use for any purchases for T and the house.”
Mia’s eyes widen. “Um.” She pauses, wetting her lips. “I—um—isn’t that a bit much?”
I shake my head at her. “No, not in my opinion. You are taking care of Tella in place of me when I’m not able to. I pay enough to ensure she’s receiving the best possible care. It is also a demanding job. You’re responsible for and taking care of a child for extended periods of time.”
“Okay,” she says, her chin tipping with understanding. “Yes, I accept. Do you need to see any of the training I’ve done or certifications, like CPR?”
“No, I believe you.” I roll my arm, glancing at my wrist. “Shit. I forgot we’re supposed to go see Gloriabefore she leaves.” I look back at Mia. “Are you able to officially start tomorrow? I will obviously pay you for today, I just want to make sure you’re able to start immediately?”
“Yes, of course,” she says, rising to her feet as I do. “I’ll get in touch with my father’s lawyer and have a contract for you then, as well.”
“That’s great. If you have time after practice again tomorrow, I would like to sit down and go over everything for Tella’s schedule and what not.”
“Absolutely.” Mia smiles at me, dipping her chin as we’re about to fall in step together, but she abruptly stops. “I need to grab my bag from inside.”
“Sure, no problem.” She heads back into the house and I walk over to Tella on the driveway. “Hey, T. We have to get ready to go see Miss Gloria.”
“Okay.” She climbs to her feet, dusting her hands off on her dress, covering it even more with chalk.
“Can you go inside and get changed please?”
“Yeppers,” T says, as she skips past me toward the house. “Bye, Mia!”
“Bye, Tella!” Mia calls out to her as they pass one another on the porch, her voice light on the gentle breeze. When Mia reaches me, there’s a brief pause in her movement as her gaze meets mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow around nine,” she says softly, her eyes shimmering in the sunlight.
I swallow roughly, the smell of lavender and vanilla invading my senses. “See you then.”
Mia gives me one last lingering look and I don’t miss the way the corners of her lips twitch as she makesher way past me. I can’t take my eyes off her as she walks toward her car, the way her legs shift in her tight jeans.
My throat constricts, nostrils flaring as I blow out a frustrated breath. I glance at the house, waiting for Tella, but instead my eyes drift toward the white rocking chairs. I rake my hand through my hair, tugging lightly on the strands as I run them through the gaps between my fingers.
The effects of being alone for so long must finally be getting to me. I’ve grown accustomed to being alone. I’m no stranger to lying in the dark by myself night after night. Regardless of the deep seeded loneliness, I have no intention of ever finding someone to take Amelia’s place.
There isn’t a single person on this planet that could ever replace Amelia, that could ever fill the hole she left inside my chest.
But fuck me—sometimes I wish I didn’t have to be so alone.
CHAPTER EIGHT
MIA
Lifting up a pair of pants, I fold them over two separate times before tucking them away in my bag. Caleb is leaving later this afternoon to head to the west coast for a week of away games. I’ll be staying at his house with Tella while he’s gone, so I’m making sure I pack enough clothing that I don’t need to come home for anything.
“I wish you were coming with me,” Willow says as she comes in with her toiletry bag and drops down onto the bed, her shoulders sagging in disappointment. She’s packing to head to Sugar Hill Hollow today.
“I know,” I tell her, tucking another change of clothes into my bag. “I wish I were too, but I can always come visit.”
She looks up at me and gives a little nod. “Yeah, I know.” She lets out a sigh. “Will you let me know when you think you’ll have some free time?”
“Of course,” I assure her, giving her a small smile. “Caleb said he will only need me for when he’s working and when he’s away.”
Willow arches a brow. “Girl, you know damned well how insane those hockey schedules are.” She snorts, shaking her head. “You might as well just move in with him for how much time you’ll be spending there.” She pauses, both eyebrows shooting up to her hairline. “Then again, he’s pretty hot, so that might not be such a bad thing.”
I blow a breath out through my nose, rolling my eyes as I walk over to my best friend. Stopping directly in front of her, I clasp both sides of her face in my hands and tilt her head back to look up at me. “I love you but please do us all a favor and get laid when you get back home. Your sexual frustration is spilling into every part of your life.” I chuckle, patting her cheek as I release her and walk back to my bag.
