Page 16 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
“I’ll stay for the whole thing. I want to prove to everyone I’m not the guy in those articles.” I swallow.
She nods and I follow behind my teammates and enter the room.
A table holds four microphones. Behind the table are four chairs, and behind everything is an angled banner featuring the team logo.
I sit on the end and put on a smile. Let’s do this.
Chapter Eight
DAISY
I’m not wearing any underwear and all I can think about is how clumsy I am. It’s entirely likely I’ll have a wardrobe malfunction or I’ll trip over my own feet and end up showing the entire organization my bare ass. I am way over my element here.
The little black dress I found at the back of my closet fits a little tighter than I remember. Thankfully, the ruching at the hip and near the chest still makes it cling to my curves in a flattering way. It was my only formal option last minute. Why Andrew thought bringing his cousin to this event was a good idea is beyond me.
After getting checked into our hotel rooms, Andrew asked if he wanted to walk down to the hotel ballroom together or just meet up. I was fine with the latter.
I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror on the wall. This is going to be as good as it gets. My usual red waves have been straightened, curled, and pinned in a partial updo. I’ve got enough bobby pins in my hair for a cheerleading squad. Not that I would know how many they would actually use.
Growing up, I wasn’t the athletic type. I tried band and theater but decided group activities weren’t for me. There was enough to do on the family ranch, and when I wasn’t busy with family, I was hanging out near the hockey rink with Andrew and Ethan.
I didn’t have a lot of girlfriends. It’s hard when you don’t know if they want to be your friend or get close to your cousin. Honestly, it wasn’t until the boys both left for college when I started making genuine friends—although, not many.
Luckily, I had my other cousin, Delilah, Andrew’s younger sister. I’m barely a week older than her and we were inseparable growing up. She’s mybest friend, and it honestly sucks that she’s away more than she is home lately.
I could use her right now, or a friend. More friends. Ugh, what am I even doing with my life? Now is not the time to spiral. I’ve been in my head since I saw Ethan nearly two weeks ago. It’s easy to avoid him when I keep busy baking or doing things on the ranch with my aunt and grandmother. I know I can’t avoid him at this gala, not successfully anyway. After all, it’s for the Lonestar Bobcats.
The small black heels I’m wearing make my calves look amazing. My legs are smooth after taking my time in the shower to shave and exfoliate. I’ve primped more than I have in a long time.
This has nothing to do with Ethan.I lie to myself.
Maybe I should’ve stuck with flats. A sturdier shoe for my two left feet. No. I shake my head. There will be no self doubt—only confidence. One last look in the mirror.
“You can do this.” I stare at my reflection. “You are a babe. You’ve got this.”
Honestly, Idofeel amazing. I don’t think I’ve gotten dressed up in formal wear since my high school prom, and that was yearsago.
After a little more self pep talk in the mirror, I make my way down to the ballroom. I give my name at the door and make my way inside.
Large round tables that can fit a dozen people each are scattered around the room covered in black linen and candles. A long row of tables is against the wall on one side, with items to raffle off. The opposite wall has a table of hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats. There are two bars in the corners opposite of one another, but I also see a few servers carrying trays of champagne.
Fancy.
There’s a podium on a small platform near the middle of the back wall. There are subtle decorations, but not the usual orange I’m used to seeing for the bobcats. No, there are touches of navy blue, turquoise, and even pink. What is going on?
“Hey cousin, you look nice.” Andrew walks up next to me.
“What’s with the colors?” I blurt out.
He laughs. “Did you look at the raffle table? Notice how there are several jerseys?” I nod. “New look this year. Get ready.”
What the hell am I going to do with my dozen of jackets, hoodies, and jerseys that specifically gowith the old orange, black, and white color scheme? “I knew the foundation was new. What else is the franchise up to?”
Andrew laughs. “A lot. There going to be officially announcing the changes and my new teammates tonight in front of some of our biggest sponsors.”
“So you’re here to shake hands and make a good impression. What am I here for?”
“Moral support. Also, Alexa mentioned she wanted to run an idea by you.” He smirks.
