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That was all it took for her entire demeanor to shift. Every ounce of professionalism floated away as a beaming smile crossed her features.
“My daughter, Emory, is actually a big fan of yours as well. She’s even told me she would want to sign with you if I’m no longer in the business come time for her to go pro. Kid talks like I’m ancient.”
I chuckled at the blatant sarcasm. “Teens tend to think anyone over twenty-two is ancient, though I’m honored she’s considered me in her future. Tell me more about you both. I’d love to know what the Dayn women are like.”
Christina shared in detail about their history, including the moment she decided being a single mom was better than dealing with a man. “No offense,” she’d added, like I’d be bothered. I waved her off, then listened as she explained Emory’s affinity to play just about every sport there was.
When she finished, I stated, “Sounds like she’ll go far.”
“She plans on it.” The warmth of her smile reinforced the obvious love Christina had for Emory. It served to make me like her more.
I was damn near ready to offer her a tentative position when her phone rang. She looked down at it, a frown crossing her features.
“It’s the school. They never call. Can you give me a moment?” she asked while lifting the device.
“By all means.” Waving my hand to her, I sat back, muting my mic so Moseley could say his piece. He was bouncing in his seat so hard the thing had started to shift.
“She’s great, right? You like her? I can see it. There’s this big energy between you two.”
His words had me smiling in an instant. “Yeah, I think there might be?—”
“Grizzly! I’m so sorry to do this, but I have to go. I—I have to get to the hospital. Oh, god!” Christina covered her mouth as a sob ripped from her throat.
Immediately I focused back on her, unmuting myself to ask, “Is Emory hurt? What do you need?”
They might have been hours away, but I’d do whatever I could. This woman was a fucking rockstar for all she’d handled and the life she’d built for her family. I wouldn’t let her face this alone.
She shook her head quickly as she gathered her phone, keys, and purse. “She’s hurt. I’m not sure how bad. I’ve got my parents on standby to meet me there. I don’t think there’s anything you can do. I really am sorry about this.”
“You’re fine,” I insisted. “Let me know how she’s doing later when you have a chance to breathe. Don’t worry about the rest.”
Her nod came just before the line disconnected. I sat back in my seat, then scrubbed my hands over my face. The look of terror in her eyes would sit with me for a long time.
Fuck.
“That’s horrible,” Moseley whispered. It reminded me I hadn’t experienced all of that alone.
I pulled my hands away to meet his gaze. “What are the odds you think she’s going to take this as a sign we’re not meant to work together?”
He bit his lip. “I’d rather not say. You should probably consider it too.”
“Dammit.” I muttered the words before once again scrubbing my face. This time when I pulled away, it was with the determination to not let this derail everything. There was still a chance Christina would want to work together. Plus, I still had Auden, who was looking to be a strong contender.
With Moseley’s help, I managed to get through the rest of the work day without losing my cool. It was tough, but together wemade it work. And anytime we faltered, Cheyenne was there to guide us back on task.
Twenty-two hours after my initial call with Christina, my best candidate of the three I’d met, I received a text message.
Christina (Agent):I’m not going to be able to take the position. Emory suffered from multiple injuries and will need full-time care moving forward. I can’t foresee a move in our future.
Grizzly:While I’m sad to hear this news, I expect no less given the situation. I hope she makes a full recovery and experiences as little pain as possible. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
After sending the text, I sat in my chair wondering what came next. I’d been working hard to keep my focus on the business instead of the man I missed. A man I had no truerightto miss just yet.
Then one day I looked up to find it was time for his return. The wait was finally over.
Paxton didn’t announce it in any grand way. On a Wednesday morning, he simply texted me a photo of a covered porch with two empty chairs with a single word underneath it.
Paxton:Home.
