Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 107687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“I’ve heard your uncle was a great man.”
“Very much so,” she says, a bit of grief swirling in her eyes. “I miss him dearly, but I am lucky to be able to help someone who was so close to him.”
We share a grin as she gestures toward the chair beside Shelli. I smile over at her as I sit. She smiles back politely, and of course, I fear I overstepped yesterday when I told her how I felt.
Before I can ask, Elli sits down and says, “Sorry it took so long to call you in. We had some family issues to discuss.”
I nod. “No problem at all.”
Elli smiles. “Wedding stuff that is slowly killing me, and I’m not even the mother of the bride.”
Shelli snorts. “If Owen weren’t so over the top, you wouldn’t have these issues.”
Elli shoots her a look. “Shelli, you had butterflies at your wedding. Butterflies.” A giggle escapes my lips as Elli continues, “And a quartet.”
“Hey, my wedding was incredible,” Shelli defends.
“And expensive. While Posey’s cost nothing, and now Owen is costing me my left leg, Evan will take my right, and Quinn, he’ll take my heart.”
I smile widely. “You sound very blessed.”
“So much,” she says softly. “I love my babies.”
Shelli nods. “She does.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Elli says, clicking on her computer. “Two players are staying with FJ at Reese and Phillip’s since the apartments still aren’t ready. If it doesn’t work out, I told her we’d get them hotels.”
I watch as Shelli makes a note in her phone. “Which players?”
“Darcy Bleecker and Teddy Ambrose.”
Shelli makes a face. “I don’t see them making the roster. We’ll more than likely send them down.”
Elli gives her daughter a look. “Both are talented boys. You’ll be surprised what they can do. Don’t be so quick to write them off,” she says sternly. “You’ll have to watch her. She’s quick to turn the page when there’s still a story to be read.”
Shelli looks over at me, and I think she’s concerned I’ll out her for her attitude toward Dimitri. “I think she knows what she wants.”
“Oh yes, a winning team. But sometimes that clouds her compassion, and she forgets about the foundation I have built.”
They share a long look, and Shelli shrugs. “I’m working on it.”
“So I’ve heard,” Elli says before leaning back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “Okay, let’s get started.” She sits up, clapping her hands, and honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the next three hours.
I take forty-two pages of notes on my iPad regarding all things players, schedules, and even my requirements as a member of staff for the Assassins. Which I wasn’t prepared for.
“I spoke with your grandfather, and we decided to hire you on as Shelli’s assistant. This way, you’re not working for free. The apartment will be yours for the year, and of course, you’ll get a gas card.” Elli hands me a piece of paper. “Here is your salary figure for the year.”
I am completely surprised, but I’m hopeful it’s close to two million so I can get that apartment I saw across the street. When my eyes fall on the number, I realize it’s not even close. I know two million was a pipe dream, but still. It’s a wonderful living, but not live across the street from the arena wonderful. Full benefits are included, but then I notice she’s included routine therapy.
“Therapy?”
“Oh yes. We are making that a requirement. Only five minutes. She’ll come in, check on you, or you can go in with her. She has a time allotted for each employee, but with how high the suicide rates are lately, I have to do my part to protect my employees.” My heart hitches. That’s the kindest thing I’ve ever heard of.
“Like she said,” Shelli interjects, bringing my gaze to her, “in and out. The clinician is actually my future sister-in-law Angie. She’s very welcoming and kind. She’s training our newest hire since Angie will go back to South Carolina once the season starts.”
“And after the wedding,” Elli says with a sigh. “I think I’ll make Benji pay for the flowers, and I’ll pay for the carriage.”
“A carriage?” I find myself asking.
“Yes. Owen wants his bride to feel like a Disney princess.”
Oh, sweet. I glance down at the paper once more, wishing like hell there were six more zeros. I snap my wrist with the disappointment I feel before I smile graciously at Elli. “Thank you for this. I really didn’t want to bum money off my peepaw.” I truly am grateful, even if it doesn’t solve my current housing problem.
They both laugh. “Even though you’ll be labeled as my assistant, you won’t be. We’ll work together, and your voice will be heard,” Shelli says, holding my gaze. “I need your help as much as you need mine.” Pride fills my chest. “Also, I’m sending a cleaning lady over today to get rid of the boxes and things.”