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“For the rest of the hockey season.”
“How long is that?” I ask.
Mads and Oakley exchange an amused glance. They know I’m not a hockey fan, but I don’t think they can relate since they both grew up around the sport.
“It goes through the spring,” Mads says.
“But it can drift into early summer if they’re in the running for the cup at the end of the regular season,” Oakley adds.
Mads gives her a look.
“What?” Oakley says defensively. “She needs to know what she’s getting herself into.”
Mads bites her bottom lip and glances over at me.
“What?” I ask warily.
“There’s one more thing …”
I arch a brow and tilt my head, motioning for her to continue.
“You’ll have to travel with him and the team. And you’ll need to move in with him.”
“What?” I practically yell, already shaking my head. “Nope. No way. Not going to do that.”
“All your expenses will be paid.”
It’s not about travel or living expenses, though that’s good to know. But I remember Sam from my college days. Even though I didn’t know him well, it was difficult to fit into the same room with him and his ego taking up all the space. I heard little details about him from Oakley and Mads along the way. Negative things. And I can only imagine that he’s a million times worse now that he’s in the pros.
“Please,” Mads begs. “It’s really good money. And Sam knows what’s expected of him and what’s at stake. I’m sure he’ll be on his best behavior.” By the way she hesitates, I can tell she isn’t convinced by her own words.
I roll my eyes, more irritated at myself for considering this than I am at Mads for suggesting it.
“You’d be perfect for this,” she persuades. “I know you won’t put up with his shit. And you’d make enough to be able to focus on your art for months after the job is done. You could take your time finding another job after that. There’s not really a downside …”
“Yeah, I just have to give up my entire life and all my free time. Oh, and I’ll be forced to be around Sam twenty-four/seven for eight or nine months. And live with him.” My words reek with sarcasm.
“Did I mention you’ll be paid really well? And you get to travel for free …” She’s pleading with me with her ocean eyes.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, holding up a hand when she gets excited. “I’m not saying yes.”
“Yet,” she says confidently.
We move on, but the offer sits there, lingering in the space between us. By the end of the night, the wine has created a flush across my face and chest. Or maybe it’s the conversation that’s doing it.
In the end, I relent. I point at Madison. “I’m coming for you, friend, when this all blows up in my face.”
“That sounds like you’re leaning toward yes,” she practically squeals.
I roll my eyes as Suki and Oakley laugh at both of us.
I turn toward them. “And you two are supposed to be my friends …”
Suki leans in and hugs me. “Getting paid to babysit a hot hockey player, traveling with even more hockey players for a few months, and making bank, doing it … sounds like a sweet deal to me.”
“Have you met Sam?” I snark.
“No,” she admits. “But you can handle anyone.”
