Page 12 of Drop Pass

“Most teams give internal awards, best defensemen, game MVP, most improved, whatever they want to come up with. That will count as an award for excellence, and then we just need an article published about you and your contribution to the league by a nationally recognized publication.”

My eyebrows raised. “Any of the hockey magazines?”

“Any sport magazine. You’ve never done an interview in the US so I don’t think it would take much to get someone interested.”

I still didn’t want to get my hopes up, but this felt easy. My stats and numbers were great. Definitely in the top ten percent for my position. An interview and award wouldn’t be hard either. I was certain if I let Coach Romney know I needed an award for residency he could come up with something. Not that I wasn’t deserving. I dedicated everything to this team. He knew that.

“So, what’s the next step?” I asked feeling more confident as this went on.

“Your agent will be reaching out to get you an interview and to your team to discuss the award. All you need to do is keep working hard.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He stood and shook my hand. “We’ll do everything we can to get this done quickly. I know what it’s like to want better for your family.”

He didn’t elaborate and I didn’t need him to. He understood the position I was in. That was a relief. He knew what this meant to me.

I went back to my car and debated sending a message to Mama and Yula but I didn’t want to get their hopes up. I wouldn’t tell them until I had my residency status and was working on getting them here. I couldn’t handle disappointing them if something didn’t go through.

When I got back to my building and rode the elevator up to my floor, Hartman’s request weighed heavy in my mind. I wanted to get it over with as soon as I could.

I knew from when I ran into Chloe and the rest of the group in my building last week that they were looking at unit four on my floor, so as soon as I dropped my bag off in my apartment I went to her door.

I knocked, hoping she wasn’t home. It was around six, so maybe she was out having dinner.

The door swung open and I frowned. Her beautiful, shiny hair was up in a chaotic mess of a bun and she was sweating.

“Are you okay?”

She blushed and I regretted my words. “I’m just trying to put together a bed and it’s not as easy as I was told.”

“Oh.” I cringed internally as I realized this was exactly what Hartman had been talking about. I should offer to help her. She obviously needed it and if I didn’t, I had a feeling I’d hear about it later. “Do you want some help?”

She looked shocked but recovered quickly. “Are you sure?”

She was giving me out and I actually appreciated it enough that it made me genuinely want to help her.

“Yes, I have time.”

Her shoulders dropped. “Thank you so much. That would be great. I’ve been trying for an hour but it’s too big and I can’t reach both sides at the same.”

I laughed and stepped in as she waved me forward. “Show me the way.”

As she led me to the master bedroom I looked around at the duplicate of my apartment. It was strange seeing it so empty. My unit had been furnished when I moved in. I was even more grateful for that now.

“Here it is.” I took in the tall headboard leaning up against the wall and the five long pieces in front of me. “I have them laid out where they go, but I can’t hold them up to screw them in evenly.”

I saw what she meant about it being too big. This was at least a two-person job and I was surprised she hadn’t already called for help. “Why didn’t you let the Pride know you needed help?”

She sighed. “They’ve already been so helpful. I couldn’t ask them for even more. Plus, I’m used to being on my own. This whole pack thing is a bit overwhelming.”

I nodded. I understood that feeling well. “Hold up that end and I’ll screw it in.”

She followed my direction and in under ten minutes we had the bed put together and set the mattress in place. She pursed her lips and had her hands on her hips when we were done.

“Do you not like it?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No, I’m just annoyed it was so easy with you here.”