Page 55 of Game Misconduct

Another message appeared at the top of the screen. Kerry asking if I could come out for a minute.

If she was asking, it had to be important.

I checked that everyone’s attention was forward, away from me, and got up as quietly as possible. I closed the door behind me and took a few silent steps before letting out a heavy sigh.

“That bad?” Kerry asked standing next to my desk.

I nodded and rummaged through my purse looking for pain killers. “And I’ve got a raging headache on top of it all.”

“Oh no. That’s the absolute worst.” She glanced away. “You have a visitor.”

I looked around and saw Parker walking toward us. My jaw nearly dropped.

“What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” I rushed out the words.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” He gave me a half-smile. “Kerry told me you’re busy so I won’t keep you long.”

Kerry winked and walked away leaving the two of us alone.

“It wasn’t supposed to be such a crazy day, but . . .” I trailed off, too tired to try to explain.

“I brought you lunch. A Santa Fe salad from the corner place.”

My mouth instantly watered. “Really? Thank you. That’s exactly what I need to look forward to if I’m going to survive this meeting.”

He grinned. “I wish there was more I could do to help.”

I waved him off. “I’ll survive.”

“So…” He paused, and I realized he probably didn’t come just to bring me lunch. “I’m heading to the airport now. We’ll be gone for a week.”

Right. Some of the girls mentioned their away games, but it didn’t click with me they would be gone for that long in one stretch. “That’s kind of a long time.”

He nodded. “It’s one of the longer trips.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it, otherwise I would have waited to see you after the game last night.”

Was that why he was here?

“I understand.” He stared at the ground. “I just didn’t want to go without saying bye, in person.”

My chest hurt, it felt so full. He really did come here to see me. To say goodbye.

“Thanks for coming. I’m glad I got to see you.”

He met my eyes, and there was a flicker of emotion I couldn’t quite identify. “I won’t keep you.” He stepped forward, and I realized almost too late that he was going to hug me. I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest.

“I’ll miss you,” he whispered, and I held his eyes.

“I’ll miss you too.” I stepped back and tried to seem happy, but it suddenly felt like this was bigger than him being gone for a week. This was a pivotal moment when things changed.

He went to turn, but I grabbed his hand. “I don't know what your schedule is like on the road, but call or text me when you can. Okay?”

He scanned my face, a smile tugging at his lips. “Okay.”

I let him go and watched as he walked away. A few people stared as he headed to the elevator, and I wondered if they recognized him or if they were curious about who showed up to see me.

I could wonder about that later. I grabbed my tablet and hurried back into the meeting room. Not a single head turned my way as I settled back into my seat. Jonathan had only made it through two slides in my absence, but I wasn’t so bothered anymore. The meeting could last as long as they wanted. Parker came to see me. He came to say goodbye because he didn’t want to leave without saying it. In person.