Page 11 of Face Off

I shook my head, trying to clear away the emotions that were threatening to pour out. “Sorry, it’s nothing.”

She glanced over her shoulder and then waved for me to follow her. I did, and we walked into Chloe’s office. Taylor shut the door.

“What’s up?” Chloe finished typing, then looked up. She frowned when she saw me. “What happened?”

This was my first day. I shouldn’t be unloading personal drama when I was still making a first impression.

“I just got an upsetting message. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t let my personal life affect me here.”

Taylor and Chloe shared a meaningful look before Chloe cracked a smile. “Oh, Holly, the Fury is one, big, dysfunctional family. We overshare and are over-involved with each other’s lives.”

“Plus,” Taylor added, “Chloe told me you’re new to the single-mother world. I think there are some people you should meet.”

“Yeah, Addi and Brandon, for sure.” Chloe nodded. “Emma too.”

I didn’t recognize those women’s names, but I nodded, hoping they would let it go.

“You don’t have to tell us your story, but know that we’re here for you,” Chloe offered.

“Yeah, and don’t try to run. The Pride will hunt you down and force their help on you,” Taylor teased.

“The pride?” I asked.

“The wives and girlfriends of the players,” Chloe answered. “Basically, we’re a group of friends, but we also help plan events and host dinners to make everyone feel included.”

“But I’m not a wife or girlfriend,” I argued.

“No, but you’re our friend.” Taylor smiled. “Trust me, we’re like quicksand. The more you fight us, the faster we pull you in.”

Chloe crossed her arms while fighting a smile. “Hey! We do it out of love.”

Taylor rolled her eyes. “I ran into some of the Pride at a really low point. My job didn’t work out, and I was lost in Raleigh, North Carolina without a clue of what I was going to do next. They convinced me to follow my passion and move out here. I even lived with Brandon and Sydney while I figured things out.”

“So you’re not dating one of the guys?” I asked.

“Oh, I am. They got me back together with my high school sweetheart, Jason.”

“Jason Dumoulin?” I knew his name from the list.

“Yeah, and now we’re engaged.” She wiggled her left hand, showing off a gorgeous diamond ring.

“If you stand too close to any of the single players, you’ll end up in a relationship,” Chloe teased.

I shook my head. “That’s the last thing I need right now.” Or ever. I wasn’t planning on dating or getting married again. I learned my lesson.

“Which means it’s the perfect time.” Chloe wagged her brows.

“It’s true. That’s just how it happens,” Taylor confirmed.

“Oh no. I’m still dealing with problems with my ex. I don’t need any more man drama.”

“Is it custody stuff?” Chloe asked carefully.

I shrugged a shoulder. “Kind of.”

“Does he want her to split her time?” Taylor asked. “That would be so hard out of state.”

“No, he wants to sign over his rights,” I admitted.