Page 77

“I’d like to say a few words,” Carmen says. “When I was first approached by Isabella to buy the club, I thought she was doing it to spite her husband. I didn’t want to sell, but I also knew that my girls weren’t getting the opportunities they deserved under my leadership. I didn’t have the money or the connections to give them what they needed. But I also didn’t trust her. I thought she was spoiled and selfish.

“Then she couldn’t get me the land she’d promised, and instead of calling, she drove out here to tell me to my face. She offered me the best player in the country instead. And she delivered.”

She pauses and looks at me.

“I was wrong. Isabella had a vision, a passion, and a plan. She was the best thing that’s ever happened to this club, and to me. She turned Dawnbreak from a joke into a contender, giving us a chance to compete in the big leagues. I owe her everything, and I’m honored that she offered me a place on the board even though I’m not the owner anymore.”

I smile. “Your experience and expertise are invaluable, Carmen. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Thank you,” she says. “I’m glad I get to see what comes next.”

“A club run by women,” Patricia adds. “Who would’ve thought? But here we are, and we’re killing it. Let’s keep it up, ladies.”

We all raise our coffee cups and toast to our success.

After the meeting, I walk to my office and freeze. Ewan’s sitting in one of the chairs outside it.

I haven’t seen him in person since September, and even then it was through the glass of his box. He looks older, and a little lost.

But there’s also a spark in his eyes that I recognize. It’s hope.

“Izzy,” he says, standing up. “Sorry to drop by unannounced. I was hoping you had a minute.”

“Sure.” I gesture toward my office. “Want to come in?”

He nods and follows me in. I close the door behind him, then sit behind my desk. He sits in the chair across from me, and we look at each other for a moment.

There’s so much to say, but neither of us knows where to start. Or how to start.

Finally, he clears his throat, and speaks first.

“I heard about the ticket sales. Congratulations. That’s remarkable.”

“Thank you,” I say. “It’s been a lot of work, but it’s paying off.”

“It is. You’ve done a great job, Izzy. I’m proud of you.”

I’m taken aback. He hasn’t said that to me in a long time. It feels strange, but also good, even if it’s a little late.

“Why are you here, Ewan? It’s not just to congratulate me.”

He sighs. “No, it’s not. I’m here because of Heritage Night. Two weeks ago Caleb told me to stay away from it. Yesterday his lawyers informed me that they want me there after all. A founder who doesn’t turn up looks worse than one who does.

“They want to unveil the statue of me and celebrate my career. They want to put on a show for the fans and the world that everything is okay and that they’re not one bit bothered by what’s happening with Declan.”

I expected this. But it still stings, and not because of the statue. Declan sat at my table for five years. He asked about my roses, and I sent him home with leftovers.

Now I can’t hear his name without thinking about those girls, and about how close he was to my own. “And you’re going to do it?”

“I was going to be there anyway. Now I’m contracted to stand on the stage and smile. It will be a loyalty spectacle with me as the exhibit.”

I nod. “Well, if you change your mind, there’s a seat with us.”

He smiles, but it’s sad. “I appreciate that, Izzy. I really do. And I’m happy for you and for the girls. I hope they beat the hell out of the Predators, even if I’m still proud of the Tide, you know?”

“I know,” I say. “But why are you still proud? After what they’ve done to you, to us?”

He shrugs. “It’s complicated. It’s a part of me. It’s who I am. I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t help it. I love the club, even if I don’t love the people running it.”