Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
I give a slight cough. “No, I’m sorry… what was that?”
Jenna frowns but a knock on the door captures both our attention. Tina walks in, a notepad in hand and a pen poised. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Ms. Norcross, but Sandy Creighton’s secretary just called, and she’s not going to be able to make lunch today. Apparently, nasty flu. Would you like me to grab you something to eat?”
Truth be told, I’m grateful Sandy canceled. It was to discuss final details on a charity dinner the Titans’ organization is holding on Friday. Many of the players will be there, and tickets to sit one-on-one with them for dinner at the event are selling for two thousand apiece. Norcross Holdings will match final donations, and all proceeds will go to the children’s hospital here in Pittsburgh, for whom Sandy serves as a board member. The details are pretty much ironed out, and I know Sandy only wants to do lunch to lobby for more money for the hospital.
Sure, I’ll give it, but I don’t want to have to sit through lunch with her. Despite being a very effective fundraiser, she’s one of the cattiest women I know. Conversation with her is like driving splinters under my nails.
“I’m good, Tina. Thank you for offering.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she says as she backs out and closes the door.
“Come to lunch with us,” Jenna says.
My gaze snaps from the closed door to Jenna. “Excuse me?”
“We’re taking Tillie out to lunch. She’s heading home in a few days. She’s been spending all her free time with Coen, which is understandable since they’re trying this long-distance dating thing, but we managed to nab her for an hour. It’s me, Harlow, and Sophie, just some fun girl time.”
Yeah… I don’t do girl time. “I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re not imposing,” she insists and then levels me with a direct stare that seems to punch right into my soul. “And besides, if I can say so without getting fired, I’ve never met anyone who needs girl time more than you.”
That catches me off guard, but it would never get Jenna fired. I love her honesty. “Really?” I ask, now curious.
Jenna rolls her eyes. “You work too hard and carry a lot of weight on your shoulders. As far as I can tell, I’m your only girlfriend, and I’m lucky if we’re able to sneak a drink or dinner once a month. You need to step away from CEO mode and let your hair down. Sometimes it’s nice to laugh and have a good time for no other purpose than laughing and having a good time.”
“It sounds frivolous,” I mutter.
Jenna laughs. “You’re coming to lunch with us. Besides, I know you’ve got to be curious for the inside scoop on the players. We’ll let you in on all the juicy details.”
That piques my interest. I wonder if I’ll learn anything about Drake.
Christ, Brienne… let it go.
Let him go.
Just have some girl time.
I offer Jenna a genuine smile and decide to trust that she knows what I might need, because I know she cares for me the way I care for her. “All right… count me in.”
♦
As I follow Jenna through the restaurant, we get a few curious looks. I might not be as entertaining as one of the hockey players walking through, but people know who I am.
The woman who rebuilt the Titans.
Jenna ignores the looks and stares, as do I, as we walk behind the maître d’ toward the table where our lunch companions await. As we approach, I see surprise on their faces—Harlow with her flaming red hair that would turn heads faster than any hockey player, and Tillie and Sophie, looking so much alike with their blond curls, except one is golden and the other much paler. Clearly, Jenna didn’t tell them I’d be joining.
Even though they’re shocked to see me, their smiles immediately turn not just welcoming but excited.
Sophie stands first—she’s the one I know the best after Jenna since I’ve known her the longest. We’ve had nice talks at various events last season and at the welcome-back party.
“Oh my gosh… this is a great surprise,” she exclaims, and I’m not sure what to do when she rounds the table and hugs me.
I return it, of course, but I hadn’t anticipated this warm of a welcome.
“I was just telling Jenna the other day I wish you’d join us sometime. We’re so jealous when she gets to have drinks and dinner with you.”
I know I must look like a deer in the headlights, because it floors me that she’s being genuine.
She wants to hang out with me, and that’s not something I’ve had from another woman before. At least not sincerely. Lots of people want to meet with me because they want something—like Sandy Creighton today.
“Thank you for having me,” I say and motion for her to sit back down. I smile to Tillie and Harlow. “I don’t know the last time I just had a girls’ lunch.”