CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Blair
My muscles tighten with nerves as I’m buzzed through the glass doors at Heartwood University’s athletic center.
Despite meeting Lucy yesterday and being sure of my decision to work here, I can’t help thinking back to all my previous interviews. I’d been sure of myself with those too, and yet—
“Blair, you made it.” Lucy rushes toward me, her warm smile working to ease my mind.
“I made it.” I smile back, working hard to hide my nerves.
“How was the drive? It’s not bad, right? You could easily live here or there, or somewhere in between.”
“I could. If I get the job.”
“When you get the job. Let’s think positively. But…if for some reason you and Shaylee don’t click, then I’m ninety-nine percent sure Wes would snap you up. He already asked me if we’re sure we really need someone. As if I’d been lying this whole time.”
Lucy and Wes could very well be joking around, but a comfort settles in my chest, like they’ve got my back and maybe things are finally turning around.
“Thanks, Lucy.”
“For what?”
“Everything.” I let out a soft exhale and her smile brightens.
“You’re welcome.” She spins on her heel. “Are you ready for a tour?”
“I am. I can’t wait.”
“Great. Shaylee will be ready for you at eleven, so we can take our time. You’re going to love it here.” I nod as the nerves flare up again. God, I hope this is it.
We spend an hour touring the facilities, and just like with the Storm stadium, I’m completely in awe.
The D1 college I attended in Florida was great, but I never got to experience it like this.
It’s hard not to get caught up in the high intensity energy filling the space just from the sights and sounds alone.
Players pass with their bags casually thrown over their shoulders, while men and women in suits ignore us as they walk, their fast-paced conversations adding to the buzz.
Everything is perfect, and exactly what I hoped it would be.
When we get to the medical suites, I pause, breathing in the citrus-scented cleaning products and fresh white linen. It’s a far cry from a busy hospital ward, and I have no doubt I’m going to love the change.
If I get the job.
I need to keep that in mind, reel in my fantasies. Because that’s what this is—a dream. Just like Zane said it would be.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and while it makes me jump, I otherwise ignore it. It’ll either be my mom or Zane, the only two people that know I have a job interview today.
I usually tell Dad everything, but in this instance, I wanted to surprise him if I got the gig, and Mom happily agreed.
Though admittedly she expects the location to put a slight damper on the surprise.
Dad always hoped that if Nathan and I broke up, I’d move back to Jacksonville, and he’s been waiting for me to announce my homecoming since I told them the news.
Mom doesn’t mind though. She’s strict, but she’s always been supportive of my dreams, wherever they may take me.
After showing me her room, Lucy knocks on the door labeled medical office, and a throat clears on the other side of the threshold, moments before Shaylee calls me in. “I’m decent,” she sings, and I immediately like her.
Lucy opens the door and we’re greeted by a smiling Shaylee.
“Sorry, I was going to open up for you, but I lied. I was not decent; I had a piece of parsley stuck in my tooth. All good now. Come on in. Blair, it’s lovely to meet you.
” She holds out her hand for me to shake. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
The cliched all good things rests on the tip of my tongue, but I bite it back, shaking her hand with a warm smile of my own. “Thank you, I’m happy to be here.”
Dressed in a patterned, yellow knee-length dress and a long cobalt-blue blazer, Shaylee gives off a vintage vibe.
One that’s laid-back and caring, while her neat desk, ordered color-coded shelves, and pristine white coat hanging off a wrought iron rack tell me she’s organized, knows what she wants, and gets things done.
That or she’s incredibly good at faking it until you make it.
Lucy and I follow Shaylee inside and she gestures for us to take a seat, the chairs arranged around her desk rather than in a them versus me situation, easing my tension just that little bit more.
We chat about the unseasonable weather before we’re joined by Heartwood’s new general manager, Graham, a giant of a man with a shaved head and round glasses that he has to keep pushing up his nose.
All three of them make me feel incredibly comfortable.
There’s a warmth in the air, and it almost borders on familiarity, yet I’ve never met any of them, except Lucy, but that was only yesterday.
I want to say it feels like they’re my people with the way they light up when they talk about the team. Even Shaylee. Lucy claimed she knew nothing about football, but there’s a pride in her voice when she talks about the players, and I know with absolute certainty that I’ve found my place.
I just have to hope they feel the same.
No. Not hope. I spent the better part of my life as the optimist among my friends and family, but it took one spring break to take it all away.
Now I want it back. I’m reclaiming my superpower.
I’ve continued to be optimistic when it comes to the people around me, but whenever I think of myself, a darkness creeps in.
And that ends today.
I will get this job.
I have this job already.
I’m perfect for the role and they know it.
We just have to make it official.
“And that’s it. Do you have any questions before we wrap up?” Shaylee grins and my heart seizes. I always hate this part. But in this case, I have one.
“If you’re concerned about my lack of experience in California, is there an extra course I can do, or a certificate to ease your mind?”
In Florida, I only had one interview before I got a job straight out of college, and within a year, I was promoted. But here…I can’t even elicit a smile most of the time, this interview aside.
Graham starts shaking his head as Shaylee responds. “That’s not an issue. I came from Washington State myself, and our second nurse, who’ll be working the days that you’re rostered off, came from Colorado.”
“Not to mention, I’m from Boston,” Graham announces. “We don’t tend to look at where you’re from when we hire. It’s all about finding the right person for the role.”
I hold back a sigh. “Great. I love that.”
“Great. Well, Lucy and Graham have to head back to their official duties, but I’d love to continue our chat if you don’t have to run off. Just a little getting-to-know-you time.”
“Of course.” My voice lifts and even I can hear the nerves lacing my tone.
Shaylee laughs, her expression so full of glee that her smile reaches the faint wrinkles beside her eyes. “Don’t worry, I just want to know your favorite TV shows, whether or not you like rom-com movies, and what music you like playing while you work.”
“Oh.” My sigh finally releases. “That I can do. But if you don’t like rom-coms, I’m going to have to cut this short.”
Lucy snorts and even Graham chuckles, while Shaylee stares at me deadpan. I’m worried I’ve said the wrong thing until she bursts out laughing. “Doesn’t everyone?”
A giddiness fills me and I laugh along with her.
Yep. I’ve definitely found my place.
It’s another thirty minutes until I finish with Shaylee, and I hold my breath as I press through the door to exit, stifling my excitement until I get to Zane’s car.
Emotion overwhelms me and I fight back the tears.
They offered me the job. I have a job.
My breath wavers as I slam the driver’s door shut, squealing under my breath. “Oh my God. Oh my God.” I did it. My pulse dances beneath my skin, and my heart races from the adrenaline coursing through me.
Not only do I have a job, but it’s a dream come true. Cade is going to cream his pants over this. And Dad… Hell, he’ll probably want to move to San Francisco so he can be a part of my journey.
I’m following in my dad’s and grandfather’s footsteps. I may not be a player, but I’m part of a team. And that means everything to me.
I did it. I really fucking did it.
An electrifying buzz fills the air as I reach for my phone, desperate to call Zane, to share in my joy, a laugh bubbling out of me when I find ten missed calls. I can already picture the proud smile adorning his face and hear the love in his words.
I dial his number, and even though I’m certain he’s supposed to be at practice, he answers on the first ring.
“Thank God.” He sighs in relief. “I was starting to worry.”
“Starting? Or having a full-blown panic attack?”
“Well, since I’m risking a fine by answering this call, it’s safe to say the latter.”
“You’re on the field?”
“Yep. I’m hiding behind Reed. These guys are very much team Blane.”
Last week, hearing Reed’s name would have triggered memories of seeing Zane in the hospital, making me spiral until my mind cascaded into the darkness of Sierra’s death.
But since reconnecting with Zane, it’s impossible to think that way.
I’m okay. Zane’s okay. And so is Reed. All I can see is light.
I smile to myself until his words register. “Team what?” A laugh bursts out of me.
“Blane. Blair and Zane.”
“Wow. Just wow.”
A deep laugh rumbles in the background before Zane tells them to shush. “So, how did it go?”
“Before I tell you… Where were you hiding your phone?”
“You’re killing me here.” He groans, the strain in his voice heating my skin.
“I’m not going to answer until you tell me.”
“Fine.” He groans again. “Reed had it in his waistband. He’s technically not allowed to practice yet, but he attends to keep up with the plays.”
I stifle a snort. “I thought you didn’t have many friends on the team?” I joke.
“Yeah, well, they’re growing on me. But enough of that. I showed you mine; you show me yours.”
“I got the job!” I yell it so loudly that Reed must hear because the two of them start cheering before it abruptly cuts off.
“Ahh, fuck. I’ve got to go. I’ll call you back in thirty minutes.
But I’m so proud of you and— I know.” His voice trails off, the softness replaced by a curt tone.
“I’m hanging up. Jesus.” I hear a rustling before he sighs.
“I’m in trouble. But you’re amazing, B, and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Drive safe, yeah?”
“Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“It was all worth it. I’ll call you back soon.”
He hangs up and I sink back into my seat, dropping the phone into my lap. My stomach flutters, and a content smile spreads across my face.
I’m ready for the next era. I’m ready to move on.