Chapter 12
Gracie
Work is a little more interesting when I move the furniture around in my office, giving me a view out the window of the Devils practice field. If “interesting” means the same thing as “unproductive.” I barely get through one set of data before my mind wanders to what Hunter is doing on the field.
And what he’s doing is taking full command of the ball, bossing his teammates into position, and coming within inches of slide tackling anyone who gets in his way.
He stops short of injuring himself or his teammates, and I wonder if he’s thinking about the analytics lesson I gave him.
Sometimes knowing a little bit is knowing too much, and I don’t want him to be in his head when he’s an instinct player.
I also don’t want to spend too much time watching him practice.
Gerald Moder knocks on my door and walks into the middle of the room without waiting for me to respond.
Wearing khaki pants and penny loafers with his zip-up Devils jacket, he looks one part preppy dad, one part diehard fan.
Most of the C-suite dresses similarly, but I still haven’t managed to incorporate any Devils gear into my plain pants and blouse look that feels safe if a little boring.
“Hey there,” I say, glad I’m looking at my computer instead of at the practice field, even if watching players is related to my job.
“I’ve been working on the rookie report.
There are some good prospects on academy teams I think we should have on our radar, even if it takes a couple of years before they’re viable. ”
He nods and rubs his hands together. “Good to hear. I’d like to compare lists once you’re set on yours.”
“Of course. I’m sure there’s some crossover, but I’m looking for different skill sets than what might show up in a player’s stats.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.”
I nod, grateful he seems to value what I can do for the team.
Every success I have here will pave the way to getting out of the doghouse among the handful of Silicon Valley bosses who think I’m too rigid and difficult.
I need to kill it in such a resounding way that they’ll be tripping over themselves to hire me back.
But first things first—I need to put all my energy into doing well for the team.
Gerald looks me over from head to toe. It’s not at all lascivious, more like he’s trying to figure out if my pants match my shirt. I look down to be sure. “Something’s missing, and I’ve been trying to put my finger on it.”
He wags a finger and backpedals out of my office. Leaning to where he’s left something outside the door, he picks up a tote bag and brings it inside, plopping it on the chair opposite my desk. He nods toward it. “Have a look.”
I come around my large oiled-wood desk and open the tote.
Inside, I find a stack of yellow, red, black, and white clothing, all bearing some form of the Devils logo or branding.
Gerald plucks a white baseball cap from the pile and pops it on my head.
Backing up, he surveys his work. “That’s more like it.
You’re a Devil now, might as well dress the part. ”
There are at least three hoodies, a stack of tees, socks, pajamas, and a scarf in the pile. It doesn’t even include half the items of clothing I’ve seen people wearing around the office.
“Thanks. I’ll try to show more team spirit.” I adjust the ball cap so I can see a little better and salute him.
“You’re fine. I’m not suggesting anything is wrong with your clothes.
Just wanted to give you a team welcome, is all.
You’re a Devil now, and we take care of our own.
” He winks, every bit the genial boss I’ve never had in the half dozen years I’ve spent crunching numbers for some of the best in the business.
I’m surprised by the sudden welling of emotion I feel and swallow hard to tamp it down, lest he think I’m the type who goes to pieces over a kind gesture.
I’m absolutely the type who goes to pieces over a kind gesture. Or animal. Or a Hallmark movie.
“Well, thank you for the warm welcome. I’ll wear my Devils gear proudly.”
Gerald smiles like he’s satisfied. “We feel lucky to have you, Gracie. Keep up the good work.”
When he leaves, I move slowly back to my desk, pausing at the window to take in the field below, not at all worried this time about getting caught staring at the team.
I’m part of the Devils now. Their well-being is part of my job.
That includes the players on the field and the ones we’ll one day recruit.
For the first time since I arrived in Los Angeles, I feel like it might be home.