24. Layken
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LAYKEN
“ S o, you can see we have state of the art facilities here after the reconstruction of their new pediatrics wing,” Julie tells me as we tour the hospital. “And with the amount of money that flows through Miami, coupled with your ability to put on a great fundraiser and garner community involvement, you would be a perfect fit for the job.”
My phone has been buzzing against my leg incessantly.
I know it’s Griffin probably giving me more book ideas as that’s what he does when he’s sitting on the team plane on the way to a game.
Or Napa Valley…
And if it’s not book ideas, he’s probably reminding me how much he loves me and that I’m beautiful and not to forget it. As much as I know his messages would make me smile, I’m currently on a tour of Bayside Children’s Hospital not only with Julie, my old boss, but also three other members of the hospital board. I can’t just ask them to excuse me while I check my boyfriend’s goofy messages. Thoughts of him make me smile though. He’s been on a kick lately of making sure I know just how crazy about me he is, and if I’m being honest with myself, I feel the exact same way.
When I got on the plane to come here yesterday I asked myself why I would even entertain moving across the country to take a job when I’m perfectly happy where I am. I have the man of my dreams who seems to enjoy making me happy. His family is one of the best I’ve ever met. They love me and support me in everything I do. My very best friend in the whole wide world lives in Anaheim and has been my ride or die for years. And the guys on the team are top notch friends to not only Griffin, but to me as well. They treat me like I’m their own family and I love them all dearly.
Corrigan and Scarlett were right, though. This job has the potential to be a great opportunity for me and even if it’s not something I take for myself, who knows what kind of other doors it could open for me down the road. And even just being able to see how other hospitals or businesses operate and work closely with their charitable boards is a learning experience in and of itself.
“It really is a very beautiful facility,” I tell the board members. “You should be extremely proud.”
“Layken helped Pacific Children’s hospital back in Anaheim raise over ten million dollars last year,” Julie explains to them. “And that was at just one of our annual events. Never mind the sponsors who pledge to the hospital every year.”
“That is also impressive, Ms. Hobbs.”
“Oh, it’s Mrs. Ollenberg, now.” The words fall from my lips before I hear myself to stop them. The confused board members stare at me with arched brows and then they glance at Julie for explanation.
“Uh,” she startles. “I hadn’t heard this, Layken. I’m so sorry. Please accept my apology. You got married?”
I nod with a kind smile. “Yes, not too long ago. It’s been a few months now.”
“Ollenberg.” Julie’s brows pinch together. “Why do I know that name?”
“Because my husband is Griffin Ollenberg,” I tell her. “Of the Anaheim Stars.”
A wild smile grows across her face. “Oh, my gosh! You and Griffin? I had no idea you were even seeing each other!” She gives me a short congratulatory hug as the board members look on happily.
“Yes.” One of the men, I think his name was Anthony, nods. “Congratulations indeed. I follow hockey a little, myself, and I hear Griffin’s name often while watching sports news. He’s the guy with the uh…” He gestures to his legs. “With the pants.”
“Yes, sir,” I chuckle. “His penchant for pajama pants is something to behold and also, comes from a place of love for his brother. Griffin is truly a great player on the ice and great man off the ice. He has a very giving heart.”
“That’s great to hear,” he says. “So, knowing this now, how do you see this job working out for you with a husband on the road a lot?”
“Oh, I don’t see it as a hindrance at all. Griffin is very busy for about nine months out of the year and when he’s on the road, if I have reason to stay behind, that’s what I do. So, there would be no problem with him traveling with the team while I’m working here.” I bob my head. “He’s also mentioned a potential trade interest if this were to be the right fit for me. We’re committed to making it work either way.”
“Very good.” Anthony nods. “Well, I think the board and I have heard all we need to hear on our end. You’ve answered all our questions and it seems Julie was right to recommend you for this position. We hope you’ll enjoy the rest of your stay here in Miami and please, if you have any questions whatsoever don’t hesitate to call me.” Anthony hands me one of his cards and then reaches out his hand to shake mine.
“I absolutely will. Thank you very much.” I take a moment to shake hands with each of them and then follow Julie down the hallway. Realizing my phone has gone silent in my pocket, I take that to mean Griffin got to the arena in Portland with the team and is preparing for their game tonight.
I’m looking forward to snuggling into my hotel room bed in Griffin’s pajamas with some junk food so I can stream the game and watch my man play.
“Sooo? What do you think?” Julie says when we get back to her office. She takes a seat at her desk and motions for me to take whatever seat I choose, chair, couch, or otherwise.
I inhale a deep breath and release it nodding affirmatively. “It’s a spectacular facility. Wow! The updates alone are a huge temptation even though it wouldn’t be much use for me. I get that my place is behind the computer or on the phone planning the events.”
“Right but keep in mind, you’ll be able to use part of the hospital for certain events. And also, since you were so successful working with the Anaheim Stars coupled with the Chicago Red Tails, you have several pro sports teams right here in Miami as well. I’m certain with your connections thanks to your husband, you could invite them all in to work with you. The possibilities are endless, really.”
“They are, you’re right.”
Julie’s phone rings on her desk. She raises her finger. “Sorry Layken it’s my assistant. Just one moment.”
I wave my hand dismissively and shake my head. “No, please.”
She picks up the phone and says, “Yes, Sam?”
I try not to watch her face as I don’t want to butt into her conversations but then she looks at me, her brows furrowed. “Uh huh…yeah. I understand. You did the right thing. Thank you, Sam. I’ll let her know immediately.”
Is she talking about me?
She’ll let me know?
Or is this a work thing I know nothing about?
Julie hangs up the phone and folds her hands together, her tone softening. “Layken, I’m sorry, but there’s been an accident.”
My heart drops inside my chest as all the blood drains from my face. “I’m sorry? A…an accident?”
She stands and steps over to me to grab my hand. “Griffin is fine. Corrigan Hicks called the hospital looking for me because they’ve been trying to get ahold of you and she knew you were here with me.”
I spring up from my chair, my chest tightening. “He’s…but he’s okay? Griffin? He’s okay? Was it the plane? They’re in Portland today. Was it another accident on the ice? Is it bad? Did they take him to the hospital?”
I realize as I’m throwing questions at Juie, she’s shaking her head no and when I finally halt my barrage, she tells me, “It’s not Griffin at all, Layken. It’s his brother. Gage?”
I gasp and squeeze her hand. “Oh no!”
“Griffin ended up not getting on the plane at all. I guess Mr. Hicks got him right before they boarded.”
“Oh. Good. Did she say what happened? How bad is it?”
“I don’t know the particulars, I’m sorry. I just know he was life-flighted. I’m sure Corrigan can tell you more. She spoke to Sam who got you booked on the next direct flight back to California today instead of Chicago tomorrow. Our driver will run you back to the hotel to grab your bags. I know Corrigan wouldn’t have called here if it weren’t imperative that you get back home.”
He needs me.
Of course he needs me.
And I need him.
I want to be there for him.
He has to be scared out of his mind.
“Oh, my God, thank you, Julie. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Of course. Again, I’m so sorry. Go. Be with your husband and we’ll touch base in the next few days. If you have questions about the job, you know how to get a hold of me.”
“Julie.” I squeeze her hand, my eyes glistening, and shake my head, not only in fear of what’s happening with Gage, but because I know what I’m about to tell her isn’t going to be what she wants to hear. But it’s the right call for me. I know that now. I feel it in bones.
“I’m so sorry. But I can’t take this job.”
She gives me a sympathetic smile. “I had a feeling you might say that.”
“You know I have always had the utmost respect for you, but my husband needs me. His family is his everything. And I know that’s all just hitting me right now and I’m a little shaken and emotional but I have to follow my gut and my heart and both are telling me Anaheim is where I need to be. It’s where I want to be.”
“After hearing you got married, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” She gives me a surprisingly big and comforting hug. “I’ve always respected your tenacity and your confidence in what you do. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.” She grasps my shoulders. “You’re going to make a future organization very lucky to have you when that day comes, Layken.”
Tears spill over my cheeks at her compliments. “Thank you, again, Julie. For everything. And good luck with everything here. It truly seems like a dream job.”
“It will be for me,” she says, escorting me out the door to meet Sam who, she explains, will take me to a waiting car. “But my dream doesn’t have to be your dream. Take care, Layken. Send me an update when you can, will you?”
“Of course,” I tell her as I wave. “Thank you!”
Julie waves as I follow Sam down the steps and out of the hospital into a waiting car. The minute I’m inside and headed for the airport, I pull my phone from my pocket and glance through all the notifications. Only one text from Griffin this morning but several in a row from Corrigan.
Corrigan
Hey. You available?
Corrigan
There’s a bit of a problem. Can you text me when you have a minute?
Corrigan
Call me when your interview is done.
Corrigan
Okay I’m not sure how long your interview is so I’m just going to write this out.
Corrigan
Griffin did NOT get on the plane to Portland because Gage was in a car accident with his girlfriend late this morning.
Corrigan
The girl is okay I think. Scrapes and bruises. But Gage was life-flighted to Memorial Hospital in L.A.
Corrigan
I’ll try to find out more while you’re busy so call me when you get this! Bodhi said he’ll pay for your flight back if needed so Griffin doesn’t have to worry about it. Love you girl.
Shit!
I can’t believe this is all happening.
Poor Griffin.
I punch Corrigan’s name on my phone and she answers after the first ring.
“Hey Lake.”
“Corri! What’s happening? Have you heard from Griffin?”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m getting all the info second or third hand from either Marlee or Dad. Griffin has kind of gone radio silent.”
“Oh God,” I whimper. “He has to be so fucking scared. And I’m not with him to keep him calm. Fuck, I wish I could just snap my fingers and be there.”
“I know, babe. I know.”
“I’m on the next direct flight,” I tell her. “Julie said her assistant got me all set up.”
“Yeah, I told her to send you to L.A. and then you can uber from there to the hospital.”
“Perfect. Thank you, Corri. Does Griffin know I’m on my way back?”
“I would guess not. Like I said, he hasn’t reached out to anyone and the guys didn’t want to bother him. Do you want me to let him know you’re coming back.”
“No, that’s okay. You’re right, if he knows I’m in the air he’ll just worry about where I am and whether or not I’m safe. If he’s silent, he has a reason and I can respect that. I’ll just see him when I get there.”
“Safe flight, girl. Let me know when you land so I know, okay?”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yeah. Of course. Talk soon.”
“Bye babe.”
I lay my phone in my lap and lean my head back, closing my eyes for two minutes and breathe. This has been a long day and all I want to do is get back to my husband.
When my driver pulls up to the airport entrance, I thank him for getting me here so quickly and hand him an extra tip even though Sam told me everything was paid for and then make my way into the airport thanking the gods that I’m TSA approved and won’t have to wait in the long line. Pulling up my boarding pass in my email, I check in for my flight and make my way through security way quicker than I expected and then check my watch noting that I have roughly twenty-five minutes before boarding. I purchase myself a chicken sandwich and a bottle of water and then take a minute to change into Griffin’s pajama pants and his hoodie in the bathroom so I don’t have to sit through the flight in my suit. Checking myself in the mirror, I smile remembering this outfit as the exact one he gave me the first time I stepped into his apartment.
When boarding time is called, I find my seat on the plane, appreciating the first-class seat, and settle in for the long flight. As we lift up, I close my eyes and think of Griffin. I say a quick prayer for Gage and for Griffin’s parents and then drift off dreaming of every happy memory Griffin and I have had since the day we met.