Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
FRANCESCA
My office door swings open, catching me off guard. I jerk in my seat, stubbing my toe against the back of my desk as I quickly exit out of the internet browser, like I’m watching porn or doing something illegal, despite only being in my email.
Alexandra bounds into my office without knocking on the door. “Are you ready for your interview with Raven?”
My gaze wanders to Alexandra leaning against the door frame before returning to my screen. “Almost. I just need to reply to one email, and then I’ll be out there.”
“Great. I’ll let them know to hurry up setting up the table and camera.”
This interview is the last thing I want to do right now, but a promise is a promise, so I just need to get it over and done with. “It’s not a rush, really. I’ll be a couple more minutes.”
“I know you’re probably nervous about your first live interview, but you’ll do great. Just be yourself and be honest.”
“Thanks, Alexandra.” I give her a friendly smile before she turns around and walks away.
She’s been a great asset to have around. She not only keeps Dad on schedule, but she keeps Joey in line. She also eats lunch with me when she’s not fielding phone calls.
When I’m sure she’s gone, I open the internet browser and log back into my email.
I look over the email Angelica just sent. She hasn’t been able to get close to the Rossi house, and the people she has followed this past week. All of them were men.
There’s no sign of Mom.
My heart leaps for a few moments.
I’m not sure if I was actually hoping Angelica would find Mom alive and living in New York, or if I was hoping Jax was lying to get a reaction out of me.
What kind of asshole would say something like that just to get a rise out of someone they used to date?
Jax would.
But that’s part of his appeal. He’s an asshole, and I never knew what he was going to say or do. Life was exciting.
I type out a quick reply, thanking her for spending her week following men and searching for mom before closing out of the internet and turning off my computer.
With nothing else to do, I head downstairs to the interview.
Alexandra meets me at the bottom of the stairs and walks with me to the section of the concourse that is sectioned off for the interview.
“Remember, just be yourself and everyone will love you. ”
“What about not answering the questions and having everyone hate me? Is that an option?”
She laughs and shakes her head. “No matter what you say, you’ll do great.”
She opens the rope and allows me to step closer to the table where we will be seated for the interview.
I take my seat and wait for Raven to join up.
Glancing around the concourse, I sit up straighter as soon as I catch a glimpse of her fiery red curls.
She plasters on a fake smile as Alexandra opens the rope for her. “Sorry I’m late. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”
“I just got down here and settled.”
“Oh?” she asks, as if I’m trying to cover up a scheme that I was just taking part in.
Changing the subject, I ask, “Are we wearing earpieces and microphones?”
She reaches into the box behind her chair and pulls out two microphones. “I would love to have wireless setups for the interviews, but for now, this is all we can afford.”
“I’ll see if we can fit it in the budget to get updated equipment.”
“That would be nice.” She scoffs and rubs her gray pantsuit as Alexandra drapes the cord over her body to plug it into a larger audio box.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Alexandra apologizes as she quickly adjusts the cord so it’s not touching Raven.
She fixes my cord, draping it over my thighs to hide it from view.
This isn’t the same woman I met before. Sure, it might be Raven, but the Raven I met in the conference room was nicer and more respectful.
Maybe this is her true side.
If the mischievous glint in her eye wasn’t a red flag last week, then I’m a fucking moron, because the glint is bigger now that we are sitting here waiting for the interview to start.
People begin gathering around the outskirts of the roped off area, waiting to hear what questions Raven asks and what answers I give.
My eyes meet an all too familiar pair. Of course Rhett is standing off to the side, eavesdropping on the interview, no doubt.
The cameraman finishes getting set up and motions for Raven to start the interview.
She plasters on a smile and begins. “I’m sitting here with the newest Director of Public Relations for the Savannah Sharks. Francesca, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions from the fans and community members.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here, Raven.”
“Alright, first question. What can the fans expect this season from the Sharks?”
“I’m not a coach, but I did have an opportunity to watch the team practice, and I have to say, they look stronger and faster than they have in past years. I think the fans can expect the team to play their hardest and keep it exciting this season.”
“Well, it’s bound to be a better season than last year, especially with the Sharks getting an all new owner and staff. ”
“Actually, most of the staff is the same as it was last year. My father wanted the transition to be as smooth as possible, so he kept everyone and even added a few more positions.”
“Like yours?”
What is she getting at? Is she implying that I didn’t deserve the job?
“My job was added to get the team more involved with the community with fundraisers, charity events, and even a meet and greet with the players.”
“And do you have experience doing this?”
I take a deep breath to keep from speaking my mind. “Actually, I don’t, but I did just get my degree, and I have plenty of ideas swirling around in my brain that I think even you will enjoy.”
She frowns, and her eyes narrow slightly at my small insult.
“Another fan has asked what theme nights and events can we expect this season?”
“This season’s theme nights will include all the ones from last season as well as an extra one that will be announced later this season.”
“Can we get a hint as to what the new theme will be?”
“I can’t really give a hint, but I can say that it will be a fun night for everyone, both kids and adults alike.”
Her lip twitches before her fake smile reappears. “That sounds suspiciously entertaining.”
“Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait too long before it’s announced. ”
Chancing a glance toward Rhett, I give him a smile. Unfortunately, Raven also follows my gaze. Her eyes widen as her gaze lands on Rhett.
She puts her notecards down on the table before looking back at me. “Did your father buy the Savannah Sharks because of your past relationship with Rhett Montgomery?”
I give him another smile before answering her question.
“Not at all. My relationship, or lack thereof, had no bearing on the purchase of the team. My father is a community man. He wants to better the community in whatever way he can.”
My smile grows as I watch frustration and anger pass her face before being covered by a fake smile.
“And buying a hockey team helps the community? How?”
There’s the bitchiness I was expecting ever since I found out Dad bought the team.
I want to smack that fake smile off her face.
“Besides already pouring tens of thousands of dollars into the business?”
Her jaw ticks, causing me to grin.
“He’s made improvements to the arena, added another food vendor for more variety to include kid friendly dishes and healthier options like salads, and he’s even started a scholarship for youth hockey for kids that aspire to make this a career choice in their future.”
She hastily flips through her notecards. “We haven’t heard anything about a scholarship. Is this just a PR ploy to make your family and the team look better?”
“No, it’s not a ploy. You haven’t heard about the scholarship yet because everyone is dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s, but since I promised you an exclusive interview, I’m giving you the scoop before it is officially announced by the organization. I can show you the paperwork. It’s upstairs.”
“That won’t be necessary. That’s all the questions for now. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing the new changes this season.”
The cameraman turns off the camera, and Alexandra immediately comes over to take my microphone.
She whispers, “You did great.”
I don’t feel like I did. That was a complete disaster. I thought we were all here to make the organization and the team look their best.
If that’s Raven’s best way to keep it positive, then I need to avoid her at all costs.
I stand up and walk to the opening in the rope and practically run to Rhett. He opens his arms and wraps me in a big and comfortable hug.
“God, I still have two more of those interviews because of your fight. You owe me. Big time.”
He leans forward so his lips are right against my ear and whispers, “How about an orgasm?”
Tilting my head up to look at him, I ask, “Right now?”
“No time like the present.”
He drags me to one of the empty upper level suites and pulls me inside the luxurious bathroom, locking the door behind us.
As soon as he turns around, his lips are on mine and his tongue delves into my mouth.
My hands grasp at his shirt, lifting it up to gain access to his pants.
He slaps my hands away. “No, you first.”
He squats to pull off my pants and panties before lifting me up until I’m sitting on the edge of the oversized vanity. He spreads my legs open, draping them over his shoulders, and eats me like I’m the tastiest meal he’s ever had.
His tongue laps at my juices before teasing my tight bud.
“Oh, God, Rhett.” I moan as my hips grind my pussy against his face.
He thrusts two fingers inside me, curling them to hit the sensitive nerves.
“Come for me, baby.” His voice is deep and husky, sending pleasure straight to my core.
He sucks my clit into his mouth, and I come apart, screaming his name.
My body shakes as he removes his fingers from my pussy. I watch, mesmerized, as he licks his fingers clean from my juices.
“Fuck, you taste like Heaven, Chessie.”
“What about you?” I ask as he stands and grabs my clothes.
“We will continue this after the game. I have to head to the locker room and change.”
He helps me slip into my panties and pants. I run my hands down my pants, trying to smooth out any wrinkles.
“Don’t worry, Chessie. No one will know.”
I roll my eyes. “I doubt that. I can smell us in here.”
“Good.” He slaps my ass before pulling me closer to him. He kisses me, and I moan as I taste myself on his tongue.
I follow him out of the bathroom and out of the suite.
When we are standing at the top of the stairs, he asks, “Are you staying to watch the game?”
“Of course. Just like old times.”
He grins and gives me a chaste kiss. “Great. I’ll see you afterwards.”
“Skate fast and play hard.”
I watch him jog down the stairs and disappear around the corner before I turn around and head towards the offices to find Dad.
He’s in his office, typing away on his laptop. He looks up as I sit down in the chair in front of his desk.
“I’ll just be a couple more minutes. I’m trying to finalize a deal.”
I lean back, eyes wide, and surprised that Dad offered information without me begging for it. “Oh? Anything interesting?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with. It’s just a potential business acquisition.”
I spoke too soon. It seems like no matter what I do, Dad will always keep me on the outside.
Hell, Dad still hasn’t said anything about the night at the shipyard. He hasn’t asked a single question about why I was there or even said he’s glad I’m alive and back home safe.
Needing to keep my anger at bay, I ask, “Are you staying for the first game? It will make for good press.”
I know he doesn’t really care about the sport, but as the new owner, he should be seen at games and events. At least the home season opener.
He closes his laptop, putting it in the top drawer of his desk before locking the lock. “I already booked us a suite.”
Hopefully not the one Rhett and I just used.
I follow Dad to the suite next to the one I was just in, and I see there are trays of food and drinks lined up on a long buffet style table.
Dad heads to a couch overlooking the arena while I head to the drinks to grab a soda.
Alexandra walks over to me and grabs a bottle of sparkling water. “How do you feel after the first interview?”
“Horrible, and I have two more to do.”
“You’ll do great. The first one went off script, but you handled it like a true professional.”
“Thanks. So, are you staying for the game?”
“I’m planning on it. I’ve never been a hockey fan, but we all have to start somewhere, right?”
I laugh. “Don’t worry. Stick around, and I’ll help convert you in no time. It’s the best sport there is. They skate fast, punch hard, and celebrate like it’s the end of the year frat party. ”
“You make it sound kind of… exciting.” Her gaze wanders down to the ice just in time to see someone get shoved into the boards.
“It is.”
She nods her head in Dad’s direction. When I turn around, he pats the seat next to him, and I take it.
We already missed the team introductions, the national anthem, and puck drop.
I watch the game while Dad messages someone on his phone. I shouldn’t be surprised because Dad’s always on the phone.
It’s kind of hard to run multiple businesses and not be on your phone.
But I was hoping things would change.
They can’t change if I don’t say something.
“Hey, Dad, I was wondering if we could talk about something.”
“Yeah, sure, just give me a minute to reply to this message.”
He finishes typing out his reply before slipping his phone back into his pocket.
I turn toward him. “So, I was thinking. Now that I’m older and have my degree and a career, I’d like to-”
We are interrupted by someone barging into the suite. I’ve never seen him before. He reeks of Mafioso, and his dark gaze lingers on Alexandra before moving over to me and Dad.
Dad jumps to his feet and meets the man at the food table.
As hard as I try to listen in on their conversation, I can’t hear a word. They are too far away and whispering.
Damn it. What could this be about?
Dad looks pissed. I’ve never seen him this mad. Not even when Joey stole Dad’s Maserati and crashed it on the Long Island Expressway.
Who is this man?
Discreetly, I grab my phone and pretend to take several selfies. I zoom in to get more of this stranger’s facial features.
It might take several hours of research, but I’ll find out who this man is and what he wants with Dad.
Alexandra plops down in Dad’s vacant seat. “How can you keep up with who is who?”
My gaze moves around the ice. “Well, from up here, it’s pretty hard. I’m used to sitting closer to the ice.”
“How about I reserve the two of us tickets down there for our next game? Then you can try to get me on board the hockey train.”
“Be careful saying that around fans. There are a lot of women that love hockey and romance that enjoy reading about a good hockey train.”
Her eyes widen as she pictures what I just said. “Really? Like more than one guy on the team?”
“Oh, yeah. It happens in real life sometimes, but in fictional worlds, it happens all the time. I can lend you a few of my books to introduce you to the world of romance.”
I’ll save the dark romance books for another day.
Screams and cheers echo throughout the arena as our goalie, Knox Anderson, makes a great save, hitting the puck away from the net toward the blue line.
One of the opposing team members trips Rhett. He slams down hard on the ice. The attacker kicks the side of Rhett’s knee while he is laying on the ice, and the crowd begins booing.
I jump up and run to the glass wall of the suite to get a better view.
Rhett rolls over onto his back to get up, but the fucker kneels on his arm, preventing Rhett from getting up.
The asshole leans closer to Rhett and says something only Rhett can hear before standing and skating away.
Referees blow whistles as the team’s trainers hurry over to Rhett.
“Daddy, I-” I say as tears blur my vision.
Dad turns away from the man and says, “He will be alright. He’s a fighter.”
There’s no way Rhett is alright after that.
I shake my head. “I’m going to check on him.”
“You can’t go in the locker room.”
I roll my eyes and march toward the door. “I’d love to see someone try to stop me right now.”
Without paying much attention to who’s standing around, I run the entire way downstairs to the locker room.
It’s bad. I know it’s bad. I just hope Rhett will make a full recovery.
As soon as I barge into the locker room, I breathe a sigh of relief. Rhett is laughing about something the trainer said.
“Hey, Chessie. What are you doing here?”
I walk closer to him, needing to see for myself that he’s alright. I whisper, “It looked really bad from up in the suite.”
He swipes my tears away. “It hurts like hell, but I’ll be back to playing in no time. Tell her, Doc.”
The trainer chuckles. “I’m no doctor, but it’s not broken, so he might only miss one to two games.”
“What did that guy say to you when he had you pinned?”
Rhett’s smile disappears. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”
Those are exactly the same words Dad said to me tonight.
“I’m tired of you guys making decisions for me and without me. I’m very much a part of this family whether or not you like it, and sooner or later all of you will need my help, but it will be too late. I’ll be gone, and you all will have yourselves to blame.”
If he won’t tell me what the guy said, then so be it. He can keep his secrets, and I’ll keep mine, too.
I turn around and walk away and keep walking until I am walking out the front door of the arena.
There’s still two more members of the family, and I think it’s about time I get some much needed answers.