Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
KEELEY
TWO MONTHS LATER
My heels clack against the polished concrete floors as I rush through the halls, needing a moment to myself after the day I’ve had. Tension coils in my shoulders, but when I’m close to Sal’s office, I lift to my toes, softening the sound of my heels to sneak past unnoticed.
It’s not that I don’t want to see him, because that’s usually the highlight of my day, but he’s had a lot going on, and if he sees me right now, knowing I just finished a meeting with our sponsors for the season ahead, he’s going to want to talk about it.
He might be a boss when it comes to his delegation skills, but he still loves to take on more than is necessary. And right now, he has bigger issues to work through. Namely the budget. It hasn’t looked good since our previous owner fucked us out of the television series deal.
I’ve just made it around the corner when Luke calls my name from where he’s standing in Sal’s doorway.
Dammit. I tried.
“What can I do for you, Luke?”
As Luke moves toward me, Sal pops his head out of his office and raises an eyebrow, his way of questioning how I’m doing. I smile back as his phone rings, and he waves apologetically before walking inside, closing the door behind him.
Saved by the call.
At least until Luke smirks. “I’m not going to like this, am I?” I walk toward my office and Luke follows after me, leaning his shoulder against the doorjamb while I put my notebook and laptop on my desk.
“You’re going to love it,” he tells me. “I found you another man.”
Ugh. I audibly groan, but cough to hide it. “Thank you, Luke. I appreciate all that you do, but as I’ve said for the past few months, I don’t need your help.”
“Sorry, Keels. You know I can’t stop. It’s all part of your support group.”
“I don’t—” I cut myself off, curling my lips into a grin. “I know you want to help. But no offense, the last three were…” I trail off, unsure how to describe Luke’s epic failures.
I never had any intention of actually going along with the “Keeley needs a man” bullshit until I heard about the misery it was causing Easton every time Luke mentioned setting me up. After that, I couldn’t help but play along. Easton’s my brother; I live to make him miserable.
Only it came back to bite me on the ass. Because where the hell did he find the guys he set me up with?
Guy number one wanted to know which of the players I’d “hooked up with.”
Guy number two couldn’t understand why I worked for a football team and asked if I was going to quit when I had kids.
And guy number three tried to kiss me before we’d even sat down for dinner.
If I didn’t know Easton better, I’d wonder if it was him getting me back. Except that’s not something he’d ever bother doing.
“I know.” Luke cringes, pushing off the wall to walk closer. “They were duds. In my defense, most of my friends are either taken or football players and you won’t date either.”
“I won’t date guys that are taken?” I question, my brows raised.
“That came out wrong.”
“It did. But I promise. I’m happy. If and when I want a man, I’ll find one.”
“What about Coach or someone else on the staff?”
“You want me to date Pierce?” My eyes bulge though it’s not Pierce that popped into my head.
“God, no. I’m just trying to get a gauge on other people I know. Are coaches and staff off-limits? What about agents?”
I stiffen but Luke’s lost in thought, most likely trying to come up with more ideas, so he thankfully doesn’t notice.
“I think you’re going about this all wrong.” I try another tack, and Luke’s forehead creases as he glances back at me.
“How so?”
“Well, when the rest of you found love, you found it on our own. The group chat worked its magic without your help.”
Luke’s confusion deepens, and I internally curse myself until his eyes light up.
“You’re right.” He clicks his fingers and I breathe a sigh of relief.
I should have mentioned that months ago.
“But…” Luke’s voice cuts into my internal celebration and I pause.
Damn buts. He always has them. “That will only work if you promise to get out more. You’re never going to meet someone if all you do is work.
It’s the offseason, Keeley. You should be on vacation or joining a group of like-minded individuals to go…
shit, I don’t know. Do you have any hobbies? ”
“How do you know I’m not going on a vacation?”
“Amelia.”
Dammit.
“Well, rest assured, I’ll be spending plenty of time with ‘like-minded individuals.’ I don’t plan on spending all of my time here.”
“It’s seven p.m.” He points toward my window, and I turn to see it’s dark outside. Which is nothing new.
“So?”
“It’s the offseason,” he reminds me again, staring at me pointedly and… Jesus. When he says it like that, it sounds bad. I had no idea of the time. That meeting must have gone a lot longer than I thought. Time flies when you’re having fun.
“Okay.” Point made but what do I… Hang on… “You’re here.” I raise an eyebrow and he laughs.
“I am. Only I’m here because the big boss called me in to talk about the fundraiser I’m hosting with the D’Angelo Foundation, and no one says no to D’Angelo.”
Dammit again.
“Fine. I’ll try harder to meet someone. In fact, I’ll message Paige now and see if she wants to go out next weekend.”
“Great idea.” Satisfaction beams across his face, and my eyelids briefly drop.
“You’re like an annoying brother. You know that, right? More annoying than my actual brother.”
“I’m giving you the full-sibling service since Easton’s so grumpy all the time. This is how it’s supposed to be.”
“Oh, so you set Lainey and Thomas up, did you? That was sweet.”
“Fuck, no. They kept that shit quiet.”
“I wonder why.”
“Maybe a brother is the wrong word. Think of me as a concerned friend.”
“How about an overbearing coworker?”
Luke laughs, not at all perturbed by my put-down. He thrives on banter like this. “That works,” he says, proving my point. “Get out more and I wouldn’t have to stick my nose into your business.”
“Why do you care?”
“Why do I care?” He scoffs as though I’ve offended him, and a little part of me feels bad until the hint of a smirk shines through. “I love messing with you, Keeley. You know I think highly of someone when I annoy the hell out of them. It’s my thing. Just ask Amelia. And Lainey. And Hayley. And?—”
“Thanks, Luke.” I smile genuinely, my chest warming.
Because deep down I know what he’s trying to say.
He cares. That’s Luke. He’s like an annoying brother, sure, but he genuinely cares.
And since I would go to bat for any of these guys and their partners, like they’re my own family, I get it.
“You’re a good guy. Despite what everyone says. ”
“What? Who’s saying something?”
I bite my tongue until his face drops and I burst out laughing. “I can tease with the best of them.”
“Okay. Okay. I get it. You can do it on your own.”
“I can. And I will. When I’m ready.”
“Okay, Keeley. Have a good night.”
“You too.”
He backs out into the hallway, laughing before he walks away, and I follow to close my office door behind him, my eyes flashing to Sal’s office before I do. It’s seven p.m. on a Friday night during the offseason. Maybe we both need a life.
I’m not sure why, but Luke’s words are still running through my mind when I arrive at the salon the next morning, and I hate to admit, he got to me.
“You’re never going to meet someone if all you do is work.”
He’s right. Only there’s no part of me that wants to change.
I love my job. It stimulates and challenges me on a daily basis.
And I love the Storm football team. I love keeping busy.
It’s my thing. I’d be lost without it. But…
at some point I am going to be ready to settle down, and if I have no life outside of work, that’s going to make finding someone difficult.
A future-Keeley problem.
Matt, my hairstylist, settles behind me, pulling me from my thoughts as he plays with my hair. “How’s my favorite boss of the babes?” He smiles, grabbing his cart before sitting on the stool beside me.
“I’m good, thanks.” I return his smile.
“And…”
“The ‘babes’ are good too.”
“I miss them. Why aren’t any of them in the news right now?”
“It’s the offseason.” I shrug as though that’s an answer.
“So? Shouldn’t that mean more time to get into trouble?”
“Definitely.” Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. “Though it seems like the hockey men are stealing the focus.”
“They sure are. Did you hear about the drama with the San Francisco Power?”
“I did, and I’m almost tempted to call their media team to find out what the fuck they are doing over there.
He’s a rookie. He shouldn’t…” I trail off when Matt’s eyes widen like he’s about to get some insider information.
And that right there is why the media are having a field day with that story.
“Moving on. What are we doing with my hair?”
Matt huffs dramatically as though I’ve ruined his fun before recovering with a beaming grin. “I’ve got an idea for something different.”
“Different?” I’ve kept my auburn hair the same length since college. I was joking when I asked what we were doing. I like consistency in my life, and my hair is something I can control. “I don’t know about?—”
“Hang on. I want to show you a photo.”
He walks away without letting me argue, and I playfully roll my eyes as my phone buzzes with a text in the girls’ group chat. He can show me what he wants, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to like it.
AMELIA: Oh. My. God. I am so sorry, Keeley. Luke just told me about your conversation last night
I stifle a laugh, shaking my head as my hair concerns drift away.
KEELEY: He means well
It’s annoying as fuck, but he means well. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Hopefully he backs off after our chat last night. Actually, I’m hoping they all back off.
HAYLEY: What did I miss?
AMELIA: Luke asked Keeley if she’d consider dating Coach Pierce
PAIGE: WHAT?!
HAYLEY: Oh Luke
I glance toward the back room to see Matt flicking through a magazine, giving me time to respond.
KEELEY: Technically he was trying to find out whether or not I’d be open to dating a coach. Or staff. Since I’ve blacklisted athletes
HAYLEY: That makes sense
KEELEY: Except that I don’t need to be set up
I feel like a broken record saying that over and over. It’s been months since they started the “Keeley support group” and while yes, I agreed to three dates during that time, I never once wavered from my “I can do this myself” approach.
HAYLEY: Is there something you’re not telling us? I still remember what Zane said when all of this started
I start typing to defend Zane but Blair beats me to it.
BLAIR: Zane doesn’t like being indebted to anyone. That was his way of saying he wants no part of this
KEELEY: And he’s kept up his end of the deal. Even when Jenna tried to set me up with Blair’s brother
I love Blair’s bestie, Jenna, but what a disaster that was. Blair’s brother is a good guy, However, he’s not my type. I need someone a little more serious. Not to mention someone that’s not four years younger than me.
BLAIR: Zane may love Cade again now, but he’s got your back, Keeley
KEELEY: Tell him his debt is paid. (Laughing emoji) and tell the rest of the guys that I’m good. I’ve got this on my own
PAIGE: Easton will be happy about that. He cringes every time your name is mentioned. Although he did speak up when Jenna suggested Cade. I don’t think he liked the idea of you moving away, since Cade doesn’t live here
KEELEY: Aww he does love me
PAIGE: You know it
“Who’s got you smiling like that?” Matt asks when he returns, hiding something behind his back.
“Paige.”
“Oh, I love that girl.”
“You and me both.” I’ll always be relieved that Easton found himself an amazing woman. His track record wasn’t great.
“I’m seeing her this week to talk wedding styles,” Matt tells me, and excitement wells in my chest.
“No way.” I spin to face him. She’s been keeping quiet about the wedding.
“Way.” He covers his mouth as though he’s said too much and I laugh. Matt’s been Paige’s hairstylist since she moved to San Francisco, and she introduced me after we became close.
“I can’t tell you any more about Paige due to client/stylist confidentiality.” I snort but he waves me off. That’s definitely not a thing. “So…let’s get down to business. What do you think about this?”
I reluctantly shift my gaze, armed with excuses as to why I need to keep my hair exactly how it’s always been, but when I see the image, I’m intrigued.
Maybe if I change this part of my life, it will be easier to consider changing other areas. If anything, it’s worth a shot.