Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
KEELEY
It’s late, so the stadium’s quiet as I spin around in my chair, putting my feet up on the edge of my desk. “Are you sure you don’t have another angle?” I ask Liz from Sports Unfiltered. “The team’s been through a lot. I’m not presenting this to Mr. D’Angelo unless I have your word.”
“Trust me. He is the angle. That man is fine with a capital F. Not to mention rich and powerful. People are intrigued.”
They want to do a puff piece on Sal, and I’m not sure he’s going to go for it.
“Okay.” I huff under my breath, imagining the look on Sal’s face when I fill him in. “I’ll try and catch him tonight. If not, I’ll put in the request tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Keeley. This will be a big win for me.”
“Don’t thank me yet. He hasn’t said yes.”
“I know. The thanks is for asking.”
I hang up the phone and laugh to myself. Fine with a capital F? She’s not wrong. But really? Does she think it’s going to work if I pitch it to him that way?
Checking the time, I slip into my heels, a smile locked in place, ready to find Sal. I only make it around my desk when my phone rings again, my smile widening when I see the name on the screen.
“Callum? It can’t be.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s me. Don’t get used to it.”
My best friend never calls me. I call him regularly and he’s happy to chat. Well, as happy as a strong, silent type having to listen to his bestie get everything off her chest can be. But he never calls.
I laugh to myself until reality sinks in. He called me. “What’s wrong?” I try to keep my voice even, but fail to hide the hint of panic in my tone.
“Nothing’s wrong, Keeley. Do you think I’d call you if it was?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t you?”
“Because you’re on the other side of the world. How are you going to help if I jammed my finger in the door or cut my foot open?”
“For a serious guy, you’re a real comedian. And an idiot. There are these things called emotions and feelings. You can have issues that are not physical.”
“Right. Nah, I’m good.”
“But you’re calling me?”
“I am. Mum was asking about you and filling me in on your mum, so I called.” I can picture him shrugging, and it almost makes me laugh.
“How is Bonnie? Is she there?”
“She’s good. She was over last night.”
“Last night? Oh, I forgot it’s early in the morning in Scotland. Are you on your way to work?”
“The gym then work. So, what’s new with you?”
“You’re asking questions now? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend? Wait. I think I’ve figured you out. Your mom asked about me and you didn’t have answers, did you?”
“Not a single one.”
“What did she ask?”
“How you’re coping with your mum’s illness. Whether or not you’re getting enough sleep or time to yourself. If you’re dating.”
“No wonder you couldn’t answer. I usually only talk about work.”
“I know that. But as your friend, I should be asking about the rest. Apparently. So…”
“So…what?” I tease, trying not to laugh as I pretend to be confused, making him work for it.
“You know what I’m asking.”
“I really don’t.”
“Dammit, Keeley. How are you coping with your mum’s illness? Are you getting enough sleep and time to yourself? Are you dating?”
“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” I bite back another laugh, and he groans.
“Just answer the questions.”
“God, you and Easton are so alike, it kills me. Although, maybe that’s why we’re so close.
I’m used to it. In answer to your questions…
I’m okay. I’m trying to be there for Mom as much as I can be, while also making sure she doesn’t feel like I’m suffocating her.
You know Mom; she likes her independence.
Which I’m sure you understand with your Grandad.
Am I getting enough sleep or time to myself?
No. But I’m okay with that. I love my job.
And as for my dating life. There’s no one. ”
“Not even the boss you can’t seem to stop talking about?”
“What?”
“You heard me.” He delivers his response with no humor and I shake my head. What a way to get back at me for teasing him.
“You’re so funny. I’m not dating.”
“But if you were?”
“I’m not.”
“Okay, well, thanks. I have my answers. Next time Mum’s over I won’t look like such an asshole.”
“I don’t think anything’s going to change that. She knows you’re an ass.”
“Now who’s being funny?”
“Always me. And I have more to say.”
“Is it about work?”
“Of course.”
“Then it can wait.”
“See… asshole.”
“I just pulled up at the gym and I need to be quick so I can get to the job site before my crew.”
“You mean, your castle?”
“It’s not my castle. But yes.”
I picture one of the many castles from Disney movies and my chest warms. Callum’s job fascinates me, and I’ll never tire of hearing about it. There aren’t many openings for castle restorations here in the USA, but in Scotland, he’s never short on work.
“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of the castles you restore?”
“I do live there in the winter. I can get more work done that way. They’re nothing special.”
“Nothing special.” My jaw drops. I will never understand my friend. “One day I’m coming to visit.”
“Come during demolition time. Ask Easton—it’s much more fun.” His dry delivery has me snorting.
“The excitement in your tone tells me all I need to know. I’m in.”
“Bye, Keeley.”
“Love you, Cal.”
Callum hangs up before I’ve finished speaking and I laugh out loud, almost missing the soft knock on my door.
“Coming.”
I open up to find Sal leaning against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, his lips pulled into the smallest of smirks. Looking at him standing there has me thinking things I should not be thinking. Namely how I’d like to see that smirk from between my legs.
I may not be dating, but God, I’m in need of a good dicking. Sal is not the man for that, I know, but he’s the only man I ever spend time with, so my imagination runs wild.
“What can I do for you, Sal?” I ask before remembering I was about to go and find him myself.
“I don’t know. I was answering emails, trying to get ahead before a meeting for D’Angelo Construction tomorrow, and I had this urge to get out of my office.”
“And you ended up here?”
“I did. I saw the light under your door.”
“I’m here. As always.” A slight twinge nags at my stomach and I internally wince. Luke’s right. I really do spend all my time at work. It’s nine p.m. Why am I here?
And Callum asked if I was dating. Yeah, right.
“I was actually about to come and look for you.”
“Oh, yeah?” His face lights up and I smile because of it, knowing I can always count on Sal to make me feel wanted.
“Yes. I just got off the phone with Sports Unfiltered. They want to do a puff piece on you. What should I say?”
Sal’s face contorts into an expression I haven’t seen before, and I’m thoroughly amused. “What the hell is a puff piece?”
“Come on.” I bite back a grin. “I thought you were smart. I’ll give you an example.
Storm owner Salvatore D’Angelo is not only one of the youngest owners in the league today but also the most hands-on.
He’s the first in the office and the last to leave, and always willing to get his hands dirty.
While facing rumors and criticism head-on, he’s transformed the team into the family-oriented franchise you see today. Etcetera. Etcetera.”
“Please go on. You forgot to mention my power and charm.”
I did. But the magazine certainly won’t. “Do you want to do it or not?” I press my lips together and Sal chuckles, pushing off the wall to make his way inside my office, sitting back on the edge of my desk.
“Honestly? It sounds like hell. Are you asking me to do it or recommending I do it?”
I raise my hands in the air. “Neither. I’m just presenting the question.” I close my door and take a few steps closer.
“That’s a strange reaction.” Sal frowns when I reach him. “Do you know the journalist?”
“I do.”
“And…”
“And, what?”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing.” Why am I acting so weird? Why do I care if he does it or not? I should be thinking about what’s best for the team. “I owe her a favor which is why I’m bringing this to you. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to do it.”
“Is she honest?”
“Yes.” Sometimes too honest.
“So this isn’t something else disguised as a puff piece?”
“No. I asked the same question. She said their readers are interested in you and how this all came to be.”
“To ask why I decided to neglect my business in New York City to play around in San Francisco?”
“What? I don’t think anyone’s thinking that. Are you?”
“Sometimes.” Sal releases a sigh, and I walk closer, pushing him over so I can sit beside him.
“I thought your business was thriving?”
“It is. But it’s doing it without me. Growing on its own. Like another child that blossomed without needing my influence.”
“Is this really about your business?”
“Of course it is.”
“Hmmm. I’m not a psychiatrist, but I can imagine they’d have a field day with that one.”
Sal chuckles before running a hand down his face and standing up. “You’re right. Paige said she has daddy issues, but fuck, I think I have kid issues. I had grand plans to be better and here I am, married to my work. Again.”
“Sal, I don’t?—”
“I’m flying to Colorado on Monday to meet with Beckett.” Sal changes the subject, grabbing his phone to presumably check his calendar. “I could probably find the time to answer some questions on the flight, if she wants to send them through.”
“I think she wants to do a face-to-face interview.” In fact, I know she does. Though emailed questions sound a lot more appealing.
“Face-to-face?” Sal frowns, tapping a finger on his leg.
“Then, no. I don’t have time for that. I don’t have time for anything.
” He mumbles the last part under his breath, and a sarcastic laugh escapes me.
Even though it’s not at all funny. He’s clearly worried about something, more than he’s letting on.
“You sound like me,” I confess, hoping to lighten the mood. “I had Luke telling me I need to get out more.”
“Luke?”
“Yep. A few of the guys have taken an interest in my personal life.”
“I may have heard that from Paige. I’m glad they’re looking out for you.”
Paige too? God, I’m fucked. “You’re right. It’s sooo sweet.” My voice drips with sarcasm and Sal smirks, his delicious lips quirking just enough to reach his eyes.
“You sound thrilled. They mean well.”
“How would you feel if…” I trail off, an idea coming to mind. “You work just as much as I do.”
“Gee. Thanks, Keels. Isn’t that what I was just saying?”
“Sorry, I wasn’t finished. You need a better work/life balance. And we’re like-minded individuals.”
“Oh-kay. I’m not sure I like where this is going, but please continue.”
“We’re going out.”
Sal’s brows raise almost comically. “What?”
“This weekend we’re doing something together.” Sal opens his mouth to speak, undoubtedly ready to remind me that we often spend weekends together, but I’m about to shut him right up. “Something that isn’t work.”
“Didn’t I just say that I don’t have time for anything?”
“Yes, but you’re going to find time for this.”
“Right. What did you have in mind?”
“Absolutely nothing at the moment. I will come up with an idea. I’ve got a few days.”
“You do that. And I’ll see if I can squeeze it in depending on?—”
“You’re coming. Block out Friday night. It’s the offseason. We deserve a break.”
I stare his way, unyielding, and he eyes me curiously, his brow furrowed as though he’s questioning his life choices, and it further cements my idea. We both need this. It’ll be good for us.
I just have to think of something we’d both enjoy.
I smile widely, bringing out Sal’s frown, and I snort at his concern.
“Don’t look so worried.” I squeeze his arm, excitement coursing through me. “It’s going to be fun.”
I hope. For his sake and mine.