Chapter 30 -Allison
The first morning back in the white walled office has me taking a large swig of my coffee to feel motivated. The past week was a dream, now it’s back to reality.
Emalyn waits for me in the front, her eyes glued to her phone. She doesn’t look up as she matches my pace as we walk down the hall towards my office.
“Well, how was your week, Allison? Oh, it was great, how about yours, Emalyn?” I joke, nudging her shoulder. It’s not until she looks up that I notice the dark circle and red rimmed eyes. I stop her with a hand to her shoulder. “Woah, you, okay?”
She sniffles and rubs her mascara free eye with the back of her hand. “Yeah, great. Just a little cold.”
“Want me to drive you home?”
“Sorry, Allison, you’re needed in Andrew’s office— like now. It’s urgent.” Talia, the assistant, tells me before turning to Emalyn. “Oh wow. You definitely need to go home.”
“Whatever. Maybe. I’m supposed to be shooting some behind the scenes shots today.” She waves a hand through the air dismissively. I raise a brow at her back, knowing she won’t slow down unless someone makes her.
“Did he say what it’s about?” I ask Talia, her words only just registering.
“Nope. Sorry.” She gives a polite smile and rounds her desk, immediately clicking away on her computer.
I take a right towards the PR department offices. Close to the rink. Cold. I wore a sweater today, the cold having a bite to it now that I’ve had a taste of warmer weather.
I knock once on the open door of Andrew’s office. When he notices me, his mouth sets in a firm line. He stands to shake hands with the player was meeting with, quickly dismissing him.
“Alli, come in. Please, close the door.” Andrew gestures to the seat across from him with one outstretched palm. He’s using his PR voice-professional, neutral.
I take the second that closing the door grants me to collect myself, schooling my features into their own professional mask as well.
“Thank you for coming in.” He leans forward, hands clasped but stops himself. Instead opting to open a file and slide it toward me. “This folder came across my desk this morning. No name.”
I peer at the file- and my stomach drops. My face heats instantly. Refusing to feel ashamed, I lift my chin.
“Yes. What you see in these pictures is a consensual relationship between two adults. I should’ve disclosed sooner,” I close the file containing photos of Tate and I close to each other and even kissing in different settings.
Not to mention the most mortifying— Me, coming out of the supply closet, mussed and blushing followed by a picture of a thoroughly kissed Tate exiting with his zipper down.
I take a deep breath and plaster on a look of confidence that I do not feel. Andrew leans back in his chair, chin resting on his fist. He just looks at me, assessing.
“I’m not telling you who to involve yourself with, Allison.
All I can say is that this isn’t going to look great to the CCO.
I can give my recommendation, and I was privileged to share the news of the promotion with you but ultimately— It's not up to me.” Andrew gives me an apologetic look. “Unfortunately, this is about optics.”
“Optics? I earned my spot and that has nothing to do with any of the players. Not TJ and not Tate,” I lean forward in my chair, snatching up one of the printed photos.
“I earned it. How many times has Hudson slept on the very couch because I was working late keeping the reputation of this team and its players intact.”
“I know. Allison, I’ve seen your hard work and dedication. I still believe you’re the best fit, but it’s not me who will still need convincing.” Andrew rubs his stubbled jaw, “The fact of the matter is this is about perception— and leverage.”
My chin pulls back in confusion.
“But..he’s not my boss?” Andrew grimaces, looking uncomfortable with my question but he continues anyway.
“Not on his part. You being head of PR would put you in the position to smear his reputation if the relationship went south. This is about protecting the team.” He says gently. A stone settles in my gut. “It isn’t a direct policy violation.”
I nod, twisting my fingers in my lap. I wrack my brain trying to find something, anything to say.
“You know, I never make decisions lightly. I wouldn’t risk my position here— or anyone else’s. I have too much at stake.”
“Don’t misunderstand, Alli. I’m not telling you what to do or who to be with. This needs to stay clean and separate. Don’t risk what you’ve worked for on a single year contract player. He could be gone this time next year and it would be you left to face the fallout.”
“I’ll… keep that in mind.” I say, voice trailing off as the weight of his words hit me.
He’s right. I hate that he is. I can’t risk my career- it’s my only way to provide for Hudson.
Jameson, our CCO, has been known to be ruthless when it comes to internal scandals.
I’ll have to play my cards carefully. I’m nearly out the door, hand on the handle when Andrew speaks again.
“I’ll support you however I can.”
I give him an acknowledging nod and return to my desk.
I’m supposed to be selecting a new social media content creator for the team per new responsibilities being delegated to me.
My head is not in it today. Still, I plaster on a professional mask when a knock sounds at my door.
A young man, possibly early twenties, hovers at the door looking nervous.
He pushes up his thick framed glasses at the corner.
“I’m here for the interview— Donovan Holland.” His black hair is slicked back, and he wears a button up and slacks.
“Come on in.” I smile warmly. His shoulders seem to loosen as he lets out a nervous exhale. “Let’s get started.”
About halfway through the interview, I decide I don’t need to see any other candidates.
He’s competent and aware of the trends. Surprisingly enough, he already has some PR background.
It wasn’t required but helped to be a selling point for him.
The grin that breaks out across his face when I tell him he got the job is one I wish I could match.
Still, my mind lingers on my own situation. By lunch, I’ve been staring at my computer screen for hours now.
I’m never going to get anything done like this. I push away from my desk and grab my purse. As I'm walking down the hall that passes the players locker room, I notice Tate coming out of it in full gear.
His handsome face breaks into a smile at the sight of me and it cracks my heart right in two. Because I know what I have to do. And God do I wish I didn't have to.
Tate glances over his shoulder, before swooping down and pulling me into him and kissing me. It's over before it's started, enough to leave me wanting more. More of everything.
“Hey,” Tate grins. I try to match the smile but must not be very convincing. His face falls as his eyes flick between mine. “What’s the matter, Darlin’?”
“I just... Oh, goodness.” I look up to the ceiling trying to fight the tears already trying to well up in my eyes.
Whenever I’m around him, all my walls drop.
Tate drops his stick onto the floor, his gloves quickly following and then he’s holding my face in both hands.
His thumbs softly slide back and forth over my cheeks.
“Alli baby, you’re killing me. Talk to me.”
“I had a meeting with Andrew today.” I take in a shuttering breath, trying to center myself so I can speak about this like an adult. Like I have some semblance of control over this situation and my feelings for this man. “Someone put a file on his desk. It had pictures of us… Together.”
“Okay. And what did Andrew say about it?” His face shifts from concern to carefully blank, his hands slide from my face to my shoulder affectionately.
“That even though it wasnt a direct violation, it was a risk. Ultimately up to the CCO to decide if I’m still the best person for the job.
Jameson isn’t known for his…understanding.
” I try my best to keep my composure, but my lip still quivers.
Tate’s eyes catch it and his thumb brushes over my lower lip.
“So, what are you sayin’, Alli?”
“I-I can’t risk it. This job is my only way to provide for Hudson. His dad...” I shake my head trying not to get off track with everything wrong in my life. It’s not his job to fix my life. “I have to put this first. I can’t have anything that puts that at jeopardy.”
Tates hands fall away as he takes a single step back. I miss his warmth immediately. His face shifts from concern to carefully blank. I reach for his hand, gripping it tightly. He brings it up to his lips and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. Then, ever so gently, let me go.
“Just do it, Darlin’.” His voice low and rough, looking somewhere over my shoulder. My heart shatters.
“I need to take a step back from this… from us.” I hate the way my voice breaks on the last word, how the tears start to fall down my face, how Tate doesn’t tuck me under his arm the way he always does.
Instead, he gives me a single nod. His lips roll in and his eyebrows pinch together, processing the words. Tate’s eyes meet mine one last time before he turns towards the rink.
“Take care of yourself, Allison.”
I watch his back until he turns right, into the tunnel. I stand alone in the empty hallway, just staring at where the number 24 jersey disappeared. My arms wrap around myself, trying to keep from breaking.