Love in Overtime (Love on Thin Ice)

1. Cooper

CHAPTER 1

COOPER

“ H ow am I going to survive?” I groan, clutching my phone so tightly it might shatter in my hand.

“Cooper, you’ll be fine,” Estelle says, following with her signature high-pitched laugh.

“You’ve been my publicist my whole career. I’d probably be blacklisted by now if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your representation.”

This is probably the truth. Estelle Windsor saved my butt more times than I can count. I’m not an easy guy to like, but at least I can admit it. You could say I’m an acquired taste, or so I’ve heard.

“Actually you got where you are because of your skills and hard work,” she assures me. “Just keep doing your job, and I have no doubt all will be well. And Blair is fantastic. She’s the right person to take the reins from me. It’s time for you to spread your wings. And you need someone who isn’t as …”

“Don’t say it again,” I interrupt her. “You’re not old . ”

We’ve had this same conversation more times than I can count.

“You got that right,” Estelle exclaims. “But I was going to say you need someone with new ideas and a fresh outlook on where to take your career and your image. I truly believe this change is going to be positive for you.”

I groan. “Is that why you and Blair hatched this plan sending me to a small town off the grid? Do they even have a stoplight in Pine Falls?”

“Maple Falls,” she corrects for the hundredth time.

Maple, pine—does it matter? Those small towns are all the same. Everyone knows everyone, and their personal business. There’s probably one grocery store, a bookstore, and maybe a Waffle House.

“Yeah, yeah,” I retort.

“Cooper, I don’t understand why you’re being so negative about this trip,” she says. “You’ve always been open to helping with charities. And for the next six weeks you get to do what you love and help children. It’s a win for everyone.”

She’s right. Giving back is a huge focus of mine. I didn’t have a supportive family while I was growing up. It was through the kindness of others early on in my life that I’ve been able to achieve so much success. Because of this, I’ve devoted many hours to helping others in need.

“Always—but I didn’t think I would end up going to a remote location in the woods.”

She laughs. “It’s a beautiful place. You might find it quite peaceful and invigorating. Being in nature is good for the soul.”

“That’s your opinion,” I retort. “I don’t do nature. I’m a city boy.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” she says. I can almost hear the eye roll. “I’ve already briefed Blair so she’s aware you might be in one of your moods for the first few days until you get settled. She says she’s not worried about it, but she doesn’t know you like I do.”

I still can’t believe I have to start over with a new publicist. Blair is taking the few clients Estelle still has. She’s cut back a lot in recent years as she’s approached the end of her career. I agreed to go with Blair because Estelle recommended her, and I trust Estelle more than I trust anyone else. Plus I didn’t want to deal with a long arduous search for someone to manage my career—life. This is an accurate description because my career is my life.

Estelle insists Blair is a gem and someone who won’t take my crap. Those were her exact words, and I pretended to be offended, to which Estelle showed no mercy.

So far Blair and I have had some Zoom meetings, and based on those few brief interactions, I can tell she’s more focused and high-energy than Estelle—which means she’s going to keep me on my toes.

Thankfully Estelle graciously agreed to meet us in Maple Falls for a few days as we make the transition. That was after I begged her and then offered to buy her a first-class ticket.

“The flight leaves at six o’clock in the morning. Don’t be late,” Estelle lectures.

“I’m never late,” I remind her.

“I know, but your reluctance to all this change might affect your need for punctuality.”

Ha. She knows me so well. Estelle is like a mother to me, or maybe a bossy aunt, or an annoying sister. So basically—she’s family, the only family I really have since I don’t have much contact with my mother and stepfather. I’ll never admit to being emotional when I received the news of her retirement. Did I shed a tear? I’ll never tell.

“I’ll be there,” I say defiantly .

After we end the call, I turn on the TV and flip mindlessly through the channels as I zone out.

I’m going to miss Estelle more than I’ll ever admit, but I know she’s long overdue for retirement. She’s earned it after putting up with me all these years. The truth is I’m not great with change. Maybe because I never felt like I had stability as a child. Because of this I’m now a creature of habit to the point some might say is over the top. It’s my comfort zone, and no one likes being forced out of their comfort zone.

I’ve played hockey for the Tennessee Wolves since my rookie year in the league. Despite being offered other opportunities for more money, I’m content where I am for as long as they want to keep me. Who knows how long that will be even though I stay out of trouble and do my job—very well. I’m not paid to be Mr. Congeniality. Estelle understood this—and hopefully Blair will too.

I stare at the rerun of The Office on the TV, though I should finish packing for my extended trip to Washington. I keep reminding myself these next six weeks are for the kids. More precisely, Happy Horizons Ranch, which benefits kids in their community. Troy Hart, who used to play for the Chicago Blizzard, is putting together a team called the Ice Breakers with the help of his zillionaire brother Zach, and has brought in current and retired hockey players to play five games. The hockey world can be small, so I’ve met many of them over the years. Scotty MacFarland, Dan Roberts, Dawson Hayes, Ted “The Bear” Powell, Noah Beaumont, and a few other players I barely know—I’m surprised the Hart brothers were able to nail down so many of these guys.

Blair has a deeper connection to the town because she attended college in Washington. While we were on one of the introduction conference calls, she made several comments about it being fate this opportunity came up for us. Of course I made a sarcastic comment, and she didn’t waste any time with a quick-witted response. Estelle enjoyed every second of the conversation and cheered Blair on. I don’t stand a chance with those two teaming up, but it’s still better than having to meet and interview other potential publicists.

Anyway, tomorrow morning I begin my extended journey to the Pacific Northwest. It’s not the Caribbean, but apparently there’s a Fall Festival with a corn maze, so I guess that makes it a close second to relaxing on a white sand beach.

“No, please tell me you're kidding?” I exclaim, rubbing my face as I stare out the window of the large SUV. It’s four o’clock in the morning and I’m on my way to the airport. I didn’t expect to kick off my day with the news Estelle won’t be able to meet us today. At this point I’m not sure she’ll make it to Washington at all.

“I’m so sorry,” Estelle wails. “I have an emergency. My sister-in-law needs me to fly to Boston. You know if it wasn’t urgent I’d be in Washington today.”

“I know—I understand,” I say glumly.

“Don’t worry about anything. Blair has all the travel information, and she will meet you at the airport when you land.”

I sigh. “Okay.”

I don’t know why I’m sulking like a child. I have a new publicist—so what? It’s not the end of the world .

“You and Blair are going to work well together,” she insists. “Just be nice.”

“I’m always nice,” I retort. This is a common misconception the media has encouraged because I’m not a fan of doing interviews or events or photos—all the typical things that go along with being a professional athlete. I’m still a nice guy, despite what people may think.

Estelle laughs. “True. Well, then be cooperative.”

I groan. “Fine.”

“I can’t wait to hear all about these next few weeks,” she says. “Blair promised to keep me updated. And I hope you will too.”

“I will.” I pause. “I hope everything is okay with your sister-in-law. Go take care of your family. I’ll survive.”

“I never had a doubt,” she assures me. “Everything will be fine. Safe travels.”

Before I know it, Estelle is off the phone. That’s it. I’m doing this on my own.

It’s probably for the best—I’ll be thrust into my new normal and there’s nothing I can do about it. Part of me wonders if this was her plan all along. Ripping off the Band-Aid is less painful for all of us. Estelle is ready to dive into retirement, and she should be. A clean break is probably best for everyone.

Just as the car arrives at the airport, my phone starts buzzing with multiple text messages—one right after the other, and they are all from Blair. Wow, either she’s already had several cups of coffee, or she’s a morning person.

Good morning, Cooper. Today’s the day. Washington, here we come!

I’m so disappointed Estelle won’t be joining us today, but family comes first. I have all the travel details, so we won’t miss a beat. The plan for today is to get settled into beautiful Maple Falls and hit the ground running tomorrow. We’re going to be very busy—are you excited?

She probably doesn’t want my answer. Of course my phone buzzes again with a few more texts.

I’ve been in contact with the coaching staff, and everyone is thrilled to have you on the team.

We will chat more when we get there.

Maple Falls better be ready for us.

Whoa. It’s too early for this. Blair Radcliffe is going to give me a run for my money, and it’s my own fault. I send her a response.

Yep.