Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
“We’re good,” Dad says. “Good luck.”
“God willing, Bellamy won’t fire me.” I hold up crossed fingers.
Dad winks. “Let me know if you need some backup.”
I shake my head. “Thanks, but I’m willing to take whatever bullet might be coming for me. That’s how I know my love for Luca is the real deal.”
CHAPTER 41
Chelsea
GINNY.
After scanning the party, I spot her chatting with some burly Mastodons in a far corner. Unfortunately, Bellamy’s nowhere to be found. I would have preferred telling them both at once to save me double the anguish. But oh well. The Mastodons’ jovial owner has always made it clear she likes me, so perhaps it will be helpful to practice my confession on her first before moving on to her nephew, who’s always wanted to get rid of me.
When I reach Ginny, I touch her arm to get her attention, but before I’ve said a word, she raises the champagne flute in her hand and sings out, “Chelsea, darling! I’ve been looking for you all night! There’s something important I want to talk to you about, my dear.”
Uh-oh. Does she already know about Luca and me? Does everyone know … including Bellamy?
A nearby music speaker is making normal conversation difficult, so Ginny guides me to a spot around a corner in a quiet hallway. When we’re all alone, she says, “As you know, I decided to be hands-off during my first season. After hiring your wonderful father, I stepped back to watch and learn.” Her smile broadens. “Well, now that I’ve done that, I’ve got some strong opinions about how this team should be run.”
My stomach tightens and my heart rate increases. Where is this heading?
Ginny clucks her tongue. “You shouldn’t be on the coaching staff, Chelsea. I know you know that, because you said as much way back at the welcome barbeque, when we talked about your dream of working in analytics. We both know you should be in operations. Your combined skill sets would be incredibly impactful on that side of the organization.”
I agree completely. But how am I going to explain to this lovely woman that her beloved nephew made me promise to leave him alone about me coming over to operations when I lost our bet over Luca?
“Next season,” Ginny continues, “I want you to work in operations so you can help me oversee every department and figure out what we should be doing to take our team to the next level. You’ll be my eyes and ears, Chelsea. My assistant and liaison. My right-hand woman, if you will. But don’t worry, you’ll be an executive, not a personal assistant.”
My brain finally catches up with my ears. “So, I’d be working directly for you?”
“That’s right.”
Shit, shit, shit! This sounds like a dream come true! Fucking Bellamy! “Honestly, this sounds like the perfect job for me, Ginny. But I’m pretty sure Mr. Bellamy wouldn’t approve of it. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but your nephew’s not a fan of what I bring to the table and doesn’t want me getting in his way on the operations side of things.”
Ginny scoffs. “Who cares what Walker thinks of my idea?” She leans forward, smirking. “Honey, my nephew works for me, not the other way around. Don’t you realize that?” Laughing at my expression, she takes a happy gulp of her champagne. “When Rupert died, I told Walker he had this season to show me that my husband’s way of doing things was the right way, but all that’s happened this season is I’ve become more and more convinced we need to get with the times and switch things up. Why cling to the past if it no longer serves us?”
I feel like a hummingbird is flapping around inside my chest. “In this new position, would I be able to freely share all my spreadsheets and analyses with everyone? I’m sure my father has told you: I’ve been sharing data with coaching staff for quite a while now on the down-low.”
Ginny nods enthusiastically. “Yes, he’s shown me everything and I’m deeply impressed. So yes, of course, data analysis will be part of your job. A big part.”
I palm my flushed cheek. “Oh my gosh.” I clutch my chest. And then, my neck. “This is a dream come true for me. Thank you.” Boom. In a flash, the surge of euphoria inside me wilts when I remember what I’ve got to tell her about Luca and me. Will my secret relationship with a Mastodons player compel Ginny to revoke her incredible employment offer?
As I muster the courage to get on with it and make my confession, Ginny says, “I’m still going to keep Walker around next season, if you’re wondering. He’s incredibly smart. A real genius in some ways. And he’s always been like a son to my husband and me.” Her eyes twinkle. “When we turn this team around, which we will, I’d very much like to celebrate our success with the only family member I’ve got left.”