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My thoughts immediately turn to Lacey.
In the short time since she started, she's quickly charmed my seven-year-old.
Last night, I found them under a fort of bedsheets, deep in discussion about Disney villains while she oiled Grace's scalp. She hadn't stayed over, though I offered her a room. Lacey smiled, insisting she didn't want to impose on just her second day.
I could easily picture Grace nestled against her as they read bedtime stories, and I'll admit, it warmed my heart.
"Right. Lacey." Pulled back to reality by Marcus and Ryan. "She's been fantastic." I clear my throat. "A good interim solution until Natasha, my regular nanny, returns."
"Great." Ryan hands Marcus and me each a glass of whiskey. "She'll be a hit in New York."
I straighten up. "What do you mean?"
"Taking her and Grace along, the press will love it. It'll be a hit to see you supporting a charity, your team, with your daughter by your side." He grins, sipping his own whiskey. "They'll jizz all over themselves."
Marcus grimaces at Ryan's choice of words but sips from his glass. "Thanks for that image."
Ryan continues, "It's a chance to lift team spirit. You can take a break from the local papers mentally masturbating over your dad. Connect with the Knights’ new owner. And, it's good PR. What's to lose?"
Marcus smirks, taking a sip. "He's right. And I hate to admit it."
Ryan toasts. "Thank you."
I'm tempted to rub my temples.
Caught up in the game and team, I'd overlooked the PR angle.
But they're right. Leading means making tough calls. This could boost our brand and attract sponsors.
Slowly, I lift the whiskey in my hand. “I’m on board.”
"Alright," he cheers, "New York, here we come." He notices another drink on my desk. "What's that?"
“Oh. An iced vanilla latte," I say. "Lacey's recommendation. A bit sweet, but it helps with the long hours."
Marcus laughs, standing up. "You'll need that caffeine in New York."
"Let's not jump the gun," I say, eyeing the latte, thoughts drifting to Lacey and then back. "This latte thing is temporary. I'm going to New York for my team." I toast with my whiskey. "Can't let you guys down."
"To our single dads club!" Ryan lifts his glass.
Marcus, with a grin, says, "Enough mushy stuff. Tomorrow, we plan for New York."
We sip our whiskey, feeling it warm our throats.
As Marcus and Ryan leave, I set my glass down on the desk.
I reach over and take another sip of the sweet iced drink that Lacey recommended instead. It's even better than it was fifteen minutes ago.
Pulling out my phone, I quickly text Lacey.
ME: Alright, I get the vanilla latte hype now
ME: No wonder you youngins are hooked
ME: This stuff is like crack
It doesn't take a minute before I get a reply from the nanny.
