He shrugs, but his jaw tightens. “Nothing. Just that I've done everything right lately. Stayed out of trouble. Been responsible. All that shit.”
“Liam.”
“It's fine.”
“It's clearly not fine.” I set my fork down. “Talk to me.”
He's quiet for a moment, pushing food around his plate. “There’s nothing to talk about. I’m still getting a lot of shit, but they'll have to get used to it.”
But he doesn't say it with conviction. And that worries me.
I push down my concerns and squeeze his hand. “Jennifer probably just wants to discuss contract renewal. Nothing to worry about.”
“Exactly.” He stands, carrying our plates to the sink. “You're going to be fine. Better than fine.”
I check the time. If I leave now, I can get to the office by eight-thirty. “I should go.”
“Hudson can drop you off.”
“Liam, I can take an Uber.”
“Hudson's already up. He doesn't mind.” He types out a quick message. “Besides, I like knowing you got there safely.”
There's no point arguing when he gets protective and stubborn. So I change out of his t-shirt into the clothes I brought over, fix my hair in his bathroom mirror, and try not to obsess over what Jennifer might want.
Liam walks me down to the lobby, where Hudson is already waiting with the car.
“I'll text you after I meet with her,” I promise.
“You better.” He kisses me. “And Avery? Whatever happens, you're incredible at your job. Don't forget that.”
The drive to the office is too short, not giving me enough time to fully spiral into anxiety. But my mind races anyway, running through every possible scenario.
Best case: Jennifer wants to offer me a permanent position.
Worst case: They're letting me go.
Middle ground: They want to extend my contract, but with different terms.
I'm still running through possibilities when Hudson drops me off at the arena entrance.
“Have a good day, Ms. Carter.”
“Thanks, Hudson.”
The PR offices are quiet this early. Most people won't arrive until nine. But Jennifer is already in, so I head straight there and knock.
“Come in.”
I push open the door, my heart pounding.
But the moment I see Jennifer's face, I relax. She's smiling.
“Avery, sit.” She gestures to the chair across from her desk. “Coffee? I just made a fresh pot.”
“I'm okay, thanks.”
She settles into her own chair, looking pleased about something. “I wanted to meet with you this morning because the board had their quarterly review yesterday, and your name came up.”
