“We love that empathy you bring to the team, Andy,” Dan says. “Tell us about your core values as a coach.”
The questions go on for over two hours, with Andrew keeping the same easygoing attitude throughout. His answers about his philosophy for the White Wolves, how he wants to manage players and the team as a whole when things are rough, his commitment to getting involved in the community—they’reall genuine and impressive. Everyone in the room is impressed with him. It’s going to be tough for the other guys that follow.
When the questions are over, he leans across the table to shake hands with his bosses and thanks them for the opportunity before walking out. Libby shares a look with Liam and Dan that says she’s just as impressed as I am.
I send a quick text to Libby before they bring in the next guy.
Jordan
He’s definitely your guy.
Her answering text shows our thoughts are pretty aligned.
Libby
That’s going to be hard to beat.
CHAPTER 28
LIBBY
The afternoon is grueling with two more lengthy interviews. All three candidates are great options, and despite the fact that I’m leaning toward Andrew—and not just because he’s Jordan’s preference—it’s going to be tough making a final choice.
“Those went really well,” Liam says when the last candidate, and Erin and the cameramen, leave the room. “We’ve got a hard job ahead of us. Should we break for dinner and then discuss?”
I glance back at Jordan, who has stood up and is stretching. “I want to go over my notes and sleep on things tonight. I’d obviously like to discuss my thoughts with Jordan and get his impressions.” I don’t hide from these men that I trust Jordan for guidance on these issues. I want them to pass along to Mr. Stevens that he’s an excellent consultant and I’m using him to make sure this team is a success.
Dan chuckles in that fatherly way he has and glances between me and Jordan. He’s moved to come stand near me. “I’ll text you some of my thoughts to consider,” he says to Jordan.
“Sounds good,” Jordan replies. “Ready to go home and get some dinner?” he asks me.
“Definitely. Always when you’re cooking.” I reach for his hand, since he won’t do that on his own.
Dan slaps Jordan on the shoulder. “Good to hear you’re taking proper care of the boss. Keep that up.”
“Yes, sir.” Jordan pats him right back like they’ve been friends for years. I smile. I can see our relationship with the Rogers family blossoming into something authentic. His wife was one of those women who appealed to me right away—open and honest and unpretentious. They have three teenaged boys, all of them in hockey, and she chatted in a hilarious way about her life in the car, driving them all over Colorado for games.
Erin has us all do filmed confessionals about the interviews before we can leave. I keep mine short, promising Erin I’ll film more of my thoughts in the morning, when I’ve had a chance to ponder the interviews and a chance to rest.
Once we get home, I go upstairs to change out of my work clothes, and by the time I come downstairs, the kitchen already smells wonderful, scents of tomato sauce, melting butter, and yummy spices swirling around the room.
“What’s for dinner?” I ask, sitting at the kitchen island to watch him work. He’s stirring something in a small pot.
He reaches for a carton of cream beside him and pours it in, continuing to stir when he looks over to talk to me. “A stovetop tortellini dish. Full-on comfort food. We had a very long day.”
“Sounds amazing.” I lean my elbows on the island. “Did you hear from the bank contact today?”
Jordan shakes his head. “I tried calling when I didn’t get an email back, but no answer. Apparently she’s out of the office for the week, but she’s checking emails. Hopefully I hear back from her in the next couple days.”
“Still feeling off about it?”
“Yeah, but I’m going to exhaust every avenue. It will help Baylee feel better. Mitchell’s claiming to have lost a lot of money.” Jordan grabs a spoon from the drawer next to him and dips it in, blowing on the creamy white sauce on the spoon before trying it. “Want to try?” he asks when he turns and catches me staring at him.
Of course I’m staring at him. My hot hockey player husband is cooking for me. What’s not to stare at? “Yes, of course.”
He grabs another spoon, dips it in again, and then comes to the island to hold it out to me. The alfredo sauce is amazing.
“Jordan. How are you this good at everything?”
