Page 8 of Power Play

Lucy moved and sat on the sink counter. “Please, share.”

I’d already divulged more of my life to these strangers than I had to some of my college roommates, but somehow that didn’t feel as weird as it probably should have. Something about them made me feel like I’d known them forever.

“I graduated from MSU in April and got a job at a big-time firm here.”

“What kind of firm?” Colby cut in.

“Accounting.”

Lucy scrunched her nose. “You don’t strike me as the accountant type.”

I’d heard that before. “I wanted a dependable career.”

“What did you really want to do?” Colby said quietly.

No one had asked me that in three or four years. It wasn’t something I let myself think about often either.

“Art,” I blurted. “Or graphic design.”

Lucy stuttered. “Wha … wait … how do you go from art to accounting?”

“Being practical.” I waved it off like it wasn’t a big deal.

“That’s a shame, but I understand putting security ahead of chasing your dreams.” I searched for judgment in Colby’s voice but there was none.

“Yeah, I figured I could draw as a hobby or maybe even as a side project,” I added.

“So, when do you start your job?” Lucy brought up, back on topic.

“I was supposed to start today.”

“Did it get pushed back?” Colby asked.

“No, I didn’t make it here in time. I got lost on my way from Michigan.” I huffed. “One wrong turn and next thing I know I’m in Nashville. I was eight hours away, but due to the office in six hours. I reached out to let them know and got a rejection email as a response.”

Lucy waved both hands in front of her. “Woah. Pause. You moved to a new city for a new job, got lost, got fired from the job, and ran into your ex all in one day?”

I nodded. “Yeah, that sums it up.”

“No,” she replied. “No. That’s not okay.”

“Do you need a hug?” Colby frowned.

“I’ve managed to hold it together this long. I’m pretty sure that would push me over the edge.”

“No more of this.” Lucy clapped. “We are going to end this bad streak right now.”

“How?” Colby raised a brow.

“We’re going to find you another job, but that’s long-term. First, we’re going to all go to the game tomorrow.”

I shook my head. “I don’t—"

“We have extra tickets. One of our friends had her baby early so she couldn’t make it. Then her sister-in-law got all panicked about flying and went into labor early too. You are definitely coming with us. It’s almost guaranteed Dumoulin will get checked a few times. Wouldn’t you like to see that?” Colby asked with a smirk.

“I haven’t watched a hockey game since …” I trailed off, and they seemed to understand.

“Then what a perfect game to get back into it!” Lucy cheered. “Game one of the finals. You can even cheer for the Storms just to spite him.”