Page 6 of Face Off

“So what’s the story?” Chloe asked as soon as she stepped into the conference room. It was just me and Taylor, so far, since we were a few minutes early.

“With what?” I asked.

“‘You’ve done enough?’” She wagged her brows. “You’ve been here for an hour and you already have an enemy?”

I hadn’t expected them to hear that. I was just so sick of that guy. He walked around like he was the most important person on earth.

“I asked him to hold the elevator earlier, and he ignored me. I got up here at the same time as him, and he acted like he didn’t see me. Maybe he can’t, ’cause he opened the door on my face.” I chuckled like it wasn’t a big deal, but the mom in me really wanted to find him and give him a lesson in being kind and respectful. I swear, my three-year-old had better manners than him.

“Well, I can’t speak for the elevator, but I know he’s pretty distracted right now. I wouldn't hold it against him for not seeing you when he opened the door. I’m pretty sure he has tunnel vision.”

Taylor looked at Chloe with bunched brows. “What do you mean?” Her dark brown eyes held more concern than curiosity. She was stunning with thick black hair and the most flawless, light brown skin, but her expressive eyes were what I noticed first. She showed her every emotion with a glance.

Chloe hesitated for a few seconds. “He just got some bad news.”

“Like team-wide bad news?” Taylor asked with growing concern.

“I’m not sure yet.”

I watched their back-and-forth exchange, feeling completely left out. Chloe was the first to realize it. “Sorry. Mikey—that’s his name—is on the team, and he told me some pretty distressing things. He’s not normally so rude.”

I guess we all had bad days, and if what she was saying was true, he was having one of the worst. Wait. Her words, all of them, finally sank in. “He’s on the team?”

They both nodded. “Mikey Dankowski, defenseman. Been on the team for five years. Single.” Chloe recited these facts like stats on the back of a baseball card.

“Comes across like a player or a jerk, but really, he’s a big softie,” Taylor added. “All of his friends have settled down, and he’s the last man standing.”

“Yeah, I think he’s resisting based on principle, but we all know it’s only a matter of time before he meets a woman that can put him in his place.” Chloe smiled while eyeing me. “So what’s your story?”

I was about to ask what exactly she wanted to know when more people began walking into the conference room. I took the opportunity that the momentary distraction offered to check my phone. Marcy, from Sadie’s school, texted to let me know she was doing great. She had settled in and was having fun with the science projects.

I sent her a quick response, thanking her for the update, then put my phone back in my purse. When I looked up, no one seemed to be paying any attention to me, and for the first time since I woke up, I was able to relax. It was a huge relief knowing Sadie was doing okay. My worst nightmare was that she’d hate it and would cry and ask for me the whole day. I felt guilty enough about returning to work without that. At least I knew she was having fun.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet the newest member of the social media team, Holly Evans.” Chloe waved her hand toward me. “Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?”

I smiled at the ten other faces. My coworkers. Up until recently, I didn't think I would ever be in this position again.

“Hi.” I stood. “I recently moved here from Boulder, Colorado. I have a three-year-old daughter, and while I was a stay-at-home mom, I built up a following as a mommy-blogger on social media.” I started to sit, but Chloe spoke again.

“She’s being modest. In just two years, she went from zero to over two million followers with several brand sponsorships. I’m actually one of her faithful followers, and when I found out she was looking for a full-time job, I knew we had to get her here. She’ll be focusing on the social media accounts for the team, as well as helping individual players with their social media presence, as needed.”

The rest of the group nodded and smiled, a few offering kind welcomes.

“You’re joining us at a great time, Holly. My name’s Matt, and I’m a social media specialist.” He was a tall, thin man that looked like he’d barely grown into his body. He wore a beanie tugged low, only allowing a few wisps of blond hair to poke through. He pointed his thumb to the guy next to him. “Cam and I will be here to help with anything you need from graphics to analytics.”

Cam was Matt’s opposite. He was about my height, and heavyset, with black hair that curled around his ears and a warm, sincere smile.

“Thank you.” I smiled despite feeling awkward walking in as the new person and being their manager.

“I’m George.” The quiet man at the end of the table, wearing a backward Fury’s hat and a perpetual scowl held up two fingers in a mini wave. “Team photographer. If you need any images that aren’t already in the drive, then let me know, and I’ll get them for you as soon as possible.”

I nodded.

“He’s really great about making sure you have individual shots to work with as well as team photos.” Chloe winked at him, and George rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, so you don’t need to follow me around asking if I got it.” He shot back at her.

“Thanks, George.”