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“Let’s break here,” Dodo said. “No need for the dancers to speak their piece just yet.”
The head dancer stepped up and looked around at the other women. “No, I think we have the information we need. The Amvehls have our vote.”
* * *
Ronan watched Calista’s lips curve into a delighted smile as the dancers voted her way. He didn’t know how he could be so freaking proud of her, and so infuriated with her at the same time. His own salary was transparent. He’d reached the level where his paycheck made sports news. He also had access to advice that other people didn’t. He knew that and was grateful for it. One of the harshest truths about playing professional sports was that these careers didn’t last long. When someone gave a sport their all, which they had to do to reach this level of play, it cut them to the quick when their career ended. He hadn’t given much of any thought to the dancers’ careers, what happened when they could no longer dance. This was a part-time gig for them, that’s how he’d considered their work.
Not Calista. An Amvehl ownership would look different, better than Dodo’s. Workers here would have options under her. Ronan was reeling, and they hadn’t even scratched the surface on Calista’s ideas. He’d never met a woman he wanted to talk with as much as he wanted to sleep with. Was that crazy? Was he thinking of staying? Letting go of his dream of Washington? Or would he still force the issue? Would she let him go? Or, in the end, was he only a Snowers player to her?
* * *
“I’d like to hear the players’ opinions and their reasoning before making my decision.” Judge Johnston waved his hand at the stars, indicating they should speak.
Calista drew in a breath, her chest knotting.
Saxon ran his hand through his overlong light brown hair and stood up. “I don’t get to meet with the office much now. They don’t explain or listen.”
“Rookies.” Dodo shook his head.
“We can set up weekly hour-long meetings,” Dahlia jumped in. “And my door will always be open.”
Saxon crossed his arms over his chest. “In that case. I vote Amvehl.” He dropped to his chair.
“Rookies,” Jerry said. “I vote Applebaum. In fact, I walk if there is any other conclusion. Like the Captain, I have other offers. Weigh that, why don’t you?”
The judge hissed a breath and made a notation.
“Calista Amvehl had my vote from day one,” Kiernan said in a simple, sincere statement unlike his usual flippant self.
The sentiment touched her, and she’d love to know how she’d gained his support.
Liam pointed to the hallway. “I need a private word with Calista first.”
“Soften the blow, good man,” Dodo said.
Calista rose, pushing her conference chair back, leaving sweaty palm marks on the arm rests. Great, at least the hallway would be private.
Liam jumped right in. “You spoke about new royalties?”
“I think that would be fair.” Calista looked away from him. She’d been thinking about how best to help him since she’d researched him for his birthday but saying what she’d thought of required tact. “We could direct the funds to a trust for families or kids, then, when they want money, they can go through the trust, not the players.”
“Why?”
“To take the pressure off. I hid my money for years, but you guys have your salaries blasted on the news. I’d hate that if I were you.”
Liam nodded, looking grim, and held the door for her to return to the conference room.
Calista went in, wondering if she’d over stepped, insulted him, and how to fix it. She liked the big Canadian. No way to smooth over the situation before the vote, but either way she’d want to make sure they were good after. She rubbed her arms, though the room wasn’t cold, and took her seat.
Liam’s serious expression fell away, and he grinned casually. “Calista got me maple syrup for my birthday. You had to know that got my vote.”
Calista dropped her hands to her lap. The numbers were going her way. A flicker of hope strengthened inside her.
Kiernan punched Liam in the arm. “Yep, you’re easy, bro.”
“Mikah Czerski’s opinion has been made clear.” The judge faced Ronan. “Lastly, we’ll hear from Captain Stromkin.”
Calista’s heart stopped.
