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“Yes,” he says in a way that tells me he’s deep in thought. “Usually it does. Do you feel capable of taking on a role with such responsibility?”
“Yes,” she says as she sits a little straighter.
“Hmm…,” he says slowly. “I’ll make you a deal.” The whole team practically leans forward in their chairs as they listen to what’s about to happen. “I’ll hire a new senior therapist on a twelve-month contract. If you can prove yourself by then and show you have what it takes, then come next season, the position is all yours.”
“Are you shitting me?” she asks in excitement before her eyes go wide, realising how she just worded her excitement with the whole of management here to see.
“No, Elle,” Tony laughs. “I’m not shitting you.”
“Thank you,” she grins as the whole room bursts out with their approval. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know,” he says.
Elle looks to me with absolute joy in her blue eyes. ‘thank you’ she mouths before the guys start to crowd her. Her chair is suddenly thrust up into the air and she lets out a squeal as she holds on for dear life. Laughter rips from her throat and I have to admit, I absolutely love the look on her but if even one of those bastards hurt her, they will have to deal with me.
I couldn’t be prouder. If anyone deserves this position, it’s her. She’s already proven to me that she has what it takes and now she has a shot to show everyone else, and I know without a doubt, she’ll do just that.
“Oi,” Tony demands. “I want to get out of here just as badly as you guys do. Put the girl down and get your asses back in your chairs.” With that, the team slowly calms down and takes their seats
“Now… Logan,” he says drawing the attention to me. “What’s going on with this groin injury?”
Snickers break out across the room but I ignore them as best I can. “All good, Tony. I’ll be back on the ice soon,” I tell him before looking to Elle for confirmation.
“Yeah,” she agrees. “Maybe another week and he can get back on the ice for basic training, nothing too strenuous just yet.”
“Excellent. We can’t have our Captain out for the count,” Tony says.
“Alright, so with all those announcements out of the way. There’s just one more thing to cover.” He looks around the room and the look in his eyes tells me he’s nervous to break whatever news it is he is about to break.
“Let’s hear it,” one of the guys call from the back.
Tony swallows before letting us have it. “Ok, with all the new changes this year, management have come together and decided a bonding exercise will benefit you all to come together as a team. So… we’re all going camping.”
What?
Every eye in the room looks to Tony in disbelief. “You’re kidding right?” someone calls out.
"No. I am not kidding," he says. "This trip is mandatory. Every last person in this room will be in attendance. That includes managers, coaches, trainers, therapists. Every single one of you."
I can’t help but look at Elle and have to cover a laugh at how her jaw is hanging wide open for the second time during this meeting. This trip isn’t looking so bad.
“Alright. This is happening next weekend so call your wives, your girlfriends, your mums, I don’t care just clear your schedules and I’ll see you then,” he says with a smirk before wrapping up the meeting and heading out the door with the rest of management.
I'm heading out the door with Jax by my side when that velvety voice that has been haunting my dreams calls out to me. "Logan," Elle says.
I turn and watch as she rushes to catch up to me and I have to admit, watching her run to me is like a dream come true. I know she doesn't want to date me but still, it's nice to pretend, I just need it to happen in slow motion with background music and the wind in her hair, then this moment would be perfect.
“What’s up,” I say as she catches up to us.
“I, uh… just wanted to say thanks,” she says. “You didn’t need to do that in there.”
“You’ve got nothing to thank me for. They would have seen that you’re the right person for the job eventually,” I tell her honestly.
“Yeah, but you spoke up for me,” she says looking up at me with emotion in her eyes.
Knowing I can’t come out and kiss her, I put my arm over her shoulder and pull her into my side. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
For once in her life, she actually lets me have my way and walks with me while Jax trails along. “Hey,” Max, one of the younger players says as he jogs up before us and turns around so he can talk to us face to face. His eyes flick over Elle with appreciation before he gives her his signature cocky, smirk. “I’m Max,” he says before thrusting his hand out in front of her.
