I push those thoughts away. “So, what do you think about this documentary?”
“I think it’s a great idea,” he replies, pushing his chair back under the table and motioning toward the door.
I precede him, noting we’re the only ones left in the conference room. “Baden says you’re settling in well,” he says as we reach the door.
Chuckling, I nod as I step out into the hallway. “That seems to be the consensus every time I’m asked that question. But yes, I am. Still don’t have any living room furniture, but otherwise, it’s all good.”
“It’s a pretty big deal they’re putting you in charge of this documentary,” Gage says as I turn to face him.
“I don’t know that you can say I’m in charge, but I’m definitely going to keep things organized. I think I’ve got the ability to do that.”
“I’m confident you have the ability to do whatever you set your mind to.” Gage then glances at his watch before bringing those hazel eyes back to me. “I have to get going. I hope to see you at the party, yes?”
“Okay,” I say with a smile.
And with that, those few words have ensured my attendance.
CHAPTER 6
Gage
Winding through the throng of people, I smile and nod, shake hands and fist-bump and accept introductions to the significant others I’ve yet to meet. Brienne rented out a huge restaurant on the North Side for this impromptu get-together for the Titans organization. It’s not unusual for teams to gather for dinners or parties, but it doesn’t happen often due to the busy game schedule. Normally we have start-of-season or end-of-year parties as well as holiday celebrations, but this was needed. The team hit the ice cold, so to speak, and while the players are building unity, the families need to as well.
Still, it’s not something I think most organizations would do on the spur of the moment. It takes money and connections to shut down a restaurant for an evening, but from what I understand and have come to know about Brienne Norcross, I’m not surprised she did this. She knows this team needs as much help to unify as possible, and if it’s treating us to good food and drinks so we can kick back and socialize, I’m all for it. She knows what her people need.
Not everyone is in attendance. I know specifically Stone isn’t coming as he had other plans. I didn’t ask what those plans were, but I got the impression they have something to do with Brooks’s attorney—who I’m not sure if he’s warring or sleeping with—but more power to him. I also know Coen isn’t coming because I asked him, and he said it wasn’t his thing.
No surprise there.
Other than that, it’s crowded with not only players and their dates but with the management teams and theirs.
Buffet tables have been set up in different rooms with a variety of hot and cold foods, the flow designed to allow people to grab plates and mingle. Two open bars are running, and people are spread out nicely, so it’s not too loud.
There’s no denying that from the minute I walk into the restaurant, I’m looking for Baden and Sophie. Because if Jenna came to the party, she’ll be at their side.
After seeing her the other day at the documentary meeting, I’ve been counting down the hours to when I could see her again. I even went so far as to ask Baden in practice today if she was actually coming for sure, and he just smirked at me. He knows my interest, and he’s doing nothing to either dissuade or encourage it.
Essentially, he’s letting me fumble around this by myself, which is fine. I’m not even quite sure what my interest is. There’s no denying the attraction, but Jenna’s not the type you go roaring into something with. She’s introverted and mistrustful, not to mention hypersensitive to how others see her scarring. I witnessed that firsthand the day we met, so her attending tonight’s event says a lot about her determination to put herself out there.
I don’t dare think that she’s making an effort to come tonight because I asked her to, but one can hope.
As I pass my teammates, introductions are made. I meet wives and girlfriends and even dates who are nothing more than arm candy and a potential screw later this evening.
Finally, I see Baden talking to Bill Perry, the assistant coach. As I approach, Bill claps Baden on the arm and nods at me with a smile as he leaves.
I throw a thumb over my shoulder. “I didn’t scare him off, did I?”
Baden shakes his head. “Nah… just talking about Keller.”
“Say no more.” I hold up my hand to indicate I don’t need in on that conversation. Everyone has opinions about Keller, but whatever Baden and Bill were talking about was for coaches’ ears only. I glance around the room. “Where’s Sophie?”